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Santa Maria del Cami

Traditional rural town in the west of Mallorca

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Santa Maria Del Cami
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Santa Maria del Cami is a pretty little market town to the north of Palma. It resides just off the motorway that takes you north to Alcúdia and Pollença.

The picturesque town of Santa Maria del Cami, known by the locals as just Santa Maria, sits in Mallorcaโ€™s central flat plain, in one of the island's most prominent wine growing regions. On the doorstep of the Serra de Tramuntana, it boasts one of the most magnificent mountain backdrops while being surrounded by olive, almond and carob trees, along with a growing number of vineyards.

Most of the week, Santa Maria is a sleepy, authentic Mallorcan town with a good selection of cafes, restaurants and convenience stores.

Santa Maria del Cami is particularly attractive amongst internationals favouring rural life over the more touristy side of the island. Whilst the old finca-style properties are increasingly sought after by families and retirees from all over Europe, the population remains predominantly Spanish.

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  1. History & Culture in Santa Maria Del Cami
  2. Sights & Attractions in Santa Maria Del Cami
  3. Beaches in Santa Maria Del Cami
  4. Dining in Santa Maria Del Cami
  5. Events in Santa Maria Del Cami
  6. Things to do in Santa Maria Del Cami
  7. Cycling in Santa Maria Del Cami
  8. Hiking in Santa Maria Del Cami
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Santa Maria Del Cami
  10. Watersports in Santa Maria Del Cami
  11. Families in Santa Maria Del Cami
  12. Villas in Santa Maria Del Cami
  13. Holidays Rentals in Santa Maria Del Cami
  14. Hotels in Santa Maria Del Cami
  15. How to get to Santa Maria Del Cami

History & Culture in Santa Maria Del Cami

Early history

Much of the town was built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, however, the original settlement dates back to the Arab rule over Mallorca when it was called โ€˜Mauiaโ€™, which translates into English as โ€˜Stop on the Waysideโ€™. 

Being within the flat plains of Binnissalem, Santa Maria del Cami has specialised in viticulture since ancient times, especially since the 18th century when they began to export brandy to the rest of Europe and South America.

Artistic history

Santa Maria has developed a reputation as one of Mallorca's artistic centres. 

Many of the island's potters work close by, in Portol, while Santa Maria is the centre for manufacturing 'roba de llengues' ('cloth of tongues'), cotton woven into bright zigzag patterns and used in curtains, bedspreads and upholstery. 

Wine

Falling within the Binnissalem region, Santa Maria del Cami is also a hub for winemaking, in fact, the town is surrounded by some of the top vineyards on the island which means many wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts travel to the area to sample its delights.

Sights & Attractions in Santa Maria Del Cami

History, architecture and culture in Santa Maria

Santa Maria del Camiโ€™s parish church is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town and is a wonderful example of Mallorcaโ€™s Baroque past. You canโ€™t help but admire the attention to detail that went into building the temple between 1718 and 1756. 

The town hall, like in many other villages in Mallorca, is a typical 17th-century Renaissance building in the main square. It was once the town's prison, and it's still possible to peak through the iron fence to see the room where the prisoners were once kept.

The hike between Santa Maria del Cami and the village of Orient, through the valley of the Coanegra Gulley, provides the opportunity to stop and admire some of Mallorcaโ€™s most magical beauty spots including the Son Pou Avenc Cave and the Es Freu Waterfall.

Beaches in Santa Maria Del Cami

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Dining in Santa Maria Del Cami

Dining in Santa Maria del Camรญ offers plenty of choice in a laid-back setting. You'll find everything from traditional Mediterranean fare to more creative and modern cuisine. Several spots in town serve fresh, seasonal dishes in pretty courtyards or restored historic buildings, adding charm to your meal. Italian food is also popular here, with a number of places known for their pizzas and pasta. For something lighter, thereโ€™s a vegetarian option with a menu full of nourishing, plant-based dishes. Whether youโ€™re after a long lunch or a relaxed evening meal, the town caters to most tastes.

Restaurants in Santa Maria Del Cami

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Events in Santa Maria Del Cami

The weekly market

Santa Maria is home to one of Mallorca's biggest and best markets. Every Sunday, locals and visitors gather to search out bargains of everything from locally grown fresh produce to clothing or arts and crafts.

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Things to do in Santa Maria Del Cami

Santa Maria del Cami is in an advantageous position, just a short distance away from the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, making it a convenient base for walkers and cyclists. Wine lovers and visitors keen to immerse themselves in the Mallorcaโ€™s quiet rural life will also opt to stay around Santa Maria del Cami.

On Sundays, however, the whole place comes to life as it puts on its weekly market and the crowds flock to pick up fresh produce, locally made arts and crafts and other bargains. 

Wine tasting 

Located in the region of Binissalem, Mallorca's largest wine producing area, Santa Maria del Cami is surrounded by some of the best vineyards on the island, where you can take a tour of the vineyards and arrange tastings if you make a prior appointment. 

Cycling in Santa Maria Del Cami

Being based in Santa Maria del Cami means you have got a good choice of terrain to choose from. 

Head straight for the mountains to indulge in some more challenging exercise with steep ascents and descents and, of course, some breathtaking scenery.

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Hiking in Santa Maria Del Cami

For a leisurely route, you can take to the lanes on the flat plains and admire the picture perfect landscapes containing fields of vines, almond and olive trees with the occasional finca in between.

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Yachts & Sailing in Santa Maria Del Cami

Watersports in Santa Maria Del Cami

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Villas in Santa Maria Del Cami

Villas in Mallorca

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Holidays Rentals in Santa Maria Del Cami

Most accommodation in Santa Maria comes in the form of fincas just outside the town which have been tastefully restored and transformed into guest houses. Staying in short-term rental accommodation gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or in the country, itโ€™s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, itโ€™s ideal for a comfortable holiday.

Hotels in Santa Maria Del Cami

Boutique hotels in the centre

When staying here look for hotels surrounded gardens and an outdoor or indoor swimming pool 

Hotels in Santa Maria Del Cami

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How to get to Santa Maria Del Cami

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Santa Maria del Cami is a 20 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 bus from the airport. Check for times.

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.

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Upcoming Events

The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

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Doggie Race at Port Adriano, El Toro (Port Adriano)
a photo of mallorcans throwing grapes
Nit de l'Art Palma
Open-Air Cinema Nights at Castillo Son Vida
A steinway & sons piano with a violin on the keys
Multihull Cup Regatta, El Toro