The town of Son Servera is located in the northeast of Mallorca, in the eponymous municipality that manages the city, at the foot of the 261-meter-high hill named Pui de sa Font. In the municipality of Son Servera, you’ll also find the nearby localities of Cala Millor, Cala Bona, Costa des Pins, as well as Port Vell, Port Nou, and Port Verd, with their beautiful beaches on the eastern coast.
The historic center invites visitors to stroll and enjoy its narrow, partially cobblestoned streets. The historic Plaça de Sant Joan is the hub of life in Son Servera. There, in the summer, one can enjoy the shade at one of the cafes or bars.
The picturesque village offers almost everything necessary for daily life. Besides a gas station, there are two supermarkets, two pharmacies, several bakeries, a drugstore (Müller), banks, and various fashion and specialty stores.
Map and Location
Son Servera is located in the northeast of the island of Mallorca, approximately 70 kilometers east of the capital, Palma de Mallorca.
A charming village with history
The small town was founded in 1300 under the name Benicanella. Later it was renamed Son Servera. Today, the town is home to about 5,000 people (around 13,000 throughout the municipality).
Why is it called Son Servera? This is where opinions differ. There are various theories about the origin of the name.
- In the Son Servera area, there is a large number of service trees. These are called “serves” in Mallorcan.
- Cervera means “place of many deer” in Catalan, and it is likely that the first settlers who established themselves at the foot of the “Sa Font” mountain came from Catalonia.
- The knight Jaume Cervera received a village in the Llevant region as a gift from King Jaume I of Aragon for his services. It could have been this village. However, there is no proof of this.
- Alternatively, and in my opinion very plausible, the land may have belonged to the Servera family.
Each of these theories seems logical, but only one can be the truth. Maybe in the future, we will know which one it is. The city’s coat of arms, by the way, includes the serval, although only since the 1990s.
However, Son Servera has much more to offer: in addition to the “Via Verde,” which runs through this charming place and allows for a bike ride to Manacor or, in the other direction, to Artà, other attractions can be discovered in the town. The main attraction is undoubtedly the unfinished church of Iglesia Nueva.
Places of Interest in Son Servera
New Church (The New Church)
It would have been a magnificent construction, but the “New Church” could never be completed. They simply overestimated the costs. The New Church is something completely different, but that’s precisely what makes it interesting to visit. It was built between 1905 and 1929 in the neo-Gothic style. In 1931, the work was suspended due to high costs. Financing the oversized project was simply not feasible.
Over the years, small additional works have been carried out, but the church was never completed, and it is likely that it never will be. The church walls are standing, but the roof is missing. In Mallorca, it has its charm in good weather.
Nowadays, the church is used, among other things, as an outdoor venue for concerts or, preferably, for spectacular weddings.
Church of Saint John the Baptist
In the center of the city stands the single-nave church, built in 1622. It was dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Sant Joan (or John the Baptist).
At first glance, the church doesn’t seem particularly remarkable, with its rectangular construction featuring a single nave and two side annexes. However, it’s interesting that the bell tower was previously used as a defense tower. By the way, the church can be visited for free on Fridays during market hours.
Monument The Shepherd Boy
Northwest of the Sant Joan Bautista Church is the sculpture “Es Pastoret” (The Young Shepherd) by sculptor Eduardo Servera, who passed away in 2022 due to coronavirus. This sculpture commemorates the darkest hour in the history of Son Servera. At the feet of the bronze figure stands a rat.
The monument was erected in memory of the victims of the Black Plague, which in 1820 wiped out nearly 60% of the inhabitants of Son Servera. No one knows exactly what happened. However, it’s rumored that a resident, feeling cold, wrapped himself in a blanket he had found on the beach. That very night, a ship had anchored there and a funeral was held on the beach. It’s easy to guess what this person died from. This is how this young town dweller brought the disease to the village.
Es Rentadors (Old Public Washhouse)
The washhouse, renovated with donated funds, was built by architect Juan Guasp in 1905 and, with its basins, served as a space for the townspeople to do their laundry. It has been completely restored. Es Rentadors is located a bit outside the city center, heading from the Ma-4031 towards the Camí dels Rentadors.
19th-century train station
Until 1977, Son Servera was connected by train to Artá. The station building, constructed in 1921, still exists and served as the terminal station. For a long time, there was debate about the possibility of reactivating the railway line. Finally, the route was turned into a 30 km (Greenway) path and bike lane, which today is a popular destination.
Street Art in Son Servera
Landmarks don’t always have to be churches, museums, and historic buildings. A cultural highlight in Son Servera is the graffiti by the renowned Mallorcan artist SATH (Sandro Thomàs). Not only is he from the island, but he was born in Son Servera in 1983. Therefore, in the city and municipality, you can find artworks integrated into the urban landscape in various locations.
