Barranc de Biniaraix

Hundreds of olive terraces climb the sides of the gorge, with stone houses set among them, all of it built by hand over many centuries. When the stream is running, the trail passes one waterfall after another and hops across the water at small crossings. Where the sun catches the stone it glows a warm gold.

The views open out over the Sóller Valley as you gain height. Walkers crossing the Serra de Tramuntana on the GR221 come down the whole gorge from Cúber; others walk a round trip from below, which works as a shorter outing.

• The waterfalls depend on rain. In midsummer the stream and the falls can be dry.
• There are no toilets on the trail, and none nearby.
• The descent on the loop runs over unpaved ground and large rocks, which makes it slow and uncomfortable. Wear shoes with a firm grip.
• August is very hot on this climb. Carry plenty of water and start early.
• Dogs are allowed on the trail.

The gorge lies a short drive from Sóller. The nearest car parks sit about 1 km and 1.5 km away in a straight line, the farther one at Can Gorgai. Without a car, the nearest bus stops are in Fornalutx, about 2 km away, and in Sóller, about 2.7 km away. Guideposts stand on the path around the gorge. Walkers on the GR221 arrive from above instead, coming down the valley from Cúber.

Best: spring, and the weeks after autumn or winter rain, when the stream runs and the waterfalls flow.

Avoid: midsummer, and the middle of the day above all.

In the height of summer the stream can dry up and take the waterfalls with it, while August heat turns the climb into hard work.