Fira Bona Fair, Palmanyola
Traditional fair in Palmanyola, a small village north-west of Palma, on the road to Valldemossa.
Attractive rural town in the north-east of Mallorca
Artà is a picturesque town just a few kilometres inland from the north-east coast of Mallorca. Tucked in a valley, it is surrounded by the mountains of the Llevant Natural Park along with some of the island's most beautiful rural plains.
The town comes alive with tourists on Tuesdays as it holds its weekly market, which is famous for its local pottery and basket weaving. Culture vultures are drawn to this area for its historic landmarks, particularly the Bronze Age Talaiotic settlement of Ses Païsses, the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, and the ancient fortress walls that surround it, and, of course, the legendary Caves d'Artà.
Having stayed relatively untouched by tourism, Artà is a great destination to discover the authentic rural Mallorca. The coast is about 10km away.
Artà's biggest festival, Sant Antoni, is held on the 16 January every year and dates back to 1581. It features dancers with cardboard horses strapped to their hips. In the morning, demons tour the town with processional music to drum up the atmosphere for the festival. In the evening, when the sun goes down, there’s a religious ceremony in the chapel of Sant Antoni followed by bonfires, music, food and drink in the streets of Artà. The festivities end the following day with a cavalcade and singing of a traditional song. It’s also worth watching out for Sant Antoni de Padua, a smaller festival held on 13 June where children perform traditional dances.
The patron saint of Artà is Sant Salvador and festivities in his honour take place during the first week of August. You can expect concerts, art exhibitions, parades and parties throughout the week. Celebrations end with fireworks on the final night.
The town also celebrates an autumnal fair, known as the Fira d’Artà, which is held on the second Sunday of September each year. This is a traditional agricultural fair with markets and agricultural exhibitions, children's activities, sporting events and more. Foodies might be interested in visiting some of the restaurants serving up local dishes especially for the event.
Traditional fair in Palmanyola, a small village north-west of Palma, on the road to Valldemossa.
This annual funfair takes place at Son Fusteret, on the outskirts of Palma. With plenty of thrill-seeking rides, a 60-metre-high Ferris wheel, stalls, games and family activities, it's an event that families ought not to miss.
A regatta circuit in which top national and international sailors compete, Puerto Portals has become the port with the largest fleet of Dragons in Spain and a benchmark on the international circuit.
Mallorca's famous pottery region in Marratxi hosts this annual fair of earthenware produce. Pick up your pots, plates, jugs and tiles at reasonable prices during this week long fair.
Established artists in Mallorca showcase donated artwork to benefit local families, with all proceeds supporting Fundació Monti-Sion Solidària (FMS), which helps 6,000 people annually through 200 dedicated volunteers.
An international sailing regatta held every year in the Bay of Palma de Mallorca. Since its first edition in 1968, it remains one of the most important events of the competitive sailing calendar in Mallorca. It brings to the island more than 1000 sailers up to olympic level from around the world.
The origins of Artá are lost in time, but many prehistoric remains have been found around the town, as well as traces of the Roman and Moorish domination. The name Artá derives from the Arab word “Gertan” for garden. Artá's fortress was built during the Moorish reign when the peninsula was called Yartan. Its walls still surround the 16th-century pilgrimage church of Sant Salvador, a Gothic-style church which replaced the ancient parish church consecrated in 1248 on the site of an earlier mosque. Sant Salvador is today one of Artà’s most iconic landmarks, it stands at the top of a hill overlooking the town and boasts panoramic views across Mallorca’s landscape all the way to the coast.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Artá’s textile industry flourished, as did the town’s population. Archaeological sites around this area have unearthed woven fibres that suggest basket weaving is something the area has been specialising in for a number of years.
A late outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1820 caused the town to lose around 1,200 of its people. In more recent years, due to its location away from the coastline, it's managed to escape the large tourist development of the 1970s and today retains its heritage and status of an authentic rural Mallorcan town.
The town of Artà is dominated by Calvary Hill on which the Sanctuary of San Salvador sits, giving its visitors some insight into the town's past as well as wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It can be reached either by a windy road from the town or via steps from outside the Transfiguració del Senyor, the parish church of Arta. The Sanctuary of San Salvador is home to a multi-coloured, carved, wooden statue of the Virgin Mary which is rumoured to have been brought to the island by Jaume I during the medieval conquest of Mallorca. Surrounding the sanctuary, you'll find the remains of a one-metre-thick fortress wall with nine towers, including the main tower of Sant Miquel.
