Imagine a 360 degree view over Mallorca: From the bay of Palma along the Tramuntana mountains all the way to the northern shore and the bay of Alcúdia, further on to the Península de Llevant and via Colonia San Jordi back to the capital. Puig de Randa is the magic place at the heart of the island that offers such a breathtaking panorama. The holy mountain close to the picturesque village of Randa is even home to three monasteries.

The way up to the Santuari de Cura is a famous cycling tour and there are a lot of race bikes on the small and winding road. But out of season it is so quiet that the birds chirping in the trees is all you notice. You can also hike up and stop at the Santuari de Nostra Senyora de Gracia (unfortunately closed for renovation, right now). Soon after, you pass the second monastery, Santuari de Sant Honorat. I love to sneak into the peaceful atrium, hoping that one day the gate to the beautiful small garden will be open.

Finally you pass the two radar stations on the summit and enter the gate to Cura. More than 800 years ago monks found this perfect spot to settle down. Small wonder that Ramon LLul, Mallorca’s most notable philosopher and writer, chose to live here for ten years. Today, Cura is a popular destination both for excursions and pilgrimage. The restaurant is worth a stop as well, whether you are up for lunch or only have a coffee and maybe an almond cake with ice cream. The terrace opens to a wide, sunny patio to the south of the island. Sheltered from the wind I could sit here all day and forget about time.