Discovering Mallorca: The Jardines de Alfabia

It’s been far too long since I last posted on The Daily Norm, but discovering the precious island of Mallorca which I now call home is a time consuming endeavour, particularly when juggled alongside work. Happily, with a little more of this earthy paradise explored, I have plenty to share, and I start with a place which is surely a gem in Mallorca’s bejewelled crown – the gardens of Alfabia.

Found just off the main Carretera de Soller, the Jardines de Alfabia are a truly abundant utopia of moorish-styled lush gardens set out in a complex mix of symmetrical waterways, tightly clipped hedgerows, and wildly grown bounteous parkways. And the moorish style which predominates is not a mere style choice – rather it dates back to the history of the palace which sits at the heart of the gardens: a house which used to be the residence of the Moorish Viceroy of Mallorca dating from around the 12th century.

With their lavish tropical planting mixed with occasional english country garden informality, all set within the shadow of the Tramantuna mountain ranges, the Jardines de Alfabia are amongst the most stunning gardens I have ever set foot in. With sun sparkling through a plethora of flowers and leaves, the trickle of water from ancient moorish irrigation systems, the smell of orange blossom filling the air, and even a host of animals, from frogs to goats, to enjoy, these gardens engendered in me every feeling of childhood happiness and summertime enthusiasm. A true marvel.

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