Artà: Market Life, Culture and Via Verde
Accommodation in Artà
Artà combines a strong local character with culture, traditional crafts and an extensive trail network along a former railway line. Browse the market for local produce and handicrafts; around Sant Salvador, a sanctuary and historic church buildings shape the landscape. If you are weighing up local life against hiking or cycling for your holiday, you will find a range of options here to help you choose your destination.
Market and Mallorcan Produce
The traditional Mercat d’Artà takes place on Tuesday mornings in the town centre. More than 300 stalls are spread across Plaça del Conqueridor and the surrounding streets. They offer fresh produce, cured meats, cheese, handicrafts and fashion items. A visit to the market can therefore range from shopping for local food to browsing for handmade goods. The particular selection that interests you could make the market a focus of your stay.
The Fira d’Artà also celebrates typical Mallorcan foods. It takes place on the second Sunday in September in the morning and runs until around 2 pm. The market and the Fira are two separate events: the Mercat is held on Tuesday mornings, while the Fira takes place on the specified Sunday in September.
Exploring the Via Verde
The Via Verde between Manacor and Artà follows a 29-kilometre-long former railway line. It passes through the municipalities of Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Son Servera and Artà, and is used for walking and cycling. The route’s length is a useful reference when deciding whether it fits into your travel plans; on its own, it says nothing about walking time or difficulty.
Facilities in the Artà section of the Via Verde include a car park, an interpretation centre, tourist information, bicycle hire, local products, cafés and restaurants. This means you will find several different amenities related to the route there. If you are considering Artà because of the Via Verde, you can plan these facilities and the route as a distinct part of your stay.
Sant Salvador and Artà’s Churches
Sant Salvador is Artà’s emblematic landmark. The complex comprises a walled enclosure, a sanctuary and the buildings of Es Donat. It stands on a small hill, which affords views over the surrounding area. Construction of the present-day sanctuary began in 1825, and it was consecrated in 1832. The complex brings together several buildings, while the hill itself offers a distinctive view of Artà and its surroundings.
The parish church of the Transfiguration of the Lord stands on the slope of Sant Salvador hill and towers above Artà. Its construction in the Neo-Gothic tradition began in 1573, when the medieval church dating from the 13th century had become too small. Its features include up to 14 small chapels, a 19th-century organ and 20th-century stained-glass windows. If you are interested in church architecture, you can observe elements from different periods and stages of construction in this building.
Theatre, Museum and Crafts
The Teatre Municipal d’Artà regularly hosts theatre and other performing arts. Its auditorium has 460 seats. The Regional Museum of Artà offers a different cultural focus: it displays stuffed birds and prehistoric objects from archaeological sites in the region, including pieces from Ses Païsses. Together, the theatre and museum offer different ways to explore culture and regional history.
Llatra is part of the municipality’s craft tradition: it involves weaving leaves from the local garballó palm. The skill is passed down orally through several generations. You can view and buy products bearing the d’Artà brand at the craft centre in the old railway station at Avinguda Costa i Llobera 7. A tourist information office is also located there. These insights into Llatra and local products add a craft perspective to the cultural experiences.
Artà is an option for your holiday if you would like to combine cultural experiences and outdoor activities in one stay. You can also explore the pages for Colonia De Sant Pere and Betlem.
For the broader travel overview: Mallorca.
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