This lovely drive criss-crosses the central plain, following old Roman roads through almond and apricot groves on its way to several small market towns.
Scenic Drives on the Plain
Crossing the central plain through the almond & apricot groves
- Start in Petra, following signs to Santa Margalida from the parish church. Bypass Santa Margalida by bearing left towards Muro.
In Muro, Carrer Major takes you to the museum well worth a visit.
- Continue along Carrer Major, over a crossroads and past the church of Sant Joan Baptista towards Sa Pobla.
Next you cross a fertile land of windmills, red earth and potato fields. Up ahead you see the mountains.
- From Sa Pobla,follow signs to Llubi; when you reach Llubi go uphill into the village and down again to reach a main road. Cross the road and take the narrow track towards Sineu.
Drystone walls to either side line the route to Sineu. On entering the town note the modern sculpture in the street as you pass beneath it.
- Follow signs to Sant Joan. As you enter Sant Joan, turn right to Montuiri - worth a brief stop.
Leaving Montuiri cross the Palma-Manacor highway by the Orquidea pearl shop and head for Porreres. A short detour takes you up to the Santuari de Montesio.
- Leave Porreres in the direction of Vilafranca de Bonany. Turn left in Vilafranca and pass Els Calderers on your right.
You could visit the stately home of Els Calderers taking a short cut to Sant Joan.
- Take the next right turn to Sant Joan, from where you can return to Petra.
There are excellent views of the Ermita de Bonany and of Petra church as you approach.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Museum of Juniper Serra Fray, Petra
Birthplace of the founder of the California Missions of San Francisco & Los Angeles
Museum located in the house where the famous friar spent his childhood. It shows the typical way of life in Mallorca in the 18th century.
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Ermita de Bonany, Petra 
Ermita de Bonany, Petra
Church with views over the plains of Mallorca
This hilltop hermitage a few kilometres from the town of Petra is where Junipero Serra preached his last sermon in Mallorca before leaving to found the Mexican and Californian missions.
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Els Calderers de Sant Joan
Country house and petting farm in central Mallorca
Els Calderers is a manor house situated between Vilafranca and Sant Joan. The house was once at the centre of a large wine estate but like so many others in Mallorca, it fell victim to the phylloxera disease. Reopened in 1993, the 18th-century house is now a museum of Mallorcan furniture and traditions.
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Esglesia de Nostra Senyora dels Dolors
Church of our Lady of Sorrows is found in the centre of Manacor
The construction of the church began at the end of the 19th century. It was overseen by priest Rubà and the builder Gaspar Bennà ssar, who directed the works and built the bell-tower, the highest building in town known as Torre RubÃ.
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Rafa Nadal Sport-Xperience Museum
An immersive experience in the world of sports
This recently renovated museum has opened its doors for a second year with a renewed image and many new developments.
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Manacor Museum of History
Museum of the history of Manacor and the eastern area of Mallorca
Originally the Archaeological museum of Manacor, it has changed its philosophy over the years due to the variety of its collections. The museum is now a true historical museum and showcases many different periods throughout the areas history.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Mallorca
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La Bodega Restaurant
Fantastic tapas and service on the main square with a great wine selection
This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
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Diferent Restaurant
Fantastic original restaurant with a variety of cuisines and great service
Located in the heart of Cala d'Or, Restaurant Diferent is housed in one of the town's oldest buildings, an old mill, which allows an authentic Mallorcan, yet intimate and exclusive setting for your gathering. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with unique, vintage decorations that bring a fresh charm. It truly stands out beyond its eccentric and fun decor, offering a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
Your destination for delicious Asian delights and diverse flavours
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.Â
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Noir Mallorca Café
Trendy café and bar open all day, on the southeast coast of Mallorca
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. They offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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La Pappa Restaurant
Authentic Italian restaurant in Cala d'Or, offering traditional dishes in a cosy setting
Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views and a rural retreat in Mallorca
Barretes at Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is built around local, seasonal produce interpreted through a modern Mediterranean lens. The menu features vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits, cereals and the hotel's own olive oil, with most meat and dairy sourced directly from the farm on site.
What to do
Things To Do in Mallorca
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Sunset boat trip
Sail into the sunset on this popular and scenic two-hour boat trip
Relax aboard a luxury yacht as the sun sets over Mallorca’s coastline. Includes drinks, snacks, and snorkelling, with optional tapas and cava.
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Coasteering
Guided coasteering in various locations across Mallorca
Coasteering combines adventure swimming, abseiling, climbing and rock scrambling to explore some incredible locations in Mallorca.
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Motor Boat Trip (Sacs Stratos)
Private motor yacht trip with swimming and snorkelling in Mallorca
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this luxury Sacs Stratos RIB.
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Private boat trip
12 person full or half day sailing boat trip in Puerto Pollensa
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Stand Up Paddle Board Hire
SUP hire for all ages, fitness levels and within easy reach of beautiful locations
Discover the southwest coast of Mallorca on a stand-up paddle board at your own pace, and enjoy stunning scenery while practising an outdoor sport.
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Romantic Sunset Dinner Boat Trip
Sailing yacht boat trip with romantic sunset dinner for two
This exclusive sailing tour for two is the perfect way to enjoy a romantic evening watching the sunset over the Mediterranean with the one you love.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Palou Hotel
Peaceful rural stay surrounded by mountains and countryside in Orient
Set in the small village of Orient, Son Palou is a traditional agritourism hotel in the heart of Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana. Surrounded by mountains and countryside, it offers a quiet setting that’s well suited to a slower, more rural stay.
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
Stunning boutique hotel set in tranquil 300-year-old gardens with fantastic facilities
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
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Monnaber Vell Hotel
Finca hotel in the north-west of the island
A country estate with watch tower, chapel, olive press, mill and typical courtyard with old cistern, located on the slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana. All rooms with en suite facilities, central heating and air-conditioning. Guests can enjoy Spanish and Mallorcan wine tasting, served with specialities.
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El Encinar de Arta Hotel
Finca hotel in the North-east
Restored with love in every detail, the 18th century country house lies on a hill approximately 5 km from the picturesque village Artà . Beautiful landscape, close to 4 golf courses, lovely beaches and nature reserves.
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La Goleta Hotel
Adults only, modern beach front boutique hotel with fantastic restaurant
This wonderful beach-front hotel has a maritime theme with its name 'Goleta' meaning schooner in Catalan.
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Son Pons Agroturismo Hotel
Historic Mallorcan country retreat with traditional character, peaceful gardens and relaxed rural charm
Son Pons Hotel is a historic country retreat set within a sixteenth-century estate that has remained in the same family for generations. Carefully restored by the Siquier family, the property preserves the traditional character of Mallorcan architecture while offering modern comfort in a peaceful rural setting.
