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Sa Pobla's main square with tall plane trees, a white pergola, street lamps and café terraces.

Places / Raiguer

Sa Pobla

Town

A small town on the edge of s'Albufera, built on drained marshland and known for two things — potatoes and the devils of Sant Antoni in January.

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Sa Pobla
Location of Sa Pobla in Mallorca
Location of Sa Pobla

Sa Pobla in 30 seconds

The essentials at a glance

Worth visiting for
A short visit
Best for
Experiencing Sant Antoni on 16 and 17 January
Best months
January, March–May, October–November
Time to allow
One to two hours
Without a car
Hire car recommended
Parking
Easy and free outside festival days
Keep in mind
Looking for a picture-postcard old town
Access
Pushchairs: Straightforward · Wheelchairs: Mostly accessible
  • Town

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Long pale-sandstone building in Sa Pobla with three large ground-floor arches, flags above the entrance and café chairs outside.

Three arches, three flags and café chairs outside the town hall.

Broad avenue in Sa Pobla lined with tall plane trees, with a cast-iron lamp in the centre and stacked chairs at the side.

The plane trees grow close enough to give welcome shade in July.

Narrow shopping street in Sa Pobla with sandstone façades, wrought-iron balconies and ground-floor shopfronts.

A street for everyday shopping in a working town.

Getting to know Sa Pobla

Does Sa Pobla suit your plans?

What to expect and what to know before you visit.

Who it suits

  • Experiencing Sant Antoni on 16 and 17 January
  • Visiting s'Albufera and needing shops and services nearby
  • Seeing Mallorca's farming communities
  • Travelling without a car, as the train from Palma terminates here

Things to bear in mind

  • Looking for a picture-postcard old town
  • Expecting much more than a short stop in high summer
  • Swimming, with the coast ten minutes away
  • Wanting a lively evening scene

Drive from the airport

45 minutes

55 km

Bus connections

Terminus of the Palma–Sa Pobla railway line

Region

Raiguer

Nearest beach

Platja de Muro

9 km

Elevation

30 m

above sea level

A glimpse of Sa Pobla

Long pale-sandstone building in Sa Pobla with three large ground-floor arches, flags above the entrance and café chairs outside. Broad avenue in Sa Pobla lined with tall plane trees, with a cast-iron lamp in the centre and stacked chairs at the side. Narrow shopping street in Sa Pobla with sandstone façades, wrought-iron balconies and ground-floor shopfronts. Paved lane in Sa Pobla with bollards, shops on the left and an old rubble-stone façade with barred windows on the right.

More photographs of Sa Pobla →

Season guide for Sa Pobla

November Worth a visit

November brings the Fira de l'Arròs, the rice fair.

Quiet Open

Worth a visit Worth considering Less suitable Closed

Worth visiting in January, March, April, May, October and November. Less suitable in July and August.

Location

Location of Sa Pobla

Location of Sa Pobla in Mallorca Palma Alcúdia Sóller Manacor
Location of Sa Pobla
Region
Raiguer
Population
14,000
Elevation
30 m above sea level
Airport
55 km , around 45 minutes
Hire car
recommended
Worth visiting for
a brief stop
Coordinates
39.7686,3.0225

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Getting to know Sa Pobla

A small town of around 14,000 people on the edge of s’Albufera, built on drained marshland. Its dark, moist and fertile soil supports the potatoes that sustained the town and brought it prosperity over decades.

There is a plane-tree square, a handful of shopping streets and fields all around. This is a working town, and it looks like one.

Sant Antoni

On 16 and 17 January, Sa Pobla is transformed. Fires burn in the squares, and the dimonis — local devil figures documented since the late 18th century — move through the streets.

This is the town’s own festival, rather than a performance for visitors. If you want to experience one Mallorcan celebration firmly rooted in local life, come here in January.

For the rest of the year, the masks, devils and giant figures are displayed at Can Planes museum.

Broad avenue in Sa Pobla lined with tall plane trees, with a cast-iron lamp in the centre and stacked chairs at the side.
The plane trees grow close enough to give welcome shade in July.

S’Albufera

Ten minutes away is s’Albufera nature park, the largest wetland in the Balearics and one of the best birdwatching spots on Mallorca. Spring and winter are especially rewarding.

Bring binoculars.

