The tourist boom that Mallorca experienced from the end of the 1950s onwards meant that the unproductive land on the coast suddenly became much more valuable for building hotel complexes. Although in the 20’s and 30’s there had been some new centres such as Cala San Vicente, Can Picafort or Cala d’Or, it was in this period when the sun and beach tourism took off.
On the other hand, the inland lands became unproductive because the labour force went to the hotels. In the 1980s, a group of farmers concerned about the abandonment of the Mallorcan countryside turned their attention to a business model that had already spread throughout Europe: agritourism.
Thus, at the end of that decade, they opened the first hotel establishments located on estates where agricultural, livestock and/or forestry activities were still carried out. In this way, it was possible to obtain resources to maintain the old estates and prevent the loss of a large part of the agricultural and ethnological heritage of the interior of Mallorca.
What is an agritourism?
An agrotourism is a tourist establishment located on a farm of at least 21,000 m2, whose buildings are located on rural land and built before 1960, and with agricultural, livestock or forestry activity.
They differ from rural hotels in that the latter are required to have a larger rustic surface area (49,000 m2) and to be older (built before 1940), although in general most agrotourisms would also fall into the category of rural hotels. Their main feature is that they are located on an active agricultural estate.
Why stay in an agritourism in Mallorca?
The agrotourisms are located in the interior of the island, in sparsely populated areas and far from the overcrowding that can occur in the coastal tourist resorts. Thus, their facilities are the perfect place for those who are looking for peace and relaxation. At the most, any livestock on the estate can be a nuisance.
These facilities are a living memory of Mallorca, carrying out traditional activities, sometimes still following ancestral techniques. And although the activity has been mechanised, it is normal that typical elements and tools such as old oil mills, ploughs, etc. are still preserved. They are an ideal way of getting to know the history and traditions of the island.
For the more sporty, the agrotourisms are usually a good starting point for hiking or cycling routes. Lovers of history and prehistory will easily find interesting archaeological remains nearby.
The fact that they are historic buildings (some of them centuries old) but completely modernised gives them a particular charm, especially for couples.
How much does an agrotourism in Mallorca cost?
There is a wide variety of prices in the agroturismos in Mallorca, depending on their location, category and dates chosen. It is possible to find offers for even less than €100 per night, although prices usually start at €150. The average would be between €200 and €300 per night. Logically, luxury establishments with more services, or certain types of rooms, will be much more expensive.
Agrotourism in Mallorca
Here is a selection of 10 good agritourisms in Mallorca, of all categories and in different areas of the island.
Son Grua
This luxurious agroturismo is located about 5 km from Pollensa, in the direction of the sanctuary of Lluc, already climbing the Tramuntana mountain range. It is a 17th century building renovated with exquisite taste and great respect for traditional elements
We can swim in a spectacular swimming pool while enjoying the panoramic view of the pine-covered mountains. For nature lovers it is an ideal place, due to the estate itself and its proximity to different hiking routes.
Facilities: private parking; swimming pool; bar-restaurant
Services: car rental; tourist information
Agroturisme Can Bessol
This fantastic establishment is next to the hamlet of S’Horta, in the municipality of Felanitx, in the east of Mallorca. The place is an oasis of tranquillity, especially appetizing for families. It has a children’s play area and offers babysitting services. At the same time it is close to the bustling Cala d’Or and wonderful beaches such as Cala Sa Nau
The hotel offers an excellent breakfast. For meals we can use the kitchen or the barbecue available to guests, or go to one of the many restaurants nearby, even on foot.
Facilities: private parking; two outdoor swimming pools (normal and children’s); games area; whirlpool bath.
Services: car rental; bicycle rental; children’s menus; organisation of sports activities; massages (for a fee).
Finca Cas Sant
In the heart of the valley of Sóller, surrounded by orange groves, but only 600 m from the village, we find this magnificent agritourism. The activity of the estate dates back to the 13th century, after the Christian conquest of Mallorca. In fact, the property has been in the hands of the same family for over 750 years
The location is idyllic, with beautiful gardens and views of the mountains surrounding the valley. If tranquillity is what you are looking for, it is the perfect place. The Sóller valley is home to a wealth of hiking trails, and Cas Sant is perfect as a starting point, and you can even order packed lunches.
