A perfect day shopping at Santanyi Market in Mallorca

Every Wednesday and Saturday, the charming town of Santanyi in Mallorca comes alive with a vibrant market.

What began as a space for farmers to sell their produce has blossomed into a big happening with more than 150 stalls, selling everything from local food and wine to clothes and artisan crafts. Santanyi Market is today one of the largest and most visited markets in Mallorca.

Picture cobblestone streets lined with colorful stalls, the air filled with the enticing aromas of fresh fruits, artisanal cheeses and traditional pastries. The market is not just a place to shop; it’s an experience where locals, expats and tourists come together for a fun day out.

So let’s take a closer look at the best time to visit Santanyi Market, how to get there and what to buy!

How to get to Santanyi

The market is held in the main square, Plaza Mayor, and the surrounding streets. On the few occasions when Plaza Mayor is used for other festivals, the market is moved to Plaza Ramon Llul.

By car or taxi

I always recommend renting a car to be able to explore everything Mallorca has to offer. However, if you drive to Santanyi I suggest parking on the outskirts of town and walking to the center where the market is.

The streets are narrow and some are blocked off, so the larger lots are your best bet. Just search for Santanyi parking on Google Maps.

If you arrive by taxi, there is a stop next to “Placeta de sa Porta Murada”, where you will most likely be dropped off. It is just a minute from the center of the market. Coming from Cala Figuera, a 10-minute journey, we paid €12.5. You can also get a taxi back from here, but you might have to wait a while.

By bus

The next time we visited the market we took the 516 bus from Cala Figuera to Santanyi, via Cala Santanyi. It is super easy using the TIB buses, you just tap your card when you enter and exit. Here are some examples of other bus routes from the surrounding towns, just double-check as these can change.

• From Cala d’Or: Line 515 which takes about 25 minutes.
• From Colònia de Sant Jordi: Line 517 also stops in Ses salines with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
• From Campos: Line 515 or 516 will get you to Santanyi in approximately 20 minutes.

Best time to visit Santanyi Market

Santanyi Market is open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wednesday seemed like the calmest day to visit.

In July and August especially, I recommend getting there right as it opens. You get the first pick before the crowds roll in and avoid the worst heat. Plus, the morning light adds a magical glow to the picturesque streets, perfect for snapping some photos.

As for the best time of year, spring and autumn are my top recommendations. When the weather is pleasantly warm without the intense heat and crowds of the summer months. Springtime brings an abundance of fresh flowers and produce, while autumn offers a more relaxed atmosphere as the summer tourists have thinned out.

What to expect

As I stepped out of the taxi, the first thing I noticed was the smell of freshly baked bread and pretzels. A few steps later I was met with colorful bikinis, dresses, bags, fruits and vegetables, while the sun illuminated the golden sandstone buildings.

I love Santanyi Market because of the old town setting. With a beautiful 18th-century church, Església de Sant Andreu at the center of it all. It adds to the charm when it is just as fun to look at the architecture and unique permanent boutiques as it is to peruse the market stalls.

When we got there at 9:00 am on a Saturday in July, some vendors were still getting up their stalls. It was not too hot and we could easily walk around and take our time looking at everything.

Two hours later, however, the streets were completely full. I’m talking, walking in line to get anywhere. I wasn’t able to look at anything because you just had to move with the masses. So I quickly formed an exit plan and headed for the perimeter to browse the airconditioned boutiques instead.

Visiting on Wednesday was much more pleasant, even though the market was slightly smaller. We brought our beach bags and got a taxi to Cala S’Amarador, my favorite beach in Mallorca when it got too crowded.

Pro tip >> If you want to catch a taxi, leave before the market closes around 2:00 pm. Or else you have to wait in line in the sun.

What to buy at Santanyi Market

I had very limited room in my carry-on suitcase (when will I learn to pack lighter?) so I had to be very picky about what to buy. But I managed to snag a few smaller items along with some pastries.

Above you can see two of my favorite stalls at the market. I got one of the purple mandala trays for rings and I really wanted to get one of the door art pieces, but decided not to.

The fresh produce is simply irresistible. You’ll see tables brimming with vibrant fruits and vegetables, all locally grown under the Mediterranean sun. We got some huge peaches and cherries, not cheap but worth it. I also really wanted to get some of the gorgeous tomatoes, but we didn’t have a kitchen so I reluctantly skipped it.

Now, if you’re a foodie like me, the local delicacies are a must. One of the stalls with homemade pasta caught my eye straight away, but unfortunately, I just didn’t have the room in my suitcase.

For meat lovers, sobrasada, a rich traditional Mallorcan sausage, is a must. And the ensaimadas — you know those sweet, spiral-shaped pastries dusted with powdered sugar—are heavenly. You’ll also find a variety of local cheeses, each one more tempting than the last. And don’t forget to sample the olives and olive oils.

But my favorite part of Santanyi Market is the artisanal crafts. I love buying souvenirs I can display at home and not just put in a box or drawer.

I’m always drawn to the pottery stalls, with beautiful, hand-painted ceramics. And the woven baskets? They’re not only practical but also a lovely reminder of the warmer climates when I’m home in cold Norway.

If you’re into fashion, you’ll find everything from the typical elephant pants (yes these Thai backpacker treasures have made their way to Europe) to more quality linen pieces and handcrafted jewelry.

I’ve found some of my favorite sundresses and jumpsuits at markets like this. My mum and sister got several cute wide-legged pants. Yes, they actually had room in their suitcases.

Beauty and wellness products are another highlight. Natural soaps and skincare items made with local ingredients, like olive oil and herbs, are a treat for the senses. And the essential oils? They’re perfect for a little aromatherapy at home.

And of course, no trip to Santanyi Market is complete without a few classic souvenirs. Postcards, keychains, and local wines and liqueurs are perfect keepsakes to remember your trip.

I have collected one postcard from every new place I’ve visited for over 20 years and keep them all in one large album. It is always so fun to look through it.

Other practical tips

• Bring cash: While some vendors accept cards, cash is preferred and often more convenient.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy footwear is a must. Or if you’re a pro flip-flop wearer like me, those are fine too.
• Stay hydrated: If you’re visiting during the warmer months, make sure to carry a bottle of water. There were long lines at the drink stalls all day.
• Reusable bag: Bring a tote bag for carrying all your market finds to avoid plastic. I especially love these personalizable bags.
• Explore beyond the market: Take some time to wander around Santanyi town and enjoy its charming streets and cafes.

Where to eat

There are a ton of cute cafés in Santanyi, but the cafés in the market streets were a little too busy for my liking. So we snacked on a few things while we perused the market, but then headed away from the crowds to this super cute and calm café called Retroway.

Their interior decor is super cute, it reminded me a bit about the cafés in Bali. The food was exactly what we were after, sharable, light and tasty. I can also highly recommend their iced teas. Not much makes me happier than seeing Hibiscus iced tea on the menu.

However, if you’d rather stay close to the action, I really liked the look of Café Pablo. They have a few tables on the street, but the courtyard seating looked super cozy.

And be prepared for every menu and sign to also be in German. I didn’t realize this area was so popular with both German tourists and expats.

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