Son Real Public Estate
The Son Real Public Estate is a protected natural area and archaeological site in Mallorca, combining an old medieval estate or rustic farm with important prehistoric sites. The estate, located in the municipality of Santa Margalida, has been inhabited since prehistoric times and preserves remains from different periods, including the pre-Talayotic, Talayotic, Roman, Islamic, and medieval periods.
The estate is home to the Son Real necropolis, one of the most important burial sites in the Balearic Islands, with navette-shaped and talayotic tombs dating from different periods. It is also home to the pre-Talayotic settlement of Es Figueral de Son Real.
Location and access to the Son Real public estate
The Son Real public estate is located on the northeast coast of Mallorca, in Santa Margalida, between the towns of Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina. It covers a vast area and is a protected natural space located on the road between Can Picafort and Artà, specifically at kilometer 17.7 of the MA-12 road.
The main access is on the road, with clear signs from Can Picafort. It can be accessed from the Son Bauló residential area to reach the necropolis. The estate’s interpretation center is located on the estate itself, on the MA-12 road, after passing Can Picafort in the direction of Artà.
Key features
Area: 395 hectares of land, acquired by the Government of the Balearic Islands in 2002.
Medieval Possessió: The estate has a traditional Mallorcan building, the “possessió,” which includes the manor house, courtyards, chapel, warehouses, and Ses Cases Noves, where the interpretation center is located.
Natural Value: Son Son Real has a large area of land with diverse landscapes, such as beaches, dune areas, and streams, which offer great natural and scenic value.
Protection: Declared a Natural Area of Special Interest for its natural, ethnological, and archaeological values.
Interpretation Center: The estate has an interpretation center that offers information on the history, archaeology, and traditional life of the area through a multimedia tour of the buildings of Es Sestadors and La Casa dels Senyors.
Signposted routes and activities: Activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding (by prior reservation) can be enjoyed. There is the possibility of taking different routes around the estate, allowing visitors to discover the different natural and archaeological environments. The estate has several signposted routes to explore, including beach areas, dunes, streams, and other elements of natural and scenic interest.
Key Points of Son Real
Son Real Necropolis: A group of prehistoric burial sites where remains of burials and cremations have been found, along with valuable objects that suggest rituals and social differences.
Es Figueral de Son Real: A pre-Talayotic settlement with remains of dwellings and tower-like structures.
Interpretation Center: Located in Ses Cases Noves, it offers information on the history and agriculture of the estate, with a focus on the interaction between humans and nature.
Son Real Public Estate: History of Mallorca
The Son Real Public Estate is a place of great historical, archaeological, and natural interest, offering the opportunity to learn about the evolution of human occupation in Mallorca through the centuries, from prehistory to medieval times, and to enjoy a privileged natural environment.
The Son Real Public Estate, located in Santa Margalida, is a protected natural area of great archaeological and ethnological value. It is notable for its pre-Talayotic necropolis, considered unique in the western Mediterranean. In short, Son Real is a special place that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Mallorca and enjoy a unique environment.
And that’s it for this brief overview of Son Real Public Estate, in Can Picafort, Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