Just outside of town resides the Bronze Age Talaiotic settlement of Ses Païsses, a must-visit if you're in the area as it's one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in the Balearic Islands. Its origins are thought to date back to 900-800 BC. Most notable is the massive entrance portal, formed from three stone slabs weighing up to eight tonnes each. Inside there are several rooms and an 'atalaia' (watchtower) while the entire settlement is surrounded by a Cyclopean drystone wall.
The Caves d'Artà are one of the biggest tourist attractions on the northeastern coastline. These thousands-year-old caves are a spectacular sight with various natural rooms created and adorned with countless stalactites and stalagmites of imaginative shapes. Guided tours are available.
To the north of Artà there is the Llevant Natural Park, a wild, hilly area with a dramatic coastline. Inside stands the Ermita de Betlem, founded by monks in 1805, complete with a solar clock, a rose window and an ancient water mill. It’s a steep climb to reach the chapel but you are rewarded with wonderful views and a little taster of what life was like for these monks. This landmark is particularly popular with cyclists and hikers.
Artà also has a small museum, the Regional Museum of Artà which can be found at Plaça de Espanya inside Sa Nostra bank. It exhibits archaeological discoveries from as far back as the Roman period, along with a collection of stuffed and preserved local birds.
This Bronze-Age talaiotic settlement near Arta is a significant site and a link with Mallorcans of 3,000 years ago.
Located on the hillside of Sant Salvador above Arta this building dominates the skyline over the town of Arta.
Much of this 4000 square metres complex has been restored so that you can now see the remnants of the medieval fortress that it once was.
The nearest beaches are in the resort of Cala Ratjada, around 15 minutes away by car and 20 minutes on a public bus.
A lovely sandy beach to soak up the rays, away from the large scale tourist resort beaches in the north of Mallorca.
An idyllic bay situated between Cala Mesquida Beach and Cala Mitjana on the northeast coast of Mallorca.
Renowned as a wonderful, “locals’” beach close to Colonia de Sant Pere, Cala Tono is a small cove full of golden sand, enclosed by the azure sea with views up towards the hills of Cap Ferrutx.
Canyamel beach gives visitors a small but perfectly formed, golden sandy beach within the quiet holiday resort of Canyamel.
Cala Mesquida is a fairly remote beach, located in the north-east of Mallorca, around 15km from Arta and famous for its picture-perfect beach with lovely white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Cala Ratjada is a purpose built holiday resort in the north east of Mallorca, popular with northern Europeans. Cala Moll is the south of the resort and Cala Gat to the north.
Artà offers a lovely mix of places to eat, with most restaurants leaning towards traditional styles and local Mallorcan flavours. If you're in the mood for something a little more refined, there are elegant spots tucked within beautifully restored buildings, where modern Mediterranean cuisine is served in a stylish, peaceful setting.
For something more rustic, there are cosy restaurants where the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. These places often serve dishes made with fresh ingredients straight from the garden or nearby markets. You’ll likely find local wines on the menu too, adding to the sense of place and tradition.
If you're happy to venture just a little way out of town, you’ll discover charming countryside spots with relaxed outdoor terraces. These are ideal for long, sun-soaked lunches or quiet dinners under the stars. Expect homemade Mediterranean classics, generous portions, and sweet treats like crema catalana. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in peak season, as these rural gems tend to be popular.
Nestled in the heart of Artà, Forn Nou Restaurant offers a warm and welcoming experience rooted in Mallorcan culinary tradition. Housed in a charming building that once hosted a local bar and pharmacy, the restaurant combines history with modern dining, providing several inviting spaces: a sunlit indoor room with exposed beams, a terrace overlooking the streets of Artà, and a wine cellar with an open kitchen for a more intimate experience.
Perched right by the sea in Mallorca, Port Verd del Mar offers a truly memorable dining experience. With panoramic views of the Costa des Pins, this restaurant combines relaxed elegance with authentic Mediterranean charm. Its focus is on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, from freshly caught fish and seafood to organic fruits, vegetables, and premium meats. The menu blends traditional Mediterranean dishes with creative international touches, ensuring every meal is both familiar and exciting.
