Vilafranca de Bonany, Mallorca, Things to do and see, hotels, market
Vilafranca de Bonany is one of the many sleepy pastoral villages you will find on the heaths of Mallorca – also known as “es Pla”.
Vilafranca de Bonany is not known for its great attraction of tourists, but in return famous for its sugary melons, which are celebrated every year at the big melon festival.
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Why visit Vilafranca de Bonany
Things to do in Vilafranca de Bonany
PARISH CHURCH OF SANTA BARBARA
As with many other Mallorcan villages, the parish church is one of the most important buildings in Vilafranca. The church stands on the original ground on which it was built in 1627. It was extended in the years between 1815 and 1842 and again in 1935. One of the main features of Santa Bàrbara, is the sculpture of Jesus Christ standing on the top of the dome.
CA SES MONGES
This is perhaps one of the smallest convents on the island. It was built back in 1897 by the Marquis of Vivot for the Sisters of Charity to who it still belongs. However, some of the rooms are used as a municipal school for infants (0-3 years).
CA SA MANESCALA
This is the birthplace of Joan Mestre Oliver, better known as Fray Lluís de Vilafranca (1770-1847). He was one of the most respected people who came from Vilafranca due to his broad knowledge and position as a librarian for the Capuchin order.
L’ESCORXADOR (THE BUTCHER’S HOUSE)
This building stands in high contrast to the remaining buildings of the village with its unique regional architecture from the early 20th century. There are several interesting details to observe on the exterior of this building, which currently houses the cultural center of Vilafranca.
ROAD CYCLING
Road cycling is undoubtedly the most popular sport that tourists seek in Mallorca. The country roads extending from Vilafranca makes it the perfect place for this particular activity, you can reach almost any area and any challenge in a short ride from here. Some of the more popular cycling routes leads to the sanctuaries of Bonany and Sant Salvador (Felanitx), as well as the beautiful coastal area of Portocolom.
WALK OR RUN IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Just like bicycling, walking is an extremely popular thing to do in the area of Vilafranca. There is so much to see, so much to feel and, so much to appreciate.
SHOPPING IN MANACOR
Manacor is renown for many things; the Neo-Gothic parish church, it’s furniture, it’s artificial pearls, the underground caves, tennis professional Rafa Nadal and wimeries. But there is much more to discover in Mallorca’s second largest town. A big number of local stores and bars awaits you here to offer you a true Mallorcan experience and local high-quality products.
GOLFING IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS
Mallorca is famous for it’s 21 public golf courses, some of them championship courses, all with their own personal touch and carefully designed architecture. Closest to Vilafranca you will find the Son Anthem (~25 km) and Vall d’Or course (~30 km), both with great challenges and surrounded by beautiful nature.
DISCOVER MALLORCA FROM THE HORSE BACK
Experiencing the beautiful rural countryside of Mallorca from the horse’s back is pure therapy. Feel and listen to the rhythm of the animal making its way through meadows and green pastures while inhaling the purest air and just be one with nature, it’s simply amazing.
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FAQ
Here are the best accommodation options in Vilafranca de Bonany:
Vilafranca de Bonany is located in the center of the island, some 40 km (~25 miles) from Palma airport. The transfer time by car or taxi is about 30 minutes.
A taxi from the airport will cost about 45-50 euros.
If you prefer a more comfortable transfer, consider an air-conditioned private minibus. Book here
The weekly market in Vilafranca de Bonany is held every Wednesday morning, starting around 8 am.
Market and Events in Vilafranca de Bonany
Weekly market
The weekly market in Vilafranca is held on Wednesdays from 9 – 13 in the Plaça Major. The weekly market is an excellent opportunity to sample some of the local products of Vilafranca such as melons which the municipality is renown for.
Other things worth looking for at the market in Vilafranca, are painted ceramics and embroideries which both are considered of high quality.
Events and festivities inVilafranca de Bonany
January
Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni Abat (Saint Anthony) is the protector of domestic animals and everything related to livestock, which makes this saint very important especially in the rural areas of Mallorca. On the evening of January 16, the town is lit with bonfires and you can see various dancing groups perform to the sounds of traditional Mallorcan xeremirs (bagpipes). On January 17, the official day of Sant Antoni, blessings of animals is done and the festivities continues with parades, dances, food etc.
March
Día de les Illes Balears
On 1st of March, the town of Vilafranca marks the day of the independence of the Balearic Islands as an autonomous region of Spain.
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
Get to know the area of Vilafranca de Bonany
About the area of Vilafranca de Bonany
Vilafranca de Bonany is a village and municipality found in in the southeastern part of the Pla de Mallorca district, and borders the other municipalities of Manacor, Petra, Sant Joan, Porreres and Felanitx. Vilafranca de Bonany covers a surface of just about 2,400 hectares making it one of the smallest of Mallorca.
The lands of Vilafranca de Bonany is mainly used for agricultural activities such as cultivation of melons and for livestock such as sheep. Vilafranca is also characterized by the many small family owned businesses, many of these sell directly from their houses or farms.
Typical products
- Melons
- Pumpkins
- Garlic
- Apricots
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Meats
- Clay
Practical Info
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Town Hall: +34 971 83 21 07
Public Transport
Bus lines: 417
Power Supply
220V