The village of Santanyi, its secrets and its origins…

Why Santanyí wins so many hearts

Santanyí stands for that special “slow-living feeling” in the southeast of Mallorca: gold-colored stone houses, secluded squares, small studios and a gastronomy that is relaxed instead of loud. You can feel the charm in the alleyways here, and the properties in Santanyi have been among the most sought-after in the southeast of the island for years. The local Marés sandstone is particularly characteristic, giving the houses their warm, honey-colored tone – from the historic Porta Murada town gate to the church.

Old town, Porta Murada & markets

When strolling through the old town, there is hardly any way around Porta Murada – a remnant of the old town fortifications that were once intended to protect Santanyí from pirates. Today it is a photogenic landmark and a beautiful starting point for any walk through the town.

Weekly market in Santanyi: On Wednesdays and Saturdays (approx. 9 am – 1 pm), the old town is filled with over 150 stalls: Fruit & vegetables direct from the farmers, handicrafts, flowers, fashion. A lively meeting place for locals and new Mallorcans. For breakfast we recommend Sa Botiga or Café VAL on the plaza, but it’s best to arrive early otherwise it will be difficult to get a seat!

Beaches & nature: Santanyí as a “base camp” by the sea

Santanyí is ideally located if you want to have many of Mallorca’s most beautiful bays on your doorstep:

• Caló des Moro – emerald-green postcard bay (access via Cala Llombards). It’s worth coming early.

• Cala Santanyí – Family-friendly bay with fine sand, water sports and short distances.

• Cala Llombards – wide sandy bay, quiet and relaxed; just a few minutes from the town center. The beach bar is known for its delicious food and fresh fish (personal tip: the “Navajas” mussels, a dream!).

• Mondragó Nature Park – two dream bays(Cala Mondragó & S’Amarador) plus easy coastal paths through pine forests; ideal for beach hopping and short hikes.

• Buy real estate in Santanyi

Cala Figuera: the picture-book fishing village

Just a short drive away from Santanyí nestles Cala Figuera nestles into the land like a Y-shaped fjord: fishing boats (“Llaüts”), gently rocking water, old boathouses – wonderful for strolling, taking photos and enjoying a coffee on the quay.

Connection & everyday life

Depending on traffic, it takes around 40-50 minutes by car to Palma Airport (PMI) (around 45-55 km). There are bus connections via Campos/Palma, but a car is still convenient for everyday life.

Housing & real estate in Santanyí – what suits you?

Santanyí offers a multifaceted living experience – from quiet and rural to maritime:

• Old town & townhouses: authentic townhouses made of Marés stone, often with patios, roof terraces and lots of charm – ideal if you love “living on foot”.

• Fincas on Mallorca in the surrounding area (e.g. between Santanyí, Cas Concos, Es Llombards): Far-reaching views, olive and almond groves, privacy – the classic Mallorca longing.

• Coastal locations (Cala Santanyí, Cala Figuera, Cala Llombards, Portopetro): Sea, bathing bays and jetty within easy reach; popular for vacation use and as a “lock-up-and-leave”.

Our impression from our consulting practice: Refurbished townhouses in the old town (short distances, market on the doorstep) and fincas with a vacation feeling are particularly popular – plus apartments or villas in the calas for those who want the bay literally “down the street”.

Micro-layers briefly explained

• Center Santanyí: maximum everyday comfort, restaurants & market, lively all year round.

  • Plaça Major – central meeting point; church & town hall are located here, also market Wed/Sat.
  • Església de Sant Andreu (Plaça Major 31) – parish church with the famous Jordi Bosch Baroque organ.
  • Ajuntament de Santanyí (Plaça Major 12) – Town Hall on the main square.
  • Teatre Principal de Santanyí – cultural center, opened in 1925 as a cinema.
  • Casa de Cultura “Ses Cases Noves” – Exhibitions & cultural program.
  • a66 Gallery (C/ de Cas Majoral 8) – contemporary art.
  • Galeria Frank Krüger (C/ d’es Centro 18) – new branch in Santanyí.
  • LW Gallery (LW Contemporary Art Gallery) – Carrer de la Mar 16, 07650 Santanyí – contemporary art, centrally located (near large, free parking lot). Highly recommended LW Gallery is also one of our top favorites!
  • Britta Hurter art boutique (Studio Santanyí) – Carrer del Centro 5, 07650 Santanyí – Studio/gallery with contemporary works, right in the heart of the old town. You will be especially enchanted by Britta’s art, we ourselves have several of her great paintings on display in our office (like “the Riueto” or the colorful “bull”).

• Cala Santanyí & Cala Llombards: Close to the beach, family-friendly; livelier in summer.

• Cala Figuera: picturesque, maritime flair instead of a classic bathing beach – perfect for walks along the harbor.

• Near Mondragó Nature Park: bathing bays + nature, top scenery for runners, walkers, SUP & snorkeling.

Live like a local – 5 relaxed tips

1. Wednesday morning to the market and breakfast (less crowded, best selection).

2. Sunset on the cliffs between Cala Llombards and Es Pontàs.

3. Coastal trail in the Mondragó Nature Park: short, family-friendly trail with fantastic views.

4. Strolling around the harbor in Cala Figuera – in the evening, when the light is soft.

5. Enjoy all year round: Many cafés and restaurants are also open out of season – the best time to experience Santanyí “for yourself”.

FAQ about Santanyí

Is Santanyí worth living in all year round?
Yes – the old town remains active even in winter, the climate is mild and the supply situation is good. The beaches and paths in the Mondragó Nature Park are particularly quiet then.

Which beaches belong to Santanyí?
Among others Cala SantanyíCala Llombards, Caló des Moro and the bays of Cala Mondragó and S’Amarador in the neighboring Mondragó Nature Park.

How do I get from the airport to Santanyí?
By car in about 40-50 minutes; alternatively bus connections with a change (e.g. via Campos/Palma).

Your next step – with Lucas Froese Real Estate

Whether it’s a townhouse in the old town, a modern finca with pool or a sea-view home in the calas: we know Santanyí from daily visits – including micro-locations, building permits, vacation rental issues and a network of tradesmen.

Anyone looking for a home in Santanyí will notice it immediately: the market picked up speed a long time ago. The town has long been popular with German buyers in particular – and some prices have risen by 40 to 50 percent in just a few years.

• Real estate in Santanyi
• Buying a finca in Mallorca
• Real estate in Cala d’Or
• Real estate in Ses Salines

Tell us what kind of home you are looking for – we will find suitable properties for you and support you from the first exposé to handing over the keys.

Best wishes from the sunny island,
Your Lucas