Angels Nightclub, located in the heart of Cala Rajada, is one of Mallorca’s oldest and most celebrated clubs, having set the standard for nightlife on the island. As the first disco in the town, it continues to draw crowds eager for a lively night out with DJs spinning a mix of classic and contemporary hits.
The Beach Bar in s’Illot is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, perfectly positioned just across from the sandy shoreline. With its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s ideal for enjoying a leisurely drink, a casual meal, or simply taking in the sun and sea. The bar prides itself on friendly and professional service, making every guest feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Charly’s Disco in Can Picafort has been a staple of Mallorca nightlife since it first opened its doors in May 1978. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation as one of the island’s most iconic nightspots, attracting both locals and visitors seeking lively music, dancing, and a fun night out.
Banana Nightclub has been a staple of Mallorca’s nightlife since opening in 2006, earning a reputation for unforgettable nights and creative experiences. From the very first evening, the team’s goal has been simple: deliver fun, energy, and non-stop entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
HPC Restaurant in Portocolom offers a relaxed Mediterranean dining experience with stunning sea views. Situated inside the Hostal Porto Colom Hotel, this stylish restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients with international and creative touches. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including paella, fresh fish and seafood, local meats, carpaccio, gourmet burgers, creative salads, and homemade pizzas.
Artà is just a nice village to wander around, with a mix of tree-lined avenues and small winding alleys. If you're not staying here, the best day to visit is on Tuesdays when the town comes to life with its local market.
Exploring on foot is the perfect past time and you'll find numerous artisan shops selling traditional ceramics and textiles, along with "llatra", traditional products made by braiding palm leaves (baskets and bags are particularly popular in this craft). Artà Market is held on Tuesday mornings on Plaça Conqueridor, this is the best place to pick up some traditional Mallorcan woven baskets, textiles, pottery and of course fresh fruit and vegetables.
When we think of things to do we think of activities outside, and if we think alike then we recommend you head to Llevant Natural Park and its 1671 hectares of protected parkland. Mallorca’s second largest mountain range, it drops off into the sea and has all the ingredients for a day out exploring the great outdoors whilst soaking up some spectacular scenery. There are plenty of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists to explore, and it's a popular destination for bird watching.
This golf club is renowned as one of the most beautiful courses on Mallorca. Situated in the far northeast of the island, the course sits in the foothills of the Llevant natural Park overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
This golf club was opened in 1995, originally designed by D.Santiago Sota. Between 2004-2006, the course was redesigned by Jose Maria Olazabal to prepare it for use on the International Pro-Tour.
The Llevant Peninsula is found on the north east of Mallorca. This hilly terrain could almost pass for the Scottish highlands (on a good day!), with its covering of heathers and shrubs at the higher altitudes.
This golf course, situated in Canyamel in the nort-east of Mallorca, is renowned for being one of the most beautiful on the island.
This golf club is located next to the sea in beautiful natural surroundings. The course was designed by John Harris and opened originally as a 9-hole course in 1967.
Something for everyone at this riding centre in the north east. They cater for beginners and advanced, with treks through pine forests and sandy trails. Children are welcome to learn too.
Karakorum offer hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and canyoning throughout Mallorca.
Enjoy great diving in Mallorca with Albatros Diving, based on the east coast in Cala Bona.
Explore one of the most spectacular caves on the island in a unique corner where very few are lucky enough to know about.
A fantastic and fun way to explore the Mallorcan coastline with friends and family!
Stand up paddling is easy to learn and suitable for anyone who wants to try it for the old and the young!
Located on the lovely sandy beach of Port d'Alcudia you can choose to hire a board from 1 to 3 hours or a full day.
If you're a large group, then there are short-term rental accommodation options such as fincas and more modern villas available to rent on the outskirts of town. With the extra space over a hotel room, it also gives you the option to eat out or cook at home, making for the perfectly flexible holiday.
Set in Alcudia’s prestigious residential area of Bonaire, this comfortable villa is stylishly appointed and well laid out for family living. Famous for its spectacular panoramas, Bonaire radiates an air of opulence and of course, the higher you go the better the views.
Villa Ca Nostra is a magnificent modern villa ideally located in the picturesque marina of Bonaire in Mallorca which offers a perfect combination of elegance and comfort.
