Ses Salines, Mallorca – Salt, Tradition & Great Dining

🏡 Ses Salines at a Glance
About 45 minutes by car from Palma City Centre, Ses Salines is a small inland town with a big identity. It takes its name from the nearby salt flats, which have been used since Roman times and still produce some of Mallorca’s finest sea salt today.
The town itself is compact, built around a main square with traditional houses, a relaxed pace of life, and a surprisingly strong foodie reputation. Thanks to its location, Ses Salines is also a gateway to Es Trenc Beach and the Cabrera Archipelago National Park.
🧂 The Famous Salt Flats
The Salines d’Es Trenc just outside town are among the oldest and most iconic salt pans in the Balearics.
- History: Salt has been harvested here since antiquity, once traded across the Mediterranean.
- Today: You can visit the salt works, learn about the process, and shop for Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc, the delicate gourmet salt flakes exported worldwide.
- Tip: Sunset tours are especially atmospheric, with flamingos and birdlife around the pools.
👉 Related: Beach Guide Es Trenc | Discover Mallorca’s Natural Parks
🍴 Dining in Ses Salines
Despite its small size, Ses Salines has become known as a culinary hotspot. Restaurants here combine rustic Mallorcan cooking with stylish Mediterranean dining.
- Cassai Gran Café & Restaurant – Famous for its boho-chic décor and fresh, seasonal menu.
- Casa Manolo – Traditional, family-run, serving Mallorcan classics like frito mallorquín.
- Restaurant Es Pati – A hidden gem offering creative tasting menus in an intimate setting
- Flor de Sal Shop & Café – Try dishes infused with the town’s signature salt.
👉 Related: Traditional Mallorcan Dishes
🏛️ Things to Do in Ses Salines
Experience | Why Visit | Palma Weekly Tip |
Plaça Major | Heart of the town with cafés and local life | Best spot for evening people-watching |
Parish Church of Sant Bartomeu | Town’s main church, simple yet atmospheric | Visit during a local festival for music & lights |
Botanicactus (nearby) | One of Europe’s largest cactus gardens | Great side trip for families & plant lovers |
Cabrera National Park Tours | Boat trips from nearby Colònia de Sant Jordi | Book in advance during summer season |
🏨 Where to Stay
Ses Salines offers boutique townhouses and rural retreats, perfect for a peaceful base close to Mallorca’s southern beaches.
- Hotel Ca’n Bonico – Historic townhouse turned boutique hotel.
- Finca Hotel Rural Es Turó – Countryside chic with sea views.
- Villa Rentals – Many stylish private villas with pools for longer stays.
👉 Related: Agroturismo in Mallorca
🚗 Getting to Ses Salines from Palma
Mode | Duration | Details | Palma Weekly Tip |
Car | ~45 min | Via Ma-19 motorway toward Llucmajor, then Ma-6100 | Combine with Es Trenc for a full-day trip |
Bus | ~1h 20 min | TIB line connects Palma with Ses Salines via Campos | Less frequent, check timetables ahead |
👉 Related: Driving in Mallorca
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Spring (Mar–May): Flowers bloom around the countryside, great for hiking.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Combine town visits with nearby beaches and Cabrera boat trips.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Salt harvest season, food festivals, and warm evenings.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Quiet, authentic atmosphere with fewer visitors.
❓ FAQ – Ses Salines, Mallorca
What is Ses Salines best known for?
Its historic salt flats (Salines d’Es Trenc), producing Flor de Sal, and its excellent restaurants.
Is Ses Salines near the beach?
Yes — Es Trenc Beach and Colònia de Sant Jordi are just a 10-minute drive away.
Can you visit the salt flats?
Yes, guided tours are available, including tastings and visits to the salt shop.