Mallorca as it used to be
Artà sits in north-east Mallorca, surrounded by some of the island's most unspoilt landscape. Around 7,500 inhabitants, narrow golden-sandstone streets, a lively Catalan-speaking culture and the Sant Salvador pilgrimage church high above the village give Artà its unmistakable character.
Artà is not a tourist resort but a genuine Mallorcan working village — with butchers, bakers, wineries, small boutiques and cafés. For those looking for the 'real' Mallorca away from the big resorts, it is the ideal base.
Culture, history and views
The pilgrimage church stands on a hill above Artà, reached via a paved processional stairway lined with cypresses. Originally a Moorish fortress, today a landmark and viewpoint with panoramic views over the Bay of Alcúdia all the way to Cap Ferrutx.
A generous 19th-century mansion with garden, today a cultural centre with a public library, rotating art exhibitions and concerts. Free admission, an oasis in the town centre.
One of the best-preserved talayotic settlements on Mallorca, around 3,000 years old. Cyclopean walls, a central watchtower and a shaded holm-oak forest – about a 15-minute walk from the village centre.
The 16th-century Gothic parish church dominates the townscape with its monumental main portal. Inside, impressive side chapels and a quiet Way of the Cross leading up to Sant Salvador.
A remote 19th-century hermitage high above Artà in the Serra de Llevant mountains. The winding drive is worthwhile for hikers and lovers of wide views over the bay.
The regional museum displays archaeological finds from Ses Païsses and the surrounding area – from talayotic pottery to Roman objects. Compact, worthwhile, family-friendly.
Every Tuesday morning the centre of Artà turns into a lively market: fresh regional fruit and vegetables, Mallorcan cheese, sobrassada and camaiot, olives, honey, wood-oven bread, flowers, leather and craftwork.
Market hours: approx. 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. Busiest from about 10 am. Stalls are spread around Plaça del Conqueridor and the streets leading to the town hall.
A short walk is all it takes to bring breakfast — or a full dinner of regional produce — back to the finca.
A village that lives its festivals
Mallorcan cuisine, tapas, modern kitchens
For its size, Artà has a remarkable food scene: traditional Mallorcan cuisine, creative bistros, good wine bars and relaxed cafés. A small selection to get you started:
Mallorca's most beautiful coast – less than 20 minutes away
The Artà region includes some of the last largely undeveloped stretches of coast on Mallorca. White sandy bays, dunes, turquoise water — and far from the big tourist hubs. All of the beaches below are 15 to 25 minutes by car from Finca Alzinar.
A long, undeveloped sandy beach with dunes — right inside the Artà municipality. Ideal for long walks; hardly any buildings, minimal infrastructure.
One of the most beautiful still-undeveloped coves in the north-east. Fine pale sand, turquoise water, surrounded by dunes. Approx. 15 km from Alzinar, no hotels, seasonal beach bar.
A wide, fine-sand beach with spectacular dunes — partly a protected nature area. Good infrastructure (loungers, restaurants) and still a lot of nature. Approx. 18 km.
Quiet family bay with shallow water, beach bars and an adjoining promenade. Ideal with children. Near the Coves d’Artà caves. Approx. 15 km.
A postcard cove with turquoise water, surrounded by pine forest and cliffs. A short walk from the car park, but very unspoilt. Approx. 20 km from Alzinar.
Further north begins the Llevant Mountains Natural Park: lonely coves (S’Arenalet, Cala Estreta, Cala Mitjana), hiking trails, the scent of macchia. No roads right down to the sea — those who walk down almost have the beach to themselves.
Finca Alzinar is just 5 km from Artà, within a 15-hectare nature reserve. Private pool 10×6 m, 350 m² country house, up to 10 guests. Available year-round — book direct with the owner, no agency fees.
Some photos on this page are from Wikimedia Commons and are released under free licences (public domain or Creative Commons). Other images were taken by Finca Alzinar. Additional free photos can be found on Unsplash and Pexels.