Artà, a town in Mallorca located in the northwest of the island, is a very special destination that captivates both locals and visitors. This place combines a relaxing natural setting, beautiful traditions, and a dynamic spirit that fits perfectly with today’s lifestyle.
Are you planning a trip to the Balearic Islands? Visiting Artà in Mallorca is a must-see stop to connect with the most authentic Mediterranean essence. At East Mallorca, we’ll tell you what to see in Artà so you can make the most of your trip and discover its most iconic spots.
How to Get to Artà?
Exploring the town of Artà in Mallorca is one of the best travel decisions you can make this year. If you’re interested in visiting, finding it is very easy, thanks to its excellent road connections to the island’s main destinations. How do you get there? Here’s how:
From Palma de Mallorca
Artà is located about 76 kilometers from the capital. The usual route involves taking the Ma-15 highway, which connects Palma directly to Manacor and continues northeast until you reach the town. The trip by car or taxi usually takes about an hour.
From Manacor
If you’re already in the eastern part of the island, just 18 kilometers separate Manacor from Artà via the same Ma-15, making for a quick 20-minute drive.
From Cala Millor
For those staying in this popular coastal town, getting there by road is quick and easy. A trip by car or intercity bus takes only about 20 minutes, making Artà the perfect day trip to combine beach and culture in a single day. But note: it’s also possible to walk the route by including it in your hiking itinerary, as explained here.
By public transportation
There are intercity bus lines connecting Palma, Manacor, and other neighboring towns such as Capdepera, Cala Ratjada, and Colònia de Sant Pere to the town center.
On foot, for hiking enthusiasts
Would you prefer an active journey surrounded by nature? You can walk from the neighboring area of Son Servera to Artà. This stretch is part of the famous GR-222 long-distance trail, a route that links the Tramuntana Mountains with those of the Llevant. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional rural landscapes, ancient olive groves, and peaceful trails with beautiful views of the region before reaching the town.
As you can see, its prime location—close to the east coast and easily accessible—makes Artà the perfect starting point for exploring both the Llevant Peninsula and its nearby coves.
Why Visit Artà in Mallorca?
For travelers seeking experiences that go beyond the typical sun-and-beach destination, this corner of northeastern Mallorca has it all. Nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by mountains, Artà is a place where rural serenity coexists in perfect harmony with excellent cultural and recreational offerings.
Part of its charm lies in its rich historical legacy. From tales linking its origins to Mediterranean myths to the Muslim era—which left its mark even on the root of its name, associated with the fertility of its gardens—the town has managed to preserve its identity over the centuries.
After its refounding in the 14th century, the town maintained a strong focus on agriculture and crafts that has endured to this day. This helped preserve its tranquility, but it also made the town a destination of interest for all kinds of travelers.
If there’s one thing we can also highlight, it’s its more than 25 kilometers of coastline and its extensive protected areas. These are home to both marine reserves and terrestrial landscapes, making it a true haven of biodiversity and unspoiled scenery.
Visiting Artà in Mallorca is the perfect choice for those seeking a balance between the tranquility of Mallorcan tradition and modern vibrancy.
What to See in Artà?
We’ve already taken the first steps to spark your interest in exploring Artà. But we need to show you more so you can move beyond this initial introduction to the final step of packing your bags and making the trip.
The next step is to give you a complete overview of what to see in Artà— one of the most representative towns in the area—so you can start organizing your visit and draw up a comprehensive plan before setting off on your next Mediterranean adventure:
The Old Town and Its Stately Homes
At first glance, as you stroll through the center of Artà, you’ll discover that the town’s layout is shaped by its own history. How can you see this? As you walk along the cobblestone streets, you’ll notice they’re flanked by traditional facades with colorful shutters, and here the difference becomes clear: some feature architecture of humble origins, while others are the majestic stately homes of the former landowners. This distinctive feature is fascinating and begins to tell the town’s story.
Add to your itinerary the Plaza del Conquistador, a tree-lined, lively square that’s perfect for taking a break at one of its terraces. A must-see if you’re looking for things to do in Artà is La Na Batlessa, an elegant late-19th-century building attributed to the era of the “Indianos” (returnees from the Americas) that now serves as a public library. Don’t forget to stop by the old train station, with its striking Modernist style, which has been converted into the local tourist office.
Weekly Tuesday Market
Every Tuesday morning, the town center comes alive with the celebration of its popular traditional market. Spanning the Plaza del Conquistador and the surrounding pedestrian streets, it’s the perfect place to find fresh fruits and vegetables from the region, local cured meats, cheeses from the island, and an excellent selection of traditional Mallorcan crafts.
