Sa Pobla is a charming town in the interior of Mallorca that serves as a springboard for you to discover the true essence of the island. It is less than 10 kilometers from the bay of Alcúdia and its great attraction, without a doubt, is the rural landscape.
Strolling around here you can come across friendly neighbors and deeply rooted traditions. Keep reading and we’ll tell you all its secrets!
A note on the history and culture of Sa Pobla in Mallorca
The history of Sa Pobla is deeply linked to the land that surrounds it. Throughout the centuries it maintained a strong agricultural vocation that defined its identity. Its lands allowed abundant harvests, especially of rice and vegetables, turning the town into the “granary” of Mallorca.
And be aware that its splendor does not end here: in the 19th century, the definitive drying of the Albufera and the arrival of the railway boosted the local economy, making Sa Pobla one of the richest agricultural areas in Mallorca.
Its historical value translates into culture
And how is this agricultural history transcribed on a cultural level? With celebrations as special as the fiesta de Sant Antoni —January 16 and 17—, in which demons and fire star in an ancestral ritual.
In the middle of winter Sant Antoni reigns, but Sa Pobla has more celebrations throughout the year. At the end of January or the beginning of February, the Carnival usually arrives.
When July arrives, Sa Pobla experiences the Festivities of Santa Margalida and Sant Jaume —around July 20 and 25—: there are open-air dances, activities for children and sports competitions. A relatively recent but very striking event within these festivals is the Fiesta del Cap de Bou de Talapi, where participants dress in yellow and pay tribute to an archaeological sculpture of a bull found in the area.
Other deeply rooted festivities are: the Feria de Oportunidades, an open-air market ideal for finding handicrafts and local products at good prices; the Fira de Tardor (autumn fair), and the Fiestas de Sant Isidre, in which thanks are given for the harvests.
With this wide range of events, it is clear that Sa Pobla knows how to celebrate life and share its traditions, right?
Places you should visit in Sa Pobla
We are not going to lie to you, Sa Pobla is a small town but it treasures several corners that deserve a visit. The starting point for making a route is usually the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the town. This wide porticoed square is surrounded by cafes with terraces and traditional shops, and every Sunday it is filled with a colorful weekly market where farmers from the region sell fruits, vegetables and handicrafts.
Next to the square is the Town Hall, a stately building that adds a historical touch to the urban scene, as well as several emblematic pedestrian streets —Carrer Mercat, Carrer Gran, Carrer de la Pau— where you will be able to appreciate the true traditional architecture.
Another essential landmark is the Parish of Sant Antoni Abat, the main church of Sa Pobla. This temple stands out for its large dimensions, the Chapel of Santa Ana with an old altarpiece, as well as a Gothic Christ and a sculpture of the Virgin with the Child, dating from the year 1500. Treasures that enhance the historical and artistic value of the parish.
You can’t miss visiting the Museo de Sant Antoni i el Dimoni either, a unique exhibition space dedicated to that festival that we told you about above: the one of Sant Antoni. Here you can see the colorful demons and big-heads used in the parades, photographs and even audiovisual material to understand why this centuries-old tradition still survives today.
And take note, because it is also worth stopping by the Museu d’Art Contemporani, which is very close and has more than 100 works by Mallorcan artists.
Finally, you can’t forget to explore the surroundings of Sa Pobla such as the Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca, the most extensive wetland on the island and a protected area of high ecological value. And once here, you can enjoy places as pleasant as the Playa de Muro.
Sa Pobla couldn't have a more delicious gastronomy!
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Sa Pobla is enjoying the typical food of Mallorca, marked by the products of the land.
Here the potato is the undisputed queen and symbol of the town. It is one of the economic engines of the town and is used in many of the dishes of the island’s traditional cuisine.
You can taste it in many dishes in restaurants and cellers (traditional taverns), such as frit mallorquí, fried potatoes with liver and vegetables, or tumbet, a delicious potato, eggplant and red pepper stew.
And be aware that in addition to the potato, Sa Pobla also has a rice tradition. In the area, a local variety of rice known as arròs pobler (or bombeta rice) is grown, ideal for preparing arròs brut, another stew with meat, mushrooms and spices highly appreciated by the Mallorcans.
In fact, every year Sa Pobla pays tribute to these two products. To the potato at the Feria Nocturna de la Patata, which is held in early June and turns the Plaza Mayor into a large culinary showcase full of tapas; and to rice every autumn, with the celebration of the Fira de l’Arròs Pobler, a gastronomic fair where this product is honored with tastings and contests.
Another essential that you have to try if you come to Sa Pobla is the espinagada, a pie filled with eel and vegetables typical of Sant Antoni.
Activities are not lacking either
Despite the quiet appearance of Sa Pobla, it offers more activities than you can imagine.
In fact, if you like to move around, you can go hiking or cycling through the rural roads or through the Parc Natural de s’Albufera; observe birds and come across herons, ospreys or colorful bitterns; see a sunrise or a sunset in Mallorca from a movie; and, in addition, participate in some of the sporting events that the town hosts.
The municipality has opted for sports tourism, being home to cycling events and encouraging elite teams to train here. If you are a cyclist or athlete, you will find challenging routes and beautiful landscapes in the surroundings to test yourself.
And of course, the proximity of Sa Pobla to the is a point in favor. In just ten minutes by car you can plant yourself on the spectacular Playa de Muro or in the Puerto de Alcúdia.
Are you coming to discover Sa Pobla, the best kept secret of the Balearic Islands?
Visiting Sa Pobla is opening a door to rural, authentic and cheerful Mallorca, the one that sometimes goes unnoticed among so many other tourist areas of the island.
Its rich history gives it a unique character and, at the same time, there are activities of all kinds, first-class gastronomy, events and parties, routes and the possibility of truly disconnecting.
All that remains is to find that place where you can return every night and continue feeling the same unhurried and genuine rhythm that Sa Pobla has. If you are already visualizing it, at Ideal Property we have just what you need: take a look and get your perfect accommodation.