Binissalem: the wine capital of Mallorca

It is one of those little known places, but once you know it, you always want to come back. Full of heritage, culture, landscapes and dreamlike vineyards. Discover the real Binissalem in this small guide and fall in love with its natural beauty, viticulture and unparalleled tranquillity.

History and culture

According to linguists, Binissalem comes from the Arabic "Banu Salâm" (sons of peace) or "Banu Sâlim" (sons of Sâlim). Even so, this people had not only Muslim influence, but also Talayotic and, especially, Roman. It was the Romans who introduced viticulture to Binissalem, converting the village into a prosperous and flourishing wine industry.

Since the 18th century, "the wine capital of Mallorca" has stood out for exporting high-quality products to the rest of Europe. However, at the end of the 19th century, the dreaded phylloxera plague arrived and put an end to the vineyards and the hopes of many families. Despite all this, the wine industry was quickly revived in Binissalem and became the first municipality in Mallorca to obtain a DO (Denomination of Origin) in 1990.

Today, Binissalem, together with its neighbours Santa Maria del Cami, Consell, Sencelles and Santa Eugenia, stands out as one of the main stops on the Wine Route of Mallorca. Are you ready to discover the authentic flavour of the island while enjoying unique landscapes?

Places of interest in Binissalem

Binissalem is peace and quiet, history and exceptional scenic surroundings.

Because of its rich history and influences, Binissalem has many buildings from the 18th century. The most special, the gothic church of Santa Maria Robines and the main square.

But there is much more. The streets of the old town are full of emblematic manor houses... So we invite you to take a stroll through the village, admire and take your time to fall in love with the amazing stone architecture.

Thanks to all these buildings with traditional charm, Binissalem was declared a historic-artistic site in 1983 by the Balearic Government, with special protection against future renovations.

Other places not to be missed in and around Binissalem are: the village of Binigual, the stone possessions and its prestigious vineyards and wine cellars.

Wine activities and events

As you would expect, the main activities in Binissalem are all about grapes, wine, vineyards and wineries. The simple fact of visiting a winery, getting to know the incredible vineyards located in unique places, experiencing the process and elaboration and, finally, tasting one's own harvest, is a journey for the senses.

Here are the most outstanding wineries with Binissalem Designation of Origin, where you can enjoy quality local produce and unique experiences related to wine, art, culture, landscape and gastronomy:

• Antonio Nadal Ros Bodegas & Viñedos: "Illusion, land, effort and wine", this is how this family-run winery defines itself, which was also the first to be registered with the Regulatory Council of the Binissalem Designation of Origin. They only work with the varieties grown on their century-old Finca de Son Roig estate and excel in reds and whites.

• Bodega Biniagual: This winery is history, landscape, architecture and quality, as its wine production is centred in the village of Binigual. It is a family business that is particularly committed to local varieties such as Manto Negro and Prensal Blanc.

• Bodegas José Luis Ferrer: This family business was founded in 1931 and is a pioneer in quality wines based on the Manto Negro variety. Although they are specialists in red wine, thanks to the innovation of the new generations, they now also have a variety of white and rosé wines.

• Albaflor - Vins Nadal: One of the oldest wine houses in Binissalem, it has been making sustainable wine from local grape varieties since 1932. At Vins Nadal, innovation and tradition have always gone hand in hand and thanks to this they have crossed national borders.

• Ca'n Verdura Viticultors: After six generations working and cultivating the vines in estates and cellars, the result of Ca'n Verdura is a wine with great personality, Mallorcan character and produced with native varieties such as Manto Negro, Callet and Moll.

The main event in Binissalem also corresponds to its wine tradition. To celebrate the end of the grape harvest, the town celebrates the Festa des Vermar: its main patron saint festival.

In mid-September, the streets and squares of Binissalem fill up for nine intense days of pure festivities, good wine and delicious food. The most outstanding activity is the grape treading and the grape-throwing battle, although you can also enjoy parades, wine tasting...

This celebration even has a typical dish, don't miss the authentic recipe of Fideus des Vermar here.

How to get to Binissalem

The village is very well communicated, as it is located next to the main motorway that links Palma and Alcúdia, and it also has a train station!

• Car: Getting to Binissalem by car is the most efficient option. The Ma-13 road is very convenient and only takes about 25 minutes from Palma.

• Train: Binissalem train station is very well located, it only takes 8 minutes walking from the Town Hall. The frequency is fast: every 20 minutes there is a train, so you have a quick connection Palma-Binissalem and vice versa. As for the journey, it takes about 29 minutes and the estimated price is between 3 and 4€.

• Taxi: The route Palma - Binissalem is easier to get than Binissalem - Palma, especially because of the number of taxis in the town and in the city. However, you can always book it. The estimated price of the journey is between 40 and 50€.

Living in Binissalem

Living in Binissalem is synonymous with quality of life. Its close contact with nature, its relaxed atmosphere, the friendliness of the Binissalemers and the good connections it offers make this village an ideal place to experience authentic Mediterranean life as a family without going too far from the capital.

Especially in the summer, the village square is a place where the locals enjoy a very warm atmosphere and where activities such as dances and concerts are held. The Terra di Vino restaurant is located in the same place, which attracts people from all over the island for its excellent gourmet Italian stew.

To stretch your legs and connect with nature, Binissalem also has hiking trails. Some of them lead to Can Arabi, where the traditional Mallorcan restaurant with spectacular views over the village is located. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular restaurants in the area for Sunday lunch with the family due to its location and high standard Mallorcan cuisine.

For the education of the little ones there is no problem either. In Binissalem there are several public and private schools, as well as an alternative school Sa Llavor, where their methodology focuses on "the art of living".

If you are thinking of starting a new life in this charming rural village, Living Blue Mallorca can help you find the perfect property for you. We have a wide variety of rustic houses, fincas and village houses in Binissalem and we also offer a personalised search service.

Do not hesitate to visit our offices or contact us, we help you to make your dreams come true.