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Petra

Traditional rural town in central Majorca

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Petra
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The small rural town of Petra lies in the middle of Mallorca, surrounded by agricultural land.

Petra is best known as being the birthplace of Fray Junipero Serra, a missionary who some claim founded California. Petra is also known for its sandstone, which has created many of the villages of Mallorca. Celebrated for its traditional charm and tranquil atmosphere, Petra retains a strong sense of history with its stone houses, cobbled streets, and quiet squares. 

Visitors can explore local churches, artisan shops, and wineries producing authentic Mallorcan wines. The village hosts seasonal markets and festivals that highlight rural traditions. Petra offers a peaceful retreat from the island’s bustling coastal resorts, making it ideal for those seeking culture, history, and an authentic glimpse of Mallorcan life.

Events in Petra

Petra may be a small town, but the calendar here rewards those who time their visit well. The highlight is the annual festival in honour of Fray Junipero Serra, Petra's most famous son, which brings the town to life each autumn with a parade of floats, live music and local celebrations. A weekly market also takes place in the town, and the surrounding area hosts a number of fairs and fiestas throughout the year in nearby Sineu and Manacor.

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History & Culture in Petra

Petra's history

This sleepy town of sand-coloured houses would be completely off the tourist map if it were not the birthplace of Mallorca's most famous son, Fray Junipero Serra. 

Born in 1713, he became a priest in 1730 and worked as a missionary in Mexico from 1749 to 1763. At the age of 54 he was sent to California and the missions he established there grew into some of the US's largest cities including San Diego and San Francisco.

Sights & Attractions in Petra

History, architecture and culture in Petra

You can visit the house where Serra's parents lived, a museum devoted to his life and work, the font where he was baptised (in the church of Sant Pere) and a plaque outside the same church describing him as 'explorer missionary hero civiliser'. Anyone walking down the street leading to his birthplace decorated with majolica tiles depicting him baptising Native Americans might be inclined to disagree, but by the standards of his day he was certainly a hero.

There is a small hill just outside Petra which has a small church, The Ermita de Bonany. Enjoy the solitude and the views from the top.

The wealth generated from its agricultural past is shown in the size of its church, Sant Pere, which was built in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The area around Petra is scattered with windmills, reflecting the relationship Petra has with cereal crops. These days, vineyards also prosper in the fertile lands and you can arrange visits for tours and tastings in advance.

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Beaches in Petra

Petra sits in the middle of the island, so the nearest beaches require a short drive north to the coast. The bay between Ca'n Picafort and Colonia de Sant Pere offers a stretch of quiet, unspoilt shoreline that makes for a pleasant half-day trip, with everything from sandy resort beaches to more secluded coves. See our full Mallorca beach guide for options along the north coast.

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Dining in Petra

Petra has a small but proud local dining scene rooted in traditional Mallorcan cooking. The town is home to one of the island's most characterful restaurants, set inside a historic 19th-century wine cellar and serving hearty, authentic cuisine in a beautifully rustic setting. For a wider choice, the nearby towns of Manacor and Sineu both offer good options within easy reach.

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Nightlife in Petra

Petra is a peaceful rural town and stays that way after dark, which suits most of its visitors perfectly. For a drink in a local bar, the town's central square is the place to linger on a warm evening. Those looking for something livelier will find the nearest resort nightlife in Ca'n Picafort on the north coast, around 17km away.

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Things to do in Petra

The area around Petra is excellent for walking, with gently rolling farmland, windmills and the hilltop Hermitage of Bonany all within easy reach. The hermitage walk is a particular highlight, with wide views across the central plain from its elevated position. For more active pursuits, world-class tennis and sports facilities are available nearby in Manacor, and caving is popular in the surrounding area.

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Watersports in Petra

Petra sits inland, but the sparkling waters of the east coast are just a short drive away, putting a wealth of watersports and sea activities within easy reach.

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Holiday Rentals in Petra

Holiday Rentals in Petra

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Hotels in Petra

Accommodation options in Petra are modest and limited, reflecting the town's quiet, unhurried character. The surrounding countryside offers a small number of rural retreats and finca hotels, ideal for those wanting a peaceful base from which to explore central Mallorca.

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How to get to Petra

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Petra is a 40 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.

Public transport

There is a direct buses from the airport. Check for times.

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Property For Sale in Petra

Property for Sale in Petra

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