Sineu
Traditional rural town in central Mallorca
Sineu is a traditional inland town located geographically at the centre of Mallorca. Visitors looking to immerse themselves in the ‘real’ Mallorca, or seeking solitude away from the touristy side of the island will find Sineu an attractive destination.
The small and traditional town of Sineu is steeped in history, every street is lined with interesting architecture and ancient blonde stone buildings. There are just under 4,000 inhabitants and little sign of tourism here, you will find just a couple of simple hotels, cafés and an art gallery.
The main square is called Plaça des Fossar and is home to many independent cafés with outdoor seating, the perfect pit-stop for a coffee whilst soaking up the local atmosphere. The town is especially appreciated by those who love history, culture and nature. It also provides a great base for those keen to explore some of the great outdoors the island has to offer.
History & Culture in Sineu
Sineu's early history
Sineu’s history dates back to Roman times when it was called 'Sinium'. After this, the Moors referred to it as 'Yitnau'. Under the reign of King Jaume II, a palace was built in Sineu and the town became a residence for many of Mallorca’s kings. Today, the ancient palace has turned into a convent, the Convent de la Concepció.
The creation of this palace gave Sineu status, making it one of the most important towns on the island. The period following this is often referred to as Sineu’s golden era, when it acted as the centre of civic power on the island. Many majestic homes of nobles and important landmarks were built then, some of which are still on display today.
The parish Church of Santa Maria is the most important piece of architectural heritage in the town of Sineu. It is so vast that it can be admired from the surrounding countryside. The old church was subject to a fire in 1505, after which reconstruction began and a Gothic style façade was added to it.
Sights & Attractions in Sineu
History, architecture and culture in Sineu
The parish Church of Santa Maria is one of the most iconic buildings in the town and is a must-see for many tourists visiting the area owing to its impressive seven-level bell tower and a small museum of medieval pottery.
If you want to immerse yourself in some of the town’s heritage, the Convent de la Concepció has a 'torno', a small revolving door through which you can purchase pastries made by the nuns.
The town hall is housed in a 17th century Baroque convent, some venture in to admire the derelict cloister. You will also find a beautiful example of a waymarking cross, from the Renaissance here, the ‘Creu dels Morts’ (Cross of the Dead).
Events in Sineu
The market
The market on Wednesdays is one of the main reasons tourists visit Sineu. Taking place on several areas around the town, the sounds of bleating lead you to the livestock market, where weather-beaten farmers haggle over the price of sheep before heading for the town's 'celler' restaurants for an early brunch.
Further up, on the way to the church, you pass the symbol of Sineu, a winged lion; near here there are numerous stalls selling leather, lace and pearls. Eventually, you reach Sa Plaça, the church square, where the action is liveliest of all as local housewives turn out to buy the week's food. Buckets of olives, strings of tomatoes, bags of squirming snails, they are all here along with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Religious festivals
Sineu’s patron saint festivities are celebrated around the 15 August. The whole town comes to life with street parties, live music and fireworks.
Easter is also a big deal here, as the 'Semana Santa' (Holy Week) sees the locals come out in full force to put on a spectacular display of floats travelling through the town.
Dining in Sineu
There are a few good restaurants to consider in Sineu. If you are looking for something authentic you'll find traditional homemade Spanish food on the menus here and reasonable prices. If you're looking for some international fare there's a pizzeria here too.
Things to do in Sineu
Being a sleepy rural town, there isn’t a great deal to do here except soak up the beautiful historical architecture. It’s more of a day-trip destination, especially popular on market day. Sineu also appeals to cyclists and walkers looking for a base on the island.
Wine tasting
There are several vineyards surrounding the town of Sineu, many of which are open to visitors but we would recommend booking an appointment in advance.
Things To Do in Sineu
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Trekking
Located in Sineu
Mallorca offers a dynamic and dramatic landscape perfect for hiking. From the Tramuntana Mountains to rugged coastline, there are numerous routes suitable to all level of hiker.
Cycling in Sineu
Sineu is within easy reach of some of Mallorca’s most famous cycling routes within the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, but there is also the option to enjoy a more leisurely cycle ride on the country lanes surrounding the village.
There are a few cycle hire shops in this part of the island where you can rent a bike for a day or a week, depending on your needs.
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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Puerto Pollensa to Sa Pobla Cycling Route
Located 14.3 km away
An easy ride if you are used to road biking and at 44km this route could be a good challenge for a beginner!
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Puerto Pollensa to Campanet Cycling Route
Located 15.3 km away
An easy route more suited to someone with a bit of road cycling experience due to the nature of the hills and busy roads.
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Cycling Tour Through Central Mallorca
Located 15.6 km away
A cycling tour with Mills and Honey isn't just about cycling, it's about immersing yourself in the landscape, culture and flavours of the island.
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Cycling C'an Picafort to Pollenca & Alcudia
Located 18.4 km away
100,000 cyclists cannot be wrong. Mallorca is one of the most popular and idyllic islands for cycling with it's plentiful flat farm roads and challenging hill climbs.
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Parque de S' Albufera Cycling Route
Located 19.7 km away
Combining nature, bird spotting and a bit of exercise with a cycle round the nature reserve by the holiday resort of Puerto Alcudia.
