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Archaeological site of Son Real the most precious treasure of Mallorca

The Archaeological Site of Son Real, which is located in the Balearic Islands of Spain, consists of several excavated remains and several areas of historical interest. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is believed to have been used by ancient civilizations during the Bronze Age, between 1500 and 1300 BC.

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20 July 2025
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Die archäologische Stätte von Son Real ist der wertvollste Schatz Mallorcas
Son Real is an archaeological site located on the northeast coast of Mallorca in Spain. This site contains some of the most important prehistoric remains in the Balearic Islands. It is a key archaeological center in the local area and provides an intriguing glimpse into the past. Originally, Son Real had been a natural cove protected by a rocky peninsula which allowed for human habitation since at least the middle of the 5th millennium. This is evidenced by the excavation of several burials, one of which even contained a gold statuette from the Bronze Age. The settlement which eventually grew up around it was mainly focused on farming and fishing but some evidence suggests that the site was also active in transoceanic trading. The site consists of three different areas - The Upper Area, The Eastern Area, and The Southern Area. The Upper Area is the oldest part of the site and includes the remains of a talayotic village which dates to the Late Bronze Age. The Eastern Area is a Roman fish-salting complex established in the 1st century BCE. The Southern Area contains a cemetery, the remains of a Roman villa and a set of walls from the 14th to 16th centuries. All three areas are united by a series of natural rocky formations which form a kind of defensive barrier along the coast. The site was first recognized as an important archaeological site by the mid-nineteenth century, when local historians recognized the importance of the ruins. In 1940, the Spanish Ministry of Culture declared it an archaeological site and began systematic excavations. In 2001, the Son Real Archaeological Zone was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest by the government. Presently, the site contains an exhibition hall, an auditorium, and a path which leads to the excavation areas. It is open to the public and guided visits can be requested in advance, as well as activities such as mobile workshops and archaeological talks. The site also contains a rich variety of biodiversity, making it a great spot to observe, study, and appreciate all of the natural wonders it has to offer.

How to get to the archaeological site of Son Real?

Getting to the archaeological site of Son Real in Mallorca, Spain is relatively simple. The best way to get there is by car. From the city of Palma, take the Llucmajor motorway until you reach the town of Llucmajor. From there you will have to take the nearby MA-40 road for about 5 km. On that route, you'll find the archaeological site of Son Real. You’ll follow signs pointing you to the site as you go further from Llucmajor. If you’re coming from a different island, like Ibiza or Menorca, you’ll have to take the ferry or fly to the island of Mallorca. From the airport, it’s easy to get to Palma, the capital of the island, where you can find a car rental service if you don’t have one. After that, follow the instructions detailed above. If you're more comfortable not driving, there are many public transportation options available. You can board a bus from Palma, which runs several times a day, and it will take you to the town of Llucmajor. Once there, you can take a taxi, although it might be more convenient to rent a bike or even walk to the archaeological site, since it is only four kilometers away. The site of Son Real encompasses a large area with various archaeological sites, including three necropolises, a set of megalithic and talayotic remains, and a walled coastal area. Visitors can explore the remains from the Mesolithic period up to the Medieval age as well as the diverse architectural styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. The site of Son Real is of great archaeological interest and it’s definitely worth a visit. From the city of Palma, you'll be able to get there quickly and easily, enjoying a pleasant journey across the Mallorcan countryside.
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What to know before going to the archaeological site of Son Real?

If you're thinking of visiting the archaeological site of Son Real in Mallorca, Spain, there are a few things that you should be aware of before you arrive. First, the site is located in an area of the island that was populated by the Talayotic people, an ancient culture known for their sophisticated architecture and engineering feats. This means that if you're interested in learning about the history of the Talayotic people, you'll likely find plenty of interesting information at the archaeological site. Secondly, you should come prepared for the elements. The site is located on a beach so be sure to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent if you plan to stay and explore. Additionally, the terrain can be rocky in places so be sure to wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Thirdly, if you're visiting during the summer months, be aware that there are no permanent restrooms in the area and no overnight camping is allowed. That being said, there are usually park rangers on relief duty if you need assistance during your visit. Fourth, be aware that some of the archaeological sites on the island date back to the Iron Age and can be very fragile. As such, make sure to respect any fences, signs or markers that have been set up and always stay on the designated paths. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about the site, you can speak with the staff at the nearby visitor center who will likely be able to address your queries. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the merchandise store for souvenirs and to pick up a map of the site that will help you remember your experience at the ancient archaeological site of Son Real.
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