In the town

The Plaza de Conqueridor in the heart of the old town is the place for morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or to spend some time simply watching the world go by. The surrounding narrow streets are home to traditional restaurants and independent shops, a local museum, and a theatre offering concerts and film screenings as well as theatrical productions.

Eventually the streets lead you uphill towards Artà’s spiritual heart. You will first come across the parish church of Santa Maria d’Artà, a late Gothic edifice with several interesting features and a great view from the belltower if you climb the spiral stone staircase. Back outside, continuing up the 180 steps lined by cypress trees will bring you to the walled fortress and chapel of the Santuari de Sant Salvador, whose hilltop position overlooks the entire town with panoramic views over the north-east of the island.

Beaches

Artà is about 15km away from some absolutely beautiful beaches. On the end of the peninsula, Cala Mesquida is a popular beach next to the small resort of Mesquida; the bay is around 350 metres long, bordered by pine trees and sand dunes, with fine-grain sand and clean clear water. Also in this area, you will find the equally beautiful beaches of Cala Agulla, again with amenities close at hand, and Cala Torta, which is set in purely natural surroundings. And a great number of other small coves await discovery!

Dining

Artà is a great place to savour local cuisine as there is a wide range of restaurants serving typical Mallorcan food and Mediterranean cuisine. A number of pizza places and tapas bars are also available.

Shopping

The local market is held in the centre of the town every Tuesday morning and is very popular with both locals and visitors. There is something for everyone with many stalls selling local pottery and handwoven baskets, jewellery, leather goods, and fresh fruit and vegetables. The town also has some attractive boutiques and artisan stores should you be looking for a memento or a gift.

To do nearby

If you enjoy being active, this is a great place to spend your holiday. The Llevant National Park (8km) is fantastic for both walking and cycling, and the 5km coastal path between Son Serra de Marina to Colònia de Sant Pere is a fairly easy-going route, with wonderful sea views of course. There is a sailing school at Colònia de Sant Pere to the north of Artà, and jetski, parasailing and banana boats at Cala Millor to the south. Golfing enthusiasts can choose between three 18 hole golf courses in the area.

For a cool visit on a hot day, head underground to marvel at the spectacular rock formations in the Cuevas d’Artà in Canyamel (again about 15km), or the well-known Drach Caves a little further away (25km).

Families may like to spend a day at Splash World waterpark, or visit Dinosaur Land or the Safari Zoo, all of which are just 20-25km south of Artà.

Villas in Artà