If you are planning to visit Mallorca, you cannot fail to include a trip to Santanyí in your itinerary. This picturesque village located in the southeast of the island is a place full of charm and natural beauty that will surprise you. Santanyí is located in the southeast of the island of Mallorca, close to the coast. The village is surrounded by hills and forests, and has several beaches and coves nearby. In addition, close to Santanyí is the Natural Park of Mondragó, a protected natural space of great beauty.
Santanyí maintains the rural essence of Mallorca before mass tourism, allowing you to enjoy the island’s culture and nature in an authentic atmosphere.
How to get to Santanyí?
You can get there by car from Palma de Mallorca in approximately 50 minutes or from Palma airport in just over 40 minutes. You can also use bus lines 501 and 502 from Palma, although they take approximately 2 hours to get there.
What to see in Santanyí
If you decide to visit Santanyí, there are several points of interest to see. For example, the local market that opens on Saturdays is a recommended experience. You can have breakfast in the local cafés or sample the local produce at the bakery stalls.
The Plaza Mayor is the epicentre of the town, the meeting place of the locals, where festivals and markets are held. The main buildings in this area are the Town Hall and the church, which is dedicated to Sant Andreu. Until the 19th century, there was a public square in the centre of the square.
The parish church
The construction of the church began on 25th July 1786, when the rector Nicolau Pons laid the first stone of the new church. This is the reason why Santanyí’s main festival is celebrated on this day. The celebrations will last for 25 years. It is a building constructed with Santanyí stone.
El Roser
This is the first parish church and forms part of the architectural ensemble. Built in the first half of the 14th century, it formed part of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. It was a regular place of refuge for the population during pirate raids, which is why it was fortified. The volta de creueria inside the building stands out.
The Porta Murada
This is a gate tower of the 16th-century walls of Santanyí, when the town broke through the walls to defend itself. Its only interior was used as a presbytery. It was last restored in 1987.
S’Abeurador
Located at the end of Carrer de la Pau. These facilities, built in 1820 (when the main square was built), were used to provide food for the animals. It is also known by the name of its Sínia, which was used to treat the water from the seven deep waters.
Mondragó Natural Park
The Mondragó Natural Park is another great attraction in the area. It is a natural park of 750.25 hectares with a great diversity of landscapes, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. You can walk the different itineraries on your own or take a self-guided route around the viewpoint of sa Font de n’Alis, the return to sa Guàrdia d’en Garrot, the itinerary of sa punta de ses Gatoves and the itinerary of s’Amador. There are guided tours on Saturdays, but you must give advance notice. The park has an information centre on the Cala Mondragó road with access for people with reduced mobility.
Where to eat in Santanyí
If you are visiting Santanyí and you feel like enjoying the local gastronomy, we recommend you some places where you can taste typical dishes of the region.
- Anoa Santanyí: Mediterranean / European cuisine.
- Restaurant Ca’n Calent: Mediterranean cuisine with a Michelin star.
- Restaurant Es Moli de Santanyi: Mediterranean cuisine.
- Retroway: Mediterranean and healthy cuisine.
- Sa Botiga: Mediterranean and European cuisine.
- Casa Luis: Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine.
- Cassai Gran Café & Restaurant: Mediterranean and European cuisine.
- Stadthotel Santanyi & Restaurant No.7
- Buffet Llull Restaurant: Mediterranean buffet restaurant.
These restaurants have received excellent reviews for their food and service, and are an excellent choice for a delicious meal in Santanyi.
If you are interested in a different type of cuisine:
- By Pomodoro: Italian cuisine.
- India Restaurant: Indian Restaurant
Another recommended option is “Sa Botiga de Verdures“, a vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes and fresh produce from the local garden. Its speciality is creative and tasty vegetarian dishes, such as seasonal salads or vegetable crepes.
If you are looking for a restaurant with stunning views, “Es Bergant” is a good choice. Although it is located in the Porto Petro area, and from its terrace you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea while tasting Mediterranean cuisine. In addition, its menu includes a wide variety of local wines.
Fairs and festivals
If you like to enjoy the local festivals, you will find several options throughout the year in Santanyí. One of the most popular is the Santanyí Fair, which is held in August and has a wide variety of activities for the whole family. You can also enjoy the Fira de Tardor in November, where you can sample the local gastronomy and buy handmade products.
Santanyí celebrates several festivals and fairs throughout the year. Some of the most outstanding ones are:
The Santanyí Fair: This is held in August and has a wide variety of activities for the whole family, such as concerts, craft fair, exhibitions and shows. This fair is one of the oldest on the island and attracts visitors from all over.
La Fira de Tardor: held in November, this fair is dedicated to local gastronomy and artisan products. During this fair, you will be able to taste delicious food typical of the region and buy local products such as olive oil, wine and cheese.
Christmas festivities: During the Christmas season, Santanyí is filled with festive lights and decorations. A giant nativity scene is set up in the main square of the village and is very popular with visitors.
Holy Week Fiestas: During Holy Week, Santanyí celebrates several processions and religious activities that attract many tourists.
Canal’Art Santanyí: Canal’Art is an evening art event in Santanyí. During this evening, art galleries and other venues in the town open their doors to exhibit works by local artists and artists from around the municipality. It is a unique opportunity to get to know the artistic talent of the region and enjoy a night full of culture and art in Santanyí.
These are some of the most outstanding festivals and fairs in Santanyí, but other festivities and cultural events are also held in the town throughout the year.
Interesting details
An interesting detail about Santanyí is that it was one of the favourite places of the famous English writer, Robert Graves, who lived in the village for many years and wrote several of his works there. In addition, in the village you will find several craft shops and local products, where you can buy souvenirs and mementos of your visit.
In short, Santanyí is a tourist destination you cannot miss if you are in Mallorca. A place full of charm, history and natural beauty that will make you fall in love from the very first moment.