Long pale-sandstone building in Sa Pobla with three large ground-floor arches, flags above the entrance and café chairs outside.
Three arches, three flags and café chairs outside the town hall.

When to visit

January for Sant Antoni; March and October for the green plain; June and November for the evening potato fair and the rice fair respectively.

In July and August, the lack of a sea breeze makes it hotter than the coast.

Photographs

Sa Pobla in Mallorca

Long pale-sandstone building in Sa Pobla with three large ground-floor arches, flags above the entrance and café chairs outside.
Sa PoblaThree arches, three flags and café chairs outside the town hall.
Broad avenue in Sa Pobla lined with tall plane trees, with a cast-iron lamp in the centre and stacked chairs at the side.
Sa PoblaThe plane trees grow close enough to give welcome shade in July.
Narrow shopping street in Sa Pobla with sandstone façades, wrought-iron balconies and ground-floor shopfronts.
Sa PoblaA street for everyday shopping in a working town.
Paved lane in Sa Pobla with bollards, shops on the left and an old rubble-stone façade with barred windows on the right.
Sa PoblaOlder stone buildings stand beside newer ones; much has survived here.
Upward view of a house's corner tower in Sa Pobla, with wraparound balconies and a tiled roof beside a modern white façade.
Sa PoblaA corner tower with balconies, built with the prosperity brought by potato farming.
Pale-sandstone public building in Sa Pobla with arched windows, dark blue shutters, an ornate cornice and a palm beside it.
Sa PoblaSa Pobla's cemetery entrance, in pale sandstone with blue shutters and an ornamental cornice. By the late 19th century, the town could afford such a building even here.
Sa Pobla cemetery with white-edged graves, stone crosses, a domed chapel and a large old tree in the centre.
Sa PoblaAn open, well-kept cemetery, part of the town's life.
Approach road to Sa Pobla with the town sign, a yellow corner house, palms and dark clouds over the plain.
Sa PoblaThe approach from the plain, with the town beginning beyond the sign.

How much time do you have?

Things to do in Sa Pobla

Three hours

Explore the plane-tree square and shopping streets, then see the devil masks at Can Planes museum.

Half a day

Add s'Albufera nature park, ten minutes away, and bring binoculars.

A full day

Combine it with Muro, Campanet and the Bay of Alcúdia.

On a rainy day

The museum is an option; otherwise, there is little to do.

Practical details

Parking
Easy and free outside festival days
Public transport
Terminus of the Palma–Sa Pobla railway line
Time to allow
One to two hours
Good to know
On 16 and 17 January, the town is packed and access roads may close temporarily. Take the train and plan your return journey in advance.
Bus
Terminus of the Palma–Sa Pobla railway line
Shops and services
Supermarkets: Several in the town · Pharmacy: Several · Medical care: Local health centre; hospital in Inca · Cash machines: Plenty · Fuel: On the edge of town
Access
Level paved streets and squares · Pushchairs: Straightforward · Wheelchairs: Mostly accessible · Dogs: Generally fine, but best left away from the festival fires
What you will not find
Sea views · A picture-postcard historic centre · A lively evening scene outside festivals · Peace and quiet on 16 and 17 January
Coordinates
39.7686,3.0225 Google Maps Apple Maps

Within reach

Places to visit

Nearby

The small pale chapel of Crestatx, with an arched entrance and bell gable among tall pines and cypresses. Ermita de Crestatx 2 km north-west (straight-line distance)

A small pilgrimage chapel among pines near Sa Pobla, on the site of an older settlement. A paved path leads up to …

 Broad stone steps leading towards the Coves de Campanet entrance, bordered by dry-stone walls, cypresses and plane trees. Coves de Campanet 5 km north-west (straight-line distance)

A quieter cave visit near Campanet, with limestone formations rather than a boat ride or colourful show. Allow …

 The old pale-stone church of Sant Miquel near Campanet, with a bell gable and cypress trees beneath a blue sky. Sant Miquel de Campanet 6 km north-west (straight-line distance)

One of Mallorca's oldest churches, standing alone among the fields outside Campanet. Built on the site of a mosque …

 Stone chapel with a bell gable and cypresses beside a broad paved forecourt. Santa Magdalena 7 km south-west (straight-line distance)

A small chapel and a wide view across Mallorca. Santa Magdalena stands on a hill near Inca. The winding climb is …

