Manacor – Mallorca’s second city

Is a municipality of Balearic Islands province that includes the areas of Cala Anguila-Cala Mendia, Cala Murada, Cales de Mallorca, Manacor, Porto Cristo, s’Estany den Mas, S’illot-Cala Morlanda and Son Macià with a population of 40,170 people. The largely residential town is situated on the North Eastern tip of the island with many of the nearby coastal resorts and attractions falling within its municipality.

Tourists who visits this place find the scenic beauty and the landscapes of this town very attractive, be it the busiest street markets or the charming beach areas or the awe-inspiring churches. Manacor offers a wealth of historical remains including important prehistoric sites from the Talaiotic era (1.200 to 900 BC) such as the megalithic remains of S’Illot Son Vaquer, Son Ribot or the site of S’Hospitalet Vell, a Talaiotic village which due to its size and monumental value is one of the most important on the island and also one of the most enigmatic.

Other interesting historical sites include the remains of the Paleo-Christian church of Sa Carrotja and the communication and defence tower ” Torre des Falcons” in Porto Cristo; the humble remains of the Manacor Royal Palace” Torre del Palau” former dwelling of King James 11; the neo-Gothic building of the church of Sorrows in Manacor whose bell tower, known as the Rubi tower being the highest building in the town and the architectural jewel that is without a doubt the cloister of Saint Vicente Ferrer, one of the few cloisters in the country forming a twin gallery and which was declared a National Monument in 1919. Today with the help of grants, is being restored by a team of architects and surveyors.

Here are various fun festivals held that tourists may find very fascinating. At the end of May and beginning of June every year the Fires and Festes de Primavera takes place. The celebration lasts for days and there are many activities. To finish off the festivities there is a large parade of floats. Manacor has a unique tradition dating back over 100 years. A willow tree located in the grounds of a nearby country house is believed to have special healing powers for children.

They are passed through the branches of the tree on the 24th June each year. Beautiful, right? While Manacor undoubtedly has a large international community, its delicious food makes it largely a traditional town. Traditional food is being rediscovered in the Balearics, which varies from island to island but here reflects the cuisine of Catalonia with its combination of sweet and savoury. Being the second most populated part of Mallorca it means that there are plenty of dining options.

A a good example, Moli den Sopa is a popular restaurant with both locals and tourists. It sits on the main road between Manacor and Porto Cristo and has a large windmill in its grounds making it easy to spot. When you visit Manacor you can choose from the various staying options available there, based on both budget and location. From 5-star to different budget hotels, this beautiful town has got them all. While the majority of the tourists prefer to stay near the beach, some like to stay at the center of this town. Famous sons of Manacor include the tennis player Rafael Nadal and his uncle, Barcelona footballer Miguel Angel Nadal, the so-called “Beast of Barcelona”, who also won over sixty international caps for Spain. Its location in the heart of the north east of the island and its unique traditions makes it ideal for exploring this whole side of it.