On my cycling trips to Orient I had often wondered about the many cars parked along the road down from Coll d’Honor. But I only learned about the marvellous waterfalls of Es Salt d’es Freu in my interview with Joan Aguiló. There are no rivers on Mallorca so torrents and cascades are a rare attraction.

Es Salt d’es Freu is a highly popular destination, particularly on the weekend, but if you come early in the morning you may still have this unique stretch of nature for yourself. No way I leave my race bike behind near the road so this time I took a Muvon. Their all-electrical cars are just perfect for a trip in the Tramuntana. Emitting neither noise nor fumes you don’t bother cyclists or hikers on the narrow roads.

You approach the falls from Santa Maria del Camí or you can take the short cut off the road from Bunyola to Orient. The sun softly filters through the foliage casting light shadows on the large mossy stones. Always reminds me of a wood I called the enchanted forest when I was a child. Cascades of wild water are rushing down steep beds of polished rocks only to gather again in natural pools of cristal clear turquoise.

While most hikers just watch in awe and take pictures children often climb around the falls and explore the caves. And they all admire the brave who dare to go down the barrancos straight away in wetsuits. Canyoning has become popular on Mallorca and Es Salt d’es Freu is a good starting point for beginners. Usually the season lasts until April, in rainy years there is even water at the beginning of May.