Discover Petra

Petra in Mallorca combines a protected Old Town with the history of Junípero Serra and named walking and cycling routes. This gives your search for a hotel a clear focus: consider whether you are mainly interested in historic sites, routes or regional food.

Old Town, church and Serra’s history

Petra’s Old Town is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural for its historic and urban-planning value, as well as its traditional buildings and monuments. The Iglesia Parroquial de Sant Pere offers a detailed look at the town’s history. It is the third parish church to have been built in Petra since the 13th century. Construction began in 1582 and was completed towards the end of the 18th century. The church is predominantly Gothic; the Baroque Rosary Chapel, built in 1689, is an exception.

The history of the future Junípero Serra is also connected with the church: the stone baptismal font was made by Miquel Abraham and Juan Antiguo in 1588. Serra was baptised at this font. As a child, Miguel José Serra received his first religious instruction and education at the Convent de Sant Bernardí. In 1731, at the age of 17, he joined the Franciscan order there.

The Museo Casa de Junípero Serra houses the Centro de Estudios Junípero Serra, which opened in 1959, as well as a significant collection of works connected with Serra. Another historic landmark is the Santuario La Mare de Déu de Bonany on Puig de Bonany. Its history dates back to 1606. The present-day historicist church was built between 1920 and 1925 over an earlier Baroque temple, which was demolished in 1919.

Walking and cycling routes around Petra

The Clásica de Petra a Bonany walking route starts and ends at Petra railway station. Along the way, it passes, among other places, the parish church, Plaça de Pater Serra, the Convent de Sant Bernardí, the museum and birthplace of Father Serra, and the Bonany sanctuary. The Torrent de Petra walking route, which also starts and ends at the railway station, is 14 km long. You can choose between a route featuring several named cultural landmarks and a walk with a set total distance.

The Término de Petra Sur cycling route starts and ends at Plaça Ramon Llull and/or Plaça Juníper Serra in Petra. It runs entirely along public roads within the municipality of Petra. There are also several signposted paths in the landscape and natural area of Bonany Mountain near Petra. These details offer different points of reference when choosing between a walking route, a cycling route and paths in a natural area as you plan your trip.

Market, local produce and Mallorca on a wider scale

A weekly agricultural food market is held in Petra every Wednesday morning. Products include fruit, vegetables, sobrasada and artisan cheese. Check locally that the market is taking place before your trip. Petra is part of the Pla i Llevant protected designation of origin; nearby, you can visit vineyards and taste the wines produced there.

Beyond the local area, Mallorca is shaped by a range of other landscapes. The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage mountain landscape with cliffs descending to the sea, green valleys and clear mountain streams. The GR-221, also known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, runs through the Serra. This makes it possible to distinguish the cultural sites and routes specifically associated with Petra from Mallorca’s broader landscape attractions.

Discover more destinations: Sant Jordi, Felanitx, Muro, Vilafranca De Bonany, Cala Tuent, Cala Mendia, Soller, Pla de na Tesa

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.