Hacer (to do)
Top 3 picks close to Santanyói
Mercat de Santanyí: once the place where locals used to do their groceries… Now it is one of Mallorca’s most famours touristic attractions! But do not worry, early May is a good time to go. It opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays… Perfect for a quick visit before the wedding!
Consolació Sanctuary: supposedly built in the 14th century, this is one of the best viewpoints in Santanyí. From there, you can see the 5th and smallest island of the Balearic archipelago. Xavi’s parents actually got married there!
Cala Figuera: Xavi’s favourite place on Earth. A stunning little fishing village where his grand parents used to live, and where Xavi’s mum lives now. Great for a short walk and nice lunch at Bar Cala (see Food section)
Beaches
Caló des Moro/ s’Almonia: one of Sophia’s favorite beaches in Mallorca! In the South-eastern part of the island, close to Santanyí… And in May, you may be lucky and not find many tourists!
Es Trenc: one of Mallorca´s renowned underdeveloped beaches, it is a protected Natural park and often compared to Caribbean beaches. It is 2 Km long, perfect for a nice walk at sunset.
Sa Calobra: a stunning, remote beach in the northern part of the island, famous for its breathtaking, steep-walled cove. It is the end-point of the most famous hiking trek of Mallorca, “Torrent de Pareis”; wearing sandals is recommended!
s’Amarador: Xavi’s family’s favourite beach… Also in a Natural Park, it has a nice promenade that connects to another beach (Sa Font de n’Alis); it is also located in a protected Natural Park (Mondragó)
Arts & Culture
Palma Cathedral (La Seu): 14th c. Gothic cathedral in Palma, known for its rose window (but truly loved for Miquel Barcelo’s iteration of the Chapel of Sant Pere and the Holy Sacrament + some Antoni Gaudí feng shui)
Fundació Joan Miró: Museum dedicated to the artist, Joan Miró, located in the outskirts of Palma. Fun fact: the artist had strong ties to Mallorca - his parents and wife, all from the island.
Museu sa Bassa Blanca: Founded by Yannick Vu and Ben Jakober, the highlight of the museum is the Hassan Fathy House, designed by the Egyptian architect himself - housing works from Domenico Gnoli to Meret Oppenheim.
Otro mas (and ,,more)
Serra de Tramuntana: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its winding roads and charming villages. You can hike along the Torrent de Pareis down to Sa Calobra, or bike to reach the Cap de Formentor, ride the historic train to the Port of Soller, or stroll along the cobble-stoned streets of Deià.
Coves d’Artà: a classic and dramatic landmark, these are natural caves that host a massive 22 m long stalagmite, the “rooms” of the cave are named after Dante’s Divine Comedy
Cabrera Island: the 5th and smallest island in the Balearic archipelago; if you have a full free day, there are boat services that take you there for a full day of light hikes
Ses Fonts Ufanes: the most unique hydrological phenomenon in the Balearic Islands. It’s essentially a forest that "spontaneously" turns into a river system after heavy rainfall.