Ermita de Bonany
A pilgrimage sanctuary on the Puig de Bonany above Petra, 317 metres above sea level. Hermits lived here until 1990. On clear days, the terrace looks across the Pla towards the Tramuntana.
Ermita de Bonany
Ermita de Bonany in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- Views, a pilgrimage church and a pause above the Pla
- Best months
- January–May, September–December
- Time to allow
- 30–60 minutes at the top, excluding the climb
- Without a car
- Walk or cycle from Petra; no bus reaches the sanctuary
- Parking
- Gravel parking area near the top; follow current signs
- Keep in mind
- Narrow mountain roads or expecting distant views in haze
- Access
- Pushchairs: Manageable in the courtyard · Wheelchairs: Partial courtyard access; steps lead to the terrace
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
A view across the island opens between the gate pillars.
A shady place to pause under the trees.
A side view of the sanctuary buildings.
Getting to know Ermita de Bonany
Does Ermita de Bonany suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- Getting an overview of the Pla while exploring inland
- Visiting a pilgrimage site still in use
- Combining a steep bike climb with wide views
- Enjoying the view in evening light
Things to bear in mind
- An outing without an uphill approach
- Anyone uncomfortable on narrow mountain roads
- Coming mainly for the view on a hazy day
- Needing a restaurant on site
Drive from the airport
45 minutes
45 km
Bus connections
No bus stop at the sanctuary
Region
Pla de Mallorca
Elevation
317 m
above sea level
Season guide for Ermita de Bonany
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Check access before visiting
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Ermita de Bonany
- Region
- Pla de Mallorca
- Municipality
- Petra
- Elevation
- 317 m above sea level
- Airport
- 45 km , around 45 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.5944,3.0872
What is the Ermita de Bonany?
Bonany is a pilgrimage sanctuary on the Puig de Bonany, 317 metres above sea level, overlooking Petra in the Pla de Mallorca. Come for the church, the view and a pause on the hill. On a road bike, you have to earn that view first.
The name and its history
The first oratory was built in 1606. Bon any means good year in Catalan. According to tradition, local people held a procession to pray for rain during a drought. Rain followed and the harvest was good, giving the sanctuary its name.
The present church was built between 1920 and 1925 over an earlier Baroque building, retaining the older entrance façade. Hermits cared for the sanctuary until 1990.
On Easter Tuesday, people from Petra, Vilafranca de Bonany, Sant Joan and nearby villages climb up for Pancaritat, sharing a meal outdoors after the walk.
What to see
The twin bell towers, rose window and forecourt catch your eye outside. Inside is a Baroque altarpiece with the Virgin of Bonany. Behind the altar is the Cambril, a raised chapel where the figure is venerated.
Look at the light as well as the furnishings. Depending on the sun’s position, the coloured windows cast light across walls and figures.
Outside, fields and villages stretch across the Pla. On clear days, you can see as far as the Serra de Tramuntana. Visibility matters more than the month you choose.
Practical details
A narrow winding road climbs from Petra, steep in places. You can walk, cycle or drive, but take care when passing others on the tight sections.
There is a gravel parking area near the top, with tables and benches in the picnic areas. Sundays can be busy, so do not count on an empty space. Bring water and food.
Petra council lists church hours of 9am–7pm. Check current arrangements before a dedicated visit. Gravel and steps limit access, and the site is not fully step-free.
When to come
Spring and autumn are comfortable for the climb. Clear winter days can be excellent for views too. In summer, heat and haze can make the visit less rewarding.
Allow 30–60 minutes at the top for the church, courtyard and views, adding the approach separately. Choose a weekday if you want quieter picnic areas. At Pancaritat on Easter Tuesday, the communal celebration is the main event.
Sources for the history, Cambril and visiting hours: Petra council and the Balearic Islands tourism website.
Photographs
Ermita de Bonany in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Ermita de Bonany
Three hours
Allow 30–60 minutes at the top for the church, courtyard and views, with extra time for a picnic and the return to Petra. Add walking time separately if climbing on foot.
Half a day
Add Petra, Ariany or Sant Joan.
A full day
Explore the Pla through Petra, Bonany, Ariany, Sineu and Sant Joan.
On a rainy day
Rain or mist often hides the views. The church may still be worth visiting when open, but choose a dry day for a bike ride or walk.
Practical details
- Parking
- Gravel parking area near the top; follow current signs
- Public transport
- No bus stop at the sanctuary
- Time to allow
- 30–60 minutes at the top, excluding the climb
- Good to know
- Bring water and food. Petra council lists church visiting hours of 9am–7pm, but check current arrangements before a dedicated trip. Sundays can be busy at the picnic areas, and parking is not guaranteed.
- Bus
- No bus stop at the sanctuary
- Access
- Gravel parking area, paved courtyard and steps to the terrace · Pushchairs: Manageable in the courtyard · Wheelchairs: Partial courtyard access; steps lead to the terrace · Dogs: Follow local notices and check permission before entering the church
- What you will not find
- On-site dining · Guaranteed church opening at all times · A bus service to the sanctuary · Distant views in hazy weather
- Coordinates
- 39.5944,3.0872 Google Maps Apple Maps
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Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Places to stay within reach
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Your questions answered
Your questions about Ermita de Bonany
Where does the name Bonany come from?
Bon any means good year in Catalan. According to tradition, local people prayed for rain during a drought, the rain came and the harvest was good. The name recalls that story. The first oratory is recorded in 1606.
Do hermits still live here?
No. Hermits of the congregation of Sant Pau and Sant Antoni cared for the sanctuary from 1896 to 1990. There is also a small pilgrims' hostel; arrange any overnight stay directly in advance.
What is Pancaritat?
A communal climb and picnic on Easter Tuesday, with people from Petra, Vilafranca de Bonany, Sant Joan and surrounding villages. The date changes with Easter.
How do I get to the top?
A narrow, tarmac road climbs from Petra and is steep in places. Take care with oncoming traffic. You can also walk or cycle, but there is no bus stop at the sanctuary.
When is the church open?
Petra council lists visiting hours of 9am–7pm. Check the sanctuary's current arrangements before making a special journey, as access is not guaranteed every day.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Ermita de Bonany?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December. Clear winter air can bring views as far as the Tramuntana.
Is Ermita de Bonany worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually very quiet. Heat can make the climb harder and haze reduce the views. Trees shade the picnic areas. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually very quiet.
How far is Ermita de Bonany from Palma airport?
About 45 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 45 minutes by car. A narrow winding road climbs from Petra. There is a gravel parking area near the top. Be patient with oncoming traffic. Walking and cycling are also possible, but the gradients require fitness.
Do I need a hire car for Ermita de Bonany?
A car is useful No bus stop at the sanctuary
Where can I park in Ermita de Bonany?
Gravel parking area near the top; follow current signs
Can I visit Ermita de Bonany with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Gravel parking area, paved courtyard and steps to the terrace Pushchairs: Manageable in the courtyard Wheelchairs: Partial courtyard access; steps lead to the terrace
Are dogs allowed at Ermita de Bonany?
Follow local notices and check permission before entering the church
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.