Detour #35: Paretti's Majorca, Spain
If you like driving then you should know the name Antonio Paretti. The Italian engineer carved Majorca’s best roads from the rugged landscape, often without the use of machinery.
Designed in sympathy with the surroundings in the 1930s the road to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse on the northern tip of the island and Carretera de Sa Calobra just to the south west are must-drives on any trip to Majorca.
From Port de Pollença it’s just 11 miles to the lighthouse, but they offer some of the best views on the island. Pause at the parking area by Mirador Es Colomer and take in the vista. Then enjoy the remaining twists and turns all the way up the peninsula to the lighthouse where, on a clear day, you can see across to Menorca.
It’s a fabulous drive but Paretti saved his best work for Sa Calobra. The journey begins in Escorca and takes you over the Serra de Tramuntana range before descending to the Mediterranean. There are highs and lows, dips and crests and corner after glorious corner. None more so that the Nus de Sa Calobra – an extraordinary 270-degree bend where the road cuts beneath itself like your favourite Scalextric circuit.
Both roads are extremely popular with drivers, riders and hikers, so if you’re hoping for a clear run then make sure you’re up for the sunrise. The view and the drive will be well worth the early start.
Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram
Photography Daniel Agudelo / Leonard von Bibra / Stefane Kunz / Unsplash
ROADBOOK
Class: Ocean drive
Name: Cap Formentor Lighthouse
Route: Port de Pollença to Cap Formentor
Country: Majorca, Spain
Distance: 11 miles
ROADBOOK
Class: High Sierras
Name: Carretera de Sa Calobra
Route: Escorca to Port de Sa Calobra
Country: Majorca, Spain
Distance: 15 miles