Búger: Windmills, Sandstone and Rural Paths

Búger can be explored through three distinct themes: its historic windmill landscape, its townscape of sandstone buildings and its rural surroundings. Archaeological finds and traditional crafts add to these. This lets you choose your destination according to whether you are more interested in architectural history, landscape or local culture.

Windmills on the eastern slope

The Molinar de Búger comprises six grain windmills on the eastern slope of the town. Four—Can Pere Petit, Cas Rector, Can Garindo and Can Prohom—stand in a row on La Vila hill. Can Catlar and Can Borreó are located separately on the slopes of the hill. All six mills are of the tower-with-base type. They probably already existed in the 18th century and remained in operation well into the 20th century. Can Garindo was restored in 1988. Together, the mills offer insight into the historical importance of windmills to Búger, while their different locations cannot be reduced to a single row.

Townscape and cultural life

The historic centre is characterised by narrow streets and sandstone buildings. Can Vivot, in the centre, is known for its large courtyards and gardens. Can Mir has an ornate façade with decorative wrought-iron details. The two examples stand out in different ways: courtyards and gardens at Can Vivot, and façade design at Can Mir.

Búger preserves five wayside crosses, usually found at the entrances and exits of the main roads. Two crosses in Carrer Major have no pillars or shafts and are set in wall niches. The church of Sant Pere is also part of the town’s cultural life: it serves as the venue for numerous local celebrations and festivities throughout the year.

Rural surroundings and paths

Farmland, mainly planted with almond, olive and carob trees, characterises the landscape of Búger. The wooded areas also provide shelter for native wildlife. Farmland and woodland thus share the landscape, while the town centre is defined by narrow streets and sandstone buildings.

A walking tour takes in thirteen cultural sights and leads to the historic windmills as well as through the rural surroundings. It links cultural landmarks with a route through the landscape. Búger is also considered one of the most important meeting points for cycling tourists and hikers. The walking tour has a specific cultural focus; the description of Búger as a destination for cycling and hiking tourism goes beyond that.

Archaeological traces, crafts and cuisine

Human remains, pottery and stone tools dating from the Bronze Age have been found in Can Favar cave. The finds suggest that the cave was used for burials and burial rituals. They complement the historic windmills and the built townscape with archaeological traces from a much earlier period.

Traditional crafts in Búger include cowbells, bells and wooden spoons. Cowbells are used in livestock farming and as decorative objects—an example of how a functional item can also be part of local craftsmanship. The local production of traditional Mallorcan breads and ensaimadas is also part of the town’s culinary profile.

Discover more destinations: Soller, Son Servera, Torrenova, Porreres, Manacor, Portals Vells, Montuiri, Campos.

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.