Dining in the Historic Center
The heart of Artà captivates visitors not only with its architecture but also with its aromas. Its pedestrian streets and squares are dotted with charming cafés and restaurants with shaded terraces where you can sample the island’s traditional cuisine, such as frito mallorquín or sobrasada.
Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord
When visiting Artà in Mallorca, be sure to stop by this majestic building that dominates the town’s skyline. Built in the mid-16th century on the foundations of an old 13th-century Gothic parish church, the church is impressive for its size and cultural significance.
After exploring the interior, the tour continues to the rear: a stepped path flanked by cypress trees that gradually ascends the hill, connecting the church to the highest part of the town.
The church is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sant Salvador Sanctuary and Fortress
This sanctuary crowns the mountaintop and is the town’s most iconic landmark. Did you know that this fortified complex has a turbulent past? What began as the Almudaina—a Muslim fortress—became a Christian church following King James I’s conquest. Over the centuries, it has served as a mosque, a hospital for epidemic victims, and a sanctuary, surviving fires and reconstructions.
When you visit Artà and climb its nearly 180 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a walled enclosure spanning more than 4,000 square meters that offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of northeastern Mallorca.
Please note that visiting hours are daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in the summer until 8:00 p.m.
Ses Païsses Talayotic Settlement
Located just a few minutes from the city center, this archaeological site is one of the best-preserved prehistoric settlements in the Balearic Islands. Excavated in the mid-20th century, the site still preserves its protective stone wall intact, which once surrounded dozens of dwellings and sheltered hundreds of inhabitants of the mysterious Talayotic culture.
It’s a must-see for history lovers who want to understand the island’s ancient origins while sightseeing in Artà, Mallorca.
Artà Regional Museum
Opened in 1927 by local intellectuals to protect the region’s heritage, the Museu Regional d’Artà features unique artifacts from archaeological sites and private donations. Its exhibition is divided into three main sections: Archaeology, featuring Talayotic artifacts made of bronze, pottery, and bone; Ethnology, which showcases traditional tools and the famous palm-leaf crafts; and Natural History, with fossils and specimens of local fauna.
When visiting Artà, you can visit this museum Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It’s a stop you definitely won’t want to miss.
Visit the Llevant Natural Park from Artà
When wondering what to see in Artà, a visit to the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park is a must. Why? Because this town serves as one of the main gateways to the park. Considered the largest and best-preserved protected area in Mallorca, this free-to-enter enclave invites you to unwind among mountain peaks, ancient holm oak forests, rugged cliffs, and unique wildlife—notably birds of prey and Mediterranean tortoises.
Since Artà is the natural starting point for the park, the main official trails for exploring this ecological sanctuary at your own pace begin in and around the town. The park offers options suited to different fitness levels, all clearly marked:
- Accessible level, for families: La Volta als Establits de s’Alqueria Vella is a circular route of just over 3 kilometers that starts at the park’s interpretation center. It’s a gentle walk through pine forests and Mediterranean scrub, ideal for learning about the local flora and fauna.
- Intermediate level with historical interest: The Camí dels Presos takes you deep into the heart of the park along a trail laid out in the mid-20th century, culminating in a completely unspoiled coastal setting after a round-trip hike of about 10–12 km.
- Moderate difficulty with rural scenery: The S’Alqueria Vella–Es Verger route begins just a 10-minute drive from the center of Artà. It’s an approximately 8 km round-trip hike with gentle elevation changes through palm groves and old farmsteads. It’s ideal for those seeking a scenic hike that isn’t too physically demanding.
- Challenging level, perfect for adventurers: The climb to Talaia Freda, the highest point in the Levante mountain range (564 m), rewards the effort with 360-degree panoramic views that, on clear days, allow you to see from the Sierra de Tramuntana to the neighboring island of Menorca.
Coves accessible on foot from the village area
We’ll wrap up this guide to what to see in Artà with some of the most idyllic coves in the area. Where should you go to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip, or go snorkeling while exploring Artà in Mallorca? Let’s take a look:
- Cala Torta and Cala Mitjana: both feature turquoise waters, ideal for taking your first dip when exploring the town of Artà in Mallorca.
- Cala des Matzoc and Torre d’Albarca: spots where nature blends with history, guarded by an ancient 18th-century defensive tower that still retains its cannon.
- Sa Font Celada and S’Arenalet des Verger: true paradises of white sand and absolute tranquility. The latter is accessible only on foot, ensuring an unspoiled setting where time seems to have stood still.
At East Mallorca, we’ll accompany you on this journey so you can discover every corner of the island and enjoy an unforgettable stay in the unique setting of the Balearic Islands.