Santa María del Camí

santa María del Camí sits at the foot of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range within the Binnissalem municipality, the island’s largest wine growing region. As such, this ancient township is nestled amongst vineyards boasting beautiful terrain with enviable views, varying hiking and cycling trails, and an abundance of good local wines, making it a delight for both nature and wine lovers alike.

A small-town vibe yet close to bustling Palma, many have discovered Santa María del Camí is an ideal place to settle if you want to immerse yourself in quiet countryside living but have city conveniences within easy reach. The township itself offers all the necessities for daily life as well as a surprising number of hospitality establishments in which to enjoy a coffee over the paper, or a local wine along with some authentic Mallorcan bites. For these reasons, property in Santa María del Camí is increasingly in demand, with townhouses and apartments in the village centre equally as popular as the larger fincas and estates on the outskirts. Living in Santa María del Camí therefore attracts a large cross-section of people, from young families starting out, to foreigners wanting a slice of authentic Mallorca as a holiday retreat, and of course, well-established Mallorcan families tracing back generations.

A wine-lovers paradise, the many small and medium-sized family-run vineyards and wineries are a highlight of living in the Binissalem region. As a local, frequenting the vineyard route never grows old. There are so many to choose from, offering a unique experience each time and superbly showcasing native grapes such as Manto Negro, Callet, Moll Gargollassa, and Giró Ro.

Perhaps the most well-known and closest winery to Santa María is Macià Batle. The traditional Mallorcan vines of this vineyard see around 300 days of sunshine a year, reflected in the wine’s body, aroma and flavour, and as the most-awarded winery in Mallorca, the quality has deservedly been recognised. Celler Jaume de Puntiró has been an important vineyard economically to Santa María del Camí since the 17th century, and it is a real joy to savour a drop of their high-quality ecological wine. From vine cultivation to the aging of the wine, artisanal methods and guidelines are carefully followed. Ramanyà is a winery that in addition to specialising in native grapes of the area, holds an ethnographic collection of ancient craft tools of Mallorca, with more than 3,000 pieces of viticulture history open to the public to view.

During the summer some of the vineyards also play host to special events where you can engage all of your senses. Enjoy fantastic wines alongside a spread of local delicacies in a picture-perfect vineyard setting whilst listening to stellar performances. Experiencing the Symphony Orchestra of the Balearic Islands’ annual performance at Macià Batle is a definite calendar highlight.

The weekends in Santa María are a chance to explore the stunning landscape by foot or by bike. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace on flat, even terrain, or slogging it out scrambling up the mountainside, the Santa María topography has it all. Spend a Saturday morning breathing in the fragrant countryside air, taking in the beauty of the surrounding vines, almond trees and olive groves on the plains, or the magnificent panoramic views afforded from the mountaintops. After exerting some energy it’s time to sit back with a glass of wine. There are many superb wineries within easy distance from town where they will be happy to guide you through a tasting accompanied with tapas.

Sundays see the quiet town come alive with one of the island’s best markets held in Plaza Nova, just a short stroll from the main street. The locals like to arrive early to beat the crowds of out-of-towners that flock every week to hunt down bargains in this vast market brimming with everything from fresh produce to plants, textiles and even live poultry. You can pick up high-quality local products such as honey and oils, and the smaller square boasts a fantastic organics section. Meander the stalls with a ‘coca mallorquina’ (pastry with toppings), or ‘bunyols de vent’ (fried potato fritters dredged with honey) in hand, then settle in at one of the cafes neighbouring the square to soak up the bustling atmosphere with a cortado.

The centre of Santa María del Camí is its gastronomical hub with most restaurants and cafes situated along the main street of Plaza Hostals and a few dotted around the surrounding plazas. Mallorcan, Mediterranean fusion and Italian are the predominant cuisines you will find on offer, and generally, a more rustic cooking style is presented.

Slightly off the beaten path but well worth seeking out is Moli Des Torrent with a seasonally adapted menu showcasing traditional Mallorcan and German cuisine. Occupying a carefully restored windmill, the setting is a perfect special occasion spot, and during summertime the cute patio beckons for an al fresco experience.

In the centre of town, Celler Sa Sini offers pizzas alongside simple and traditional Mallorcan and Mediterranean fare, but what they’re most famous for is their extensive table display of homemade cakes and sweet treats. Right next door, step into the Livingdreams interiors store and wander through to the sprawling garden to discover the stylish Restaurant 19. This hidden gem oozes sophistication in a truly tranquil setting and serves a menu of innovative dishes with fresh Asian flavours.

