Colonia Sant Jordi's early history
The area shows traces of prehistoric life from the Talaiotic culture between 1300 and 800 BC, with stone towers and other remains still visible today. Under Roman rule the coastline became important for navigation and settlement, with evidence of farming and the likely exploitation of the nearby salt flats at Ses Salines.
During Moorish times the salt trade continued and after the conquest of Mallorca by King Jaume I of Aragon the land was divided among Catalan nobles and used largely for fishing, grazing and salt production.
Modern era
The modern town only emerged in the late 19th century when it began as a modest fishing settlement. The name ‘colonia’ reflects the community of workers who lived here and earned their living from fishing and salt harvesting. With time Colònia de Sant Jordi grew and transformed, especially with the rise of tourism drawn by its beaches and the nearby Cabrera Islands.
Alongside tourism, harvesting gourmet sea salt is the town's main activity. Ses Salines d’es Trenc, founded in 1958 on the road from Campos to Colonia de Sant Jordi, has created quite a name for itself thanks to its luxury 'Flor de Sal'. More than 10,000 tonnes of this precious mineral are harvested from the man-made salt lakes using traditional methods every year. Both Colonia de Sant Jordi and the neighbouring town of Ses Salines carry a symbol in their town's coat of arms in honour of this salt.