Sa Pobla
Traditional rural town in the north of Majorca
Sa Pobla, 4km north of Muro, is known as Mallorca's vegetable basket. This fertile area of marshes reclaimed as farmland is referred to as 'the land of a thousand windmills', and there is a decent autumn fair that showcases their local agricultural produce in November. Some of these wetlands have been protected as part of s'Albufera Natural Park.
It is also the home of one of Majorca's most unusual festivals, the Revelta de Sant Antoni. For two days each January pets are led through the town to be blessed outside the church, dancers drive out the devil for the coming year, and everyone eats pastries filled with spicy spinach and marsh eels.
History & Culture in Sa Pobla
Sa Pobla's early history
The earliest signs of human presence in this area date back to the Talayotic period. Small archaeological remains from this time, such as Sa Paret des Moros and Cap de Bou de Talapi, suggest early human activity in the region.
The Romans arrived in the Balearic Islands in 123 BC under Quintus Caecilius Metellus. In the area now known as Crestatx, discoveries of amphorae, ceramics and coins point to a Roman presence. The name “Crestatx” comes from the Latin word castra, meaning “camp”, which supports the idea that the earliest settlement linked to what is now Sa Pobla began there.
Moorish rule and King Jaume I
During Muslim rule, Sa Pobla belonged to the Inca district and was known as "Huayar-Alfar" or "Huayar-Alfhas," meaning "elms of the field" or "water of the meadow." Evidence of this period remains in waterwheels, fountains and place names like Talapi, Sa Marjal and el Rafal.
The area likely offered little resistance to King Jaume I during the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. According to the Llibre del Repartiment, the king granted land to knights from Barcelona who joined the campaign. Sa Pobla was officially founded in 1300 under the Ordinacions of Jaume II. A new settlement was established on the site of the current town, replacing the earlier centre at Crestatx
The Middle Ages
A period of intense social conflict, with Sa Pobla playing a key role due to its location and agricultural importance. Major uprisings like the Revolta Forana (1450–53) and the Germanies (1520–23) led to clashes between peasants and Palma’s landowning classes. Notable battles include Muro (1451), Son Sabater (1522) and Son Fornari (1522).
The 16th and 17th centuries to modern day
During these years Sa Pobla faced severe subsistence crises caused by poor harvests and drought. A major economic shift came in the late 19th century, when new farming techniques and the drying of the Albufera boosted agricultural output. This transformation made Sa Pobla one of the island’s most prosperous areas, marked by the arrival of the railway in 1878.
Today, agriculture remains central to the local economy. Sa Pobla is especially known for its large-scale potato production, with much of it exported to the UK. In recent years, the service sector and holiday tourism have also grown steadily.
Sights & Attractions in Sa Pobla
History, architecture and culture in Sa Pobla
The most important buildings in Sa Pobla are the rural “possessions” and stately homes, once residences of the wealthy classes. These large estates, often with chapels, mills and storage facilities, functioned as rural villages supporting agricultural life. Many date back to before the Christian conquest in 1229, with origins in prehistoric, Roman and Islamic periods. Today, many possessions are being restored, with some adapted for tourism. Most names follow the “Son” prefix, meaning “property of,” linked to the original owner’s name.
Sa Pobla is home to 15 protected religious sites valued for their historical and artistic significance. These include rural oratories on old estates, the municipal cemetery and the Parish Church of Sant Antoni Abat. Many have survived over time thanks to ongoing use and devotion. The church, near the Plaza Mayor, is considered the town’s main landmark, alongside other notable sites like the cemetery, the Crestatx Oratory and several historic crosses.
Museums and art galleries
The arts are well represented here, with a contemporary art gallery Can Planes.
Sights in Sa Pobla
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Can Planes Contemporary Art Museum, sa Pobla
Can Planes Museum of Contemporary Art is located in sa Pobla in the north of Mallorca. It occupies the ground floor of the old manor house Can Planes that was refurbished and modified in 1998. It's permanent collection is composed of over a hundred works by artists living in Mallorca.
Events in Sa Pobla
Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni is arguably the biggest night in Sa Pobla, where devils run through the streets. Saint Anthony was adopted as the patron saint of Sa Pobla, and as early as the Middle Ages pets and livestock were taken to town for the priest to bless them. Anthony was a Christian monk that lived in Egypt in the 3rd centruy who turned his back on earthly pleasures when he turned to God, even though demons frequently tempted him, making him known as the ‘father of monks’.
Jazz
As well as religious festivals Sa Pobla holds a jazz festival that takes place every August.
Holidays Rentals in Sa Pobla
Staying in short-term rental accommodation gives you the freedom to enjoy the town at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or near the mountains, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday.
Holiday Rentals in Sa Pobla
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Font 41 Villa
Located in Campanet
Font 41 is a magnificent house with a private pool where you can appreciate the emblematic Sierra de Tramuntana and the traditional town of Campanet.
Price: €1,057
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Son Dur-hi Villa, Ullaro
Located in Campanet
Son Dur-hi estate offers all the peace and seclusion of an exclusive retreat. This stunning, secluded villa is ideal for gathering with your family and friends to enjoy Mallorcan countryside living at its best. Large groups are well catered for with the main house with three bedrooms and a separate annexe with two double bedrooms.
Price: €7,161
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Can Marco Villa
Magnificent, spacious and cosy holiday home with private pool and 5 bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests in spacious interiors surrounded by manicured gardens.
Price: €1,470
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Casa Lluna Villa, Campanet
Located in Campanet
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
Price: €3,710
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Crestatx Dalt Villa
Crestaix d'Alt is a lovely house situated in Crestaix, a peaceful residential area between Sa Pobla and the old Roman town of Pollensa.
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Font 39 Villa
Located in Campanet
Font 39 is a beautiful and cozy town house with a private pool that enjoys a privileged location within the traditional town of Campanet, in the center of Mallorca.
Price: €1,057
Hotels in Sa Pobla
The area offers a fantastic range of hotels to suit all budgets, with increasing attention in recent years for its luxury boutique-style accommodation.
Hotels in Sa Pobla
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Fangar Finca Hotel, Campanet
An old Majorcan finca from the 18th century, with older settlements that date back to the Arabic period. It is located in the lush valley of San Miguel (Campanet) between the forests of the northern Tramuntana mountain range and its own mountains.
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La Serrania Boutique Hotel
This charming boutique hotel is fairly unique as it offers yoga, pilates and cooking retreats throughout the summer and autumn months.
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Son Pons Agroturismo Hotel
Located in Campanet
Situated in a magnificent country estate of 150.000 m² located in the North of Mallorca, the building dates from the 16th century.
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Son Siurana Finca Hotel
Son Siurana is a beautifully refurbished farmhouse that is close to the sandy beaches of Alcudia and Pollensa. Its location on the slope of a hill dominates the landscape and has wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
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Son Sabater by Zafiro
Located in Playa de Muro
Discover the natural beauty of the 4-star Son Sabater by Zafiro, the first agrotourism hotel in Mallorca for Zafiro Hotels, and one of the stars of our Zafiro Boutique Collection. This 4-star boutique hotel is located in the countryside in Sa Pobla, an inland town in Mallorca, just a short distance from Pollensa.
How to get to Sa Pobla
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca, and Sa Pobla is only a 45 minute car journey from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport by booking a private transfer.
Public transport
There is no direct bus route from Palma airport to Sa Pobla, you would need to change in Palma bus station.
Transfers for Mallorca
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Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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Mallorca Private Airport Transfers
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.
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Shuttle Spain Transfers
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
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Mallorca Taxi Car
This taxi company offers 24-hour service from the airport to your accommodation all around Mallorca.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.