In a kind of close-up from above, in the style of a Google Earth close-up, we could see the Sanctuary of S’Olivar and its surroundings:
The Serra de Tramuntana
The Mallorcan mountain range that runs from the Cap de Sa Mola (in Andratx, next to Sant Elm and the Dragonera island, a Natural Park) to the Cap de Formentor (in Pollensa), was declared a World Heritage Site in 2011. Its 90km long, with peaks that rise from sea level and reach almost 1.500mt high, are surprising for their strength and beauty.
The Costa Nord
This is the slope of the Serra de Tramuntana facing the Mediterranean. The majesty of the Serra reaches its zenith when combined with the blue of the Mare Nostrum. Those who know the Costa Nord are not surprised that, over the centuries, it has inspired exceptional people such as Ramón Llull, Archduke Ludwig Salvator, Frédéric Chopin and Robert Graves.
The Galatzó
This is Mallorca’s magical mountain. Its magnificent presence and sublime mystery have given rise to legends that go back thousands of years. On its northern slope, which descends towards the Mare Nostrum, it creates the wide yet welcoming valley of Estellencs, where S’Olivar is located.
The Valley and the Estellencs cove
Halfway between Andratx and Dragonera (to the south) and Valldemosa (to the north), this valley is exceptional for its beauty and environmental conservation. Sheltered by the Galatzó mountain range, the village of Estellencs hangs over the horizon of the Mediterranean. The cove is a 20-minute walk and a 5-minute drive away. With its round stones and crystalline waters, it is perfect for enjoying during many months of the year.
The Sanctuary of S’Olivar
In the middle of the Estellencs valley is the thousand-year-old agricultural estate of S’Olivar. With its 60,000 m2 of marshes and centenary olive trees above all, it is the headquarters of the Fundació S’Olivar, which was founded in 1992 (although its founders arrived in S’Olivar as early as 1970). In 2006 it was granted an agritourism licence after major improvements were made to the houses. The Foundation thus opened the doors of its headquarters to all those who seek peace, serenity, rest and inspiration in the Serra de Tramuntana. At the same time, the Agroturismo is an instrument to finance the preservation of S’Olivar and to pursue the restoration of all its marges to the end. This preservation and restoration is one of the three objectives of the Foundation.
Therefore, in addition to bathing in the clean waters of the Estellencs cove, in the vicinity of S’Olivar you can go on magnificent excursions such as the ascent of Galatzó, from whose 1,025 m high peak you can see almost all of Mallorca. Or the walk along the Camí Real that leads to Puigpunyent.
Or the climb to the old houses of Planici, recently acquired by the Consell Insular de Mallorca, the descent to Sa Pera de s’Ase from the Torre de ses Animes and the Volta des General, which allows you to enjoy the impressive landscapes of the Costa Nord.
A little further on, 20 minutes from S’Olivar, towards the south, is the start of the Trapa path, over Dragonera Island, a Natural Park. 30 minutes to the north is the ascent to the Ermita de Valldemosa hermitage.
And a little further on is the old Miramar Monastery, where Ramón Lllull established his language school. Or Son Marroig, the residence of Archduke Luis Salvador, and Sa Foradada.