Binissalem is the centre of Mallorca's wine country, a small town on the central plain with stone-built houses, a grand parish church, and more bodegas within walking distance than you'd expect for a place this size. It's been producing wine since Roman times, and the local Denominació d'Origen Binissalem is the island's most respected wine region. We'd point it out to visitors who enjoy wine tasting, want a quiet rural base, and don't mind a 25-minute drive to the nearest beach. It's the opposite of a resort, and happily so.
Why Stay in Binissalem
- Wine tasting: Several bodegas in and around town offer tastings and tours. José L. Ferrer (the largest), Biniagual, and Vins Nadal are all worth visiting. Expect to pay €10-20 per tasting. The wines, particularly the reds from the local Manto Negro grape, are good and rarely seen outside Mallorca.
- Attractive townscape: Binissalem's main street and plaza are lined with traditional stone houses. The September wine festival (Festa des Vermar) fills the streets with grape-throwing and free-flowing local wine. It's raucous and fun.
- Central island position: Palma is 25 minutes on the motorway. Inca (5 minutes) has the big Thursday market. The Tramuntana mountains are 20 minutes north.
- No beach, no resort: There's nothing touristy about Binissalem. No beach within walking distance, limited English-language menus, and quiet evenings. This is rural Mallorca for self-sufficient villa guests.
Things to Do in Binissalem
Start with a bodega visit. José L. Ferrer runs regular tours (book ahead) and has a wine shop. Several smaller producers welcome drop-in tastings during the week. Ask at the town hall tourist office for a current list.
The church of Santa Maria de Robines dominates the town and is worth a look inside for its Baroque interior. The surrounding streets are pleasant for a stroll, with cafes on the main square serving pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomato) and local wine by the glass.
Inca (5 minutes) has the Thursday market, one of Mallorca's largest, and several leather outlet shops in converted wine cellars (cellers). The cellers also serve traditional Mallorcan food at reasonable prices.
For a day out, drive north into the Tramuntana mountains. The road to Lluc Monastery winds through olive groves and pine forests. Alaró (15 minutes) is a handsome small town at the foot of the Castell d'Alaró, a ruined hilltop castle reached by a steep 90-minute hike. The restaurant at the top serves basic Mallorcan food and the views are worth the climb. Beach trips to Playa de Muro or Alcudia (35 minutes) are the nearest good sand options.