The piece shown in the photo is located, for example, directly in the municipal parking lot across from the small BIP supermarket. That’s why you need to explore the city with your eyes wide open, as in Son Servera, art isn’t confined.
Market in Son Servera
The town fills up weekly on Fridays because Friday is market day in Son Servera. From 09:00 to 13:00, the market, quite well-known in Mallorca, takes place in the city center, on Carrer D’en Pere Antoni Servera and in Plaça de Sant Joan (San Joan Square), and extends to the old train station building.
In the more than 200 stalls, in addition to the usual fresh products such as cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, and fruits, you can also buy Mallorcan handicrafts. This, of course, attracts not only locals but also tourists from the region.
The market is, without a doubt, one of the most authentic on the island and definitely worth a visit. You can park on market day in nine public parking lots in Son Servera.
Nearby Beaches
On the east coast, there are beautiful beaches with sea views. In particular, the beaches near Son Servera are very popular among families or those seeking tranquility. The nearest beach to the city center, about 3 km away, is Cala Millor. Here, in the summer, families have fun with their children on the expansive beach.
For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, Costa dels Pins (Pine Coast), which is 6 km away, offers a more authentic experience with its beautiful coves, like the charming beach surrounded by pines, Platja des Rajolí.
Golf in Son Servera
Golf is an important part of the region. There are two golf courses near Son Servera. The Son Servera golf course is the second oldest in Mallorca, while Pula Golf is one of the most professional on the island.
Son Servera Golf Course
It all started in the 60s with a fairly modest 9-hole course. Today, you can play an 18-hole round in a wonderful area in the Serra de Sant Jordi. Although the course, with its water hazards and small hills, is one of the easiest to play in Mallorca, it is very popular among visitors, perhaps precisely for that reason.
It rains in Mallorca.
Pula Golf has been welcoming visitors since 1995. After being completely redesigned between 2004 and 2006, Pula Golf has hosted the PGA European Tour Championships Mallorca on several occasions.
In addition to the golf course, there is also the “Pula Golf Resort” hotel. The historic house from 1581 not only offers all the comforts but also the “Séra de Pula” restaurant, from whose terrace you can enjoy a stunning view of the entire golf course.
Festivals in Son Servera
January 17: Feast of Saint Anthony
The celebration originates from Son Servera receiving the Sant Antoni chapel from the Artanencs.
February: Almond Blossom Fair
Since 2010, the Almond Festival has been held at the “Ses Cases de Ca s’Hereu” estate in February. This event is all about the almond and the blooming of the almond tree. In addition to an exhibition, various almond-related products can be purchased.
February: Carnival Festival
During the carnival, not only the children have fun. The classic “Rúa,” in which everyone can join, is also part of the various activities.
April: Book Festival in Son Servera
In the third week of April, the Book Festival is celebrated in Son Servera.
May: Circus and Humor Festival
International festival at Plaza Sant Joan in Son Servera with a great lineup of international circus artists. Additionally, various activities are offered for children.
June: Environment Week in Son Servera
The first weekend of June, the Son Servera town hall organizes the annual environmental fair in Son Servera, at Plaza de Sant Joan. Stalls with organic and sustainable products are set up. There are also various activities and games for children related to sustainability and the environment.
June: Night of the Art
On a Saturday in the first half of June, a night market combines with an art night.
June 24: Sant Joan Festivities
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the small town’s festivities. Two weeks before the main night’s celebration, the town hall organizes various events and activities. At night, the celebration is non-stop, with eating and dancing outdoors as if there were no tomorrow.
How to get to Son Servera
From Palma by car to Son Servera (67.7 km, approx. 1 hour)
From Palma, take the MA 15 highway towards Manacor and pass Manacor. In Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, switch to the MA-4030 and take the exit.
If you want to get from the airport, take the MA-19 towards Palma, but exit at the first exit (El Coll D’En Rabassa). There, at the roundabout, take the MA-30 and follow the road, then turn at another roundabout onto the MA-15 and follow the previously described route.
From Palma by bus to Son Servera (1:23 min)
The bus to Cala Millor (Intermodal Station 301) departs from the bus station in Palma, in front of Plaza España. In Cala Millor, take bus 412 toward Cala Bona. Get off after 3 stops at the “Son Servera Nord 2” station.
From Palma to Son Servera by taxi
A taxi costs around €80 each way, so a round trip would total €160.
Conclusion: Who is a trip to Son Servera worth it for?
We recommend Son Servera as a place where you can truly relax both body and mind and enjoy the authentic and laid-back Mallorcan lifestyle. For those on vacation nearby, a short day trip is definitely advisable.
Certain highlights, such as the New Church and the many creative graffiti, simply shouldn’t be missed. Families with children can also spend a few relaxing hours in Son Servera.
Places near Son Servera
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