Algaida is a typical Mallorcan town, all green shutters, narrow streets without pavements and a central square dominated by a sandstone church.
The town of Algaida is located in a beautiful part of Mallorca, in the lowlands of a hilly area that includes the famous Puig de Randa, a 543-metre prominence topped by the sanctuary of Cura. This region is a true paradise for cyclists and hikers. Algaida also boasts a couple of charming churches, as well as some of Mallorca's many disused windmills. The one located in the town is one of the easiest ones to photograph!
History & Culture in Algaida
The area around Algaida, like most Mallorcan towns, has remains of Talaiotic settlements (1400-123 BC). Under Arab rule, there were two large farmsteads named Algaida, although the town did not truly develop until the arrival of the Catalans in the 13th century when a church was built. Algaida's economy was based on agriculture from the 14th to the mid 20th century when tourism and small industries took over.
Also see: History of Mallorca, Majorca
Sights & Attractions in Algaida
The town of Algaida is famous for its windmills which dominate its skyline. Mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries, the most representative are the Moli d'en Pau, Moli d'en Boi and Moli d'en Xina. Also popular are the oratories on the Puig de Randa hill, founded by Ramón Llull in the 13th century, which have since received many pilgrims.
Can Gordiola, a glass factory, is housed in an 18th-century castle on the road from Palma to Manacor. The ground floor contains a workshop decorated with beautiful arches and stained glass, where you can watch glass being blown; upstairs there are museums devoted to both glass and perfume.
Also see: Attractions in Mallorca, Majorca
Events in Algaida
Algaida hosts a market every Friday morning. Their traditional patron festival, Sant Honorat fiesta, is held on 16th January and the town holds a summer festival during the last two weeks of July in honour of Sant Jaume. These festivals feature the Cossiers dancers, a traditional dance troupe comprising six men, a woman and the devil. There is also an autumn festival in October.
Also see: Main Events in Mallorca, Majorca
Things to Do in Algaida
The roads around Algaida are excellent for cycling, with plenty of flat routes around the countryside lanes and the hills of Randa for the more adventurous cyclists. There are also numerous hiking routes in this area, especially popular are the paths going up to the Sanctuary of Cura on the Puig de Randa.
Also see: Sports & Activities in Mallorca, Majorca
Dining in Algaida
Algaida is well-known for its traditional local restaurants, where the people of Palma head at weekends for typical Mallorcan cuisine.
Also see: Where to Eat in Mallorca, Majorca
Hotels in Algaida
The outskirts of Algaida, as well as the countryside towards the hill town of Randa, boast charming rural 'finca' hotels located in old farmhouses that have been tastefully restored.
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Algaida, Mallorca