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Ses Salines

Traditional rural town in the south east of Majorca

featured in Towns & Villages Updated

Ses Salines is a small village in the south east of Mallorca. It and it's associated port Colonia St Jordi have a rich history thanks to its location on fertile land.

There are ancient salt mines dating back to Roman times. The salt produced here has become a major industry for the area, with gourmet flavoured salts being produced for export. The sea salt is extracted during August using traditional methods.

History & Culture in Ses Salines

Ses Salines early history

The discovery of Roman remains in Ses Salines has led to the belief that Roman troops, under the command of Cecilio Metellus, arrived here in the year 123 BC to exploit the S'Avall salt flats. In fact the name of the town means ‘source of salt’. Salt mining grew considerably during the Roman period until the 6th century AD.  

During the Islamic occupation that followed it seems the exploitation of Ses Salines continued. After the Christian conquest, led by King Jaume 1 in 1229, the salt mines were considered to be royal property, until 1255 when he gave them up to Arnau de Cruilles.

The Dezcalar family 

In the 1300s the area became the property of the Torrella family, followed by the Dezcallar family which still preserves it today. They have protected and exploited the salt flats here, either directly or through lease management, over the centuries through to modern times. 

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Ses Salines

History, architecture and culture in Ses Salines

Aside from the salt production you will be interested in the nearby Bronze Age settlements which date back to the 9th century. 

There are many historical building in Ses Salines including the Church of St Bartholomew, there is of course the golden sandstone architecture to admire.

Sights in Ses Salines

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Beaches in Ses Salines

Head to Colonia St Jordi for watersports and wonderful beaches. 

Beaches in Mallorca

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Things to do in Ses Salines

The salt flats

The nearby saltpans act as a magnet for migrant waders and wildfowl on their way from Africa to their breeding grounds in Europe each spring. Cap de Ses Salines, Mallorca's southernmost point, is another good spot for birdwatching.

Enjoy a walk around the town

The town itself makes a pleasant place to stroll, with an abundance of local Santanyi sandstone which turns golden in the sun. Just outside Ses Salines, on the road to Santanyi, is Botanicactus, one of Europe's largest botanical gardens, with bamboo and palm trees and, extraordinarily diverse in form, dozens of varieties of cactus.

Boat trips

You can also get the boat from nearby Colonia St Jordi to the protected Cabrera Islands off the south east coast.

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Cycling in Ses Salines

There are several cycle routes in the area, on mainly flat ground making cycling an excellent way to explore the area.

Cycling Routes in Mallorca

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Hiking in Ses Salines

There are also several coastal walks you can enjoy, the tourist office will be able to direct you.

Walking Routes in Mallorca

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Hotels in Ses Salines

There are several lovely rural hotels in the area, converted farmhouses offering traditional accommodation close to the sea.

Hotels in Ses Salines

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Directions

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca, and Ses Salines is only a 35 minute car journey from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport by booking a private transfer. 

Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

Events

  • Sunset Market, Puerto Portals
  • Copa del Rey, Palma
  • A steinway & sons piano with a violin on the keys
  • Nit de l'Art S'Arraco
  • Los Secretos Port Adriano
  • La Patrona Festival, Pollenca