Real estate in Mallorca: Discover Santa María del Camí and Alaró

For a slice of authentic Mallorquin village life, Engel and Völkers Mallorca recommend the picture-perfect pueblos of Santa María del Camí and Alaró. With excellent road and train links to the cosmopolitan capital of Palma and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains, both locations are highly desirable to real estate investors. Weekly markets, bucolic vineyards and a thriving art scene make Santa María del Camí and Alaró secluded cultural hotspots with their own charming idiosyncrasies that make them unique.

Santa María del Camí  

Living in Santa María and Alaró

Santa María is a quaint market village that is just twenty minutes drive east of Palma into central Mallorca. The heart of the wine district, Santa María is surrounded by vineyards, bodegas and peaceful countryside. By contrast, the village has some lively bars and cafés, and a bustling weekly market where farmers display their rainbow of local produce such as sweet honey, creamy cheese and ripe seasonal fruit. Early spring is particularly dreamy, when the fragrant almond and orange blossom perfume the fresh country air. 

Whereas Santa María is beautifully set on a flat plain in view of the Tramuntana mountains, a World Heritage Site, Alaró is situated right at the foot of the spectacular range. Home to a popular annual festival, Alaró is popular with artists who display their works at intimate pop-up galleries that are dotted around the village. With a pretty square with bars and restaurants, Alaró has a relaxed, local feeling that is imbued with the essence of the real Mallorca.

Alaró 

Real estate in Santa María and Alaró

Engel & Völkers Mallorca offer a diverse range of properties in both Santa María and Alaró. Nestled deep in the central Mallorcan countryside, with excellent transport connections, Santa María is home to a range of traditional townhouses, with secluded courtyards and dappled swimming pools, that have been contemporarily converted to luxurious properties with all modern conveniences. Or you might prefer to purchase a construction project of your dreams? Outside the village, there are country houses with extensive grounds and exquisite gardens that might be more your taste, or head to the mountain village of Alaró where you will find a peaceful atmosphere and idyllic homes to match. Perhaps a historic eighteenth century manor house with almond, olive and carob trees appeals with rustic stone terraces and a private chapel? Rustic, charming and spectacular, with views of the World Heritage site, the Tramuntana Mountains, Alaró is a diamond in Mallorca’s crown, just waiting to be discovered.

Country estate in Santa María

What to do and where to eat in Santa María and Alaró

A firm favourite with cyclists and hikers, the stunning scenery around Santa María, and Alaró, lends itself to the active and adventurous; the Valley of Conanegra is a key attraction. Alternatively, take a trek from Alaró to its castle, established during Moorish times and set into a rock, with incredible views of the surrounding countryside and sea. For gastronomy, take a tour of the Mallorquin bodega, Macià Batle, before stopping for lunch at one of Santa María's charming eateries. For sophisticated, stylish dining try the lush garden of Bistro 19 at Living Dream where you can feast on fresh local seafood and modern dishes that are elegantly presented and packed with flavour. Otherwise, try Moli Des Torrent, on the road to Bunyola, another picturesque mountain village, where you can sample traditional Mediterranean cuisine on the shaded patio beneath an old windmill. Drive to Binissalem, considered the capital of the island's wine country, to watch the world go by in its main square or sample local grapes at one of the fourteen wineries.

Mallorquin Botega - Macià Batle 

Shopping in Santa María

The weekly Sunday market is a huge draw, where farmers and artisans offer their organic fruit, vegetables and local produce. Marinated olives, creamy local sheep’s cheese and the native sausage, sobrasada, are perfect to photograph and to purchase. Near the entrance to the village, the concept store and showroom, Living Dreams, stocks an eclectic mix of stylish homeware, furniture and the perfect textiles for your new home. Just out of town, the commercial centre, Mallorca Shopping Outlet has all the major brands at discounted prices and, by contrast, the flea market at nearby Consell is the ideal place to rummage and discover precious gems and antiques.

If authentic villages, countryside and mountains are high on your list, Santa María del Camí or Alaró could be the perfect places for you. Visit our website to peruse the variety of townhouses, country homes and apartments. And then sit back and relax whilst Engel & Völkers Mallorca find your dream home.