Stretching its cultivated plains in the northeast of Majorca, Manacor is with its 260 km ², the second largest municipality of the island of Majorca in the Balearic Islands. Between farmlands lined with farmhouses converted into guesthouses and the 27 km of coastline lined with beaches and coves not devoid of charm, Manacor seduces visitors without sacrificing anything of its strong rural identity. If you plan to stop in the city of Manacor itself - famous for its furniture and pearl industry, but also for its remarkable heritage and its array of historical stores - you will want to stay in one of the superb finques (rural lodgings) in the interior, to recharge your batteries in the midst of a preserved natural environment and a welcoming population. Put on your clogs, the Petit Futé takes you today to a region that smells good tradition and authenticity!
Landscape contemplation
Forget for a moment the city, its agitation and its modernity: in Manacor, it is in the hinterland that everything happens. Yes, in the heart of the countryside, ancient traditions and rural life practices continue. From a landscape point of view, the municipality has three types of relief. First, the area known as the Pla, which is a vast plain with red-brown limestone soil where vineyards, orchards and cereal crops flourish. The Serra de Llevant area, which is more arid, has rather gentle and serene reliefs. The coastal area is subject to karstic erosion phenomena, which has led to the creation of caves, the most famous being those of Drach, Hams and Pirata. Naturally, it is in this coastal area that we find the beautiful beaches and coves of the Llevant area.
Rural tourism
In terms of vegetation, on the coast you can find wild olive trees, undergrowth palms, heather and fragrant rosemary. In the interior, if a beautiful pine forest brightens up the reliefs, it is especially the agricultural activity which sculpts the physiognomy of the territory: the flowerbeds represent indeed the three quarters of the surface here! Almond trees, fig trees, various cereals, but also vines and market gardening are cultivated. Of course, 75% of the land is cultivated and there are many farmers! In fact, the Manacor area is known for hosting a good twentyagroturismo (rural tourism) addresses, often very beautiful, offering visitors a pleasant stay, calm and close to nature, generally accompanied by typical meals prepared from local products.
A gastronomy of character
The fertility of the Majorcan soils combined with a Mediterranean climate has allowed for the development of a quality agricultural activity: in Manacor, the local products are as organic as they are tasty. Just like wine, which has been cultivated on the island since Roman times 2,000 years later, there are still between 70 and 80 hectares of land dedicated to vineyards. Recommended productions? The wines stamped D.O. Pla i Llevant, Vi de la Terra Illes Balears and Vi de la Terra Mallorca.
No less new, the olive tree was introduced by Phoenicians and Greeks. Then, from the sixteenth century, olive oil becomes - and for three centuries - the most exported product of the island. Olive growing was then forgotten before being revived in the last century. So much so that since 2022, the label Oli Mallorca certifies the quality of Majorcan oils. Three producers to report for Manacor: Aubocassa, Essencial and Es Fangar.
Finally, the spotlight is on THE typical Balearic sausage: the famous sobrassada, a soft raw sausage made with finely chopped pork, salt, black pepper and paprika. You will find it everywhere and in a multitude of formulas!
Local sweet specialties
Sweet tooths will also have something to eat! The handmade jams (honey, fig, pear-chocolate, watermelon, etc.) made by the nuns of La Santa Família or by the Magdalena Perelló house are to die for! As for cookies, there are many secret recipes here. The sospiros ("sighs"), emblems of the city that can only be found in two shops (Can Munar and Can Roca), are cinnamon sweets with a lemon twist. Another sweet treasure is the amargos, a flat cookie made with almonds, cinnamon and grated coconut, named after the bitter almonds used in the past to make them. The pastís del pobre ("poor man's cake"), invented by chance 30 years ago, is made with vanilla, cooked egg yolk and coconut. Finally, it is impossible to talk about dessert without presenting the timeless ensaimada, a snail-shaped pastry made with lard. It can be found everywhere and with all kinds of sauces. And even... in the sobrassada!
FUTURE INFO
When is it?
Mallorca receives beautiful sunshine all year round. The few winter months are not the most suitable to enjoy outdoor activities, but from April to the end of November, life is sweet in Manacor!
Duration
Because of its relatively small size, the Manacor area can be visited for a long weekend. But if you really want to disconnect, a full week is not too much!
Public
Whether you go there in a spirit of romance or rather family, alone with a gun or accompanied by a group of friends, the formula always works! Rural tranquility, relaxation on the beach, discovery of the historical and natural heritage, sports activities, country and sea food...: Manacor has some good arguments!
The pluses
- The proximity. Majorca is very easy to reach from France: most airports serve Palma (and at a good price), and ferries (Toulon-Alcudia in particular) allow you to arrive on the island with your own vehicle.
- The largest island of the Balearic Islands is also the least expensive.
- Good weather guaranteed!
The minuses
- The language barrier. Quickly overcome however if you speak a little Spanish or English.
- Very high temperatures in the middle of summer. Stay in the shade between noon and 3pm and you'll be fine!
Useful
For precise information on the region, delivered with professionalism and kindness, go to the tourist office in Manacor or to the office in Porto Cristo. The website is also a valuable source for making the most of the area.
- TOURIST OFFICE OF MANACOR
Pl. del Convent, 3
Tel: +34 662 35 08 91
- TOURIST OFFICE OF PORTO CRISTO
Pl. de l'Aljub
Tel: +34 662 35 08 82
