Veröffentlicht von Sineu is a small town on Mallorca with around 3,000 inhabitants. The town is located in the centre of the island, no other place on Mallorca is further from the sea. Sineu has a beautiful old town and some good cellar restaurants to offer holidaymakers. You can eat very well and inexpensively, especially in the well-known Celler San Torreo in the old town.
The town itself is characterized by a rich history. The church of Santa Maria de Sineu is worth seeing, with its impressive bell tower dominating the townscape. In the narrow streets of Sineu there are many historic buildings, charming cafes and restaurants as well as small craft shops.
Thanks to its central location, Sineu is the perfect starting point for excursions in all directions of Mallorca. If you are looking for peace and tradition, Sineu is a wonderful choice.
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The Sineu market
The Sineu market is one of the most traditional and well-known markets in Mallorca. Every Wednesday morning the town turns into a lively meeting place for locals and tourists. What makes this market special is that it is not only a typical farmers‘ market, but also a livestock market that recalls Mallorca’s agricultural past.
What awaits you on the market?
- Fresh products: Here you will find fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, Mallorcan wine and typical specialties such as ensaimadas.
- Livestock market: The livestock market in Sineu is unique in Mallorca. Farmers bring their animals such as goats, sheep, chickens and sometimes even donkeys for sale – a highlight for anyone looking for an authentic experience.
- Handicrafts and souvenirs: Many stalls offer handmade products, leather goods, basketry, ceramics and local textiles.
- Street artists and music: During market day, street artists and musicians create a lively atmosphere in the narrow streets and squares of the city.
- Gastronomy: Around the market there are many small restaurants and bars where you can try traditional Mallorcan dishes.
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Tips for the visit
Get up early: The market is open from the early hours of the morning and attracts many visitors. It is worth getting there early to experience the best products and the authentic atmosphere.
Parking: As the market attracts many visitors, parking spaces are limited. It is best to use the signposted parking spaces on the outskirts of town.
Have your camera ready: The picturesque backdrop of the town with the old stone houses and the imposing church of Santa Maria de Sineu offers great photo opportunities.
The large parking lots in Sineu are full of tourist buses and rental cars on Wednesdays. A visit to the market is worthwhile: the prices for clothing and food are very low, and the range is interesting and varied. The only livestock market on Mallorca (part of the main market) is also popular, but not necessarily with animal rights activists. Chickens, turkeys, sheep and goats are on offer, among other things. Donkeys, dogs and cats are also not uncommon at the animal market.
Souvenir fans will also enjoy the market. However, caution is advised: many of the cheap products come from China and are not, as some tourists think, made in Mallorca. You should visit the Sineu market in the morning. In our opinion, it is the best weekly market on Mallorca, but also the most crowded market. In winter there is of course much less going on than in summer (high season).
Animals offered at the animal market in Sineu, the livestock market is controversial.
The prices are low and the selection is large. There is no better place to shop in Mallorca than at the Sineu market.
Connections: Sineu is on the railway line from Palma de Mallorca via Inca to Manacor. There is an hourly train in each direction during the day. Buses run to the surrounding villages. The market is a few minutes‘ walk from the train station.
Church of Santa Maria de Sineu
The Church of Santa Maria de Sineu is one of Sineu’s most important landmarks and an impressive example of Mallorca’s Gothic architecture. It stands on a small hill and is visible from almost anywhere in the town.
By Gt-man – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, Link
History of the church
The origins of the church date back to the 13th century, shortly after the conquest of Mallorca by King Jaume I. It was built on the site of an earlier Muslim building and served for a long time as the religious and social center of the city. Various reconstructions were carried out over the centuries, adding mainly baroque and neo-Gothic elements.
Architectural highlights
Bell tower: The striking bell tower with its five floors and high windows is one of the most striking features of the church. From the top you have a fantastic view over Sineu and the surrounding landscape.
Facade: The main facade is simple and is characterized by a rose window and the portal with ornate decorations.
Interior: The interior is in the Gothic style and impresses with high vaults and simple but elegant decorations.
Special sights in the church
The rose window: It fills the interior with colorful light and is a fine example of Mallorcan craftsmanship.
Artwork: Inside the church there are several valuable paintings, religious sculptures and altars from different eras.
Cloister: The small cloister behind the church offers a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for lingering and reflecting.
Practical information
Opening times: The church is usually open during the day, especially during market times on Wednesdays. However, it can vary depending on the season.
Admission: Admission is usually free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Location: The church is centrally located in the heart of Sineu and is easily accessible on foot.
Sineu city map
Sineu Top 10 Attractions and Sights
Sineu weekly market
The traditional market every Wednesday is the highlight of the town. The livestock market and the variety of regional products in particular attract visitors from all over Mallorca.
Church of Santa Maria de Sineu
The imposing church with its striking bell tower dominates the townscape. It dates back to the 13th century and impresses with Gothic and Baroque elements.
Convent dels Mínims Monastery
This historic monastery now houses Sineu’s town hall. The architecture and the inner courtyard are particularly worth seeing.
Palace of the Kings of Mallorca (Palau dels Reis de Mallorca)
This medieval palace was used as a summer residence for the Mallorcan kings and is an important part of Mallorca’s history.
Historic windmills
The area around Sineu is characterized by old windmills that were once used to process grain. Some of them are well preserved and offer great photo opportunities.
Narrow labyrinth of streets
A walk through the winding, cobbled streets of Sineu gives you the feeling of traveling back in time. Discover small squares, traditional houses and hidden corners.
Ermita de Sant Josep
A small chapel outside the town center. From here you have a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape.
Local restaurants and cafes
Sineu is known for its down-to-earth Mallorcan cuisine. Try dishes such as Frito Mallorquín, Sobrassada or the famous Ensaimada in one of the many restaurants.
Museum of Religious Art
This small museum is located in the church of Santa Maria and displays a collection of sacred works of art and historical artifacts.
Surroundings of Sineu
The central location makes Sineu an ideal base for exploring the Mallorcan countryside. Cycling tours or hikes through the surrounding fields and hills are very popular.
Windmills Sineu
The windmills of Sineu are a characteristic feature of the area and are a reminder of Mallorca’s agricultural past. As in many other parts of the island, the windmills were built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries to grind grain or pump water. In and around Sineu you will find some of these historic structures, which are now a popular photo subject.
History of the windmills in Sineu
The windmills were originally built to increase agricultural productivity, especially for processing grain.
Many of the mills in the Sineu area are no longer in use, but have been restored or partly used as private homes.
They are a symbol of the former importance of agriculture in the heart of Mallorca.
Windmills worth seeing in Sineu
Molí d’en Pau: One of the most famous and best preserved windmills in Sineu. It is no longer functional, but is a beautiful example of traditional construction.
Molí d’en Rigo: This windmill is located just outside the town center and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding fields.
Molí Vell: One of the oldest windmills in the region, which tells the story of grain cultivation and grain milling.
Special features of the windmills
Architecture: Most windmills have a round stone tower with wooden wings that were once covered with fabric. The construction is typical of Mallorca.
Location: Many of the windmills are located on small hills or in open fields, which makes them particularly photogenic.
Restorations: Some mills have been restored and show the original technology, while others have been preserved as ruins.