Selva, Mallorca, Things to do and see, hotels, market
Set in a picturesque setting at the foot of the green Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, Selva is a beautiful town in a highly sought after area of Mallorca.
This small town boasts a wealth of local character, and beautifully represents the rural areas of the island, with great contrast to the developed beach resorts.
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Why visit Selva
Things to do in Selva
Selva is a great place for physical activities such as wealking, trekking and cycling. The location at the foothills of the mountains makes it easy to reach the really fun and challenging roads, as well as the many walking routes leading about in the scenic nature. But Selva also offers a handful of places of interest worth visiting or passing by.
Below are some suggestions on thing to do when visiting Selva.
VISIT THE PARISH CHURCH OF SANT LLORENC
The parish church of Sant Llorenc rises high above the rooftops of Selva and can be seen from far away, some would call it the landmark of the area. Looking at the temple from the outside is an impressive sight with its huge dimensions , but it is absolutely just as admirable from the inside.
ENJOY AN EXCURSION TO THE RUINS OF THE TEMPLE OF CHRIST
In the beautiful green hills outside Selva, you will find the ruins of a former chapel built to honor Easter. Unfortunately, because of the commercial exploit of the soil the chapel was quickly left to decline. Today, the ruins of the former chapel is the only thing left here, however, there are processions during Easter to this place from Selva. Before the chapel was built, there was a watchtower at this place that was part of an extensive network of towers communicating with each other in times of attacks.
THE OLD WATER SUPPLY
From a time when clean or fresh water was not something every home had, you can explore the old lavoir and water sources that used to supply the inhabitants of Selva. A stairway leads 23 steps underground to a bunker with two concrete basins that women used for washing clothes and bring home water.
PASS BY THE VALELLA CROSS
If you have walked in Mallorcan villages, you have probably seen stone crosses and sculptures in the streets. These crosses used to mark village border back during the Middle Ages and later used to guide pilgrims toward chapels in the area. The cross of Valella is a fine example of a baroque cross and has been declared cultural heritage of Selva.
THE OLD WELL OF GATELL
This is a splendid example of a lavoir and well dating all the way back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest of its kind on the island. The well was in function all the way up until the 1960’s, which evidences the quality of the engineering done back in the Middle Ages. The well could still be functioning, unfortunately a piping job done in the 60’s went wrong and damaged the system severely.
THE SON ARNAU FINCA
Son Arnau is a charming little petit hotel i Selva, but was originally an inn for pilgrims on their way to the famous Lluc monastery. The building dates back from the 18th century and is another place that indicates the importance of Selva as a religious station.
THE SON BISBAL FINCA
Son Bisbal is another historical building in Selva. This beautiful old building from the 17th century, used to house the civil guard and has been a central part of Selva for centuries. Today, the building houses a wonderful boutique hotel of same name.
FAQ
Here are the best accommodation options in Selva:
Selva is located at the foothills of the Tramuntana, some 40 km (~25 miles) from Palma airport. The transfer time by car or taxi is about 30 minutes.
A taxi from the airport will cost about 45-50 euros.
If you prefer a more comfortable transfer, consider an air-conditioned private minibus. Book here
The weekly market in Selva is held every Wednesday morning, starting around 8 am.
The nearest beach from Selva is the wonderful beach of Platja de Muro, just a 20 minute drive from the village. Platja de Muro is renown for it’s beachline, one of the best in Mallorca.
Market and Events in Selva
Weekly Market in Selva
Every Wednesday morning, the local market in Selva is held in the main square of the village. At the market, you can enjoy a joyful atmosphere of locals and tourists mingling between the many stalls. You can sample local specialties such as meats, sausages, cheeses, pastries, fruits, and vegetables, as well as purchasing some to bring home to the hotel or villa.
The market is not like the big markets in Alcúdia or Inca, it is more like a traditional farmers market with commodities and fresh produce from the local area. However, you can also find Mallorcan crafts, tools and painted ceramics which are very charming and decorative, much better to bring home than many other souvenirs.
Annual events and happenings
May
Fira de La Creu
Every year on May 3, Selva celebrates La Creu, a traditional mass that deals with the blessing of fruits and vegetables. La Creu is a wonderful spring event, with lots of flowers, plants, food, crafts and much more. At the same time, the fair is a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Mallorcan folk dances and pieces of music. At the fair there are also a lot of fun and cultural activities.
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 Selva
A bit of history of Selva
The area of Selva is believed to have been inhabited by humans since Roman dominance of the island. However, Selva first appears in the book of distribution from 1235, a book that documented the ownership and division of lands in Mallorca and Catalonia after the conquest. At that time the area referred to the farmhouse of Alcheria Xilvar.
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 51 50 06
Public Transport
Bus lines: 330, 332
Power Supply
220V