Discover Ariany: Windmills, trails and local history

Windmill towers, historic trails and notable places in the town centre give Ariany several concrete starting points for a trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Ariany, these local themes can help you decide whether the town suits your interests: they range from a flat route and evidence of former milling activity to buildings and traditions.

Windmills and traces of their use

Seven windmill towers still stand in the landscape around Ariany. Molí d’en Marinero dates from the late 18th century and is the widest windmill tower in the municipality. Molí d’en Rigo is one of the oldest windmills in the area; a depiction of Saint Anthony can be found in a niche. Molí d’en Guillem Gener was the last windmill built in Ariany.

The construction and operating periods of Molí d’en Bernat Gener should be distinguished: it was built in 1910 and operated until 1934. The abandoned Molí de Ses Comunes, also known as Molí d’en Xarop, retains remains of its machinery. Molí d’en Piuló is the remains of a windmill tower; it was abandoned in 1919 because there was too little wind there.

At the exit from Ariany towards Maria de la Salut, two former windmills that once served for flour production can be seen from the road. This view connects the visible buildings with their former use.

Trails, wells and views

The D’Ariany a Petra route via Pou Jurà and Pou Bo is 6.4 kilometres long, completely flat and rated easy; walking time is approximately two hours. Check trail conditions before setting out. The Pla de Mallorca hiking guide offers eight routes where you can experience the region’s natural and cultural values in municipalities such as Ariany.

Camí de sa Marquesa is an old paved path that, according to tradition, connected S’Auberg with Son Sureda de Manacor. Parts of the path have been lost or are difficult to follow. Take this information into account if you are considering walking the old route.

The old ethnological wells of Pou Bo and Pou Jurà are each less than one kilometre from Ariany. At Pou Jurà, livestock troughs and washing areas are located under a roof. Until not so long ago, Pou Bo still had troughs for watering livestock. The two wells show different aspects of former water use.

From Carrer Auberg, you can see Puig de Randa, Puig de Bonany and Serra de Llevant. Cereal cultivation predominates in the countryside between Ariany and Santa Margalida; it also offers a good view of the central section of Serra de Tramuntana, including Puig Major, Massanella, Puig Roig and Puig d’Alfàbia.

Town centre, traditions and when to visit

Sa Creu is a cross made of Marès sandstone in 1856 in the neoclassical style, located in the town centre. The Encontre is celebrated there at Easter; on Palm Sunday, olive branches are blessed at Sa Creu. S’Auberg is the house from which Ariany’s town centre developed. Its portal has a semicircular arch and sandstone voussoirs.

Ariany’s municipal independence day is celebrated on the third Saturday in July. It includes a Tramponada and a night market featuring local handicrafts. If you are planning your trip around this date, check the latest dates and programme details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Esporles, Santa Eugènia, Capdepera, Valldemosa, Sencelles, Lluc, Llucmajor, Las Palmeras

For the wider travel overview: Mallorca.