Majorca - Gorch Blau

The route which begins by following C 711 to Sóller, and a short distance beyond the town turns right into a magnificent hill road (C 710) follows a winding course, passing the picturesque old mountain village of Fornalutx and the viewpoint of Ses Barques, to the foot of Majorca's highest peak, Puig Mayor (1,443m/4,734ft). Here the road passes through the Gorch Blau ("Blue Ridge"), a rocky gorge 500m/550yd long and up to 110m/330ft deep.

The mountain stream which has carved out the gorge has now been dammed higher up to make a reservoir, the Barranco del Gorch Blau. Above this, to the east, is the Puig de Massanella (1,348m/4,423ft), famed for the magnificent panoramic views to be had from the top; it can be climbed from Lluch monastery in around eight hours.