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Bahia de Pollensa Cycling Route
Located 25.0 km away
Beginner (or intermediate if you want to ride it at pace!) cycle route that uses the purpose built paths around the Alcudia area.
Hiking in Sineu
Being at the centre of the island, you are spoilt for choice in terms of where you can go to enjoy a hike. Head west towards the Serra de Tramuntana for some of the most epic trails, including the GR221 Dry Stone Route.
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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Hike from Petra to Hermitage of Bonany
Located 9.6 km away
Petra is located towards the middle of the island, about 8km west of Manacor. The walk up to the hermitage starts in Petra, following the paved road and involves a walk of a little over an hour, you can also get there by a trail going up from Vilafranca.
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Walk from Inca to Hermitage of Santa Magdalena
Located 11.6 km away
Inca can be reached either by train from Palma or by car. If you go to Inca on a Thursday, you'll be able to enjoy one of Mallorca's biggest and best markets.
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Hiking from Algaida to Cura Sant Honorat Gracia & Randa
Located 13.8 km away
Algaida is located towards the middle of the island, about 15 km east of Palma. This hike can start from the town of Algaida, walking towards Castellitx, where there is a beautiful hermitage, the "Ermita de la Pau" that is well worth visiting, and then on to Aubella, where the climb to Cura starts.
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Hiking up the Puig de Randa Review
Located 14.7 km away
Good Friday is often a great opportunity for a spring time walk, especially in Mallorca where there was not a single cloud in the sky and temperatures were in the mid 20s.
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Walk from Lloseta to Hermitage of Santa Llucia
Located 15.0 km away
Lloseta is located in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, just outside Inca. You can catch a train there from Palma (Plaza de España). From Lloseta you can take the road going to Mancor de la Vall, passing by Biniamar.
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Walk from Campanet to Hermitage St Miquel
Located 15.1 km away
Campanet is located in the north-west of Mallorca, about 8 km north of Inca. In Campanet, the parish church is worth a visit. It was built in 1717, and its outstanding feature is the sculpture on the altar. The church holds the relics of the Martyr San Victoriano, the complete body of the saint dressed as a warrior.
Holidays Rentals in Sineu
Staying in short-term rental accommodation gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or near the mountains, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday.
Holiday Rentals in Sineu
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Sa Rota Villa
Beautifully located amongst pine and wild olive trees on the edge of the pretty rural town of Lloret lies Sa Rota de Ca'n Blanc, a charming and comfortable country hideaway from which to experience and explore the rural heartland of Mallorca.
Price: €1,162
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Ses Porrasses Villa
Located in Selva
Villa Ses Porrasses is a large stone beautiful clad family villa able to accommodate 14 people in this wonderful 7 bedroom villa nestled at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountain. With it's own driveway leading up to this stunning property with a wrap around veranda, stunning views and large terraces to enjoy al fresco dining.
Price: €2,674
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Finca Puig Blanc Villa
Enjoy an unforgettable vacation in this villa! Imagine this: Waking up to the sound of birds singing and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Go out to the terrace to enjoy breakfast with views of the impressive mountains of Mallorca.
Price: €2,016
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Mel Villa, Sa Pobla,Buger
Located in Campanet
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
Price: £3,874
Hotels in Sineu
There are a few small hotels in the town of Sineu that are found within some of the ancient buildings, tastefully decorated with handmade furniture and a good balance of old and modern features, even including a swimming pool and restaurant.
Hotels in Sineu
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Finca Son Jorbo Hotel, Porreres
Run by a German couple and set in a rural location in central Mallorca with views over the local countryside and mountains, Finca Son Jorbo offers style and comfort in a restored 17th century country house. With the convenience of bed and breakfast and the added benefit of fully equipped self-catered apartments, Finca Son Jorbo is the perfect combination.
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Es Puig Molto Hotel, Montuiri
This is one of the oldest documented country estates in the area named Pla de Mallorca. The finca is situated in a natural environment, dominated by fig and carob trees.
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Casa Font i Roig
Casa Font i Roig, with its vast private garden and 12th-century fountain, offers the perfect setting to unwind and relax. Nestled away from the hectic tourist areas, this Mallorcan mansion was built in 1520 and has been restored beautifully.
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Can Joan Capo Finca Hotel
Located in Sineu
Townhouse boutique hotel, wonderfully renovated to combine historical features and avant-garde design. It is found in the centre of Mallorca in the market town of Sineu.
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Son Manera Rural Hotel
Located within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Mallorca, this renovated manor converted some years ago to a countryside hotel and it is one of the most beautiful hotels on the inland planes.
Price: €1,547
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Possessio Binicomprat Hotel, Algaida
Located in Algaida
Dating back to the 13th century, the house has been converted into ample apartments and rooms, which are surrounded by private forests and vineyards.
How to get to Sineu
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and being in central Mallorca, Sineu is easy to access from pretty much the whole island. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Palma airport via the Ma-3011 but can also be accessed from the Ma-13 if you prefer to take a motorway. Or take the worry out of driving by booking a private transfer.
Public transport
There's a train from Palma to Sineu - it's around a 45-minute journey from Palma, stopping off at inland villages and towns like Marratxi, Santa Maria, Alaró/Consell and Inca on the way.
Transfers for Mallorca
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Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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Taxi PMI
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
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MajorCabDriver Taxis
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.