The idyllic mountain village of Biniamar, with about 400 inhabitants, is one of the smallest in Mallorca. Here you can still enjoy the authentic village life and the tranquility and idyllic charm that have almost been forgotten.
Map and Location
Biniamar is a small village on the island of Mallorca. It is located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, about 4 kilometers from Inca.
The Mountain Village of Biniamar
Biniamar is one of those charming towns in Mallorca where you can still enjoy authentic Mallorcan life. After having a coffee in the town square, you can take a short stroll through the picturesque streets lined with old stone houses.
The small square in the center of the village, with its traditional Mallorcan-style buildings, exudes a touch of romance. There is also a small church right in the square.
Biniamar also hides a secret that many Mallorcans are unaware of. Not only does Son Servera have an unfinished church, but Biniamar has one as well. The construction of this church was not completed due to a lack of funds. Nowadays, inside the Església Nova (New Church), there is a sports field. It’s curious, but interesting to see.
During my visit to Biniamar, I also had the opportunity to speak with some friendly town residents in this church. They told me that concerts, plays, and other events are regularly held in the “roofless church.” In my opinion, this is a typical example of how in Mallorca, circumstances are leveraged to create something positive. The pragmatic use of the unfinished church seems very practical to me.
History
Not much is known about the history of Biniamar. I believe it is one of the towns in Mallorca with the fewest ancient records. However, it seems certain that the town originated as a small settlement during the Arab occupation around the year 1200.
The name probably comes from “Bani ahmar” (Sons of the Reds) or “Bani Ammar” (an Arab name). I always joke saying “Bin i am mar” (I’m at the sea), but that surely isn’t the origin, especially since it is a mountain town.
Despite the few records, it is clear that the main source of income for the inhabitants has always been agriculture. Later, the region focused on olive oil production, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, Biniamar became a major lime producer. Lime kilns can still be found in and around Biniamar.
Places of interest
Church of Santa Tecla de Biniamar
The charming little church of Santa Tecla de Biniamar was built in the 17th century and was expanded and completely renovated almost 200 years later. From the market square, you can see the simple natural stone structure. The interior of the church features Baroque vaults.
Although the church appears quite simple, it fits perfectly with the romantic market square, with its three bars, from where you have a magnificent view of the church. The name Santa Tecla refers to a relic from Tarragona honoring the liberation of Mallorca from the Arabs.
Address: Plaça Major, 1, 07369 Biniamar, Balearic Islands
New Church (Iglesia Nueva)
The Immaculate Conception Parish, also known as the New Church, is an unfinished church without a roof. It’s surprising to see the building and realize how it’s being used. Inside, the church is completely paved and has basketball hoops and soccer goals, inviting people to play.
But it’s not just sports enthusiasts who benefit from this building in the village. The altar has become a stage. There, theatrical performances and concerts are regularly held. In fact, the Església Nova is a church that truly benefits the community.
But how did it come to this? Why wasn’t the church finished?
It all began too well to be true. The land was donated, and politician Antoni Maura organized a donation of 100,000 pesetas. Then, architect Guillem Reynés designed the neo-Gothic inspired church with a nave and four chapels on each side.
The first stone of the church was laid in 1910. And then, after a few years, the money ran out. There are rumors that Antoni Maura obtained another 100,000 pesetas from the government. However, the money never reached its destination, and the work on the church was indefinitely suspended.
Today, efforts are still being made to complete the building someday. In my opinion, it should be left as it is because today Biniamar has a church that couldn’t be more special. Once finished, it would just be a second church in a village of 400 inhabitants.
Address: Carrer Sant Pau, 5, 07369 Biniamar, Illes Balears
Municipal cemetery in Biniamar (Cementerio municipal de Biniamar)
Although the municipal cemetery itself isn’t really a point of interest, it’s worth visiting. The path to the cemetery is beautiful. As in Pollença, you climb numerous steps to reach the small cemetery. Then, you take a look and notice that the view towards the town is even more beautiful.
Market in Biniamar
The small market is held every Wednesday between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Main Square (Plaça Major de Biniamar). There you can buy fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers, as well as clothes and shoes.
Festivities
- January 17 – Sant Antoni
- September 23 – Santa Tecla
Restaurants
In Biniamar, there are three restaurants and bars. Although cyclists often take a break in the village, the restaurants are generally frequented by locals. Therefore, in Biniamar, you can still enjoy traditional food at quite reasonable prices. Previously, there was also the popular Sa Mina, which unfortunately had to close its doors a few years ago.
Restaurante Mayorga
El Mayorga is a charming traditional restaurant, very popular among the locals. Even when it comes to interior decoration, it is absolutely rustic. The standout dish on the menu is the roast suckling pig. El Mayorga is located at Plaça Mayor 3, with direct views of the Santa Tecla de Biniamar. In addition to Bar Mayorga, there’s also Café Sa Quintana and Bar SA Tafona. However, my recommendation is Mayorga.
