Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

SantLlorenç des Cardassar is a picturesque village and municipality of Mallorca that combines the rural character of its inland capital with its tourist coastal centers such as Cala Millor, Sa Coma, and S’Illot. It is a town with deep rural roots, notable for its legacy of late medieval agricultural estates anda weekly market on Thursdays in the church square, where you canbuy handicrafts and local products and visit the Baroque church.

Toponymy of SantLlorenç des Cardassar

The place name “SantLlorenç des Cardassar” has two origins: “Sant Llorenç” comes from thedevotion to Saint Lawrence, documented in the old parish of“Bellver,” which was the name of the municipality until 1892. The part “des Cardassar” comes from the legend of an image of the Virginhidden among thistles (cardos) during Muslim rule, which wasrecovered by the troops of Jaume I.

Economy of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

The economy of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar is mainly driven by local businesses, which generate almost €125 million annually through nearly 250 companies and businesses. The sectors that generate the most value are commerce, financial and insurance services, and real estate services. In addition, tourism is a key factor for the local economy, as evidenced by the importance of attractions such as the Cuevas dels Hams caves and the tourism and hospitality industry in the area.

Historical summary of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

The history of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar dates back to Bronze Age settlements, but the current town center originated from a small 14th-century church that was built after the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary. Over time, devotion to Saint Lawrence replaced the original patron saint, and the term “des Cardassar” was first documented in the 16th century. The town became independent from the municipality of Manacor in 1892, initially developing its economy around agriculture and livestock, and then evolving towards tourism from the second half of the 20th century onwards.

Location of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

Sant Llorenç des Cardassar is located in the east of Mallorca, about 13 km from the coast (near Sa Coma and Cala Millor). It is easily accessible from Palma via the Ma-15 motorway.

How to get to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

The most common way to get to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar is to drive from Palma on the Ma-15 highway, passing through Manacor. Another option is to take a bus from Palma, which is an economical alternative.

Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by car

By car: From Palma, take the Ma-15 highway eastbound. The road will take you directly to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. The journey from Palma takes approximately 51 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 60.5 km.

The car is an efficient option if you want freedom to move around, although the bus is more economical and does not require you to worry about traffic or parking.

Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by bus

By bus: From Palma station, you can take a bus to Sant Llorenç. The bus journey from Sant Llorenç to the center of Palma takes about 58 minutes.

To get to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by bus, you can take line 411e from Palma Intermodal Station, which takes approximately 50 minutes and costs between $7 and $9. The direct route is from Palma to Sant Llorenç, but if you are arriving in Manacor from other locations, you must take line 411 from Manacor to Sant Llorenç.

Sant Llorenç des Cardassar via Manacor to Palma

To travel by bus from Sant Llorenç des Cardassar to Palma, you will need to change buses in Manacor. Take the line 411 from Sant Llorenç sud 1 to Manacor Molí – Hospital, and then change to another bus (such as the line 411e) from Manacor to the Estació Intermodal in Palma. The total journey takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes with transfers.

Additional considerations

Total journey: The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes.

Ticket purchase: You can buy your ticket directly from the driver on the bus. Cash payments are accepted with bills up to €10. Another option is to purchase a prepaid card in advance.

Hospitality in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

Tourism: Sant Llorenç des Cardassar offers inland and coastal tourism, with a rich mix of nature, culture, and traditions. The rural area is notable for its agricultural setting, hiking on the Via Verde, and the weekly Thursday market in the village, while the coast boasts popular beaches such as Cala Millor, Sa Coma, and S’Illot. The municipality also offers attractions such as the Cuevas dels Hams caves, the Punta de n’Amer Tower, and the baroque church, along with theme parks and cultural celebrations.

Accommodation in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar

Accommodation: Sant Llorenç des Cardassar offers peaceful, wellness-focused tourism, far from crowded areas, with rural accommodation options and boutique hotels focused on relaxation and nature. The establishments stand out for their spa facilities, swimming pools, gardens, and wellness treatments, attracting visitors looking to disconnect in a rural setting surrounded by culture and natural landscapes such as coves and mountains.

Places of interest

Parish Church: A Baroque building with historicist additions, located in the market square.

Via Verde: The old railway line between Manacor and Artà is now a cycling and hiking route.

Coastal areas: The municipality includes tourist areas such as Cala Millor, Sa Coma, and S’Illot.

Activities and events

Weekly market: Held on Thursdays in the church square, offering local products and crafts.

Family activities: Enjoy the theme parks and zoos in the coastal areas.

Outdoor activities: Hiking and cycling along the Via Verde or enjoying the beaches.

Festivities: The municipality offers a wide range of cultural and festive events throughout the year, such as the patron saint festivities in August.

And that’s it for this brief overview of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island