Facilities: private parking; two outdoor swimming pools; snack bar.
Services: organisation of sports activities (hiking, cycling, water and water sports, tennis; for a fee), massages and beauty treatments (for a fee).
Bonvent
This small agrotourism for adults only is located in Felanitx, in the east of Mallorca, very close to the village itself. Its location makes it ideal for exploring the beaches of this part of the island and its villages. But above all, it is a place to relax and disconnect at a very good price
We can cool off in the swimming pool and sunbathe on the solarium terrace. They will also inform us about all kinds of sports activities that we can do nearby: hiking, cycling, water activities… Exquisite customer service.
Facilities: private car park; outdoor swimming pool
Services: organisation of sports activities (with charge).
Agroturismo Gossalba
In one of the most unknown areas of Mallorca, the small village of Sant Joan, you will find this agrotourism whose buildings date back to the 18th century. The 10-hectare estate is planted with olive trees from whose olives they produce their own D.O. Oli de Mallorca olive oil
The surroundings are peaceful, and the house was completely renovated only a few years ago. It has nine rooms, each with its own decoration and character. There is an outdoor swimming pool with magnificent views, as well as cosy indoor lounges where you can take shelter from the heat in summer and the cold in winter.
Facilities: own car park; electric charging point; outdoor swimming pool; bar-cafeteria.
Services: bicycle loan (on request); bicycle hire (for a fee);
Agroturismo Son Alzines
This agrotourism is located in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range, close to the Lluc sanctuary, and is made up of three independent flats. It is ideal for couples, small groups of friends or even families. Above all, it will delight hikers and cyclists, due to the large number of routes that run in the vicinity
It has a bar-cafeteria service both in the interior lounges and on the solarium terrace, next to the swimming pool. A real oasis of relaxation in the mountains.
Facilities: private parking; snack bar
Services: bicycle rental; prams; children’s pushchairs.
Agroturismo Ses Vistes
This agrotourism located in the agricultural municipality of Porreres, towards the southeast of Mallorca, lives up to its name by offering its guests spectacular views of the Pla de Mallorca. It is a family establishment where it achieves precisely that: it makes its visitors feel like one of the family
The facilities offer all the modern comforts, but without neglecting respect for the rustic elements. By the pool there is even a chill out area where you can relax with soft music while sipping a soft drink or a cocktail. There is also a bar service in the indoor lounges and sun terraces.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; bar
Services: tourist information
Finca Sestelrica
The hotel building is an old 16th century house situated on a hill near Artá, in the north-east of Mallorca. From here you can look out over a panorama of many kilometres. The 80 hectare estate has orchards where some of the products offered at breakfast are grown, together with other typical Mallorcan products
The estate includes cereal fields, pine and holm oak groves, and is just a few kilometres from the Sierra de Levante Natural Park. It is also close to hiking and cycling routes, and very close to several golf courses.
Facilities: own car park; electric charging point; outdoor swimming pool; bar-cafeteria.
Services: local culture tours; organisation of cultural and sports activities (for a fee); theme dinners (once a week, for a fee); massages (for a fee).
Bodega Can Feliu
Near Porreres, in the heart of Pla de Mallorca, we find this fantastic agritourism, a 17th century estate dedicated to the cultivation of vines. It has its own wine cellar where you can taste the wines obtained from its vineyards
Manicured gardens surround the house, which has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. It offers a buffet breakfast, with many local products, and a snack bar service all day. For the more sporty, it is also a good starting point for hiking and cycling routes.
Facilities: private parking; outdoor swimming pool; snack bar; shared kitchen.
Services: cooking classes and themed dinners (for a fee); cycling excursions (for a fee).
Agroturismo Sa Pletassa
This quiet agroturismo is located near Felanitx, in the east of Mallorca. But at the same time it is only a few kilometres away from the bustling Cala d’Or, the picturesque Portocolom and a number of secluded coves and beaches
Nearby there are many cycling routes that will allow you to get to know this part of the island. It is also very close to a golf course. As a complement to the sporting activities we can book massages.
Facilities: car park; outdoor swimming pool; snack bar.
Services: car rental, bicycle rental; cooking classes (for a fee); organisation of sports activities (boat trips, cycling, golf, horse riding, for a fee); yoga classes and outdoor massages (for a fee).
