Seven windmill towers stand in the countryside around Ariany. Their construction and use histories differ considerably: one tower dates from the late 18th century, while others were built or abandoned in the 20th century. Together with Sa Creu, S’Auberg and historic trails, the mills give a stay a specific focus on village history and cultural landscapes.
Windmills with different histories
The Molí d’en Marinero is a windmill tower from the late 18th century and the widest windmill tower in the municipality of Ariany. The Molí d’en Rigo is one of the oldest windmills in the area; a depiction of Saint Anthony can be found in a niche. The construction sequence of the Molí d’en Guillem Gener is particularly notable: it was the last windmill built in Ariany. The Molí d’en Bernat Gener was built in 1910 and operated until 1934. Together, these mills illustrate different aspects of windmill history, from construction dates and sequence to length of operation.
Abandoned structures are part of this picture, too. The Molí de Ses Comunes, also known as the Molí d’en Xarop, is an abandoned windmill that retains remnants of its machinery. Part of the windmill tower remains at the Molí d’en Piuló; it was abandoned in 1919 because there was too little wind there. At the exit from the village towards Maria de la Salut, two former windmills that once served to produce flour can be seen from the road.
Village centre, architecture and tradition
Sa Creu stands in the centre of Ariany: the cross was built in 1856 from Marès sandstone in the Neoclassical style. The Encontre is celebrated there at Easter, and olive branches are blessed on Palm Sunday. S’Auberg, next to the church, offers another architectural detail. The house is the origin of Ariany’s village centre; its portal ends in a round arch and features sandstone voussoirs. Sa Creu foregrounds construction history and recurring customs, while S’Auberg highlights the origins of the village centre and a distinctive portal.
The municipal holiday marking Ariany’s independence is celebrated on the third Saturday in July with a Tramponada and a night market for local handicraft products. The programme’s details may change from year to year, so check the latest event information before travelling.
Trails, water points and planning your time
For a specific hike, consider the D’Ariany a Petra route via Pou Jurà and Pou Bo. It is 6.4 kilometres long, completely flat and easy; walking time is approximately two hours. This is an estimate. Check local trail conditions before setting out. The route has two distinct landmarks: Pou Jurà is less than a kilometre from Ariany and has livestock troughs and washing areas under a roof. The old ethnological well, Pou Bo, is also less than a kilometre from the village.
The Camí de sa Marquesa is an old paved path that, according to tradition, connected S’Auberg with Son Sureda de Manacor. Parts of the route have been lost or are difficult to follow. If you plan to take the path, check in advance how its route can be traced rather than assuming it is easy to follow all the way.
Views and Mallorca as a travel setting
From Carrer Auberg in Ariany, you can see Puig de Randa, Puig de Bonany and the Serra de Llevant. Cereal farming predominates in the countryside between Ariany and Santa Margalida; the area also offers a good view of the central part of the Serra de Tramuntana, including Puig Major, Massanella, Puig Roig and Puig d’Alfàbia. The nearby landscape thus brings together agricultural land and named viewpoints.
Palma de Mallorca Airport is an important starting point for travelling to Mallorca: flying is the most common way to reach the island, and direct flights connect many European cities with major Spanish and international cities. Check flight connections before booking.
Discover more destinations: Deyá, Mancor De La Vall, Costa dels Pins, Andratx, Sineu, Consell, Torrenova, Cielo de Bonaire.
For the overall travel guide: Mallorca.
