Sant Llorenç 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 and a weekly market on Thursdays in the church square, where you can buy handicrafts and local products and visit the Baroque church.
Toponymy of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar
The place name “Sant Llorenç des Cardassar” has two origins: “Sant Llorenç” comes from the devotion 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 Virgin hidden among thistles (cardos) during Muslim rule, which was recovered 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.
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 motorway, 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
A car is an efficient option if you want freedom to move around, although the bus is cheaper and you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking. You can rent a car in Mallorca.
To get to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by car, the main route will depend on your starting point in Mallorca, but it is generally accessed via the island’s roads, with the Ma-15 being a key route from Manacor or other localities. The journey time varies depending on traffic and distance, but it is a short to medium distance route within the island.
Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by car from Palma: Take the main highway from the center of Palma. Follow the highway until you find the exit for the MA-15 road towards Manacor. Continue on the MA-15. You will pass several towns such as Vilafranca de Bonany. Follow the road signs until you reach Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The distance between the two towns is approximately 50 kilometers.
Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar from other areas of Mallorca: You will need to take the MA-15 towards Manacor and then follow the signs to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. You may need to take other secondary roads depending on your starting point.
The travel time varies, but the island is relatively small. A trip to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar from southern towns such as Santanyí, for example, can take approximately one hour.
Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by bus
Getting to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar by bus from Palma: From the 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.
Details of the Palma-Sant Llorenç des Cardassar route: The bus route from Palma is mainly served by line 411E or line 411, departing from Palma Intermodal Station. Line 411E is the direct option and is the fastest, taking approximately 50 minutes. Line 411 is also valid, although it may have more stops and generally connects Manacor with Cala Rajada, passing through Sant Llorenç.
Details of the Palma-Sant Llorenç des Cardassar bus route
1- Fastest option (recommended): Line 411E (Express)
Departure: Palma Intermodal Station
Arrival: Sant Llorenç stop (depending on the specific direction, such as Sant Llorenç sud)
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes
Additional information: This bus line is an express route. The bus does not stop at all stops
2- Alternative option: Line 411
Departure: Palma Intermodal Station (may require a transfer in Manacor, depending on the schedule)
Arrival: Sant Llorenç stop
Duration: Varies depending on the transfer in Manacor
Source: TIB
Additional considerations
Ticket purchase: You can buy your ticket directly from the driver on board the bus, but it is important to note that only cash tickets up to €10 are accepted. Another option is to purchase a prepaid card in advance at authorized points of sale. Payment can also be made directly with a contactless bank card and up to five people can travel with the same card, benefiting from discounts per user. In this case, it is essential to validate the card both when boarding and alighting from the bus so that the system can calculate the cost of the journey correctly.
Please note that some lines are express and do not make all stops.
To plan your trip, we recommend checking the timetables on the TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) website.
How to get to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar? Getting there by taxi
You can also get by taxi to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar if you are looking for a faster option. A taxi from Palma de Mallorca to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar will probably cost between €70 and €90, with a journey time of around 40-50 minutes. The time and price may vary depending on the route, the time of day and the taxi company, as there may be a slight increase due to the meter or supplements, so it is always advisable to check directly with the provider beforehand.
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, the Torre de n’Amer 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.
What to see and do in Sant Llorenç? Places of interest
Sant Llorenç des Cardassar is a town in Mallorca known for its deep-rooted rural character and cultural heritage. It is a destination that combines the authenticity of the town with the tourist attractions of its coastal areas.
Town Hall Square: An important central space for the town’s social life and events, hosting festivals and important occasions. It is a landmark that, together with the church square where the weekly market is held, represents the heart of the municipality, located in the northeast of Mallorca.
Parish Church of Sant Llorenç: A temple with a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles, whose original construction dates back to the mid-14th century, although it has undergone multiple extensions and restorations over the centuries. Its interior houses works of great historical and artistic value, such as the Romanesque carving of “La Mare de Déu Trobada” in one of the side chapels and a neoclassical main altarpiece.
Basilica of Son Peretó: An important early Christian archaeological site located between Manacor and Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. It is the only one open to visitors in Mallorca, dating from the 5th to 7th centuries. It was discovered in 1912 and includes a three-nave basilica with a baptistery and a necropolis. Excavations have unearthed an architectural complex with Syrian-Palestinian and North African influences and its mosaics, rich in iconography, became famous. The remains are preserved in the Museu d’Història de Manacor.
Old train station: The old train station in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar was part of the Manacor-Artà line (1921-1977). The railway line operated between 1921 and 1977 and the Sant Llorenç station was part of it. During the Civil War, the track between this station and Son Carrió was removed to prevent its use. The old railway line has been recovered as a Greenway, used today for hiking and cycling.
What to see and do in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar? Nature
Sa Punta de n’Amer Protected Natural Area: A protected peninsula in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, between Cala Millor and Sa Coma, declared a Natural Area of Special Interest (ANEI) for its ecological and cultural value. You can walk along its trails to discover features such as the Castell de sa Punta de n’Amer, a 17th-century defense tower and old stone quarries. The area offers easy hiking trails, rich flora and fauna and beaches to enjoy.
What to see and do in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar: Festivities
Weekly market: held on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Plaça Nova and Calle Major. It offers a wide variety of products such as food, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, flowers, clothing, footwear and handicrafts.
Mare de Deu Trobada: An important festival celebrated on September 8.
Night Fair: An ecological and gastronomic event held during the summer patron saint festivities, traditionally at the old railway station. It includes more than 50 exhibitors and 18 food stalls, offering local products and a festive atmosphere.
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
