Santanyí: Mallorca’s Hidden Gem

8 min readJun 11, 2023

A Perfect Blend of Rustic Charm and Artistic Flair

Unmasking Santanyí

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Mallorca, Santanyí is a quaint town that radiates an authentic rural vibe and a distinct Mallorcan allure. This picturesque village, adorned with golden-stone buildings, is strategically positioned just a hop, skip, and jump away from a breathtaking 48km coastline and adjacent to the second-largest nature park in the Balearics. Its awe-inspiring natural beauty, coupled with a tranquil ambiance and a selection of delightful eateries and accommodations, make Santanyí a unique gem in Mallorca’s crown. This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of this captivating southern town.

Journey Through History & Culture

Santanyí’s environment, light, and ambiance have been a magnet for international artists over the years. Today, art is a cornerstone of the town, with a plethora of galleries and workshops tucked away in its quiet, narrow streets.

The locals, familiar with each other, often pause for friendly chats with their neighbors. Visitors can immerse themselves in the daily rhythm of the town while sipping a café con leche or a glass of wine on one of the many square terraces.

Santanyí’s history is etched in its architecture, bearing the scars of past pirate invasions. The fortified city wall and Porta Murada (gate) stand as reminders of the town’s tumultuous past. The threat of Moorish invasions was so severe that many residents sought refuge in the town’s locked church.

A short trip to nearby Cala Llonga reveals the remnants of an 18th-century fort, complete with embrasures for housing cannons. Several defense towers dot the coastline, including Torre d’en Beu, in Cala Figuera.

The town’s original name, Santi Annini, translates to ‘Lamb of God’, a symbol that can be seen in the church and Santanyí’s coat of arms.

Must-See Attractions

Whether you’re drawn by the picturesque landscapes, curiosity, or a love for art, Santanyí is a must-visit destination. The best time to explore is on the weekend, with Saturday being the bustling market day. Start your day early with breakfast at a local café, then enjoy the lively atmosphere of one of the island’s most charming markets. Browse the galleries or peruse the market stalls brimming with intriguing finds.

Plan an early dinner at one of Santanyí’s excellent restaurants, and don’t miss the live music at Sa Cova (starting around 09:30hrs). If you’re lucky, you might catch the owner, Juan, joining the band on guitar. Regardless, it’s sure to be a memorable evening.

Sunday is perfect for a boat excursion to the nature park Cabrera. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, unique species, and fauna, and its crystal-clear waters are a diver’s paradise. You can book a day tour at the harbour of Colonia Sant Jordi, with boats departing at 09:30 hrs. Pack a picnic basket and spend the day walking, sunbathing, or snorkelling.

The boats return to Colonia Sant Jordi around 05:00 pm — the perfect time to unwind at one of the marina’s bars on the new promenade with a refreshing sundowner and an unbeatable view over the harbour.

Things to do in Santanyí

Santanyí is a treasure trove of galleries and art workshops. A leisurely stroll through the side streets could lead you to a unique piece of art or a decorative item for your home.

If you’re a design enthusiast, Galería Barceló is a must-visit. They design handcrafted furniture pieces using top-quality materials. Their store is a melting pot of styles inspired by cultures worldwide, making it a must-visit spot on the island for those seeking imaginative design.

Make sure to visit Casa de Arte, where you can explore the vibrant work of successful Dutch-born artist Gemma Leys. Gemma also periodically hosts workshops for budding painters at her Santanyí house.

For a fun shopping experience, head to Plaza Mayor. Here, you’ll find the Italian designer fashion store Es Centre and Cult, a shop that features young fashion and designer jeans.

Foodies and gift shoppers will love the official Flor de Sal shop, located in the main square. This gourmet ingredient, harvested nearby on the salt flats of Es Trenc, is a staple on the island and is packaged in eye-catching canisters.

Lucie Hauri’s East 26 is a hub of creativity. With the motto ‘we create your living,’ East 26 is a community dedicated to inspiring people in their design projects and everyday life.

For a unique wine tasting experience, visit the Son Alegre wine cellar in nearby Calonge. As one of several Mallorcan bodegas producing wines under strict ecological conditions, Son Alegre welcomes visitors by appointment.

Santanyí is a haven for those who love secluded walks, thanks to the network of coastal paths in the area. Visit the nature area of Mondragó or drive over to the lighthouse of Ses Salines. From there, you can walk along the beaches to Colonia Sant Jordi or follow the cliffy coast to Cala Llombards.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Vall d’Or golf course, a short ten-minute drive from Santanyí. This beautifully maintained course offers magnificent Mediterranean views.

Santanyí Bay & Beaches

Just a few kilometers from Santanyí, you’ll find the picturesque harbour of Cala Figuera. This spot offers an authentic glimpse of the island before the era of mass tourism.

