Santa Margalida

Santa Margalida

Santa Margalida is a municipality located on the northeast of Mallorca. It is bounded byArtà, Petra, Ariany, Maria de la Salutut, Llubí, Muro and by the sea to the northeast. It has an area of 84.79 km² and a population of 5858 inhabitants. This municipality covers a coastal area of 9 km, although the village is located inland.

The name “Santa Margalida” is of Catalan origin. The village originated from the Muslim hamlet of Hiacht, where the first Christian monks settled. They came from a Catalan monastery called Santa Margalida d’Empúries.

153 archaeological sites have been found in this municipality, since this area is very close to the coast and has fertile lands. The Roman culture is characterised by continuity in terms of site locations.

Santa Margalida contains the main archaeological sites in this area. Most of the archaeological remains that have been found date from the period prior to the Roman culture. The most famous ones are the Necropolis of Son Real and the Phoenicians Cemetery. Son Real is one of the most important necropolis in Mallorca and constitutes a clear example of megalithic Talaiotic constructions.

According to the Royal Property Distribution Book of Mallorca (1232), this territory was granted to Ponç Hug, count of Ampúries.

Today, this municipality, based on agriculture and cattle farming, is very famous for its tourist and residential coastal areas of Can Picafort, Son Bauló, Son Serra Marina and S’Arenal d’en Cassat.

CAN PICAFORT: The beach of Can Picafort is the first bit of the 8500 metre sandy area that stretches along the coast of the Bay of Alcúdia. It is a tourist resort with a great number of hotels and apartments, most of them located on the seafront. This area also offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, as well as all kinds of services to make your holidays comfortable, such as the Nautical Yacht. Although this area is known to be a tourist destination for families, it is also suitable for those who want to enjoy nightlife. Can Picafort is the perfect place for all kind of visitors. In the middle of the 20th century, Can Picafort was a vast sandy area with only a dozen small houses that belonged to fishermen from Santa Margalida. Today, this area has a big variety of hotels and is one of the main tourist resorts on the island. The hotels in Can Picafort take the protection of the environment and the historical heritage very seriously and offer a wide variety of tourist services. The most developed area in Can Picafort has a beautiful promenade full of bars and restaurants perfect to have a drink while watching a beautiful sunset. A regular bus line connects Can Picafort with Alcúdia.

SON BAULÓ: Son Bauló is a beach, which is very crowded in summer due to its central location in Can Picafort. The oldest prehistoric remains in Mallorca where found around this area, including the remains of 5 human beings.

SON SERRA DE MARINA: It is a residential area with a small population centre. It is located between the virgin beaches of Sa Canova and Son Real. It also has a small marina.

BEACH OF SON REAL: The finca of Son Real is a nature reserve, an area preserved in its natural state. It has a pond on the mouth of the ravine of Son Real and 500 metres of fine white sand. It is a very beautiful and quite spot very easy to reach. From the marina of Son Serra de Marina, you have to walk about 200 metres along the shore until you leave the marina behind. This public finca constitutes a natural and historical treasure. Its 395 ha include an old house, archaeological sites, a group of ecosystems with dunes, pine trees and savines, old sand quarries, towers, 4 hiking routes, 3 cycling routes, an itinerary exclusive for horse riding, an information centre and free bike and binoculars rental.

S’ARENAL D’EN CASSAT: It is a virgin beach located in the nature reserve of Son Real.

Information of Interest

• Parish church of Santa Margalida (12th century), located on a hill. Behind the church, there is a viewpoint with beautiful views.
• Hotels and beaches in Can Picafort
• Natural reserve of Son Real Necropolis of Son Real S’Albufera NaturalPark
• Archaeological sites: Talaiot of Sa Nineta

LINK OF SANTA MARGALIDA TOWN COUNCIL http://www.ajsantamargalida.net/