| Binissalem (picture by Martin Watts) |  |
Binissalem
Binissalem
Binissalemis a lovely market town famous for its wine production in the heart of Mallorca. It lies roughly mid way between Palma and Inca. Binissalem gained importance during the Roman occupation of Mallorca, as they built a road from Palma to Pollenca. This made the town an important resting point along the journey. The current name comes from the times the Arabs ruled Mallorca and may be a derivative of 'Banu Ssālam' (Children of Peace) or 'Banu Ssālim' (Children of Ssālim). The town is well protected by the Sierra Tramuntana mountains from cold northerly winds, and the Romans planted numerous vineyards around the area. Binissalem still remains at the heart of the wine industry of Mallorca. The town holds the Fiesta of La Vermada at the end of each harvest, and important and popular festival attracting visitors beyond the shores of Mallorca itself who come to participate.The road through the town used to be the route linking Palma to Alcudia in north Mallorca. Now that the Ma-13 motorway has been built, most of the traffic passes the town. As a result, Binissalemhas become much more relaxed and is returning to its cultural roots. Binissalem is a great central location for exploring all parts of Mallorca, close to the picturesque towns of Alaro and Orient, with beaches to the north and south and the mountains to the west. Tourism has had little impact on the town, and the locals retain much of their traditional lifestyle. The town square, shown in this panoramic picture, is often full of children in the evenings.
You may find that some incorrectly spell the town name as 'Binnisalem'.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
By Road: Binissalem is about 27km from Palma. Take the Ma-13 north and then come off the motorway to join the Ma-13A near Consell and continue towards Binissalem on the old Inca road.
By Train: Trains run regularly to Palma and to Manacor in the East.