Ses Salines, home to Ca’n Bonico, sits on the southernmost tip of the island of Mallorca, far from the hustle and bustle of Palma. Here, it’s all about the laidback life, surrounded by nature and the famous salt flats that gave our town its name. But of course, despite the tranquillity and remote location, there is plenty to do here during summer, because Mallorquínes love a party and a festival, otherwise known as a “fiesta”.
Ses Salines market
Let’s start with a weekly event that takes place throughout the year, but that doesn’t make it any less special or charming. Every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm, the market takes over the town, selling a colourful range of local products from artisan-made crafts and leather goods to clothing. This is a great time to mingle with the locals and enjoy the atmosphere and do some shopping to support local businesses.
Art Nit – Campos
Culture obsessives alert! On Friday 1st August, head to the nearby town of Campos, just over 10 minutes by car, to check out the nighttime art festival. The whole town is transformed into a cultural experience where historical buildings become temporary galleries exhibiting local art from painting to sculpture to installations. Food and drink stalls line the streets and there’s a great ambience, ideal for families with kids. This festival also attracts the younger locals as there’s live music, plus DJs and dancing until very late. Even if you’re not that into art, this is a relaxed, lowkey social event that gives you the chance to discover the hidden patios and courtyards you’ve always wanted to explore.
Sant Bartomeu: A local fiesta with horses
In the heat of August, Ses Salines celebrates Sant Bartomeu over the last two weeks of the month. Also known as the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, this “fiesta” takes place in several towns across the island, including Montuïri and Sóller, honouring the patron saint. This traditional festival includes a diverse range of activities from solemn religious services to markets, music, dance and fireworks with food and wine. This all leads up to the “Festa del Cavall”, the Horse Festival, on the last Saturday of the month. This equestrian performance focuses on the beautiful horses and their “caixers”, the riders, performing tricks in the town square, aptly called Plaza de Sant Bartomeu.
Of course, Ses Salines has plenty more to offer: from its dreamy streets, cafés and restaurants, where you can enjoy the local cuisine and watch the world go by. Then you’ve got the pick of the nearby white sand beaches with sea so clear you’d think you were in the Caribbean. But no, you’re in Ses Salines in Mallorca, one of the most beautiful places on earth.