 The Roman archaeological site of Pollentia near Alcúdia, with two surviving column stumps in the foreground, low walls, cypress trees and the cemetery church behind. Pollentia 12 km north-east (straight-line distance)

The remains of an important Roman town just outside Alcúdia. An urban centre developed here after the conquest of …

 A pale church with a pointed tower on a wooded hill, above dense pines and Mediterranean scrub. Església de Son Serra 13 km east (straight-line distance)

A church among the pines, beside the old Son Serra estate with its towers and farm buildings. A glimpse of the …

 A wide view from Santa Llúcia across Mancor de la Vall's rooftops and the wooded plain towards mountains on the horizon. Santuari de Santa Llúcia 13 km west (straight-line distance)

A pilgrimage church on a rocky ledge above Mancor de la Vall, documented since 1275. The terrace looks across much …

 Lluc's Baroque church façade, clock and bell gable framed by a dark stone archway. Santuari de Lluc 13 km north-west (straight-line distance)

Mallorca's spiritual centre, a sanctuary at 525 metres in the heart of the Tramuntana, with guest rooms, a …

Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.

Where to swim nearby

Beaches and swimming nearby

A broad, almost empty sandy beach beneath clouds, with a low vegetated dune to the left, surf to the right, two walkers and the Alcanada headland and mountains on the horizon. Platja de Muro 9 km north-east (straight-line distance)

A long sandy stretch of the Bay of Alcúdia, with protected dunes and pines at Es Comú rather than a continuous …

 Rust-red CAN PICAFORT metal lettering on a low wall beside the waterfront, with choppy water, an obelisk and mountains under cloud. Can Picafort 11 km east (straight-line distance)

A small fishing settlement first recorded in 1860 has become a busy holiday resort. Come for the beach, the …

 Pale sandy beach and turquoise sea at Port d'Alcúdia, with walkers at the water's edge and pines along the shore beneath blue sky. Port d'Alcúdia 12 km north-east (straight-line distance)

Five kilometres of pale sand shelving gently into the sea, backed by hotels, bars and shops. A classic beach …

Explore from here

Búger 3 km Muro 5 km Campanet 5 km Alcúdia 13 km

Your questions answered

Your questions about Sa Pobla

What is Sant Antoni in Sa Pobla?

The patron saint's festival on 16 and 17 January, one of Mallorca's biggest. Fires burn in the squares and dimonis — devil figures documented here since the late 18th century — roam the streets. It is the town's own celebration, rather than a show for tourists.

Why is Sa Pobla known for potatoes?

The surrounding soil is drained marshland, dark, moist and fertile. Potatoes grown here were exported for decades and helped make the town prosperous. June has a dedicated evening fair, the Fira Nocturna de la Patata.

How far away is s'Albufera?

Around ten minutes. S'Albufera nature park is the largest wetland in the Balearics and one of Mallorca's best places for birdwatching, especially in spring and winter.

What is there to see in Sa Pobla?

The plane-tree square with its cafés and restaurants, the shopping streets and Can Planes museum, which displays the masks, devils and giant figures of Sant Antoni when they are not out for the festival.

Can you get there by train?

Yes. The train from Palma terminates in Sa Pobla. It is a relaxed way to approach s'Albufera and particularly useful for January's festival days.

Practical questions

When is the best time to visit Sa Pobla?

Recommended months: January, March, April, May, October, November. Sant Antoni on the 16th and 17th, with devils and fires — the town's main annual celebration.

Is Sa Pobla worth visiting in July and August?

July: another month may suit you better. Usually very quiet. Without a sea breeze, it gets hotter here than on the coast. August: another month may suit you better. Usually very quiet.

How far is Sa Pobla from Palma airport?

About 55 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 45 minutes by car. Take the Ma-13 towards Alcúdia and leave at Sa Pobla. Trains from Palma terminate here, making it a useful approach for s'Albufera. Parking is straightforward outside festival days.

Do I need a hire car for Sa Pobla?

A car is useful Terminus of the Palma–Sa Pobla railway line

Where can I park in Sa Pobla?

Easy and free outside festival days

Can I visit Sa Pobla with a pushchair or wheelchair?

Level paved streets and squares Pushchairs: Straightforward Wheelchairs: Mostly accessible

Are dogs allowed at Sa Pobla?

Generally fine, but best left away from the festival fires

Words and photographs: . Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.