Hotels and accommodation
Until recently, there was still a small hotel in Biniamar. Currently, it is undergoing a complete renovation and is closed. However, in the neighboring towns of Lloseta, Selva, Caimari, Inca, and Manacor de la Vall, there are plenty of accommodations available, some of which are within walking distance.
Ca’n Bestard
Small hotel in Lloseta – Driving distance 1.8 km (4 minutes)
The small adults-only hotel, family-run, is located in the center of Lloseta, in a quiet area. From there, you can reach Biniamar on foot in about 20 minutes. The hotel offers all the usual amenities, such as a beautiful terrace and well-equipped rooms with air conditioning, a safe, minibar, TV, and private bathroom with shower. At Ca’n Bestard, bicycles can not only be securely stored but also rented.
More information on booking.com
Hotel Rural Turixant
Hotel in Mancor de la Vall – Driving distance 3.5 km (6 minutes)
At the 4-star Turixant hotel in Mancor de la Vall, you can enjoy authentic Mallorcan life. Many traditional elements, such as an old oil mill, have been preserved in the traditional country house. The hotel is very well equipped and not only features a beautiful garden but also a beautiful pool with a wooden terrace. Additionally, free parking is available for drivers.
All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and are equipped with air conditioning and heating. If the tranquility becomes too relaxing, simply head to the lounge with a piano or the hotel restaurant, where specialties are served.
More information on booking.com
Can Cota Boutique
Boutique Hotel in Selva – Driving distance 4.5 km (8 minutes)
The 4-star Can Cota Boutique hotel in the mountain village of Selva not only offers a wonderful view up to the bay of Alcúdia. It provides almost every luxury for a wonderful vacation. There are two outdoor pools (one of which is an infinity pool), a sauna and a steam room, and many other amenities such as a bike room, a gym, a game room, a bar, free parking, and much more.
The rooms are bright and modern, and offer, in addition to air conditioning, TV, and WiFi, a marvelous view of the garden. Of course, each room has its own bathroom with a shower or bathtub and a hairdryer.
In my opinion, a wonderful hotel in the authentic mountain village of Selva.
More information on booking.com
Can Guixe – Turismo de Interior
Urban Hotel in Inca – Driving distance 5 km (9 minutes)
Can Guixe is located in the center of Inca, the third-largest city in Mallorca. This typical urban hotel offers all the usual amenities of a small city hotel. Each room is equipped with a safe, flat-screen TV, desk, and private bathroom. Noteworthy is the good location in the city center, right on the market square. However, there may be some noise in the morning on market days if the windows are open. The highlight of the hotel is probably the lovely rooftop terrace, where you can relax.
More information on booking.com
Activities around Biniamar
The small village of Biniamar can be explored quickly. However, the surrounding area also has much to offer. Biniamar is an excellent starting point for hiking. Right next to the village, you find yourself in the heart of nature and can enjoy the flora and fauna of the Sierra de Tramuntana.
If you don’t want to walk too much, simply visit the Ermita de la Reconciliació, which is 500 meters away, or the nearby abandoned quarry. Biniamar is also very popular among cyclists, as from there you can explore almost any part of the Tramuntana by bike.
If you spend a few more days in Biniamar, you should definitely visit the nearby small towns of Selva, Mancor de la Vall, and Caimari. Here, the original village life is still celebrated, and you can learn a lot about traditional olive oil production. And for those wanting to spend a few adrenaline-filled hours, the paintball facility in Lloseta, 3.7 km away, is a good option.
How to get to Biniamar
By car:
Whether you’re coming from Palma or Alcúdia, take the Lloseta exit off the Ma13 highway. Then, cross the highway towards Lloseta. At the third roundabout, take the first exit towards Lloseta and go through the entire town until you reach an intersection at the end of the town. There, turn left onto Ma-2113 and follow this road until you reach the picturesque mountain village of Biniamar.
By train:
From the train station in Lloseta, it’s a 1.2-mile walk that takes approximately 22 minutes. There are several routes you can take on foot. You can follow the route described earlier for cars, or take the more scenic path through the village. Upon leaving the station, walk through the entire village via the pedestrian area until you reach the Estadi Lloseta. Once there, follow Camí es Puig until you reach Biniamar.
By taxi:
The cost of a taxi to Biniamar from the center of Palma is between €38.30 and €43.50 per trip. From the airport, it’s about €5 more.
Conclusion
In my opinion, everyone should visit the unfinished parish church Església Nova at least once. It’s something peculiar, but also pragmatic, to offer this unfinished church as a sports and event space for the village community.
Recently, I walked from Lloseta to Biniamar (well, it’s really more of a short stroll) and I can say the surrounding nature is truly beautiful. Therefore, I also recommend Biniamar to hikers and cyclists. Places like this still offer something original, which unfortunately is not often found in Mallorca anymore.
Places near Biniamar
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