Set course for the south-east of Majorca! Located 50 kilometers from Palma, Santanyí is a blessed village. Its original name - Santi Annini - means "Lamb of God", and the village's animal symbol is featured on its coat of arms. And there's no shortage of things to do here: an outstanding gastronomic offer, 50 km of sparkling coastline, year-round cultural dynamism and a breathtaking built heritage. Santanyí 's architectural heritage sums up the history of Mallorca, and indeed that of the Mediterranean! From prehistoric times to the present day, the story of human evolution is told here in stone. So, before exploring the riches of today's Santanyí, let's take a look at its long and tumultuous history.
From the Stone Age to the Catalan conquest
First, we need to go back to the beginning of the Bronze Age. Around 1,000 BC, the Balearic Islands saw the emergence of the talayotic culture (named after the rudimentary stone towers known as talayots). In the Santanyí area alone, over 150 archaeological sites have been uncovered, the most notable being the pre-Talayotic caves of Cala Santanyí, but above all the ruins of the Talayotic villages of Can Jordi i Na Nova and Son Danús Nou. In the latter, a section of wall and the remains of a watchtower can still be seen in relatively good condition.
The Roman Empire also left its mark here and in the Calonge area. Ancient relics - ceramics and statuettes - have also been found in the Sa Marededéu burial cave. Later, during the Muslim domination of the Balearic Islands (903-1229), Santanyí became part of the Manacor sub-region, then called Adeia. However, very few traces have survived from this period.
At the time of the Reconquista, the whole territory was reorganized. 70 years later, in 1300, the town of Santanyí was founded and welcomed 570 inhabitants. From the 14th to the 17th century, the Mediterranean was hostile territory, at the mercy of North African pirates, and Santanyí often paid the price. As a result, the villagers built a number of defensive structures that can still be seen today. In the 19th century, the region's population exploded and then declined, before tourism gave the town a new lease of life in the 1980s.
Heritage in the city center
Naturally, we'll start our visit at Plaça Major, Santanyí's veritable agora. Two buildings stand out here: the parish church dedicated to Sant Andreu and the building housing the town hall. The latter was inaugurated in 1902, and retains only the coat of arms dating from 1705. The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1786. 25 years later, the first mass was celebrated here. The church's altarpieces are particularly noteworthy, as is the colossal Baroque organ (with a concert every Wednesday and Saturday)! Also part of this architectural unity: El Roser, a transitional Romanesque-Gothic building (early 14th c.), was once fortified as a refuge from repeated pirate attacks. The presbytery, with its air of a small palace, is also worth a visit. It was renovated in the 16th century, when fortifications were erected around the town (an opening in the wall bears witness to this episode). Finally, at the end of Rue de la Pau, you'll find a watering place built in 1820, known as Sainte Sínia.
South of Santanyí
The municipality of Santanyí is home to many other curiosities. For example, near the sanctuary of La Consolació (5 km from the center), you'll find the building known as Alqueria Blanca, whose foundations date back to 1242. A little further on, the 20th-century neo-Romanesque church of Calonge is also worth a visit. We then come to Cala d'Or, a small seaside resort with a pretty marina (an 18-hole golf course is nearby). Here you can enjoy the main beach of Cala Gran, as well as other, more confidential coves surrounded by fragrant pine forests. Cala d'Or is also an excellent destination for nightlife: bars, restaurants and discos abound!
Continuing south, the Mondragó park will delight nature lovers: cormorants and ospreys above, crabs and sea urchins below! Beaches, rocky coasts, marshes, dunes and pinewoods make for a striking picture. To make the most of all the park's natural riches, five signposted itineraries have been set up, facilitating discovery of this unique protected area and making it accessible to all kinds of walkers. 20 minutes further west, budding botanists will be in heaven: Botanicactus is a sanctuary for exceptional endemic tropical flora.
Not far away, the quiet Cala Figuera is Santanyí's other coastal treasure. This tiny fishing port has been in existence since 1306 and could not be more romantic! The old white houses overlook the Boira and Busquets coves. The most striking sight here is undoubtedly the sale of fresh fish, which takes place every day of the week (Monday-Friday): the fishermen usually return to Cala Figuera around 4-5 p.m., their nets full of the day's catch! As only restaurateurs are allowed to sell the catch, all you have to do is grab a seat in one of the town's excellent gargotes and feast on some of the best fish around.
Focus on Santanyí's beaches
As well as Cala Figuera and Cala d'Or, the municipality is home to a number of other jewels! The spectacular Cala Lombards is a little-known tourist attraction, and as sublime as it is tranquil. Cala Santanyí is one of the most picturesque, stretching 110 m across at the mouth of a small torrent. An urban beach, it has all the amenities, including bars, restaurants and facilities for children. Last but not least, Portopetro, a charming fishing village that generally escapes the summer tourist tidal wave. Good restaurants abound here, and there's a very good yacht club offering a wide range of activities at sea! Portopetro is also an ideal base for accessing a multitude of quiet coves.
Art for body and soul
Santanyí's gastronomy may not stand out from the rest of the island, but there's no shortage of good places to eat: fish, seafood, meats, local charcuterie and market garden produce are all on offer! Just take a look at the market stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays to appreciate the freshness of local produce! Santanyí also boasts an important artisan cheese industry, spearheaded by the Grimalt cheese factory, founded in 1941!
In Calonge (10 km from the town center), you can also discover the fine wines of Bodega Son Alegre. The winemaker also produces olive oil. In Santanyí, alongside inspired craftsmen and Mediterranean chefs, artists flourish. It's certainly the special light that attracts aesthetes here! The fact is, art galleries have sprung up around the bend in the quiet alleyways, and are well worth a look!
TIPS
When to visit?
Majorca is a destination that never lacks light: the sun is almost always out, and even more so in Santanyí, in the south of the island. You may want to avoid winter: the lower temperatures will limit your outdoor activities. But late March to November is the right season!
Duration
It all depends on how much time you have. Three or four days would seem to be the minimum to get the most out of Santanyí. If, on the other hand, you really want to discover the region and take the time to relax, a week, or even 10 days of travel won't be too much!
Public
Santanyí has the advantage of being suitable for a very wide range of visitors! Whether you're a couple looking for the peace and quiet of a small Mediterranean village or a family on summer vacation, whether you're out with a few friends or on a solo voyage of discovery, whether you're a gourmet, curious, sporty or lazy: Santanyí welcomes you!
The plus points
- Proximity. Palma is easy to reach from France. Add a 40-minute drive from Palma and you've arrived!
- Stunning architectural heritage.
- Great weather guaranteed!
- Spectacular nature
- Good food!
Useful
- SANTANYÍ TOURIST OFFICE
Cala d'Or - More information on the site
Cala Figuera - More information on the site
Portopetro - Further information at
