Torre de Canyamel stands in the valley beside the road to the coast. The imposing 13th-century defensive tower rises above the surrounding farm buildings. Even its exterior is worth a stop. Inside is a museum, with Porxada de Sa Torre restaurant next door.
Torre de Canyamel
Torre de Canyamel in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
A tower I always stop for.
- Worth a visit?
- An impressive stop on the way to Canyamel
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who enjoys seeing old buildings close up
- Time to allow
- A short stop outside; allow extra time for the museum
- Without a car
- An easy stop on a cycle ride towards Canyamel
- Parking
- Small car park beside the site
- Highlight
- The imposing defensive tower, its battlements and great wooden door
- Keep in mind
- A spontaneous museum visit without checking opening hours
- Access
- Check museum access first; my own visits have been limited to the outside
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
From the air, you can see the valley setting and the road to Canyamel. The tower dominates the buildings around it.
The courtyard reveals the tower's height. It defended the valley and sheltered its residents.
The tower, courtyard and long farm buildings belong to the same estate, with fields immediately alongside.
Getting to know Torre de Canyamel
Does Torre de Canyamel suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- You enjoy medieval buildings and want to see the tower close up
- You would like a short stop on the way to Canyamel
- You are cycling through the valley
Things to bear in mind
- You are counting on visiting inside without first checking opening hours
Region
Llevant
Nearest beach
Canyamel
3 km
There is no monthly assessment for Torre de Canyamel yet. I will add one after visiting in different seasons rather than guessing.
Location
Location of Torre de Canyamel
- Region
- Llevant
- Municipality
- Capdepera
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.6675,3.4118
A stop on the way to the coast
Torre de Canyamel stands in the valley behind Canyamel, directly beside the Ma-4042. Driving from Artà towards the coast, you see it on your right. Its high walls and battlements stand well above the lower buildings around it.
There is a small car park. The tower also makes a good stop on a cycle ride through the valley. You can look closely at the building from outside before continuing to the beach or inland.
A 13th-century defensive tower
The tower dates from the 13th century and is attributed to the Montsó family. Its former name, Torre d’en Montsó, recalls that connection. It protected the valley and gave residents refuge during attacks.
The building has a square plan and reaches about 23 metres high, with a smaller tower rising above the main block. Battlements and projecting stone defences remain clear on the upper walls.
Its present name is linked to sugar-cane growing, introduced here in the second half of the 15th century. Canya de mel refers to sugar cane, so the tower is considerably older than its current name.
Outside the great wooden door
Close up, the broad walls and relatively small windows stand out. A heavy wooden door with iron rings sits within a stone arch, above a few steps. This is exactly where my attempts to visit the museum have ended so far.
The courtyard and long farm buildings surround the tower. Old equipment and large iron anchors are displayed outside.
Museum and cultural events
Torre de Canyamel is now a museum and exhibition venue. Official visitor descriptions mention information about the tower’s history and collections relating to traditional local life. Concerts and other cultural events also take place here, with a programme published by the operator.
For an indoor visit, ask directly about current opening hours and admission arrangements. My own experience is limited to the exterior: the door has been closed on my visits.
Find contact details on the Torre de Canyamel website and performances in the events calendar.
A meal and the next stop
Porxada de Sa Torre restaurant stands immediately beside the tower. Part of the estate, it serves Mallorcan food. Its website lists opening hours and booking details separately from the museum.
Combine the stop with Canyamel beach or the Coves d’Artà. Inland, Artà and Capdepera offer more historic buildings and streets to explore.
Historical sources: Spain’s tourism portal and Balearic Islands tourism portal.
Photographs
Torre de Canyamel in Mallorca
Practical details
- Parking
- Small car park beside the site
- Time to allow
- A short stop outside; allow extra time for the museum
- Good to know
- Ask the operator about opening hours before planning to go inside. The museum was closed on my visits. Porxada de Sa Torre restaurant is immediately next door and operates separately, with its own hours.
- Coordinates
- 39.6675,3.4118 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
A limestone cave with a huge opening above the sea near Canyamel. Inside, a guided route climbs and descends steps …
Above Capdepera stands a former walled settlement, with walkable defensive walls, the Miquel Nunis tower and a …
Behind a wall of enormous stone blocks on the edge of Artà lies a Talayotic settlement with around 3,000 years of …
A fortress with a church inside, high above Artà. Walls with nine towers surround a courtyard of palms, an old …
A church without a roof stands in the middle of Son Servera. Beyond Església Nova’s iron gate, garden paths pass …
A watchtower dating from 1566 on the summit above Cala Agulla and Cala Mesquida, now a ruin. The walk up takes …
A hermitage founded in 1805 in the hills of Artà, reached by a narrow, winding road. The last resident hermits …
The caves near Porto Cristo take their name from their hook-shaped formations. Smaller than the nearby Coves del …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Where to swim nearby
Beaches and swimming nearby
A sandy bay backed by pine-covered slopes, a handful of hotels and a golf course. Canyamel is one of the quieter …
Walk north from Cala Millor and the seafront stroll becomes a wander around the harbour. In Cala Bona, little …
A working fishing harbour and lively holiday resort on Mallorca's north-east coast. Three different beaches are …
A broad sandy bay north-west of Cala Ratjada, backed by pine woods and dunes. Pale sand fills the centre, with …
Places to stay within reach
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Torre de Canyamel
How old is Torre de Canyamel?
The defensive tower dates from the 13th century. Spain's tourism portal attributes it to the Montsó family. It was originally called Torre d'en Montsó.
What was the tower used for?
It defended and watched over the Canyamel valley and offered residents refuge during attacks. The square building is about 23 metres high, topped by a smaller tower.
Is there a museum inside Torre de Canyamel?
Yes. The tower serves as a museum and hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Ask the operator directly about current opening hours and admission arrangements. I have so far found the door closed on my own visits.
Where is Torre de Canyamel?
In Capdepera municipality, in the valley west of Canyamel resort. It stands beside the Ma-4042 access road. The operator's address is Carretera Artà–Canyamel, kilometre 5.
Can you park and eat at the tower?
There is a small car park and Porxada de Sa Torre restaurant next door. Plan a meal separately from any museum visit and check the restaurant's own opening hours.
Practical questions
Do I need a hire car for Torre de Canyamel?
A car is useful
Where can I park in Torre de Canyamel?
Small car park beside the site
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.