Santanyí, municipality of Spain
Santanyí is a small town in southeast Mallorca built with golden marès sandstone that glows in the sunlight. The layout centers on narrow pedestrian streets lined with traditional buildings, a main square for markets, and nearby coves with calm turquoise water and white sand beaches.
Santanyí was founded in 1300 by King Jaume II with roots in the Arab period over 700 years earlier. The town faced repeated pirate attacks during the medieval era, prompting the construction of defensive stone structures that still stand today as reminders of this turbulent past.
The name Santanyí comes from Arabic roots reflecting the town's deep past. On market days, the community gathers on Wednesdays and Saturdays when vendors fill the main square with local foods, crafts, and goods that connect residents to their agricultural traditions.
The best time to visit is spring or early autumn when weather is warm and crowds are smaller, with water still comfortable for swimming through September and October. Palma airport lies roughly 45 kilometers away, and renting a car from there makes exploring the area straightforward since roads are flat and easy to navigate.
The area is known for nearby vineyards and olive groves where visitors can tour farms and taste organic wines while learning local farming methods. Additionally, the town hosts an international music festival between spring and fall offering free concerts that draw artists and audiences from across Europe.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.