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The small hamlet of Orient is located in the municipal district of Bunyola, approximately 40km, or 24 miles, north west of the capital Palma, and the Son Sant Joan International Airport.

However, despite this relatively short distance from Palma, the only way practical option of transferring from the Son Sant Joan airport is either by that of a privately hired car, or alternatively by one of the many taxis that are available outside of the arrivals hall.

As might be expected, the notion that any public transport serving a village of just 33 inhabitants might suffice for your transfers is unrealistic, if not a little far fetched.

At this point that you might be pleased to hear the journey from the airport is relatively straightforward. Upon leaving the airport, the Ma-19 will take you towards Palma. Rather then heading into Palma however you take the Ma-20 which arcs around the city.

The fast Ma-13 road will take you as far north as Consell, at which point the much slower Ma-2050 and Ma-2022 roads will then take you the final few miles into Alaro. The final stage from Alaro is to then get on to the Ma-210 minor road into Orient.

As this narrow road passes high through the mountains, you will enter into Orient through the green valley of Bunyola. Many consider this particular area to be one of the most beautiful on the island.

A more detailed version of this route, complete with links to maps where appropriate, is available from the Route Map link on the left hand frame of this page.

Idyllically placed on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain ranges, the village of Orient is within close distance to neighbouring towns of Fornalatx, Soller and Alaro. Whilst it is true to suggest that Orient is modest in size, the few sources of information that are out there perhaps underestimate just how small it is. With a population estimated at 33 people, one feeling you’re sure to experience here is the close knit community of this rural Mallorcan hamlet.

The village of Orient itself is rather primitive in its character. As is typical of rural Mallorcan hamlets, much of the architecture is 18th Century in design, with the church being the central feature of the community. One aspect of the village that does not conform to ones typical image of the island is the fertile farming lands surrounding the hamlet. This is most likely to be attributed to the high altitude effect of the valley in which Orient is situated, which cultivates the winter rains thus maintaining a green environment the year round. This gives rise to a small scale microclimate for the area, thus resulting in slightly cooler summer days as opposed to the scorching heat often felt in low lying areas.

Many of the attractions that Orient affords therefore tend to be based in and around the mountains. There are several notable walks that connect to nearby villages along routes that offer scenic views. In addition, the fertile land surrounding Orient is perfect for the sustaining of vineyards; indeed, the area is renown on the island for producing a selection of highly acclaimed wines. The attractions here have a holistic feel to them, and a stay in Orient is sure to introduce you to the natural delights the island has to offer.

For those that do wish to explore the wider area, then the need to hire a car is essential. Owing to its small size, the hamlet is not well connected with neighbouring towns and villages which give an isolated feel to the place. However, the nearest town of Bunyola is served by the Tren de Soller railway which makes several stops here each day. It is from here that the visitor can step abroad into the vintage bass and mahogany carriages and enjoy the short journey into the capital city of Palma or other stops of your choice.

As is evident from the map, Orient is not a coastal resort and it is perhaps almost entirely for this reason that a stay here would hold no appeal to children. However, for those that do seek the tranquillity of Mallorca in a remote, untouched area of the island, then Orient would certainly be a venue worth serious consideration.

For more information on the village of Orient, or the island of Majorca in general, please try the Search Engine below:

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