Orient and Waterfalls Salt des Freu

The small and picturesque village Orient is situated in the eastern Tramuntana mountains and is thus also called ‘Village of the Rising Sun’. The town center features old stone houses from the 14th and 15th century and the church Sant Jordi from the 18th century. The village counts only 30 inhabitants and its wealth dates back to a fertile history connected to the olive groves and apple and almond plantations. Most tourists visit Orient in order to take the pleasant walk to the waterfalls ‘Salt des Freu’.

This rather easy hike is especially worthwhile after heavy rains, which will fill the waterfalls. The path starts at kilometer 8.5 on the road between Alaró and Bunyola. You will most probably find a sign ‘Camí des Freu, Orient’ showing you the right entrance to the waterfall. You will pass a huge gate, after which the mud road turns into a farm track leading into the valley Vall de Coanegra. You will keep walking through the shady forest of pine trees, olive trees, holm oaks and orange and citrus groves.

You will come across the typical pastoral architecture, walking past dry stone walls, dew ponds, reservoirs and ruins of old farm houses. Eventually you will also cross the torrent de Coanegra. Be careful here and do not slip over the slippery and wet stones. You are almost there when you reach the deeper, fairy tale-like forest, where you walk along small trails over eroded stones and caved roots. Walking a bit down, you will reach the pothole with the waterfalls. The Salt des Freu consists of two 10 meter high waterfalls and several smaller waterfalls.

The waterfalls come out of moss covered, ochre-coloured rocks and flow into turquoise and emerald green streams. Above you rustle the leaves of the trees, next to you the water splashes and hisses. Only few sunlight passes through the dense tree tops, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like in a mystical tale. The pools between the waterfalls invite for a swim. The areas around the water are perfect for a picnic in an enchanted spot.

On a Sunday you can walk on to the cave ‘Avenc de Son Pou’. The tunnel entering the stunning karst cavity in only open on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00.