Artà

History & Culture in Arta

Artá's early history

The origins of Artá are lost in time, but many prehistoric remains have been found around the town, as well as traces of the Roman and Moorish domination. The name Artá derives from the Arab word “Gertan” for garden. Artá's fortress was built during the Moorish reign when the peninsula was called Yartan. Its walls still surround the 16th-century pilgrimage church of Sant Salvador, a Gothic-style church which replaced the ancient parish church consecrated in 1248 on the site of an earlier mosque. Sant Salvador is today one of Artà’s most iconic landmarks, it stands at the top of a hill overlooking the town and boasts panoramic views across Mallorca’s landscape all the way to the coast.

From the 16th to the 18th century

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Artá’s textile industry flourished, as did the town’s population. Archaeological sites around this area have unearthed woven fibres that suggest basket weaving is something the area has been specialising in for a number of years.

From the 19th century

A late outbreak of the bubonic plague in 1820 caused the town to lose around 1,200 of its people. In more recent years, due to its location away from the coastline, it's managed to escape the large tourist development of the 1970s and today retains its heritage and status of an authentic rural Mallorcan town.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Arta

History, architecture and culture in Artá

The town of Artà is dominated by Calvary Hill on which the Sanctuary of San Salvador sits, giving its visitors some insight into the town's past as well as wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It can be reached either by a windy road from the town or via steps from outside the Transfiguració del Senyor, the parish church of Arta. The Sanctuary of San Salvador is home to a multi-coloured, carved, wooden statue of the Virgin Mary which is rumoured to have been brought to the island by Jaume I during the medieval conquest of Mallorca. Surrounding the sanctuary, you'll find the remains of a one-metre-thick fortress wall with nine towers, including the main tower of Sant Miquel.

Just outside of town resides the Bronze Age Talaiotic settlement of Ses Païsses, a must-visit if you're in the area as it's one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in the Balearic Islands. Its origins are thought to date back to 900-800 BC. Most notable is the massive entrance portal, formed from three stone slabs weighing up to eight tonnes each. Inside there are several rooms and an 'atalaia' (watchtower) while the entire settlement is surrounded by a Cyclopean drystone wall.

The Caves d'Artà are one of the biggest tourist attractions on the northeastern coastline. These thousands-year-old caves are a spectacular sight with various natural rooms created and adorned with countless stalactites and stalagmites of imaginative shapes. Guided tours are available.

To the north of Artà there is the Llevant Natural Park, a wild, hilly area with a dramatic coastline. Inside stands the Ermita de Betlem, founded by monks in 1805, complete with a solar clock, a rose window and an ancient water mill. It’s a steep climb to reach the chapel but you are rewarded with wonderful views and a little taster of what life was like for these monks. This landmark is particularly popular with cyclists and hikers.

Museums and art galleries

Artà also has a small museum, the Regional Museum of Artà which can be found at Plaça de Espanya inside Sa Nostra bank. It exhibits archaeological discoveries from as far back as the Roman period, along with a collection of stuffed and preserved local birds.

Beaches in Arta

The nearest beaches are in the resort of Cala Ratjada, around 15 minutes away by car and 20 minutes on a public bus. 

Events in Arta

Religious festivals

Sant Antoni festival

Artà's biggest festival, Sant Antoni, is held on the 16 January every year and dates back to 1581. It features dancers with cardboard horses strapped to their hips. In the morning, demons tour the town with processional music to drum up the atmosphere for the festival. In the evening, when the sun goes down, there’s a religious ceremony in the chapel of Sant Antoni followed by bonfires, music, food and drink in the streets of Artà. The festivities end the following day with a cavalcade and singing of a traditional song. It’s also worth watching out for Sant Antoni de Padua, a smaller festival held on 13 June where children perform traditional dances.

Sant Salvador festival

The patron saint of Artà is Sant Salvador and festivities in his honour take place during the first week of August. You can expect concerts, art exhibitions, parades and parties throughout the week. Celebrations end with fireworks on the final night.

Fira d'Artà

The town also celebrates an autumnal fair, known as the Fira d’Artà, which is held on the second Sunday of September each year. This is a traditional agricultural fair with markets and agricultural exhibitions, children's activities, sporting events and more. Foodies might be interested in visiting some of the restaurants serving up local dishes especially for the event.

Dining in Arta

Artà offers a lovely mix of places to eat, with most restaurants leaning towards traditional styles and local Mallorcan flavours. If you're in the mood for something a little more refined, there are elegant spots tucked within beautifully restored buildings, where modern Mediterranean cuisine is served in a stylish, peaceful setting.

For something more rustic, there are cosy restaurants where the atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. These places often serve dishes made with fresh ingredients straight from the garden or nearby markets. You’ll likely find local wines on the menu too, adding to the sense of place and tradition.

If you're happy to venture just a little way out of town, you’ll discover charming countryside spots with relaxed outdoor terraces. These are ideal for long, sun-soaked lunches or quiet dinners under the stars. Expect homemade Mediterranean classics, generous portions, and sweet treats like crema catalana. It’s a good idea to book ahead, especially in peak season, as these rural gems tend to be popular.

Things to do in Arta

Artà is just a nice village to wander around, with a mix of tree-lined avenues and small winding alleys. If you're not staying here, the best day to visit is on Tuesdays when the town comes to life with its local market.

Shopping in Artà

Exploring on foot is the perfect past time and you'll find numerous artisan shops selling traditional ceramics and textiles, along with "llatra", traditional products made by braiding palm leaves (baskets and bags are particularly popular in this craft). Artà Market is held on Tuesday mornings on Plaça Conqueridor, this is the best place to pick up some traditional Mallorcan woven baskets, textiles, pottery and of course fresh fruit and vegetables.

Get out into nature

When we think of things to do we think of activities outside, and if we think alike then we recommend you head to Llevant Natural Park and its 1671 hectares of protected parkland. Mallorca’s second largest mountain range, it drops off into the sea and has all the ingredients for a day out exploring the great outdoors whilst soaking up some spectacular scenery. There are plenty of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists to explore, and it's a popular destination for bird watching.

Holidays Rentals in Arta

If you're a large group, then there are short-term rental accommodation options such as fincas and more modern villas available to rent on the outskirts of town. With the extra space over a hotel room, it also gives you the option to eat out or cook at home, making for the perfectly flexible holiday.

Hotels in Arta

There are a couple of nice hotels within Arta itself, while in the surrounding area you will find some handsome, small rural establishments ideal for a peaceful country escapade.

Hotels in Artà

In the town centre, with Arta’s charms right on your doorstep, you'll find hotels with eye-catching architecture and elegant, character-filled interiors. In some you’ll find a blend of classic charm and comfort, with highlights such as a seasonal outdoor pool, a pretty courtyard-style restaurant and lovely garden areas that add to the relaxed atmosphere.

For something more low-key, there are smaller, intimate options that offer great value while still delivering plenty of charm. These places often keep original rustic features like exposed beams and stone floors, while incorporating modern touches in a way that feels thoughtful and seamless. It's a lovely balance of old and new, perfect for a cosy and authentic stay.

Countryside fincas

If you'd rather stay outside of town you don't have to go far to find country estates that have been tastefully renovated to high standards offering rural-chic interiors, swimming pools, authenticity and a home-away-from-home vibe. You'll enjoy a tranquil setting and picturesque scenery.

How to get to Arta

By car

Car hire is still a good option in Mallorca and Artà is around an hour from Palma airport by car. Alternatively take the pressure off driving and reserve a private transfer.

Public transport

There is no direct bus to Artà from the airport, you need to go via Palma bus station and there are only a few buses a day. 

See our Getting Here Guide