What to see and do in Santa Margalida?
Santa Margalida is a town, a municipality and a village in Mallorca, known for its authentic rural atmosphere, agriculture and the important festival of the procession of the Beata. The municipality, in the north of the island, includes the coastal towns of Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina.
Santa Margalida is located in the north of the island and is known both for its historical and rural heritage and for its growing tourist development, mainly through its coastal towns. It is located in the traditional region of Plain of Mallorca (Es Pla de Mallorca). It is an ideal town for those seeking a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas, with accommodation options such as fincas and rural houses. In other words, there is certainly a lot to see and do in Santa Margalida.
What to see and do in Santa Margalida? Places of interest
Old town: known as “la Vila,” it is characterized by its agricultural history and traditional architectural heritage with elements such as the Parish Church of Santa Margalida (13th century, with Baroque elements) and old stately homes. The historic center invites you to stroll through its cobbled streets, the Plaça de la Vila (where the weekly market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and other notable buildings such as the rectory house or the Apotecaria Vella.
Parish Church of Santa Margalida: originally built in the 13th century and replaced by the current building in 1660, it is an example of Baroque religious architecture in the Part Forana region of Mallorca. Its façade with a rose window and impost lines, the main doorway, and the preservation of part of the previous Gothic altarpiece are particularly noteworthy. Inside, there are also later altarpieces, such as the 18th-century one and the one dedicated to Saint Francis.
Plaza de la Vila: The Plaza de la Vila is the nerve center of Santa Margalida, functioning as the social and commercial heart of the town, and is surrounded by bars and historic buildings. It is where the weekly market is held every Tuesday and Saturday, and it hosts many of the town’s festive events.
Son Real Public Estate: The Son Real Public Estate is a natural and archaeological space in Santa Margalida that combines history, nature, and cultural heritage. It is free to visit and has an interpretation center, a farm with native animals, and various itineraries to explore on foot or by bicycle. The estate, acquired by the Balearic government, offers a journey through the history of Mallorca from prehistory to modern times.
Son Real Necropolis: The Son Real Necropolis is an important archaeological site located on the coast. It dates back to the Talayotic period (7th-1st centuries BC) and is characterized by its more than 100 tombs of various shapes, which often imitate the architecture of talayots and navetas. It is believed to have been used by the local elite, as it contained funerary offerings and is located in a privileged natural setting facing the sea.
Old stately homes: Historic buildings such as Casa den Verga Jove can be found here.
What to see and do in Santa Margalida? Festivals and markets
Weekly market: Every Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Plaza de la Vila.
Feast of the Beata: A unique celebration on the first Sunday in September, which includes the procession of the Beata, the demons, and the breaking of vases.
Patron Saint’s Day: Celebrated in mid-July in honor of the patron saint, Santa Margalida.
Cycling: It is a good starting point for cycling routes through the interior of the island, combining rural landscapes and the sea.
And that’s it for this brief overview of what to see and do in Santa Margalida, 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
