Discover Manacor in Mallorca
Go to Manacor in Mallorca
If you’re driving, it’s a 45-minute journey from Palma’s airport via the Ma-15. Rent a car in Mallorca and explore the island, including a visit to Manacor. Read more at Palmallorcac.com. You can also find and book accommodation in Mallorca with us.
Manacor is located on Mallorca’s east coast, about 12-13 km from the sea. It’s easy to reach from Palma: take the T3 train, which takes about an hour, or bus 501, which takes a bit longer.Â
Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
Facts about Manacor
Before heading to Manacor, it’s helpful to know a bit about the area. The town has approximately 46,000 residents, compared to around 425,000 in Palma. The landscape around Manacor is characterized by almond trees, cereals, fig trees, carob trees, and vineyards, with vegetable cultivation focusing on melons, peppers, and lettuce.
Manacor may appear inland on the map, but the municipality includes tourist areas like Porto Cristo (with the famous Dragon Caves and Hams Caves), Calas de Mallorca, Sa Coma, and Cala Millor.
The story of Manacor – In brief
Caves and burial sites in this region date back to 2000 BC. You can find ruins of Talaiotic villages such as S’Hospitalet Vell and Son Peretó, with evidence showing that the Romans later used Porto Cristo as a port.
Modern history saw a significant change in 1879 when the railway between Manacor and Inca opened, boosting the city’s industry. Not just artificial pearls, but also ceramics, furniture, wine, and textiles became vital to Manacor’s economic growth. For more on Manacor’s history, visit the Museum of Manacor. To learn about Mallorca’s history, read our detailed article.
Pearls in Manacor
Many visitors come to Manacor to see pearls. Majorica, the first factory of artificial pearls, was founded here in 1897. You can visit the Majorica factory store to see their manufacturing process and shop for pearls, which come with a 10-year warranty.
What else to explore in Manacor
Some visitors might feel that Manacor lacks obvious sights, but exploring the narrow streets behind the church, particularly around Sa Bassa and Carrer d’en Bosch, reveals beautiful architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Market in Manacor
Manacor hosts one of Mallorca’s busiest markets every Monday from 9-13 at Plaza Ramon Llull. Here, you can find fruits, vegetables, cheese, sausages, leather goods, and textiles.
The “permanent” market at Plaza Constitucio operates Monday to Saturday from 9-13, primarily offering local produce.
Porto Cristo also hosts a weekly market on Sundays from 9-13 at Passeig de la Sirena, and during the season (June – September) on Thursdays from 9-13.
Read more about the vibrant markets in Mallorca, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs. Discover the island’s bustling market culture.
Trotting in Manacor
Manacor boasts its own racetrack, Hipòdrom de Manacor. Trotting enthusiasts can also visit Palma’s racetrack. Check out our article on horse racing in Mallorca for a closer look at this local passion.
Read more about: What to see and do in Manacor after the video section
Video (will be updated)
What to see and do in Manacor: Historical attractions
When visiting Manacor, be sure to check out the local church, Esglesia dels Dolors de Nostra Senyora, from the late 19th century. Also notable are the Torre del Palau, remnants of the old royal palace, and Torre de ses Puntes, a restored defense tower.
The Church and Monastery of Sant Vincenç Ferrer is another highlight, known for its beautiful rectory and tranquil colonnades.
Caves in Mallorca
Manacor’s area is rich with caves, perfect for exploring on a hot day. The Dragon Caves near Porto Cristo harbor are a must-see, featuring stalactites, a lagoon, and a classical music concert.
The Hams Caves, discovered in 1905, are another major attraction with lights, music, and a botanical garden.
Nearby Artá also offers impressive caves, ideal for visiting with children. Read more about Artá and its caves here.
Hiking and beaches in Manacor
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Green Way/Via Verde, a nearly 30 km path, offers beautiful scenery from Manacor to Artá. Cycling is also popular here, but be prepared for gravel paths.
In summer, the beaches of Sa Coma, Cala Millor, Porto Cristo, and Calas de Mallorca provide perfect spots to cool off and relax.
Rafael Nadal and Manacor
Manacor is also the hometown of tennis legend Rafael Nadal. His Rafael Nadal Academy offers education and tennis training. You can visit Rafael Nadal’s museum, which showcases his trophies and tennis equipment. The academy recently received the JoaquÃn Blume trophy for its excellent sports promotion work.
Rafa’s home is in Porto Cristo, and when he’s not competing, he often trains at his academy and participates in events there. Vamos Rafa!
Remember to explore our travel guides to Mallorca’s captivating destinations, from the vibrant city life in stunning Palma to the sun-soaked shores of Alcudia and Puerto de Pollença. Don’t miss the charming mountain villages of Sóller and Deià , where nature and tradition blend harmoniously. Also take a look at the hot spot for wine lovers – Binissalem.
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Top image for the article What to see and do in Manacor: Photo by Luis Echeverri | Dreamstime.com
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