You arrive in Santa Margalida without expecting much—after all, it’s not one of the most famous towns—and when you get to know it, that’s it. You won’t want to hear about leaving.
Many tourists experience this feeling every year, because the north of Mallorca is less popular, but it’s home to points of interest, crystal-clear beaches and loads of things to do.
Come on, let’s get to it.
What to see and do in Santa Margalida
The town center has a very charming Parish Church; it’s a 13th-century Baroque temple built on a small clay hill, at the highest point of the town.
And five minutes away on foot you have the old flour mills—the Molí d’en Curt and the Molí d’en Cifre—witnesses to the fact that Santa Margalida once lived off the land.
More about its origins? The town also has the Pou d’Hero, a well of Roman origin, and the S’Hort des Mestre water mill.
And the old town also has its charm; in the Plaça de la Vila you’ll find some of the oldest buildings in the town such as the Posada de sa Boleda, Sa Granja, Can Camisa or the Apotecaria Vella. Take a stroll and have a look at them, it’s worth it. To finish, stop by the Town Hall and continue to the Mirador d’Església, which has stunning views.
Santa Margalida: traditions and festivals
If you can time your trip to Santa Margalida with one of its local celebrations, you’ll discover its liveliest side. The patron saint festivals are held in July and bring together activities for all ages, as well as music and open-air dances.
But besides this one, there’s a celebration that’s particularly striking: the “Festes de la Beata Catalina Tomàs”, which take place the first week of September. During it, the dimonis roam the streets ringing their bells and star in a tradition in which they steal clay jugs to break them at the feet of a girl who represents Catalina Tomàs—one of Mallorca’s most beloved figures.
Beaches near Santa Margalida you must visit
If there’s one thing that can’t be missing from your route, it’s a walk along its coast. Among the beaches near Santa Margalida you’ll find large stretches of sand with all kinds of services and also others where the real star is the landscape.
Playa de Muro
Among the best beaches in Santa Margalida and its surroundings, Playa de Muro stands out. Its enormous stretch of sand—about 6 kilometers—has four different areas to lay down your towel and enjoy its calm waters, the beach bars and restaurants that surround it and all kinds of water sports.
Plus, it’s very close to the Parc Natural de s’Albufera, so you can combine beach and nature in a single visit.
Can Picafort
Can Picafort is one of the main tourist hubs of the municipality and its beach and promenade… are too! Together they make the perfect plan for one of your holiday days. That way you can take a dip without giving up having restaurants and services just steps away.
And what gives the beach the most character isn’t the services, but the whitish color of its fine sand and the turquoise blue of its water.
Son Serra de Marina
Do you prefer a somewhat quieter setting? Then Son Serra de Marina might be just what you’re looking for. Here you’ll find a more natural-looking coast about 400 meters long that has the clearest waters in the area. This is due to the large blanket of posidonia seagrass on the shore, a marine plant that oxygenates the waters of the Mediterranean.
More things within easy reach of Santa Margalida
Want more? Very close to Santa Margalida you have everything from natural landscapes to towns with plenty to offer for putting together a good plan.
Necrópolis de Son Real
If you’re interested in history, head to the Necrópolis de Son Real, an archaeological site located right by the coast and within the public estate of Son Real.
Here you’ll find funerary constructions from the Talayotic period and, afterwards, you can continue the walk along the estate’s paths, which don’t disappoint either. The route will take you through dunes, small beaches and also rocky areas.
Petra and its theater
Petra is an inland town that surprises with what it hides. This is where Fray Junípero Serra was born—the Franciscan friar who founded the famous California missions—and it’s also home to a cultural life that few expect to find in a place of barely 3,000 inhabitants. This is thanks to the Teatre Municipal Es Quarter, a venue with a carefully curated performing arts program housed in a former Civil Guard barracks.
In the same town you can also visit Sant Pere de Petra, the church where Fray Junípero Serra was baptized the same day he was born.
And if you have energy left, climb up to the ermita de Bonany, at the top of Puig de Bonany, and enjoy beautiful views over the entire Pla de Mallorca.
Parc Natural de s'Albufera
Vilafranca de Bonany is famous for its melons and its agricultural fair—held every year in September—and Sant Joan is characterized by several wineries and wine estates scattered around its surroundings. You can visit Bodega Blanca Terra, Es Figueral Nou or Finca Els Calderers. Time for a tasting and guided tour, right?
Búger
Feel like exploring further? Make a note of Búger, one of the smallest municipalities on the island, famous for its traditional windmills, its stone manor houses and its bakeries where you can try typical pastries.
Where to eat in Santa Margalida in Mallorca
After such a tour of Santa Margalida’s attractions, it’s time to sit down at the table. In the town you’ll find different options to try some of the best-known dishes of Mallorcan cuisine such as tumbet, a simple recipe based on potato, eggplant, pepper and tomato or, even better, order a variat, a tapa that combines different preparations and is a classic in Mallorca’s bars.
Recommendations? Book a table at Sa Cova de’s Dimoni or at Ca’n Pep
A different way to discover Mallorca
Santa Margalida lets you experience a different Mallorca, with truly authentic festivals, taste genuine Mallorcan gastronomy and, in short, discover how those who call it home live.
So pack your suitcase, come ready to get to know Santa Margalida and, if you do so by booking one of the accommodations we have at Ideal Property, we guarantee your experience will be even more special.