Set in the peaceful hills between Alcudia and Pollensa, Son Fe de Dalt is a beautifully restored Mallorcan finca on a private 20-acre estate, offering stunning views of the Tramuntana Mountains. This spacious home combines rustic charm with modern comforts, making it an ideal retreat.
Privileged locations don’t come much better than this! This handsome, Mallorcan farmhouse, sits proudly in a gently elevated position within its own sizeable grounds. Gently sloping lawns sweep down to a patchwork of fields and olive groves beyond to a vista where sea, sky and mountains merge on the horizon to create spectacular panoramic views.
Snuggled amidst the rural landscape of the Colonya Valley, Villa Llosia is set in wild, herb-scented countryside, yet is surprisingly close to the upbeat vibe of the traditional towns nearby.
Sitting expediently between the old quarters of both Pollença and Alcudia, this outstanding Finca affords a tranquil, rural setting amongst the meadows of Pollença. Stone clad walls, lovingly nurtured lawns, shady terraces and an irresistibly refreshing pool, conjure up the rustic appeal of this utopia.
There are a couple of nice hotels within Arta itself, while in the surrounding area you will find some handsome, small rural establishments ideal for a peaceful country escapade.
In the town centre, with Arta’s charms right on your doorstep, you'll find hotels with eye-catching architecture and elegant, character-filled interiors. In some you’ll find a blend of classic charm and comfort, with highlights such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a pretty courtyard-style restaurant and lovely garden areas that add to the relaxed atmosphere.
For something more low-key, there are smaller, intimate options that offer great value while still delivering plenty of charm. These places often keep original rustic features like exposed beams and stone floors, while incorporating modern touches in a way that feels thoughtful and seamless. It's a lovely balance of old and new, perfect for a cosy and authentic stay.
If you'd rather stay outside of town you don't have to go far to find country estates that have been tastefully renovated to high standards offering rural-chic interiors, swimming pools, authenticity and a home-away-from-home vibe. You'll enjoy a tranquil setting and picturesque scenery.
This luxury resort is located in a quiet valley surrounded by natural beauty near the village of Canyamel. Built in a traditional Mallorcan-villa style, this retreat reflects local art and cultural heritage while offering five-star services and facilities.
Carrossa is located on one of the gentle Llevant hills in the authentic north-east of Mallorca, not far from the romantic little town of Artà. The magnificent country estate, offers a fabulous view of the surrounding bays from Alcùdia to Cala Millor.
This stylish rural hotel is located on a 17th century country estate which has been completely renovated and refurbished to create a haven of rest and relaxation with a modern bright and airy interior.
The hotel Sant Salvador in Arta is a special place for all kinds of people. Whether they would like to play golf (there are four golf courses within less than 15min) or for people who are looking for a peaceful place to stay.
Surrounded by beautifully designed and well-maintained gardens, the hotel enjoys views of the impressive pilgrimage church of San Salvador.
This is a 7 hectare estate, situated among the rolling hills of the Sierra de Llevant. The house was built in the 16th century, and has recently been restored in the traditional character of an Mallorcan country house.
Car hire is still a good option in Mallorca and Artà is around an hour from Palma airport by car. Alternatively take the pressure off driving and reserve a private transfer.
There is no direct bus to Artà from the airport, you need to go via Palma bus station and there are only a few buses a day.
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
Experience the ultimate in comfortable living with this exceptional property located in the desirable urbanization of Crestatx, nestled between Sa Pobla and Pollensa. Boasting a prime location in a residential area with high demand, this fabulous plot features a charming small house that offers plenty of possibilities for extension to meet your future needs.
This stunning penthouse in Puerto Pollensa is the perfect holiday rental option for up to four people. Situated on the first line of the sea, it's conveniently located near excellent restaurants, bars, and basic amenities.
Charming Townhouse in Central Puerto Pollensa with Great Renovation Potential
Located in one of the most sought-after areas in northern Mallorca, this apartment in Puerto Pollensa offers great potential to adapt it to your personal style. The property is habitable but requires renovation, giving you the opportunity to create a modern, customized home.
Bright, fully renovated apartment located on the third floor of a building with lift, within a quiet community of only six neighbours, right in the centre of Puerto Pollensa. The beach, main square and the famous Pine Walk are all within easy walking distance.
Cozy ground-floor apartment located in a quiet area of Puerto Pollensa, in a building with six neighbors, built around 20 years ago. The property is in good condition and ready to move in.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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