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Vilafranca de Bonany

Traditional rural town in central Majorca

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Towns & Villages
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Vilafranca de Bonany is a rural town just off the main road from Palma to Manacor.

As you drive through this small town you cannot help noticing the strings of vegetables hanging outside several of the shops - peppers, aubergines, garlic and, above all, tomatoes. These are the famous tomatigues de ramallet, sold on their stalks to be spread over pa amb oli.

Vilafranca is also known for its honeydew melons, whose harvest is celebrated with a large melon festival each September.

History & Culture in [locality]

Early history

Vilafranca de Bonany sprang to life in the early seventeenth century as an agricultural settlement in Mallorca’s fertile central plain. Its name combines two meaningful parts - Vilafranca (literally “frank town”) signifies the tax privileges granted to its early inhabitants, while Bonany (“good year”) refers to the local sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Bonany, a symbol of hope for good harvests 

Recent history

It wasn't until the 1990s its official name was set as Vilafranca de Bonany.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

History, architecture and culture in Vilafranca de Bonany

The parish church of Santa Bárbara, dating to the eighteenth century, dominates the town’s main square and serves as both spiritual and social focal point. 

Not far away, the Ermita de Bonany, built in the 1600s atop a nearby hill, was erected in thanks for a prosperous harvest and offers remarkable views over the countryside.

Local museum

A good reason to stop here, apart from food, is to visit Els Calderers, a manor house between Vilafranca and Sant Joan. This was once at the centre of a great wine estate but like so many others it fell victim to the phylloxera disease. Reopened in 1993, the 18th century house is now a museum of Mallorcan furniture and traditions; you can visit the wine cellar, granary, bakery, chapel and wash-house as well as wander around the main house with its paintings, guns and toys.

Sights in Mallorca

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Dining in [locality]

Dining in Vilafranca de Bonany is a simple, down-to-earth experience that reflects the village’s agricultural roots. 

Small cafés provide relaxed spots for coffee, breakfast or a light snack, often spilling onto terraces where locals gather. For heartier meals, modest eateries serve traditional Mallorcan and Spanish fare with generous portions and a homely touch, offering excellent value in unfussy surroundings. 

Local produce plays a central role, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, especially the village’s famed melons, often woven into menus, giving visitors a genuine taste of the land that defines this rural community.

Restaurants in Mallorca

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Events in [locality]

Things to do whilst you're here is visit the weekly market held on Wednesdays, which brings fresh local produce, artisan goods and a lively atmosphere to the central square. 

Festivals

In early September the Feria del Meló celebrates local melons with contests, lanterns, markets and shows. The Festa de la Beata in July features dance, theatre, processions and communal meals. December’s Santa Bárbara festival combines mass with bunyols, muscatel wine, concerts and cultural events. Other highlights include Sant Antoni in January, Día de les Illes Balears on 1 March, the Easter pilgrimage to Bonany and an annual book market in April.

Events in Mallorca

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Hotels in [locality]

Just outside Vilafranca de Bonany is the prettty rural hotel.

Hotels in Mallorca

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How to get to [locality]

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Vilafranca is a 35 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.

Public transport

There are no direct buses from the airport, you have to change buses in Palma.

Transfers for Mallorca

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See our Getting Here Guide

Property For Sale in [locality]

Property for Sale in Mallorca

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Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

Events

  • a photo of a church and winter trees
  • Sailing Week, Puerto Portals
  • Festes de la Mare de Deu d'Agost, Sineu
  • Andrew Potter Art Gallery grand opening 2019
  • Pollença Music Festival 2020
  • Open-Air Cinema Nights at Castillo Son Vida