Named after the knight who reconquered it, Guillermo de Porrer, the village of Porreres was one of Mallorca’s most prosperous towns during the Middles Ages. Nestled in the agricultural region of Es Pla, visitors are often surprised to discover there are many gems to be found in Porreres including high quality dining that incorporates local specialities like apricots, almonds and wine.

In fact, harvests from the region can be found throughout Mallorca thanks to the four young Porreres farmers that created Agromart Balear, the well-known fruit and vegetable shops. Locally, popular gastronomic restaurant L’Escrivania incorporates Porreres apricots into delectable main dishes and desserts. Located in the old village scribe’s premises in the main plaza, L’Escrivania is a great place to relax with a coffee as the air fills with music by local musicians playing at the Tuesday market. The weekday lunch menu changes weekly and offers a complete experience and typically has good vegetarian options. Don’t leave without buying a bag of the tangy local dried apricots, Can Parri.

On the outskirts of Porreres, the cellar at Can Feliu dates back to 1790 and has grown into an 18 hectare estate with an ecological and biodynamic winery and charming hotel. Surrounded by fertile land the estate respects biodiversity with no less than eight grape varietals, olive, fig, carob and almond trees, as well as a small livestock farm. In line with the strict standards of Demeter bio-dynamic certification, grapes are pruned and harvested by hand and honour the natural rhythms of nature and moon cycles. For their dedication to their art, it isn’t suprising that Can Feliu has won numerous medals over the years including a silver medal this year for their Alè de Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are a wine enthusiast, Can Feliu will support you to make, design and mature your own vintage. Whether staying in the intimate on-site hotel or visiting, there’s plenty to enjoy at the estate – including an excellent winery tour, wine tasting and BBQ and paella nights.

Although foreigners comprise less than a fifth of Porreres’ population, several visionary women have made their mark in the village. Half Japanese, Naomi Mizoguchi was raised on the mainland and moved to Porreres with her husband in order to provide a positive village environment for raising their son. With a degree in Physical Education she opened a gym and center for martial arts in 2013. Passionate about keeping the village healthy and active, Kokoro offers karate, aikido, tai-chi, pilates, zumba, ballet and workshops for all ages. Kokoro has expanded with new holistic health options including a physiotherapist/osteopath and soon, nutritional coaching.

French native, Stephanié Kinger came to Porreres and fell in love with the taste of garrapiñadas – a caramelised peanut snack. Adapting the recipe, she created a version that marries Mallorcan almonds – or bessó as the Mallorcan call them- with sugared natural flavours of cinnamon, chocolate, lemon, and orange. At the annual June Albercoc (Apricot) Festival in Porreres, Bessó de Mallorca created a special apricot bessó that burst with delicious flavours and aromas of the celebrated local fruit.

Language teacher, Claire Crabtree arrived in Mallorca 18 years ago to teach for an international language school and moved to Porreres seven years ago. Passionate about making languages accessible to both children and adults, she partnered to create the language school Triaidiomes in the town center specialising in Spanish and English.

Although Bibiana Casas is a true Porrerense, her desire to get women moving and embodying their feminine power and beauty has lead her to teach regular classes, workshops and private lessons of oriental fusion and contemporary ethnic dance all over the island. With the true energy of Shakti, Bibiana embodies the feminine creative energy in both dance and art. Her jewelry collection Sartcells weaves elements of nature – tendrils from grapevines, brass, gems and feathers, while ArtAmbLove reveals her work in paintings and accessories.

When visiting Porreres, make the short drive up to the Franciscan monastery that overlooks the village. The stations of Calvary lead you up the road to the Sanctuari of Monti-Sion (circa 1551) where you can picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the views of the area.

Within the village the lively Plaza de la Vila enjoys many events, festivals, concerts throughout the year like Ecological Day in April, Saint Roc in August and Autumn Fair at the end of October. Don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Modern Art which houses a collection of almost 300 works of art including work by Salvador Dalí, Jim Bird, and as well as  traveling exhibitions.

 

 

Written by Danielle Satya Parla

About the author Whether you live in Mallorca or are just visiting, you may yearn to experience the island and it’s people in a truly meaningful way. You want to get off the beaten track and connect with the hidden heart of Mallorca as you seek to relax, feel fit, well and happy. Danielle gets it. She is a prolific traveler who has a sincere interest in people and places – and not simply the iconic spots that are on everyone’s bucket list. She is a writer, psychologist, breath & energy worker and yoga teacher who is devoted to sharing ways to wellness through the healing arts and the written word. In addition to her wellness work, she has written about lifestyle, travel and wellness for magazines in Asia and Europe for over a decade. Join her in a journey through Mallorca and share the tremendous richness of the villages that are home to excellent therapists, traditional handicrafters, fantastic chefs, artists and innovators, and more. www.spacetobreathe.ch