Mallorca is one of the most beautiful and versatile islands and possesses many varied landscapes. The Barranc de Biniaraix Gorge (Biniaraix Gorge) is perhaps not quite as well known as the island's tourist attractions and major sights. However, the gorge boasts an extremely impressive appearance and an interesting history. The village of the same name is also worth a visit.
Barranc de Biniaraix – Location and Geography of the Gorge
The Barranc de Biniaraix gorge is located two kilometres west of the mountain „Puig de l’Ofre“and two kilometres east of the well-known tourist town Sóller. The visually impressive Cúber Reservoir is located north of the gorge. Tourists can reach the gorge either by their own vehicle via the MA 11 or by bus 212 from the centre of Sóller. A hike (long-distance hiking trail GR 221) on foot is also possible, but not recommended for older or infirm people. The old pilgrim path leads to the world-famous Lluc Monastery. Although it was only officially recorded in the 14th century, it probably existed some considerable time before then. Furthermore, there is a small further path called „Old path„This was used in the past to avoid the island's high mountains. Centuries ago, countless olive trees were planted in the Barranc de Biniaraix, which now reach almost to the mountain peaks. Both paths wind through the visually impressive olive groves.
The gorge is situated amidst a picturesque landscape and possesses an impressive appearance. The mountain stream Torrent The Altar leads through the gorge and plunges from the over 100-metre-high waterfall either after heavy rainfall or during the snowmelt season.„Es Cans“into the depths. The highest point of the Barranc de Biniaraix is 440 metres high. In total, the gorge overcomes a considerable difference in altitude of over 350 metres. The Torrent de Biniaraix originates south of the well-known nature reserve „Orchard Spring„The river flows for a full five kilometres through the Barranc de Biniaraix, before flowing into the mountain stream of Fornalutx in the municipality of Sóller.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Mallorca
Ein Teil des bekannten Wanderwegs GR 221 führt durch die optically impressive Barranc de Biniaraix. In detail, this is an old hiking trail with an average hiking time of 4.5 to 5 hours. The descent hike begins at the picturesque Cúber Reservoir and ends either in the small village of Biniaraix or in the well-known tourist town of Sóller (around 14,000 inhabitants). The reservoir is located between the highest mountain peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range at an altitude of 750 metres, amidst a unique landscape. The reservoir is one of the most versatile starting points for excursions and Hikes on the island. From the reservoir, tourists walk along a wide path by the lake and soon reach a narrow forest trail. Rosemary and juniper grow in abundance in the undergrowth here. After a somewhat longer climb, the tourists reach the iron cross „Cross of Peace“ at the „Coll de l'Ofre“ at an altitude of 875 metres. Tourists should definitely linger here and the magnificent view of the reservoir and on the Puig Major (enjoy the highest peak of Mallorca).
On a narrow, descending path, tourists make their way into the immense sinkhole of Barranc de Biniaraix. Here, hikers also encounter the historic pilgrimage route „Barranc Path„However, unlike the monks, the tourists do not walk to the monastery, but continue downhill. For this, the tourists are rewarded in a special way with every further step and get a wonderful panoramic view into the Golden Valley of Sóller. The stair-like hiking trail leads through the beautiful Barranc de Biniaraix. It consists of rather uneven cobblestones and demands a fair amount of concentration from tourists. In return, the path leads over some picturesque bridges and through extremely artfully laid out terraces full of Olive trees. After the last section through the gorge, the tourists reach the old wash house of the small village of Biniaraix. The hikers should definitely spend some time in this as well. After that, it continues to Sóller and from there, you go back through the mountains via a 3,200-metre-long tunnel.
The village of Biniaraix is worth a visit.
Biniaraix belongs to the municipality of Sóller and is a typical Mediterranean farming village. The small village impresses due to the Combination of its natural surroundings and the architecture used on site with an idyllic landscape. Of particular interest are the village centre and the church of Biniaraix. Both were made to Cultural asset (Asset of Cultural Interest) the category of a historical building ensemble (Historic centre) explained. Visitors with an interest in history should definitely visit the parish church, the old public washhouse, and the two impressive estates of Can Ribera and Cas Don. The parish church was built in the 16th century and has a striking bell tower with beautiful white tiles.
Biniaraix is a very special little village, because unlike many tourist-focused communities in Mallorca, the small village has reliably preserved its architectural treasures. preserved from urban development. Therefore, it is still considered a real gem and one of the most tranquil little places on the entire island. Directly from the small village, tourists can either take a stone path to the world-famous Lluc Monastery, which still today a popular place of pilgrimage Or tourists climb a considerable 1932 steps up to a large estate called „Casas de l’Ofre„This estate is an extremely impressive example of the island's unparalleled, traditional architecture. The Casas de l’Ofre dates back to the Moorish era and is worth climbing not only for architectural reasons. In several parts of the somewhat arduous path, tourists can see „El Puig de l’Ofre“.