The route of the forgotten mills of the Tramuntana 

Want to explore an exciting route through the forgotten mills of the Tramuntana? The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mallorca, and hidden among its paths are centuries-old mills. Many of them, now forgotten and cloaked by time, once played a key role in grinding grain, extracting water, or producing traditional spices like tap de cortí paprika.

At ROIG, we’ve put together a four-day route that takes you from Montuïri to the Serra de Tramuntana, passing through Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, and Son Servera. You can easily do this trip with our car rental service in Mallorca, giving you the freedom to explore every stop at your own pace. Let’s uncover this more traditional and historical side of Mallorca!

Stories in the wind: Tales and legends of the Tramuntana’s mills

The mills of the Serra de Tramuntana were once vital for grinding cereals and producing flour. Today, although many have been forgotten, their structures still stand, offering a glimpse into a past filled with hard work, effort, and a touch of mystery. Here are a few stories tied to the mills of the Tramuntana:

• One of the best-known tales is that of the Molí de Can Cota in Selva. It’s said that on stormy nights, you can still hear the creaking of its sails as if the mill were trying to come back to life.
• Another legend surrounds the Molí d’en Garleta in Deià, where fishermen would leave offerings to ensure a good day at sea.
• The mills have also been the backdrop to stories of love and tragedy. In Valldemossa, it’s said a young miller woman waited every afternoon for her fiancé beside the mill, but one day he never returned from the sea. Since then, the wind that blows through the area is said to carry her sorrowful sighs.

Visiting the mills of the Tramuntana is a journey through time, with each structure telling its own story. It’s one of the best things to do in Mallorca if you’re looking to add a historical and cultural touch to your trip.

Forgotten architecture: The rustic charm of the mills in their natural surroundings

Throughout the Serra de Tramuntana, the mills blend seamlessly into the landscape. Many of these wind and water mills date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and were built with such precision that they still impress architecture experts today.

One of the most fascinating features is their construction from local stone, with wooden sails that once turned in the Mediterranean breeze. Some, like the Molí de Son Torrella in Caimari, still preserve part of their original machinery, while others, such as the mills in Galilea or Esporles, have become one with nature, overtaken by vegetation.

What were once centers of economic and social life are now forgotten structures that have withstood the test of time without losing their beauty and mystery. Despite their abandonment, the mills of the Tramuntana continue to add rustic charm to the mountains — and are well worth discovering.

With ROIG’s car rental in Mallorca, you can follow this route at your own pace in one of our rental vehicles. If you’d rather not drive, we also offer taxi services in Mallorca and chauffeur-driven cars. 

A mysterious journey: Discovering hidden corners along the ancient route

So how can you explore this mill route in Mallorca? Here’s a four-stop journey that will take you deep into the island’s history. Take note of the tour!

Day 1: Montuïri, land of the mills

• We start in Montuïri, a Mallorcan village known for its mills that reflect the region’s grain-grinding past. First stop: the Molí des Fraret, an 18th-century flour mill now home to the Son Fornés Archaeological Museum.
• Next, we head to the Es Molinar area, where eight windmills from the 17th century still stand. Among them is the Molí d’en Ferrando, now part of the modern public building of Es Molinar.
• We end the day at the Can Ballester Mill, notable for its small size and restored in 2000.

Day 2: Mills of Manacor and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

• On day two, we visit the charming towns of Manacor and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. In Manacor, the Molí d’en Fraret, dating to the 18th century, was restored in 2006 and now houses the ethnology section of the city’s History Museum.
• From Manacor, we follow the 9-kilometer Vía Verde from Manacor to Artà, leading us to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. Along the way, we pass fields of cereal, carob trees, and almond groves.
• We take a short detour to visit the Paleochristian Basilica of Peretó before arriving in Sant Llorenç, where we discover mills like Molí d’en Ferrer and Molí d’en Bou — both with significant historical value.

Day 3: Mills of Son Servera

• On the third day, we continue along the Vía Verde from Manacor to Artà, covering 12 kilometers to reach Son Servera. On the way, we pass through Mediterranean forests and reach the coast, enjoying views of Sa Coma and Cala Millor.
• In Son Servera, we visit the Molí de Sang, an animal-powered mill once used to grind local paprika.
• Another highlight is the Molí de Ca s’Hereu, restored in 2000.
• And finally, the Molí dels Germans — a lasting symbol of the area’s agricultural past before tourism took over.

Day 4: Mills of Llinars

• On the final day, we head into the Serra de Tramuntana, in the municipality of Pollença. We begin on the Camí Vell de Lluc, which winds through the Vall d’en Marc.
• Following the Camí de Llinars, we discover six ancient water mills dating back to the Muslim era, all fed by the Llinars spring.
• Along the way, we’re treated to breathtaking views of the Vall d’en Marc, the Puig de Maria, and the Coma mountain range. We wrap up at the Passadores de Can Serra, old stepping stones used to cross the Son Marc stream.

Tradition in motion: Preserving heritage in the heart of the Tramuntana

Over these four days, we’ve explored historic mills that represent a key part of Mallorca’s cultural heritage. Preserving these historic landmarks is essential to keeping the island’s agricultural legacy alive. Routes like this allow us to rediscover and value the island’s forgotten treasures.

While many of the mills have been lost to time, others have been restored and turned into tourist attractions that let us reconnect with Mallorca’s rich history and landscape.

And to follow this route through the mills of the Serra de Tramuntana, there’s nothing better than taking advantage of our car rental deals in Mallorca. With ROIG, you’ll be free to explore the island’s charms at your own pace.