Mallorca Cycling Challenge - Mens
This edition of the Mallorca Challenge sees an international line up of top cyclists competing in four separate races.

© Ajuntament de sa Pobla

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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.
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’.
As well as religious festivals Sa Pobla holds a jazz festival that takes place every August.
This edition of the Mallorca Challenge sees an international line up of top cyclists competing in four separate races.
In late January, the almond trees on Mallorca start to blossom. The beautiful white blossoms cover the countryside until mid February. Son Severa hosts this country fair in honour of this important Majorcan crop.
Twice a year, the sun casts an image of the rose window that presides over the main altar in Palma Cathedral on the opposite wall, just under another rose window, the one that decorates the main façade. Thus, for a short period of time, two tangential rosettes can be seen, one made of glass and the other made of light, forming a figure of eight.
A significant celebration in Mallorca, this annual holiday, observed on March 1st, commemorates the date when the Balearic Islands' Statute of Autonomy was officially enacted in 1983.
Discover the natural beauty of Mallorca and its idyllic landscapes. The Galatzó trail is held at the Finca Pública Galatzó, in the municipality of Calvià, starting and finishing in the little town of Es Capdellà. The 99% of the race runs inside the Finca Pública Galatzó part of the Serra de Tramuntana (UNESCO World Heritage).
Parades of carapunats, or hooded penitents, take place all around the island from Monday to Easter Sunday to mark the Passion of Christ.
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
The arts are well represented here, with a contemporary art gallery Can Planes.
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.
Playa de Muro is a beautiful 6 kilometre long, Blue Flag award-winning, white sandy beach in the north of Mallorca. It's generally quieter than neighbouring Alcudia beach because of its out of town location.
Situated 10km away from Alcudia on Mallorca’s northern coast, Playa de Ca’n Picafort is a busy yet beautiful expanse of soft white sand with clear blue waters. This small fishing village turned purpose-built-resort, mostly caters to tourists and all-inclusive holidaymakers, who arrive by the bus load every summer.
This beautiful and popular ‘Blue Flag’ beach boasting fine white sand, stretches more than 3 kilometres east from Port d'Alcúdia. This breath-taking beach is one of the reasons why Port d'Alcúdia remains so popular with holiday makers year after year.
The beach at Son Baulo is a good antidote to the heaving masses and consumerism of neighbouring Ca’n Picafort. Still busy and still boasting everything you need, Son Baulo has managed to retain some character and a bit more class than its larger and better-known neighbour.
Take a coastal stroll or cycle to the little hidden gem Platya des Morer Vermell just north of Alcudia, with its white sand and calm waters perfect for snorkelling.
Mal Pas - consisting of Playa de Sant Pere and Playa de Sant Joan, are two quiet, beautiful beaches just to the north-east of Alcudia
Mare Nostrum Restaurant in Sa Pobla is a charming hidden gem, tucked inside a vintage Mallorcan house with a delightful courtyard. Established in 1950 by Josep Martí Orobitg, this family-run restaurant has been serving local cuisine for over seventy-five years. Today, Carol Martí, representing the third generation, carries forward the family tradition while adding a contemporary touch through seasonal dishes and carefully selected local wines.
This place consists of a disco, a saloon bar and an American Cellar. The disco opens from 23:00 and has a varied music selection mixed in with the latest chart hits.
A club filled with fun times, themed nights, drinks promotions and great music. The perfect place to dance the night away.
La Cafetería by La Goleta, located on the ground level of La Goleta Hotel in Mallorca, offers a relaxed and welcoming space right on the maritime promenade. It’s the perfect spot to start the day with a healthy breakfast or a leisurely brunch, with fresh, homemade options designed to satisfy both early risers and those who like to take their time.
Bar Rumbo is a family-run establishment known for its traditional Spanish bar ambiance, casual atmosphere and great tasting food.
The Lemon Lounge Bar offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with a cocktail as the sun sets over the sea. Guests can enjoy a selection of expertly crafted drinks while lounging by the pool or taking in the panoramic views of the bay. The bar frequently features live music, enhancing the vibrant ambiance and making it a favourite spot for both hotel guests and visitors alike.
This nightclub has been around for decades drawing in locals and tourists alike throughout the year with lots of themed parties.
Just off the coast road 5km south of Port d'Alcudia in the north west of Mallorca, the S'Albufera wetlands make a welcome relief from long stretches of crowded beach.
Alcudia beach resort's Kartingmania is one of the best Karting set ups in Mallorca. Open from 9.30 'til midnight it has karts for all levels and their custom built track was designed to offer nothing but fun.
Running for over 20 years, Ranxo Ses Roques offers one or two hour trail rides, as well as a petting zoo. No experience is necessary, and they have ponies suitable for small children.
Nine holes of golf, perfectly integrated into the beautiful local environment. Golf Pollenca offers panoramic views over the Tramuntana mountains, olive groves, the bays of Pollença and Alcudia and s'Albufereta reserve. By the end of the first round, the visitor will surely agree that challenge, variety, and harmony with nature are focal points around which the club's success is built.
Attached to the Sea Club Alcudia hotel and resort, ZonaFitness is also open to people not staying in the sea club complex and prices area available for one day visits at or by the week or month dependant upon your needs.
The only water park on the north of Mallorca Hidropark sits just behind the beach in Port d'Alcudia. Perfect for families and smaller children.
Catamarans are the Formula 1 of sailing. Built for speed you'll get a real thrill from racing the waves.
Sailing courses on dinghies for all abilities!
At the end of every course successful trainees are issued an internationally acknowledged windsurfing certificate (VDWS). This certificate entitles holders to hire windsurfing crafts at all water stations, and certifies their skills.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
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.
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
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.
This is a luxurious villa that has been restored from old ruins with great care to incorporate the original architecture with a modern design.
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.
This beautiful, stone clad country home set amongst the undulating countryside surrounding the small village of Buger, offers spacious grounds as well as a generous, convivial interior with wooden flooring, high ceilings and contemporary furnishings that create a light, bright & airy ambiance throughout.
The area offers a fantastic range of hotels to suit all budgets, with increasing attention in recent years for its luxury boutique-style accommodation.
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.
This charming boutique hotel is fairly unique as it offers yoga, pilates and cooking retreats throughout the summer and autumn months.
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.
Situated in a magnificent country estate of 150.000 m² located in the North of Mallorca, the building dates from the 16th century.
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.
There is no direct bus route from Palma airport to Sa Pobla, you would need to change in Palma bus station.
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.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
This taxi & transfer company operates out of Palma, covering the whole of Mallorca Island.
Located in the tranquil urbanisation of Crestatx in Sa Pobla, this property is perfect for those seeking a natural and well-connected environment. With a functional design, the home is spread over two floors, offering comfortable and practical living spaces for families or friends to enjoy.
Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.
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