Santanyí around Plaça Major

You can explore Santanyí via Plaça Major: it is the town centre, and both the market and festivals take place here. Alongside the town hall, the parish church of Sant Andreu is one of the two main buildings on the square. If you want to plan your stay around a particular occasion, this gives you a clear starting point. Santanyí’s architectural history can also be traced through several different buildings.

Churches, stone and fortifications

Sant Andreu was built from Santanyí stone. Construction began on 25 July 1786 and took 25 years. The church houses a monumental Baroque organ from the Dominican convent in Palma. Sant Andreu therefore offers a chance to take in both the local building material and the lengthy construction period, as well as the Baroque organ.

El Roser tells a story of an older ecclesiastical building: the former parish church was built in the first half of the 14th century in a transitional style between Romanesque and Gothic. During pirate raids, it regularly served as a refuge for the local population and was therefore fortified. By comparison, construction of Sant Andreu did not begin until 1786. The two churches thus represent different eras and functions.

Another testament to the town’s history is La Porta Murada, a gate tower in Santanyí’s fortification walls dating from the 16th century. El Roser brings together its former role as a parish church and its defensive function, while La Porta Murada makes the history of the town’s fortifications visible as part of the defensive walls.

Market, art and local produce

The market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. More than 150 stalls are spread across Plaça Major and the surrounding streets; the number can vary. They offer local produce, clothing and handmade goods. Sobrassada, oil and wine are also available at the Mercat de Santanyí. If you are planning a market visit, the two regular market days each week provide a clear guide.

Santanyí’s narrow streets are home to several art galleries and art studios. This adds a different cultural focus to the market: the galleries and studios are part of the townscape, while the market is defined by its stalls and goods. You can tailor your stay to your interests in local produce, crafts or art, without having to plan around a particular festival date.

Festivals throughout the year

The Sant Antoni festival takes place on 17 January. Traditional bonfires and barbecues are held on the eve, and animals are blessed. The Fira de Santanyí is scheduled for the third Saturday in October and has an agricultural, craft and industrial focus. Since the market is also held on Saturdays, the Fira falls on one of its regular market days.

The Sant Andreu patron saint’s festival on 30 November includes a solemn Mass. Many social and cultural activities are also held during the festival week. When choosing your travel dates, the key question is whether you would like to experience a regular market day or one of the festivals. If you are planning your accommodation around a particular festival, check the latest dates and programme before travelling.

Even without a specific event date, Santanyí offers a range of points of interest: the architectural history surrounding Sant Andreu, El Roser and La Porta Murada; the art galleries and studios; and the recurring market. For a short stay, you can first decide which of these interests you most; if you are travelling for a particular festival, its date will determine the timing of your visit.

Discover more destinations: S'alqueria Blanca, Cala D'or, Cala Figuera, Cala Llombards, Cala Santanyi, Cap Des Moro, Portopetro, Calonge, Es Llombards, S´amarador.

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.