Located in Southeast Mallorca, Santanyi is a picturesque old market town with an arty cosmopolitan vibe and a good selection of shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants.
The golden-stone town has a laid-back creative atmosphere that livens up with its famous twice-weekly market. Santanyi is set just inland, close to a huge swathe of the Mallorcan coastline and beautiful beaches. It is also located near to Mallorca’s second largest natural park – the Peninsula de Llevant.
Santanyi Market
Santanyi’s market is one of the best on the island. Also known as Mercat Setmanal, it is a huge, lively market held in the centre of Santanyi every Wednesday and Saturday. There is fresh local produce galore so you can stock up on fruit, vegetables and delicacies. There’s also an excellent array of quality local artisan, jewellery and craft stalls. It’s the perfect place to pick up a tasteful holiday keepsake or present. Make sure you head to the market early on, as the stalls tend to be packed up by 2 pm.
The best places to eat
Once you’ve finished browsing the stalls, there are plenty of cafes and bars from which to enjoy a morning café con leche and the bustling atmosphere. Santanyi has plenty of great little cafes and nice restaurants, however our favourites on the main square are the arty L’Art de Vivre and Sa Botiga where you can enjoy delicious brunches (best to book in advance as these are popular spots) whilst surrounded by art.
For something different try Irish gastro-pub Gra which offers a winning combination of an inspiring vegan menu in a friendly Irish pub,
For on-trend, stylish surroundings and a great terrace, head to East26.
If you’re just looking for a good Italian or pizzeria for dinner in Santanyi, try out Pomodoro (C/Ravandella, 21) and for tapas try the old windmill, Es Moli de Santanyi.
Es Cantonet combines Mediterranean with Asian influences in pleasant surrounds.
If you’re looking for live music and a night out with the locals and artists, don’t miss Sa Cova bar on Placa Major with live music on Wed, Sat & Sundays.
It’s definitely worth making a trip to the sleepy hamlet of S’Alqueria Blanc and the Sa Placa restaurant right on the main square. Enjoy delicious good-value tapas at this laid-back place
Shopping in Santanyi
Aside from an excellent market, there are interesting artisan shops to explore in Santanyi, Art galleries and artist studios abound in the town, so make time to peruse if you’re after some original art. Popular galleries are Caspar Hansen and Galerie Santanyi Art.
If you’re looking to buy local produce, it’s worth stopping in at the Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc Shop to buy the beautifully packaged famous salt from nearby Es Trenc.
Best beaches near to Santanyi
Some of the island’s best beaches are located in the South East of the island, so there are plenty of beautiful coves and swathes of white sands with crystal clear waters to explore. Many of these are within 15 minutes’ drive of Santanyi.
Just 5 kms away is Cala Santanyi. This is a small resort with a small pristine blue flag beach with crystal clear waters.
Also nearby is the picture postcard Cala Figuera which is set around a deep cove. It has an authentic Mallorcan atmosphere, with local fishermen bringing in their catch and mending their nets. There’s no beach here but the natural harbour with its traditional fishing boats and ancient seafront houses allegedly offers some of the best diving on the island.
Some of the island’s most beautiful sandy coves are nearby and definitely worth a visit – Cala Mondrago, Cala S’Almonia and Cala Llombards are some of our favourites.
Walking in South East Mallorca
If you love exploring the coastline by foot, there is a great network of coastal paths in this part of the island.
The beautiful Mondrago Natural Park has walking trails that allow you to explore the coast and stunning white sandy beaches.
Many of the hikes in the area start from the Cap de Ses Salines. Whilst If you head to Colonial de Sant Jordi, you can take a gentle walk along the string of attractive beaches such as Platja d’es Dolc and Es Caragol.
Cycling in the South of Mallorca
With a good network of cycling trails and a flat terrain, cycling is an easy way to get around and explore the area at a sedate pace.
The best places to stay in Santanyi
Located in the heart of Santanyi, Can Ferrereta Hotel and Spa is a historic manor house that has been beautifully renovated into a luxury, stylish small hotel.
The beautiful Cal Reiet is a mix of luxury boutique hotel and holistic retreat. This is a place to unwind and recharge and is within easy walking distance of the town.
The adults-only Font Santa hotel and thermal spa is the perfect sanctuary for those looking for total relaxation. You can experience Mallorca’s only natural hot springs at the hotel’s chic spa facilities. Font Santa also has a well-respected restaurant complete with a picturesque terrace. This hotel is a short drive from Santanyi.
For family-friendly self-catering on a charming, rural estate, take a look at Son Capellot Apartments. These tasteful well-priced apartments are set in meticulous spacious grounds in tranquil countryside.
The serene Sa Galera Hotel is tucked away on a country estate just a few miles from Santanyi. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, it is also a great place for horse lovers. The estate is home to one of the best Pure Mallorcan horse breeding centres and guests can enjoy horse-riding and trekking activities.
For free advice and a free hotel booking service, email us via our contact page or call us and speak directly to a travel adviser on 0800 170 1020 or +44 (0) 207 118 1020. Alternatively you can browse all our recommended South places to stay here.
All images are copyright The Other Mallorca or belong to the restaurants & cafes suggested.