Cala Santanyí, located about 6km from Santanyí village, is a bit more developed and can get busy. Despite this, it remains a beautiful beach with pristine shallow water, surrounded by pines and palms.

Cafés & Restaurants in Santanyí

Santanyí is a paradise for food lovers, with a plethora of wonderful and interesting restaurants nestled within its attractive streets.

Cal Reiet boutique hotel offers a vibrant and innovative vegetarian menu in a tranquil and picturesque setting.

On the market square, two restaurants, Sa Botiga and L’Art de Vivre, have embraced the trend of combining food with art. Sa Botiga offers daily German-style buffet breakfasts and changing art exhibitions on its upper floors. L’Art de Vivre, owned by passionate artist Danielle, invites visitors to experience art and gastronomic pleasure.

Es Cantonet is a popular choice, offering elegant Mediterranean dishes with a hint of Asian influence, served in a beautifully romantic old building.

Grá, the only place in Santanyí that combines vegan cuisine and Irish charm, is a must-visit. Hosts Andrea and Donal turn local produce from Santanyí market into delicious plant-based dishes.

East 26 Restaurant is part of East 26, a lifestyle space dedicated to creative living. The restaurant offers a creative and seasonal menu that incorporates Mediterranean and Asian influences.

For Italian food in a casual and quirky setting, try Bacco, with its colourful courtyard. An evening savouring tasty tapas in the warm, lively atmosphere of Bar Sa Cova is a must.

A few kilometers away in the village of Ses Salines, Cassai, an enchanting caférestaurant with a fresh, flavoursome menu, is well worth a visit.

Hotels in Santanyí

If you’re considering an overnight stay, S’Hotelet de Santanyí is a fantastic choice. This chic boutique hotel in the village center showcases beautiful artwork by artist Gemma Leys.

A short drive from Santanyí in Ses Salines, you’ll find two excellent accommodation options. Hotel Rural Es Turo is a charming finca hotel with views of Cabrera island, while C’an Bonico is a historic manor infused with Scandinavian style.

For a luxury experience, the health and wellness hotel Cal Reiet, on the outskirts of Santanyí, offers a dedicated yoga studio, organic restaurant, and spa facilities, making it an ideal retreat location.

Events in Santanyí

Artists find inspiration at Bar Sa Cova, a popular gathering spot. Owner Juan, a jazz fan, fulfilled his dream of owning a bar nine years ago, creating a platform for locals, expats, artists, and musicians. Sa Cova offers live music on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and features a small theater in the backroom that stages French, Spanish, English, and German plays on Sundays.

Saint Anthony’s Day, celebrated on 17th January, is a magical night in Santanyí. Animals are blessed — a deep-rooted tradition in Mallorca- and bonfires are held the previous night.

Santanyí’s Festival International de Música runs from April through to September. Concerts are held in special and symbolic spaces, including churches and the monastery, and are free to attend.

Related: Free activities in Palma

Living in Santanyí

Santanyi’s population of 3000 includes a significant number of expats, giving the town a slight international vibe and boosting the local economy.

Germans seeking a sunny, relaxed lifestyle discovered Santanyí long ago. The town’s reliable sunshine, proximity to Palma, and attractive rural surroundings make it a highly desirable place to live.

The real estate market in this traditional, authentic corner of the island is geared towards fincas. Townhouse restorations are increasingly rare, as many have already been beautifully restored by German residents.

The Lucie Hauri Real Estate agency in Alquería Blanca, a few minutes’ drive from Santanyí, specializes in properties in southeast Mallorca, including Santanyí.

Surrounding areas of Santanyí

Mondragó Nature Park, accessible via the S’Alqueria Blanca or Cala Figuera roads, is a vast area featuring diverse ecosystems, including an unspoilt coastline, dunes, lagoons, and pine forests. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic. Visit the beautiful Cala Mondrago beach to see one of the park’s many red seagulls in flight.

Cap de Ses Salines, 10 kilometers south of the village of Ses Salines, is the island’s most southerly point. It offers wild, rugged beauty far from the crowds. The cape is home to a lighthouse built in 1863 and is an excellent starting point for hikes along the coastal path linking a succession of stunning beaches and coves.

A twenty-minute drive from Santanyí will take you to the tranquil fishing port of Colonia Sant Jordi, surrounded by some of Mallorca’s most exquisite, unspoilt beaches, and the starting point for excursions to Cabrera Island.

Platja Es Trenc, with its white sand and gleaming blue waters, is often compared to the Caribbean. This beach seems to stretch on forever and offers a unique experience compared to the rocky coves elsewhere on the island.