Ariany local destination guide
Where to stay in Ariany
Enter your arrival and departure dates below to see which accommodation offers are available during your stay.
Things to do and see in Ariany
Despite of its rather modest size, Ariany does have some interesting points of interest worth visiting to get a better picture of how life in Mallorca used to be not long ago. Many of these places makes for a wonderful walk or bicycling trip in the fresh uncontaminated countryside air.
VISIT THE PARISH CHURCH OF ATOTXA
The church of Atotxa is one of the younger religious constructions in Mallorca, dating from the beginning of the 19th century. The church stands out in its architectural combining different styles both on the inside and on the outside. The church is situated at the highest point of the village offering divine views of the countryside.
MIRADOR DE SA CREU (VIEWPOINT OF THE CROSS)
In front of the Atotxa church you will find one of the most romantic spots in the Pla region, the Mirador de sa Creu viewpoint. The small viewpoint is surrounded by a beautiful rose bed, and from its platform you can see all the way to the holy mountain of Randa.
S’Auburg
The old farmhouse of s’Auburg was the first building in the village, which later belonged to the Marquis of Ariany. It is a modest building of unimposing character, but it is still interesting to look at it knowing that this was the first building of the village.
DISCOVER THE MILLS OF ARIANY
The mills of Mallorca are landmarks reminding one of a time long gone. In the area of Ariany you will find several splendid examples of these traditional windmills that has been preserved even though they were shut down more than a hundred years ago. We have found a small collection of some of the most interesting old mill towers for you to discover in the area.
THE OLD WELLS OF BO AND JURA
On the road connecting Ariany and Petra, you will find two well-preserved old wells, the Bo and Jura. The well of Bo has its name from the good quality of water, and the Jurà has its name from the poor quality of water. The two are both interesting sights because of their architecture and function.
THE OLD WATER TANK OF ARIANY
Water is precious, especially in the Mediterranean countryside where it does not rain everyday. When water was not something you could just tap from home, you had to store it in tanks. The water tank in the main square of Ariany is a great example of a such system. It has a capacity of 800,000 liters and has been modernized allowing for human consumption.
Weekly Market in Ariany
The weekly market in Ariany is held on Thursday from 8 in the morning. This is a typical Mallorcan crafts and commodity market, where you can browse and sample typical Mallorcan products from local farmers and producers.
Fairs, celebrations and events
January:
Sant Antoni
The celebration of Sant Antoni is held in many Mallorcan towns and villages, namely because he is protector of animals. Sant Antoni is celebrated on January 17 with a mass in the morning, followed by various parades and activities all day long.
July:
Fira nocturna (night fair)
The last Saturday of July, the night fair is held in Ariany. The night fair is a wonderful and different experience, namely because it is held after dark. At the fair you can shop at the market, taste dishes of typical Mallorcan cuisine and enjoy some traditional Mallorcan dances and performances.
Festa de la independència municipal
The last Sunday of July, the municipal independence of 1982 is celebrated in Ariany.
August:
Festes de Mare de Déu d’Atotxa
On the last Sunday of August, the Lady of Atotxa is celebrated in Ariany. This celebration starts with a mass in the morning followed by a procession and various parades, performances and speeches.
About Ariany
Ariany is one of the smallest municipalities of the Pla region, and in Mallorca for that matter, covering a surface of 23,14 km². The population comprises about 850 inhabitants , with a density of 37,17 inhabitants/km².
Ariany is an agrarian community, there is barely any tourism here, at least not mass tourism. There are but a few accommodation options to choose from, making it one of the most remote areas in regards to tourism.
The village itself is built on a hilltop from where you can scout over the tranquil countryside predominated by plain fields.
History of Ariany
The lands of Ariany has been occupied by humans since pre-talayotic times (2,400 BC), this has been confirmed from artifacts and sites excavated.
After the Catalan conquest of Mallorca (1229-1232), the king distributed the lands of the island to participators of the campaign. At that time, this place corresponded to the farmhouse of Arian. It is uncertain whether this farm had been built by the Moors.