A little further down the main road, you can find Ca’n Cannoli in a large 17th-century townhouse. Walk through the unassuming restaurant into the rear courtyard and you will find a welcoming oasis with a casual and relaxed atmosphere in which to sample the Italian and Mallorcan-based menu.

One would not expect a raging party scene in a small village like Santa María del Camí, but those who enjoy some nightlife are surprisingly well catered for by way of Factoria de So. Located within the Casas de Son Llaüt in Santa María’s industrial estate, Factoria de So comprises a rehearsal room, an outdoor stage, and a social venue, allowing Santa María locals as well as those from further afield to gather and enjoy live music and events year-round.

For more live music but in cosier surroundings, head to Cas Music closer to the heart of Santa María on Carrer Batle Gabriel Mesquida. With jam sessions, DJs, and live musicians to provide entertainment, you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere in this favourite local hangout.

If a quiet evening tipple in sophisticated surroundings is more to your liking, Restaurant 19 within the Livingdreams concept space is your go-to. Peruse the wine list and choose one of the many delicious local offerings or try one of the tempting cocktails. Spend the evening in the secluded garden setting which features furniture and décor from the store’s collection or take a seat in the wine bar to sip and enjoy the ambience.

Finca Sarbosar

This rural agroturismo hotel is set in the countryside just 2 kilometres outside of Santa María. Nature lovers will revel in the spectacular views of the Tramuntana mountains from the spacious farmhouse accommodation and the expansive grounds dotted with almond, orange and lemon groves.

Sa Cabana Rural Hotel & Spa

This adults-only hotel is your pick for exclusivity, privacy and romance. Modern luxuries are weaved into the historical 16th-century villa setting, which also has its own spa for pampering treatments. Make the most of the Mediterranean vistas and dine at the restaurant housed inside the estate’s old wine cellar looking out to the mountains.

In the village centre you can find a mix of traditional and modern townhouses and apartments at moderate prices, while the outskirts of Santa María offer rustic country homes, high-end fincas, and rural estates benefiting from extensive grounds and expansive views. Properties with traditional facades disguising luxury modern interiors are popular amongst buyers, but you can still find reasonably priced renovation projects and investment opportunities in the area. Enlist a local property expert to guide you in finding your dream Santa María home or plot on which to build.

Viticulture is definitely the industry of the region, and as such it is a major employer of locals and seasonal workers. Tourism and real estate businesses play a smaller role in employment as the area is becoming more and more appealing to foreign visitors and investors. The village itself is comprised of many small shopfronts, cafés and restaurants, with a surprising number of home interior and furniture stores that specialise in both manufacturing and restoration. Further out of town, you will find the Poligono industrial estate which houses various industrial outlets and distribution centres. The real advantage of living in Santa María when it comes to work, however, is the extremely quick commute to Palma. The train is a mere 15-minute journey, depositing you at Estació Intermodal, in the thick of the capital’s business district. Alternatively, much of the expat community chooses to work remotely, a convenience of modern technology and flexible working conditions.

The authentic character of Santa María del Camí is maintained by the Mallorcan locals who uphold the traditions of the village whilst still accepting modern progress. This rural charm along with a temperate climate and an advantageous position close to the capital city attracts international buyers from countries like Germany, England, the U.S.A. and Scandinavia to take up a second or year-round residence here. Older couples and families are also drawn to the area as it provides everything you could want to experience the ‘real’ Mallorca and a simple way of life. You will even find a fair number of yacht workers opting to reside here, perhaps wanting a taste of inland Mallorca away from the sea. Although Santa María del Camí is not a hotspot for celebrities, many well-known artists are based here, such as Toni Sans, Joan Artigues, Joana Cabot, and Pep Maür.

While celebrities might not be seen living in Santa María del Camí, what you might see is a few visiting for the afternoon to peruse the town’s furniture stores. Designers like Nicole Hoch from Livingdreams have put the town on the map for quirky one-off design pieces. Therefore when it comes to decorating a luxury finca in Deiá or a swish pad in Port Andratx, Santa María del Camí provides a welcome, low-key place for celebrities to shop without being noticed.

Santa María del Camí is a haven for nature lovers, keen outdoorsmen and those in search of a more pared-back, peaceful existence, without completely sacrificing modern advancements. As a resident here you can immerse yourself in local village life, mixing with friendly locals and a revolving door of visitors who come to enjoy its famous market and charming atmosphere. Santa María is a place to experience respected ancient traditions in a thriving community atmosphere just north of Palma in Mallorca’s beautiful central flat plain.