Vilafranca de Bonany
Traditional rural town in central Majorca
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.
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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Es Revellar Art Resort Galleries
The aim of this art installation is to bring art and nature together to be enjoyed in a tranquil complex set in an original 15th century Mallorcan country estate.
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Rialto Living Art Gallery
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
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Lluc Sanctuary, Lluc
Mallorca's most sacred site - a former monastery in a spectacular setting in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north west of Mallorca.
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Rafa Nadal Sport-Xperience Museum
This recently renovated museum has opened its doors for a second year with a renewed image and many new developments.
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Pueblo Español - Spanish Village
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
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Manacor Museum of History
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.
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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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food such as a selection of fruit and vegetables, fish, red shrimp, lamb and Iberico pork. The chef at Ca's Xorc interprets this local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner.
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Noir Mallorca Café
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. Open from 09:00 to 23:00, they offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
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La Bodega Restaurant
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
Restaurant Diferent truly stands out. Beyond its eccentric and fun decor, it offers a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
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Sa Magrana Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
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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Pollença Music Festival
Since the Festival de Pollença began in 1962 at the hands of distinguished English violinist Philip Newman, more than eight hundred of the finest artists have performed for us at the Claustre de Santo Domingo.
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Festes de Sant Bartomeu
The Festival Sant Bartomeu has a busy calendar of concerts, sporting competitions, art exhibitions.
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Festes de la Mare de Deu d'Agost, Sineu
Take a trip to the lovely town of Sineu to experience some authentic Mallorcan festivities in the Festes de la Mare de Deu.
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Sailing Week
Puerto Portals will host one of the most emblematic competitions in the nautical world.
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Nit de l'Art, Felanitx
Every summer, the lively market town of Felanitx becomes the centre of the art world in Mallorca. Art galleries and other spaces throughout town will be showing some of the best art on the island.
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Open-Air Cinema Nights
This summer, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema beneath the stars at one of Mallorca’s most exclusive locations, the terrace of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida.
Hotels in [locality]
Just outside Vilafranca de Bonany is the prettty rural hotel.
Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
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.
Price: €3,744
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Santa Clara Urban Spa & Hotel
This charming hotel is located in the historical old town, in the very heart of Palma de Mallorca. It is within easy walking distance of attractions such as the 10th century Arab baths and Palma's breathtaking gothic Cathedral.
Price: €2,507
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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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Son Bunyola Hotel
Son Bunyola Hotel offers an intimate stay, providing the perfect base to explore Mallorca’s vineyards, olive groves, and charming countryside.
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Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is the place to stay if you're looking for somewhere that's rich in history but with all the modern amneties. Breathtaking views, gourmet cuisine and a relaxing environment, the ideal place for a peaceful stay in a beautiful location.
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Son Galceran Agroturismo Hotel, Esporles
This magnificent Majorcan country house dating from the end of the eighteenth century has been delightfully reformed, conserving the noble air of its buildings.
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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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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Conde Transfers
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
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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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Mallorca Taxi Car
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
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Shuttle Spain Transfers
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Mallorca
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Apartment for Sale, Port de Pollença
This fantastic family ground floor for sale in Puerto de Pollensa is located in the Siller urbanization, in a building with only six homes, a short distance from the centre of the Port, and enjoys excellent tranquillity.
Price: €480,000
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Villa for Sale
Nestled in the peaceful countryside between the Puig de Maria and Puig de Santuiri, this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Mallorcan charm. Located just minutes from the historic town of Pollença, the property enjoys a privileged position surrounded by natural beauty and views.
Price: €1,500,000
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Villa for Sale, Pollença
With 6 bedrooms this house offers style and spacious living in abundance. The main house has 4 big bedrooms all with air-conditioning.
Price: €2,600,000
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Apartment for Sale
Located within the highly sought-after town of Port de Pollença, this beautifully presented apartment offers a refined lifestyle with a touch of Mediterranean luxury. Completed in 2016, the boutique complex occupies a spacious 2,043 m² plot and comprises just 15 residences across two low-rise buildings.
Price: €650,000
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Townhouse for Sale
Introducing an exceptional development opportunity in one of Mallorca’s most sought-after areas. This exclusive project combines elegance, privacy, and strategic positioning - perfect for investors or those looking to build a dream home in the Mediterranean.
Price: €595,000
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Townhouse for Sale, Pollença
This ground-floor property presents a fantastic opportunity for those looking for a renovation project in one of Pollensa’s most sought-after areas. Conveniently located near the local secondary school and within walking distance of all essential amenities, this home stands out for its strategic location in the village.
Price: €355,000