Santanyí

Santanyí is a town, a municipality, and a picturesque village in Mallorca located in the southeast of the island. Known for its authentic charm, golden sandstone architecture, and proximity to important beaches, coves, and the Mondragó Natural Park. The old town preserves the remains of medieval walls and has the Plaza Mayor as its central point. Although it is a tourist destination, it offers a peaceful atmosphere with a vibrant cultural life, weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays) that attract both visitors and locals in search of a quiet lifestyle and a mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Santanyí vila, municipal capital

Its town, which is the municipal capital, belongs to the Migjorn comarque and is located approximately 60 km away from Palma, the capital of Mallorca. Santanyí has a rustic charm with cobbled streets and the Plaza Mayor as the center of life. The area also stands out for its walled past (the Porta Murada is preserved) and its artistic atmosphere.

Santanyí: Population centers

The Mallorcan municipality of Santanyí includes thirteen population centers, among them the town of Santanyí itself (inland) and other coastal towns. Among the inland villages are: Santanyí (main town), S’Alquería Blanca, Calonge, Es Llombards, Son Moja, El Cap des Moro. Among the coastal towns are: Cala Figuera, Cala Santanyí, Portopetro, Cala Llombards, Cala d’Or, as well as other towns: La Costa and Son Moger.

Main characteristics

Architecture: The town is predominantly built with golden sandstone from local quarries, giving it a very characteristic appearance and a distinctive uniformity. The historic center is full of buildings made from this material. Remains of the old medieval wall and the Porta Murada gate can still be seen.

Location: Located inland, but a short distance from the coast, with easy access to numerous coves and the Mondragó Natural Park.

Economy: The economy has shifted from being based mainly on agriculture and fishing to being largely driven by tourism, although it retains a strong local identity.

Local life: It is a place with an active community, combining lifelong residents with a growing international population. The Plaza Mayor is the social center, where events and weekly markets are held.

Services: It offers good infrastructure and services, including schools, medical centers, and a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Tourism: It is a popular starting point for exploring the southeast coast of Mallorca, visiting the natural park, and enjoying activities such as hiking and cycling.

Culture and art: Santanyí has become an important artistic center, with numerous galleries and artists’ studios.

Historical summary

Santanyí has a history marked by its settlement since prehistoric times. Prehistoric finds have been discovered that suggest that the area was already inhabited long before it was first mentioned.

During Muslim rule, Santanyí was known as Adia, and there were settlements such as s’Almunia, Albocora, and Benilassar. The first written mention of the place dates back to 1236, under the name Sancti Aini. It was not until 1300 that Santanyí was officially granted the title of town.

From the 14th to the 18th century, Santanyí suffered repeated attacks by Barbary pirates, who used the nearby island of Cabrera as a refuge. To protect itself, defensive walls and watchtowers were built. The Porta Murada is one of the most important vestiges of this defensive period.

Starting in the 1960s, the arrival of tourism in Mallorca revitalized the local economy. Tourism development created new jobs and attracted residents, changing the demographic and economic situation of the town. The coast also developed for tourism. Cala Santanyí went from being a small fishing village to a tourist destination with hotels and accommodations built in the 1950s and 1960s.

Location and access to Satanyí

Santanyí is located in the southeast of Mallorca and is easily reached from Palma via the Ma-19 motorway. It can be reached by car, taxi, or bus.

Getting to Santanyí by car

From Palma: Drive east on the main road. Take the Ma-19 highway and then the Ma-6100. The journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes.

From the airport: Follow the same route. Take the Ma-19 highway and then the Ma-6100. The journey time is just over 40 minutes.

Getting to Satanyí by bus

From Palma: You can take bus lines 501 or 502 from Palma station. The journey is slower, taking around 2 hours. Line 515 from Estació Intermodal is also an option, with transfers, and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

From Cala d’Or: There is a local bus line that connects to the Cala Santanyí area.

To get to Cala Santanyí (the beach)

From the town of Santanyí: Take the Ma-6102 road. There is a signposted turn-off to Cala Santanyí.

By car: There is a paid parking lot right at the entrance to the beach.

By bus: Line 516 goes directly from Cala Santanyí to Santanyí. Line 516 leaves near the Cala Santanyí stop and takes you to Sa Tanca, in the center of the municipality.

Points of interest What to see and do in Santanyí?

Santanyí has many points of interest, as it combines a charming and culturally rich historic center with stunning natural landscapes and idyllic beaches in the surrounding area. Among the key places to visit are:

Points of historical and cultural interest

Porta Murada: Remains of the medieval wall with a 16th-century tower.

Plaça Major: The heart of the town, surrounded by sandstone buildings and full of cafés and restaurants.

Sant Andreu Parish Church: A Gothic-style church, notable for its organ.

Historic center: Explore its sandstone streets, art galleries, and local artisan workshops.

Santanyí Market: A lively weekly market offering fresh local produce and handicrafts.

Places of natural and recreational interest

Mondragó Natural Park: A protected area of great ecological value, with beautiful beaches and coves.

Cala Figuera: A picturesque fishing port.

Cala Llombards: One of the most beautiful coves in the area.

Es Pontàs: A natural arch-shaped rock formation near Cala Santanyí.

Ses Salines Lighthouse: An iconic lighthouse on the coast.

Hospitality and Tourism

Santanyí is a destination in the southeast of Mallorca that combines history, culture, and nature, with its old town of golden sandstone and proximity to well-known tourist resorts and coastal towns. Santanyí offers a wide range of accommodation options and has a variety of hotels, from luxury boutique hotels and holistic retreats to vacation rentals and beachfront aparthotels. These accommodations offer a variety of amenities, from swimming pools, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi to gyms, spas, and activities for the whole family.

Gastronomy and leisure

Gastronomy: Enjoy restaurants offering local dishes such as “frito mallorquín” and “tumbet.”

Crafts: The town is known for its craft shops, where you can find jewelry, ceramics, and art.

Activities: You can enjoy water sports, hiking, and nightlife in the nearby towns.

And that’s it for this brief guide to Santanyí, in 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