Hotels near Sa Calobra and Torrent de Pareis

Sa Calobra is a horseshoe-shaped cove at the foot of the Tramuntana range, accessed either by the famous MA-2141 mountain road (the 'Snake Road') or by ferry from Port de Soller. The road plunges 800 metres in 13 km, including the 270-degree spiral known as the Nus de Sa Corbata ('Tie Knot') - on its own one of the great drives in Europe.

The village itself is small but the real reason to come is the Torrent de Pareis - a deep limestone gorge that meets the sea at the second cove, reached on foot through two short tunnels. Walls rise 200 metres on either side of a stony riverbed, and in summer the dry watercourse turns into a natural amphitheatre that hosts an annual classical concert in early July. Strong walkers can hike the gorge from Escorca down to Sa Calobra (5-6 hours, technical scrambling, only safe between June and October).

Pro Tip: Drive only if you have the patience for full-day traffic in summer - tour buses descend in convoys from 11 am. The boat from Port de Soller (departures at 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, around 30 EUR adult round trip) is the more relaxed option and lets you photograph the road from below.