Sineu - A vibrant community

A Vibrant Community

Most people want to shop around to make sure they have landed in the perfect village for them to settle in. If you count yourselves among this crowd of shoppers, here’s what happened to a couple we met last week in Port Andratx.

And this is their story

Peter and Louise had looked around at several villages that have prices more moderate than coastline and went for Sineu because the house was in good working orderBy, electrical wires and plumbing had just been replaced, and new stairs to the deck and a new pump for the pool been put in. The asking price was 245,000 Euros. After a bit of bargaining with sellers who were of advanced age, they settled on a price tag of 183,000 Euros. This was late Spring.

As the weather warmed, one weekend they were getting ready for an early turn-in because they thought Sineu was a sleepy village…

Local Sights #

Lovers of architecture will find many a gem on a leisurely walk through the old town of Sineu. Most of these structures date from the 13th C. but you'll find foundations of Moorish architecture and Roman ruins in the surrounding areas.

Here are a few points of interest:

• A special highlight being the Parròquia de Santa Maria de Sineu with its massive bell tower, one of the highest in Mallorca
• The first hospital on the island, built in 1294 which represents the Gothic architectural of the period
• Bridge Pontet de Santa Bárbara,
• Boundary Crosses (Cruces de Término),
• Basilica of Sant Francesc and Rectory - not to be confused with the one in Palma by the same name
• Plaza des Fossar
• Former royal palace, now the monastery Immaculada Concepción, mentioned above.

The Local Market #

08:00-13:00h, Wednesday

King Jaume II who granted Sineu market rights in 1306, turning the town into a major trading centre and starting a tradition that survived the ages and has given today's Sineu its biggest tourist attraction. The traditional economic mainstay of old Mallorquin life being agriculture, this market was and is mainly about livestock, agricultural produce and crafts articles that people come to sell and buy.

Sineu is one of the few livestock markets still in existence on Mallorca. The numbers of farm animals to be seen is rapidly declining because farming is expensive with families selling off properties, obtaining formal educations and moving to Palma or off the island. The market is well worth a visit as it gives a look into the traditional Island life. Fruits and vegetables are sourced from farmers around town – and offered at affordable prices. When we say, "Buy Local," this is where you go.

AM Tip for lovers of local crafts: Remember to check out the locally-made footwear!

Food & Drink #

Sineu has many authentic Mallorquin restaurants, bars and cafes located around the centre of town. As always, you can do an online search and find these are more places that fit your schedule and budget. Here are a few of our choices. This list is not an endorsement by us, nor are these sponsors of any content.

• Restaurante Sa Fàbrica - exceptional meat dishes
• Celler Son Toreó - traditional Mallorcan food with excellent wines. Not inexpensive but reasonable for a delicious and memorable experience
• Pamboleria PA TORRAT - versatile and creative dishes
• Restaurant Molí d´en Pau - traditional Mallorcan dishes

How to Get There #

Sineu is an easy drive from Palma on the Ma13 motorway in the direction of Inca or the shorter old road (Ma3010). You can also take the bus or train from Palma's Plaza España. For more on traveling from Plaza España, read here >> Public Transport on Mallorca

Living in Sineu #

The lifestyle in the village is laid-back and easy. As with most villages on the island, market day can bring tourists. With 3,764 residents (2018), Sineu is not heavily populated. Many Mallorcan families maintain homes and either close them up for the week or use them for rental income. Nothing in Mallorca feels affordable these days but Sineu is a reasonably priced area, in general, for both townhomes and fincas. When you go to market day, wonder the streets and find real estate agents with local lets and properties for sale. That's a much better way to find a property than going through one of the online listing platforms.

Better yet, contact Jonathan Ralph, certified financial advisor, and ask him about his personal experience in living in Sineu. He loves it!

Sources

• www.viagallaca.com
• affordablemallorca.com
• personal experience