The village itself arose from the farmhouse of s’Auburg, which in the 16th century belonged to the Cotoner family, one of the most influential families amongst the Mallorcan nobility. The Cotonor family supported Felip V during the Spanish War of Succession, and was appointed with the title of Marquises. The old farmhouse of s’Auburg is found on the road called Camí de Sa Marquesa, which is connected to the Son Sureda of Manacor.
The Cotoner family was also the initiators of the new parish church of Atotxa.
In 1925 and 1949, Ariany wanted secession from Petra, however, this was not granted until 1982.
Where is Ariany located?
Ariany is located in the northeastern part of the Pla de Mallorca region, bordering the municipalities of Maria de la Salut, Petra, Santa Margalida and Sineu.
Ariany is located about 50 km from Palma, which takes about an hour to drive by car.
The Pla de Mallorca region
Pla de Mallorca is a region consisting of municipalities located in the geographical centre of Mallorca. Pla de Mallorca has gotten its name from the plain flat countryside that dominates most of the local areas in the region, only with exception of a few. When you travel in the Pla region, you will notice that tourism is far from the main source of income in strong contrast to the many coastal areas of the island. Out here, agriculture and production are the main sources of income and occupies most people.
What makes Pla de Mallorca an interesting region to travel in, is the authenticity and charm that dominates these rural districts. Moreover, traveling around in the Pla region is really easy due to the great infrastructure, broad roads, low traffic load and flat landscape.
Algaida
Algaida is to many people the manifestation of the Mallorcan soul and cultural heritage. The town carries a rich and long history going all the way back to the Catalan conquest of Mallorca, stunning nature and an indulging kitchen. Algaida is a great place to spend your rural holiday on Mallorca, because of the unique location just 20 minutes from Palma. Accommodation in Algaida is just as unique; do yourself a favor and try a few days at the epic sanctuary of Cura and enjoy the most amazing views overlooking the bay of Palma and the stunning countryside.
Ca’n Picafort
Ca’n Picafort is a highly popular holiday resort located in the bay of Alcúdia, with its roots in the rural village of Santa Margalida. Yes, Ca’n Picafort is a mass-tourism holiday destination, especially during high season in the summer, but offers splendid accommodation all year round, especially the many villas and fincas situated in the back of the area are very popular during the winter season due to the rise of cycle tourism in this period.
Costitx
Costitx is one of the smallest villages in the es Pla region out here on the rural countryside, yet one of the most popular holiday destinations amongst tourists looking for beauty, tranquillity and rural ambience. Costitx is well-known for its many interesting places of interest to explore closer, therefore, it is not a rare sight to see tourists walking or driving in the local area with the cameras ready. Your accommodation in Costitx will be in one of the many beautiful fincas or villas in the rural surroundings, offering modern yet authentic facilities.
Lloret de Vistalegre
Explore rich agricultural heritage of the es Pla region, Mediterranean wildlife and vegetation, while relaxing and enjoying in the charming village life of Lloret. Accommodation offers in Lloret consists of charming fincas and villas situated in the surrounding countryside around the village itself. There are also a few holiday rentals and flats inside the village, if you really want to get close to the local community and the soul of Lloret.
Llubí
Llubí is known as the “honey town” of Mallorca, due to its rich traditions within beekeeping and honey production. In Llubí, you can enjoy real silence, an undisturbed and unspoiled agricultural area that has not yet seen much impact from tourism. Llubí only have one single boutique hotel in the village itself, meaning that most accommodation here is fincas and villas in the rural areas surrounding the town. You should choose Llubí as your rural holiday destination, if you are going self-catered and want to enjoy the tranquillity and central location of this base.
Maria de la Salut
Historic old fincas and agritourism is what can you expect to find in Maria de la Salut, an old and wealthy area in the northern part of es Pla. Located in the northern areas of Mallorca, Maria de la Salut makes a perfect rural holiday destination if you want to combine the windless countryside with fresh sea breezes found in the bay of Alcúdia running not far from here. Recommended accommodation in Maria de la Salut, includes the historic olive farm and agritourismo of Roqueta and the rebuilt finca hotel of Finca Son i Roig named after one of the children of the village.
Montuïri
Medieval village located at the summit of a mountain here in the middle of everything. Montuïri offers a wealth of stunning natural spaces to explore. Moreover, Montuïri is home to the emblematic prehistoric settlement of Son Fornés. Your rural holiday in Montuïri can be in a finca situated in solitude, or in the amazing SPA & Wellness hotel of Can Manera. Whatever choice triggers you the most, you are sure to meet the real soul of Mallorca here in Montuïiri.
