The 10 Most Popular Small Towns in Majorca
It is no surprise that due to its popularity with northern European holiday makes, the main tourist resorts can get very busy during peak season.
Away from the bustling resorts though Majorca boasts a number of idyllic small towns and picturesque villages that are well worth exploring.
Here is our pick of the most popular towns in Majorca.
- Petra
- Soller
- Campos
- Arta
- Valldemossa
- Sant Joan
- Selva
- Sineu
- Andratx
- Pollenca
1. Petra
Petra is a historic town located in the center of the island. It is famous for being the birthplace of Fray Junipero Serra, who is said to be the founder of California in the USA. He was a missionary sent to California in the 18th Century and set up many missions that grew into some of the USA,s largest cities including San Francisco and San Diego.
It is possible to visit a museum in Petra that is dedicated to his life and work.
The town is scattered with vineyards, windmills, and fertile lands that offer visitors a truly authentic Mallorcan experience.
2. Soller
The town of Soller is located in the northwest of Majorca and is a popular spot to explore for all the family.
There is a beautiful antique tram service that runs regularly from the Port of Soller. It takes a scenic route offering spectacular views over the mountains and olive groves. Check out the tram operators' website at Trendesoller.com for prices and running times.
The town has remained almost unaffected by modernisation and has a unique authentic atmosphere about the place.
There are shops, outdoor restaurants, cafes, a large plaza, churches and nice tapas bars.
The traditional outdoor weekly market is held every Saturday from around 8 am and is a great place to find fresh local fruit and veg.
3. Campos
Campos is a picturesque town in the southeast of the island.
There is an endearing atmosphere around the town for visitors to enjoy, with winding streets, traditional stone houses, and historic buildings to explore.
Places well worth visiting include the Church of Sant Julia, The Sister Mary Rafela Museum, and the Church of Sant Julian.
Four main festivals are held in Campos each year including the May Fair, a larger summer fair in August, a harvest festival in October, and a gastronomic fair dedicated to the island's famous staple, Sobrassada, a traditional spiced pork sausage product that is eaten like Pate.
There is a nice selection of shops and restaurants serving authentic Mallorcan dishes which makes it a great place to stop over for lunch or an evening meal.
4. Arta
Arta is situated on the northeast of the islands within a large valley that lies in the shadows of the Serres de Llevant hillside.
There are plenty of landmarks and historic sites to see in Arta such as the Bronze age settlement of Ses Paisses, the Sant Salvador Sanctuary, and the renowned Arta Caves.
If you are looking to explore an authentic rural Mallorquin town, Arta is well worth a visit for the day.
5. Valldemossa
The village of Valldemossa is located along the rugged East coast of Majorca in the heart of the stunning Sierra de Tramuntana mountains
Valldemossa has remained mostly untouched by mass tourism projects with a population of around just 2.000 residents.
The village is noted for its cultural heritage and privacy which has made it an ideal spot for middle-aged couples looking for a more relaxing side to the island.
Valldemossa is popular with day trippers attracted to the narrow, cobbled streets and historic buildings such as the Carthusian monastery Sa Cartoxia and the Palau de Rei Sanxo Palace.
Hiking is also very popular around the village due to the picturesque rural countryside and spectacular views over the Mediterranean sea.
6. Sant Joan
The town of San Joan is located right in the centre of the island is an ideal place to visit and explore rural Majorca.
Although situated on a flat agricultural plane the town is surrounded by rolling hills which give the appearance of a mountain village.
San Joan is known for its agricultural importance, mainly wheat cereals, olives and fruit trees.
There are a number of historic sites that are well worth visiting including Puig de Bonany, a 17th Century sanctuary, the Parish church of Sant Joan Batista and the 18th Century sanctuary of the Mare de Deu de Consolació.
If you are looking to join in a local festival or fair, there are a number held throughout the year. The main ones include the Sant Antoni bonfire night held on January 16th. Carnivals are held during March each year, the pilgrimage to the Puig de Bonany is held in April and the Sant Joan Degollat summer festival is held in August.
And if you are looking for a bargain or trinket to take home, there is a good outdoor market held every Thursday.
7. Selva
Selva is a picturesque traditional village located in the north of the island on the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountain range.
The village is quite isolated and not so easy to get to which means it often gets overlooked by holidaymakers. However, if you are searching for a traditional Mallorcan experience, this is the place for you.
Top attractions in Selva include an impressive 17th-century church located in Placa Majo and the Valella Cross that dates back to 1710. There are plenty of other smaller shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy lunch or an early evening meal.
Selva´s weekly market is held every Wednesday between 8 am and 1 pm. Here you will find clothes, flowers, local crafts and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
8. Sineu
The town of Sineu is situated in central Majorca a short drive from Sant Joan.
Sineu is steeped in history as the Romans and Moors had major settlements here.
Visitors are treated to a number of historic attractions and ancient ancestral homes including the Sineu Parish Church and Mallorca's first hospital which dates back to 1240.
The weekly market is held every Wednesday from 8 am, and is well worth a visit as apart from the local crafts and fresh produce, it is one of the few markets where livestock is still sold.
9. Andratx
The upmarket town of Andratx is situated on the southwestern tip of Majorca and is one of the most popular inland destinations.
It lies on the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains within a beautiful rural location surrounded by orange groves, olive and almond trees.
There is certainly a classy feel about Andratx with its elegant boutiques and high-class restaurants.
Visitors to Andratx are treated to cobbled streets, historic houses and a church fortress that boasts views right down to the coastal Port of Andratx.
The busy weekly outdoor market is held every Wednesday and is a great place to find a bargain or try out the local fresh produce. The market is renowned for its fantastic cheeses, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. It is located just below the church in the main plaza.
10. Pollenca
Pollenca ( Pollensa) is a picturesque town situated on the northern cape of the Island and the Tramuntana Mountains.
The town is located close to the dramatic rugged cliffs of Cap De Formentor and the impressive bays of Alcudia and Pollenca.
There is an old-world charm about Pollenca with its cobbled streets, narrow walkways, and stone brickwork buildings, some dating back centuries.
Be sure to head off to the town's main square at the Placa Major which is surrounded by cafes, shops, restaurants and a 13th Century church.
Other places of interest include the Santuari del Puig de Maria, an ancient monastery that dates back to 1348, and the mysterious Pont Roma, a Roman-Styled bridge.
The weekly market is held every Sunday from 8 am and holds around 300 stalls offering up all kinds of arts and crafts, shoes, clothes, and fresh local produce.
