Santuari de Gràcia
The middle of the three religious houses on Puig de Randa, built beneath an overhanging cliff that extends right above the roof. Cypresses fill the forecourt, with a cross against the rock.
Santuari de Gràcia
Santuari de Gràcia in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- You're driving up Puig de Randa; it's halfway up.
- Best months
- January–May, September–December
- Time to allow
- Ten to twenty minutes
- Without a car
- Hire car needed
- Parking
- A few spaces beside the access road
- Keep in mind
- The turning is easy to miss.
- Access
- Pushchairs: Manageable on the forecourt; difficult elsewhere · Wheelchairs: Limited to the forecourt, which itself is reached by steps
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The cross stands clear of the overhang, making the rock look larger still.
Only a few metres separate the cliff from the drop. The forecourt fits between them.
The entrance is discreet. Keep an eye out for the turning or you'll drive past.
Getting to know Santuari de Gràcia
Does Santuari de Gràcia suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- You're driving up Puig de Randa; it's halfway up.
- You enjoy unusual buildings and settings.
- You're walking; a path continues up the mountain from here.
- You'd like a quiet stop away from the busier summit.
Things to bear in mind
- The turning is easy to miss.
- There is no museum or restaurant here.
- Steps make it unsuitable if walking is difficult.
- There is nowhere to swim.
Drive from the airport
32 minutes
28 km
Bus connections
No bus service up the mountain
Region
Pla de Mallorca
Elevation
350 m
above sea level
A glimpse of Santuari de Gràcia
Season guide for Santuari de Gràcia
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Santuari de Gràcia
- Region
- Pla de Mallorca
- Municipality
- Algaida
- Elevation
- 350 m above sea level
- Airport
- 28 km , around 32 minutes
- Hire car
- needed
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.5325,2.9219
Getting to know Santuari de Gràcia
The middle of the three religious houses on Puig de Randa, around two kilometres above the village of Randa and about eight minutes by car below the Santuari de Cura.
It is built beneath an overhanging cliff, with the rock extending directly above the roof.
Why stop here?
Most people drive past because their destination is Cura, at 548 metres, with its restaurant, museum and panoramic views. Gràcia’s turning is easy to miss.
For me, this is the more striking of the two places. You stand on a narrow forecourt among cypresses, with rock above and the plain below, and it is completely still.
Ten minutes is enough, though you may well want to stay longer.
What you won’t find here
There is no restaurant, shop or toilet. Get anything you need in Algaida, around ten kilometres away, or wait until you reach Cura at the top.
When to come
March and October are good choices. January brings the clearest air, while February brings almond blossom on the plain below.
Even in high summer, Gràcia can be more pleasant than the summit: it stays cool beneath the overhang while the top of the mountain is exposed to the sun.
Photographs
Santuari de Gràcia in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Santuari de Gràcia
Three hours
Stop, walk around the forecourt and look up at the overhang, then continue to the Santuari de Cura.
Half a day
Visit all three religious houses on the mountain — Gràcia, Sant Honorat and Cura — and the little village of Randa below.
A full day
Combine the mountain with Algaida, Montuïri or Llucmajor.
On a rainy day
Not a good choice. The mountain road is less pleasant in rain, and you'll lose the view.
Practical details
- Parking
- A few spaces beside the access road
- Time to allow
- Ten to twenty minutes
- Good to know
- There is no restaurant, shop or toilet here. Pick up supplies in Algaida, around ten kilometres away, or wait until you reach Cura at the summit.
- Bus
- No bus service up the mountain
- Access
- Paved forecourt, access road and steps to the building · Pushchairs: Manageable on the forecourt; difficult elsewhere · Wheelchairs: Limited to the forecourt, which itself is reached by steps · Dogs: Keep dogs on a lead
- What you will not find
- A restaurant or shop · Toilets · A bus service · Reliable church opening hours
- Coordinates
- 39.5325,2.9219 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
A monastery estate on the highest point of the Pla, 548 metres above the plain. Ramon Llull retreated here in the …
A family glassworks dating back to 1719, beside the road to Manacor in a castle-like building. Watch glassblowers …
On a low hill near Montuïri are the remains of a settlement founded almost 3,000 years ago. Massive talayots, low …
A small pilgrimage church on a hill above Sant Joan, reached by a broad stone staircase. There is a well, shade …
Son Corró is a small prehistoric sanctuary near Costitx. Six re-erected stone columns stand among low walls. The …
An old country estate near Sant Joan where it’s easy to stay longer than planned. Behind the substantial walls are …
Son Fred is a well-preserved talayot near Sencelles, a round tower built from enormous stone blocks. Duck through …
A pilgrimage sanctuary on the Puig de Bonany above Petra, 317 metres above sea level. Hermits lived here until …
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
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Santuari de Gràcia
What makes Gràcia special?
The building sits directly beneath a cliff that overhangs its roof. There is no other setting quite like this on Mallorca, and you don't need an explanation to appreciate it.
Where exactly is Gràcia?
Halfway up Puig de Randa, around two kilometres above Randa village and about eight minutes by car below the Santuari de Cura. The small turning leaves the mountain road on the left and is easy to miss.
Is there a restaurant?
No. There is no restaurant, shop or toilet. Get supplies in Algaida, around ten kilometres away, or continue to Cura at the summit.
Is Gràcia worth visiting in high summer?
More so than the summit. Beneath the rock it stays cool and shady, while the summit at 548 metres is exposed to the sun. Summer haze can still limit the distant views.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Santuari de Gràcia?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December. The clearest air of the year, with few people on the mountain.
Is Santuari de Gràcia worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually lively. The overhang stays cool, unlike the exposed summit. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually lively.
How far is Santuari de Gràcia from Palma airport?
About 28 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 32 minutes by car. Follow the mountain road from Randa. After about two kilometres, the access turns off to the left. There are only a few parking spaces, which can be tight at weekends.
Do I need a hire car for Santuari de Gràcia?
A car is needed No bus service up the mountain
Where can I park in Santuari de Gràcia?
A few spaces beside the access road
Can I visit Santuari de Gràcia with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Paved forecourt, access road and steps to the building Pushchairs: Manageable on the forecourt; difficult elsewhere Wheelchairs: Limited to the forecourt, which itself is reached by steps
Are dogs allowed at Santuari de Gràcia?
Keep dogs on a lead
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.