Petra in Mallorca offers a variety of travel experiences, with its protected old town, sites associated with Junípero Serra, and several hiking and cycling routes.

Historic Old Town and Sant Pere

Petra’s old town is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural for its historical and urban value, as well as its traditional buildings and monuments. One particular landmark is the Iglesia Parroquial de Sant Pere. It is the third parish church to have been built in the town since the 13th century. Construction began in 1582 and was completed towards the end of the 18th century. The church is predominantly Gothic; the Rosary Chapel, built in 1689, is an exception with its Baroque style.

Another piece of its history is preserved in the stone baptismal font from 1588. It was made by Miquel Abraham and Juan Antiguo; the future Junípero Serra was baptized at this font. The church and font thus link the town’s architectural history with Serra’s life story.

Places from Junípero Serra’s Life

At the Convent de Sant Bernardí, Miguel José Serra received his first religious instruction and education as a child. In 1731, at the age of 17, he joined the Franciscan order there. The Museo Casa de Junípero Serra houses the Centro de Estudios Junípero Serra, which opened in 1959, and a significant collection of works associated with Serra. The convent represents his early education, while the museum focuses on works associated with him.

Hiking and Cycling Route

The Clásica de Petra a Bonany hiking route starts and ends at Petra railway station. Along the way, it passes, among other places, the parish church, Father Serra Square, the Convent de Sant Bernardí, Father Serra’s museum and birthplace, and the Bonany Sanctuary. Its named stops give the route a clear cultural focus.

Another option is the 14 km Torrent de Petra hiking route, which also starts and ends at the railway station. The two hikes therefore differ in their stated focus: the Clásica passes several cultural sites and the sanctuary, while Torrent de Petra has a stated total length of 14 km. The Término de Petra Sur cycling route runs entirely along public roads within the municipality of Petra. This refers to the municipal area, not just the town centre.

Bonany, Market and Wine

There are several signposted trails in the landscape and natural surroundings of Mount Bonany near Petra. The Santuario La Mare de Déu de Bonany stands on Puig de Bonany and dates back to 1606. The present-day historicist church was built between 1920 and 1925 on the site of an earlier Baroque temple, which was demolished in 1919. The sanctuary’s history thus encompasses both its beginnings in the early 17th century and the rebuilding of the church in the 20th century.

For a culinary experience, visit the weekly market: it takes place every Wednesday morning and offers local agricultural produce such as fruit, vegetables, sobrasada and artisan cheese. Check the date locally before your trip. Petra is also part of the Pla i Llevant protected designation of origin. In the surrounding area, you can visit vineyards and taste the wines produced there.

Discover more destinations: Vilafranca De Bonany, Lluc, Cala Tuent, Torrenova, Son Ferrer, Algaida, Calvia, Mancor De La Vall

For the broader travel overview: Mallorca.