Muro
Muro is mostly known for its popular summer holiday destination of Playa de Muro, but the main town holds a great treasure of local cultural heritage and charming village life. Muro is located in the northern part of the es Pla region, allowing for easy access to the coastline in the Alcúdia bay, as well as the many great roads for road cycling. Accommodation offers in Muro includes some amazing and very charming rebuilt fincas and finca hotels, offering every facility and amenity to complete the perfect rural holiday in Muro.
Petra
One of the most pastoral and charming little villages in the rural heart of Mallorca. The village breaks record of how many religious buildings a village of this size can hold, nevertheless, it offers a great selection of places of interest to explore, as well as ambient bars and restaurants. Choosing accommodation for your rural holiday in Petra, typically includes a charming finca or agroturismo in the local area, especially the latter is highly recommended trying here. Another choice is the cozy and charming small boutique hotel situated in the very heart of Petra.
Playa de Muro
Playa de Muro is the perfect holiday destination in the north of Mallorca if you are looking for stunning beaches and a versatile local area. Playa de Muro offers a wealth of fantastic accommodation options, thus more than 500 local restaurants and bars. You probably won’t associate Playa de Muro with a typical Mallorcan rural holiday, and during high season it probably isn’t either, but that the charm of this huge area, it is indeed versatile. During autumn, winter and spring, Playa de Muro is packed with active tourists enjoying the combination of beach and rural countryside.
Porreres
Porreres is located in the southern area of es Pla, a wonderful small village with a rich cultural heritage to explore and indulge in. When it comes to accommodation in Porreres, it is highly recommended to go for one of the agroturismos in the local area, producing fincas equipped with all modern facilities and amenities to complete your perfect rural holiday on Mallorca. The village of Porreres is quite interesting too, a bunch of new and interesting restaurants has seen the light here in the middle of the traditional urban core, giving you even more dining options to choose from.
Sant Joan
Sant Joan is the core essence of Mallorcan agriculture, located in the heart of the island. The area is so agricultural, that each year an entire fair dedicated to agritourism is held here in the town. Choose Sant Joan as your rural holiday destination, if you are attracted to silence and solitude, because that is what you will find here among the many interesting places of interest and fields of almond trees covering the surface. Moreover, Sant Joan enjoys a central location in the Pla region, allowing for easy access to most other small villages in the region.
Santa Eugènia
Santa Eugénia exemplifies an agricultural rural escape, yet keeps its touch to bigger urban areas. Santa Eugènia is located in scenic nature, with great views and surrounding by a varied natural environment. Santa Eugenia enjoys a unique location just a 10 minute drive from Palma, yet not a sound of a car is to be heard out here. Choose Santa Eugenia for your rural holiday, if you want luxury and access. Especially golfers rents fincas and villas in Santa Eugènia because of the many golf courses close by.
Sencelles
Sencelles is located in the heart of es Pla and exemplifies what es Pla is, an agricultural community developed throughout thousands of years. Sencelles consist of the town itself, with three other small hamlets located in the nearby area. Accommodation offers in Sencelles are petit finca hotels in the rural countryside and holiday villas for rent. You will find everything you need for your rural Mallorcan holiday in Sencelles thus a wonderful central location.
Sineu
Sineu was home to the first jurisdiction of the rural areas on Mallorca, thus home the king’s summer palace. Sineu is by locals not only seen as the heart of Mallorca, but as the heart of the world. Sineu is very popular among tourists on Wednesdays when one of the biggest markets on Mallorca is held in the town. Accommodation offers in Sineu includes some of the most charming rustic fincas in the local area equipped with everything you need to complete the perfect rural holiday here.
Vilafranca de Bonany
Known as the “melon town” of Mallorca, no doubt you are in for a tasteful experience when visiting Vilafranca de Bonany here in the centre of Mallorca. Accommodation offers in Vilafranca de Bonany mainly consist of rebuilt fincas and villas in the surrounding countryside, offering true tranquillity and solitude to the self-catered rural holidaymaker.
