MA-1131 is a narrow high shelf road in Mallorca
Carretera MA-1131 is one of the most exciting drives in the world. Located on the island of Mallorca, part of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, this tortuous route runs from the Tramuntana Sierra to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a very narrow high shelf road intimidating to beginners, or those not fond of heights. Some buses have to try twice to make some of the turns. It’s one of the best roads in Mallorca.
How long is MA-1131 road in Mallorca?
The road is totally paved. It’s 5.7km (3.54 miles) long running from MA-10 road on Valldemossa, a village famous for the Royal Charterhouse (built at the beginning of the 14th century, when the mystic and philosopher Ramon Llull lived in this area) to Port de Valldemossa. This small beach is not well known by tourists: it’s usually only used by locals. This road starts off looking completely serviceable, but is quickly reduced to a single car width with occasional pull-outs where a second car can pass.
Is MA-1131 road in Mallorca challenging?
The narrow and curvy coastal road which rarely permits speeds over 30km/h is very winding and features 9 sharp hairpin turns along its way. The road is very tiny with extremely sharp corners; a real challenge for anyone who likes driving in the mountains. Drive slowly, open your windows and honk when navigating the blind turns. Along this winding, narrow and steep road be prepared for a bit of a drive to get to this little beach. The road is not for the faint hearted and in some places it’s just a single track road leading to the small fishing port of Valldemossa with precipitous views down to the coast in places. The narrowest section of the road can be impassable for 2 medium cars at the same time. The road is pretty steep, hitting a 16% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The elevation gain is 365 meters and the average percentage is 6,4%.
Is MA-1131 road in Mallorca worth it?
Tucked away in the Tramuntana Mountains of Mallorca, plan about 20 minutes to complete the drive without any stop. On the way down, as there are numerous rocks looming over the street you can sometimes spot mountaineers. You will have a splendid view on the valley and the Mediterranean too. The giddying sea and cliff views are breathtaking and the descent is akin to traversing a precipice with a village glimpsed through the trees a very long way down below; drivers shouldn’t take their eye off the road and there’s only one place to pull over for photos.