Binissalem, Mallorca, Things to do and see, hotels, market
Welcome to Mallorca’s largest wine district, Binissalem. This suburb of Palma testifies to the magnificent wealth of wine production of the time, with its huge mansions right in the heart of the town.
Wine production is undoubtedly the area’s biggest brand. Already in Roman times in Mallorca, wine was the biggest asset in the area. When you find Mallorcan produced wine in restaurants and in supermarkets, there is a good chance that it comes from Binissalem.
It is almost like stepping back in time, Binissalem is untouched, unspoiled, innocent and untapped. People can still leave their front doors and cars unlocked overnight and children are often seen playing around the central square, unaccompanied by adults.
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Why visit Binissalem
Things to do in Binissalem
ESGLÉSIA DE SANTA MARIA DE ROBINES
The parish church of Santa Maria is one of the most interesting places in Binissalem. The church is the third temple construction on this site since it was established in the 13th century, which ios part of the reason why it features several different stylistics to enjoy. Inside the church, you can admire the wonderful architecture, the side chapels and all the beautiful art works. Also, in the back of the church, behind the apse, you will find the church museum featuring unique collections of religious art and artifacts, very interesting.
VISIT CASA MUSEUM LLORENC VILLALONGA
Llorenç Villalonga, author of works such as Lady’s Death, Doll’s Room and Rebel Angel, was one of the most significant Mallorcan authors that lived in Binissalem. Today, his house has been transformed into a museum and opened to the public. After the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Llorenç Villalonga marries a wealthy relative and moves to Binissalem to live with her in this imposing 17th century mansion of Can Sabater. Inside the museum, you can discover the interesting life of Llorenç Villalonga, his working rooms, his collections of documentation, his participation in creating propaganda during the war, but also the emblematic architecture of this mansion. The tour is build up in a such way that you follow the life of the author chronologically, experiencing the different stages of his life.
DISCOVER THE MANY IMPOSING MANSIONS OF BINISSALEM
Binissalem used to be a very prosperous area, namely because of the long traditions of wine production. Up until the late 1800’s, Binissalem was one of the wealthiest areas in Mallorca, and it shows in the many incredible mansions found in the narrow streets of the town. Stroll the streets to discover numerous examples of unique civil architecture with baroque influence.
VISIT ONE OF THE WINERIES
Being the biggest wine district in Mallorca, Binissalem is home to several wineries that you can visit during your stay. The biggest and most renown winery, is the Jose Ferrer winery situated just outside the town. But there are several other interesting wineries to visit in Binissalem such as the Tianna Negre, one of the most innovative wineries in Mallorca with focus on sustainability and climate. Visiting a winery is one of the top things to do in Binissalem all year round.
INDULGE IN A UNIQUE WINE AND GOURMET EXPERIENCE
Mallorca Wine Tours has been arranging tasteful experiences in Binissalem for a decade now, and with great success. Wine tourism is huge in Binissalem due to the rich traditions of wine production in the area, and Mallorca Wine Tours aims to show you why Mallorcan wines are so special. There are several tours you can go on, the most popular is the train that starts with a visit at the Jose Ferrer winery, then head to the picturesque fields to taste more different wines accompanied by typical Spanish tapas while learning about the process of wine making before setting off to the final destination of the tour, a visit to the oldest winery on the island where you will have more wine and tapas. The wine tour is a wonderful thing to do in this area, especially if you love wine.
CYCLING
Cycling is one of the single most popular sport activities to do in Mallorca and, Binissalem is just a perfect base for a cycling holiday in the Mediterranean paradise. The central location of the municipality and the great infrastructure makes is easy to reach any place on the island by bicycle. To the west, you have the winding mountain roads in the Tramuntana. To the south, you can reach the areas of Ca’n Pastilla, s’Arenal and Llucmajor with their stunning coastline, and to the est and north you can look forward to the uncrowded countrysides and the long straight roads.
GOLFING
From Binissalem, you are only about a 20-minute drive from some of the best golf courses in the Mediterranean, the three Arabella golf resorts of Son Vida, Son Muntaner and Son Quint.
STROLL THE OLD URBAN CORE OF CAMPANET
This property, is believed to be the core foundation of Campanet, with origins back to the Islamic era.
If you walk into the narrow passage to the left of the building, you are at the old central square of the town.
The ground floor of the building, was up through the Middle Ages used as the prison.
Just across from this, you will see the old town hall that was used until the nineteenth century. The work was initiated by mayor, Joan Amer Bennàssar in 1879. The building was originally a public school.
On the first floor, you can see a relief displaying the coat of arms of Campanet.
IMAGE GALLERY
Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Binissalem
FAQ
Binissalem offers a wide selection of fincas and villas for rental.
Here are the best accommodation options in Binissalem:
Binissalem is located at the foothills of the Tramuntana, approx. 27 km (~27 miles) from Palma airport. The transfer time by car or taxi is about 20 minutes.
A taxi from the airport will cost about 30 euros.
If you prefer a more comfortable transfer, consider an air-conditioned private minibus. Check availability and prices here
The weekly market in Binissalem is held Friday morning from around 8 am.
Market and Events in Binissalem
Weekly Market in Binissalem
The weekly market in Binissalem happens on Fridays in the heart of the town. At the market, you can browse through and sample many delicious delicacies and traditional edibles from the local area, such as cheeses, meats, sausages, fruits, vegetables and of course wines. Beside from commodities, the market is also a great place to find shoes and leather products, oils, spices and herbs. Yes, there is indeed reason to come here and mingle with the locals in a joyful atmosphere.
Events and festivities in Binissalem
The town of Binissalem sure knows how to party and celebrate. Several times a year, local traditions are celebrated by the inhabitants of the town, including sports events, competitions, concerts and lots of food served in the streets.
January
Sant Antoni
The first event of the year held on January 17 in honor of Saint Antoni Abat, the patron saint of animals. This festive event is an excellent reason for a visit in Binissalem during the winter. The festivities begin on the evening of the 16th, with igniting small bonfires in the streets which the locals are sitting around and singing traditional songs and fry ‘botifarrons’ – local blood sausage. Later, during the evening, everyone dresses all up as devils and demons dancing around in the streets, as they move from one bonfire to another. The following day a colorful parade is going through the city, culminating in a joint blessing of the animals on the square in front of the parish church.
April
The next event of the year is called ‘Pancaritat’, which is a large communal picnic, that takes place on Easter Sunday each year at Can Arabi, a recreation area. Pancaritat is an old tradition in Mallorca, which dates back to around the year 1407.
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
Get to know the area of Binissalem
History of Binissalem
The history of Binissalem can be dated back to the Talayotic culture about 2,000 BC. However, it was probably the Romans who started cultivating the soil in the area after their conquest of the island from the Carthaginians 123 BC. At that time, the area of Binissalem was part of the main road connecting Palma with Pollen-tia, the two biggest cities built by the Romans.
During the Moorish dominance of Mallorca from about 902, the area belonged to a district known as Qanarussa, where the three farms Robines, Beni Salam and Beni Rasjell was the only habitations in the area. The Moors implemented agricultural and horticulture techniques for efficient cultivation and extraction, to grow grapes, olives, figs and cereal.
Post the Catalan conquest of Mallorca (1229 – 1235), the king ordered a church build on the very site where there was a mosque, in the area called Robines, which was found north of the current town. However, in the year 1300 king Jaume II of Mallorca moved the church to its current position, as well as the urban nucleus.
Practical Info
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Town Hall: +34 971 88 65 58
Public Transport
Bus lines: 303
Power Supply
220V