Ariany
Mallorca’s youngest municipality, Ariany only separated from Petra in 1982, after two unsuccessful attempts. This ridge-top village in the Pla has a church, an archway and wide views across the island’s interior.
Ariany
Ariany in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- You’re exploring the Pla between Petra and Santa Margalida.
- Best months
- February–May, September–November
- Time to allow
- An hour.
- Without a car
- Hire car needed
- Parking
- Straightforward and free in the village.
- Keep in mind
- Don’t expect a major sightseeing attraction.
- Access
- Pushchairs: Manageable on the square and at the viewpoint. · Wheelchairs: The square and viewpoint are largely accessible; the lanes are more difficult.
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The cross stood here before the church, as is often the case on Mallorca.
Ariany thanks the man who collected Mallorca’s folk tales. The village became independent in the same year.
Through the archway are the village lanes and everyday life.
Getting to know Ariany
Does Ariany suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- You’re exploring the Pla between Petra and Santa Margalida.
- You enjoy villages that haven’t been arranged around visitors.
- You’d like a broad view over inland Mallorca.
- You’re travelling by bicycle.
Things to bear in mind
- Don’t expect a major sightseeing attraction.
- There isn’t a wide choice of places to eat.
- There’s nowhere to swim.
- Getting here is awkward without a car or bicycle.
Drive from the airport
45 minutes
45 km
Bus connections
Limited connections via Petra
Region
Pla de Mallorca
Elevation
130 m
above sea level
Season guide for Ariany
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Some places closed
Worth visiting in February, March, April, May, September, October and November. Less suitable in July and August.
Location
Location of Ariany
- Region
- Pla de Mallorca
- Population
- 1,072
- Elevation
- 130 m above sea level
- Airport
- 45 km , around 45 minutes
- Hire car
- needed
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.6503,3.1111
A village above the Pla
Ariany sits on a ridge in the Pla, beside the road between Petra and Santa Margalida. Just over a thousand people live here, in the village itself.
There’s no museum, hotel or programme of visitor attractions.
Mallorca’s youngest municipality
Ariany belonged to Petra for centuries. The village tried to separate twice, in 1925 and 1949, but neither attempt succeeded.
It finally gained its own town hall in 1982. That year, residents also placed the tiled plaque honouring Antoni Maria Alcover, collector of Mallorcan folk tales, on the church wall.
What to look for
The parish church, Nostra Senyora d’Atocha, has an open porch and a weathered stone cross outside. Beside it, an archway leads into the lanes. Nearby is a square shaded by a large tree.
On the village edge, Mirador de sa Creu opens onto a broad view across the Pla.
When to come
Try April or October, or February for almond blossom in the surrounding fields.
In high summer, the Pla gets hot and there is little shade here.
Photographs
Ariany in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Ariany
Three hours
Wander through the lanes to the church, pass through the archway, walk to Mirador de sa Creu and return.
Half a day
Add Petra and Ermita de Bonany, or visit Sineu.
A full day
Explore the Pla, taking in Petra, Sant Joan, Sineu, Maria de la Salut and Ariany.
On a rainy day
Not the best choice; much of the appeal is the view outside.
Practical details
- Parking
- Straightforward and free in the village.
- Public transport
- Limited connections via Petra.
- Time to allow
- An hour.
- Good to know
- The church is usually closed outside service times, but the open porch and square are accessible. Mirador de sa Creu is a few minutes’ walk from the square.
- Bus
- Limited connections via Petra.
- Shops and services
- Supermarkets: A small village shop · Pharmacy: In the village · Medical care: Local surgery sessions; hospital in Manacor · Cash machines: In the village · Fuel: In Petra or Santa Margalida
- Access
- Paved lanes with gentle slopes. · Pushchairs: Manageable on the square and at the viewpoint. · Wheelchairs: The square and viewpoint are largely accessible; the lanes are more difficult. · Dogs: Straightforward.
- What you will not find
- Beach · Museum · Lively evenings · A wide choice of restaurants
- Coordinates
- 39.6503,3.1111 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
A pilgrimage sanctuary on the Puig de Bonany above Petra, 317 metres above sea level. Hermits lived here until …
An old country estate near Sant Joan where it’s easy to stay longer than planned. Behind the substantial walls are …
A small pilgrimage church on a hill above Sant Joan, reached by a broad stone staircase. There is a well, shade …
A church among the pines, beside the old Son Serra estate with its towers and farm buildings. A glimpse of the …
Old farm buildings, gnarled olive trees and a museum about earlier life on Mallorca. Son Real lies between Can …
The tall bell tower of Nostra Senyora dels Dolors rises above Manacor’s rooftops. Inside are a lofty vaulted nave …
A few steps onto a wooden platform reveal the coast of Son Real. A dolmen lies beside the viewpoint, with the …
A Talayotic burial ground right beside the sea between Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina. Around 110 tombs …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Ariany
Why is Ariany Mallorca’s youngest municipality?
It only separated from Petra in 1982, after unsuccessful attempts in 1925 and 1949. The municipality has just over a thousand residents, living in the village itself.
What is there to see?
Nostra Senyora d’Atocha parish church with its open porch, the archway beside the church square and Mirador de sa Creu with its stone cross. An hour is enough; Ariany is a small village rather than a full day out.
Who is the tiled plaque at the church dedicated to?
Antoni Maria Alcover i Sureda (1862–1932), who collected Mallorcan folk tales and began the great Catalan dictionary. The plaque dates from December 1982 and thanks him on behalf of the village.
Is Ariany worth the journey?
Yes, if you’re already exploring the Pla. A separate trip from the coast mainly suits visitors who particularly enjoy quiet villages without much set up for tourists.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Ariany?
Recommended months: February, March, April, May, September, October, November. Almond blossom in the surrounding fields.
Is Ariany worth visiting in July and August?
July: another month may suit you better. Usually very quiet. The Pla gets hot, and there’s little shade here. August: another month may suit you better. Usually very quiet.
How far is Ariany from Palma airport?
About 45 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 45 minutes by car. On the road between Petra and Santa Margalida. Parking is straightforward and free in the village, even in summer.
Do I need a hire car for Ariany?
A car is needed Limited connections via Petra.
Where can I park in Ariany?
Straightforward and free in the village.
Can you swim at Ariany?
There is no beach here. See the nearby swimming options on this page.
Can I visit Ariany with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Paved lanes with gentle slopes. Pushchairs: Manageable on the square and at the viewpoint. Wheelchairs: The square and viewpoint are largely accessible; the lanes are more difficult.
Are dogs allowed at Ariany?
Straightforward.
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.