Santa Ponsa
Found in the south west of Mallorca, Santa Ponsa sits in a niche in the rocky coastline. The 32 km/20 mile-journey from the airport takes about half an hour in a car or taxi.
Overview
For centuries, Santa Ponsa was a small and quiet village with a traditional way of life. Fishing and agriculture were the primary sources of livelihood for the local population. All of this changed in the mid-20th century, when Mallorca began to experience a boom in tourism, and Santa Ponsa quickly transformed from a sedate fishing village into a popular tourist resort. Nowadays, the town’s fantastic beaches, pleasant climate, and picturesque surroundings attract visitors from all around the world.
Santa Ponsa provides a perfect blend of beachfront attractions, recreational activities, a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment options, as well as some more tranquil areas, making it an appealing destination for tourists seeking an enjoyable as well as relaxing vacation on the beautiful island of Mallorca any time of the year.
In autumn, when the main tourist season is over, Santa Ponsa takes on a different quality. A bit more windy at times, but no less beautiful, Santa Ponsa is a wonderful place to be in the autumn season. Come with us on a visual tour of the resort, its beaches and the marina “Club Nautico” and enjoy some great views of the bay from above.
Santa Ponsa Town
Town centre and resort
Close to the main beach are several streets dotted with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, banks, and other essential services, catering for both residents and tourists. The bay is lined with hotels, holiday lets and apartments, for a range of different budgets.
Residential area
Santa Ponsa has around 12,000 inhabitants. The residential neighbourhoods with a mix of apartments, villas, and townhouses, are located inland from the beachfront. Some areas provide beautiful views of the sea or surrounding green hills. Many of these residential areas are quiet and calm, away from the bustling tourist spots.
Santa Ponsa Nightlife
In the summer, Santa Ponsa offers a vibrant nightlife scene, and you will find a good choice of pubs, clubs and bars – whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back evening with friends. However, it is worth noting that Santa Ponsa is generally more relaxed and family-friendly compared to some of the wilder party spots on the island. Those who want to party hard might want to enjoy a night out in nearby Magaluf, or in Palma city.
Santa Ponsa Beaches
Playa de Santa Ponsa
The heart of Santa Ponsa is its main beach, Playa Santa Ponsa. It is set back in a very large cove, is 100 m wide in places and has a shore length or around 600 m. It boasts soft golden sand and shallow, calm waters, making it ideal for families with children. The beach has life guards and is equipped with sun loungers, parasols, and various water sports equipment for rent, making Playa de Santa Ponsa the central hub of activity and a focal point for tourists. Along the beachfront, you’ll find a wide promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. This area is bustling during the day, as visitors enjoy the beach and the amenities offered along the waterfront.
Playa Caló d’en Pellicer
If you are heading from the southern end of the bay in the direction of the marina, you will come across a small cove with a tranquil little beach, well protected from the wind and waves. A relatively large sandy area stretches back from the waterfront, shaded by a number of tall pine trees. A number of cafes, bars and restaurants are close-by and there is also a children’s playground. Playa Caló d’en Pellicer tends to be quieter than Santa Ponsa’s main beach.
Cala Blanca
Located to the west of Playa Santa Ponsa, Cala Blanca is a small and charming cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation and snorkelling.
Cala en Basset
This picturesque rocky cove is situated east of Playa Santa Ponsa. While it may not be suitable for sunbathing, it’s a favourite among snorkelers and divers due to its clear waters and marine life.
From left to right: Northern end of Santa Ponsa beach, Santa Ponsa beach at sunset, northern end of Santa Ponsa bay
Things to do in and around Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa Marina
Santa Ponsa Marina is a picturesque and popular destination for boating and water sports enthusiasts, within a 20 to 30 minutes’ walk from the main beach. It offers a range of services and facilities, including boat moorings, a bar and restaurant, and a centre for scuba diving, kayak and paddleboard hire.
Jungle Parc
The Jungle Parc is located within a few minutes’ walking distance from Playa Caló d’en Pellicer, just past Santa Ponsa marina. It is a physical adventure park situated amidst 9 hectares of beautiful pine forest, offering visitors a thrilling experience through a series of treetop obstacle courses and zip lines. The park features several courses with varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both children and adults. Each course consists of different challenges like rope bridges, zip lines, swings, and other aerial obstacles set amidst the treetops. A must for fitness fanatics and lots of fun for little adventurers!
Boat Trips
There are a variety of boat trips from Santa Ponsa from speed boat rides to pleasure cruises. The boat trips depart from the beach at Santa Ponsa and the port. For information and tickets look out for the adverts by the sea front and the port.
Market
Santa Ponsa hosts a small weekly market that is popular among locals and tourists alike. It takes place every Saturday from 8.30 am to 1pm. You will find it on Avinguda de Horts, between the Post Office and the Santa Ponça fire station. Here you can browse a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and more.
Another option is the nearby inland town of Andratx, where market day is every Wednesday from approximately 8am to 1pm. In a car or taxi you can get there is less than 20 minutes or a little longer if you take the bus.
Tennis
For those looking to play a bit of tennis with friends or improve their game or even enter tournaments, there is the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club. This is located just a few hundred metres inland from the main beach past the football pitches.
Golf
There are several excellent golf facilities in and around Santa Ponsa, with opportunities for both experienced players and those new to the sport.
Golf Santa Ponsa
This is one of the most prestigious and popular golf courses in Mallorca. Golf Santa Ponsa boasts three courses: Santa Ponsa I, Santa Ponsa II, and Santa Ponsa III. Courses one and two are European PGA tour courses. There is a driving range available and golf clubs, trollies and buggies to hire. Santa Ponsa I is the oldest and most well-known of the three, featuring a challenging layout with tree-lined fairways and water hazards. It is a Par 72 at 6,543m in length. The courses offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Mediterranean Sea.
Golf de Andratx
Golf de Andratx is located nearby in Camp de Mar, which is just a short drive away from Santa Ponsa. This 18-hole golf course is situated amidst picturesque landscapes, offering players a challenging and scenic experience.
Golf Poniente
Another nearby golf course, Golf Poniente, is located in Calvià, which is easily accessible from Santa Ponsa. It is an 18-hole course with wide fairways and stunning views of the Tramuntana Mountains.
Golf Bendinat
Also located in the neighbouring area, Golf Bendinat is a picturesque course that features a mix of flat and hilly terrain, offering a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Horse riding
Santa Ponsa Riding Club offers horse riding and has high-quality facilities accommodating children and adults of all levels. The excursions often take you through scenic countryside trails, pine forests, and along the coastline, providing an opportunity to discover the island from a unique perspective.
Water Park
Western Water Park is in Magaluf, about a 15-minute drive or taxi-ride away. The water park has a Wild West theme, creating a fun and adventurous atmosphere for visitors of all ages.There are a large number of water slides for all levels and various pools and an extra area for small children. In addition to the water attractions, Western Water Park offers entertaining shows throughout the day, including Wild West-themed performances and dance shows.
The park provides various amenities such as restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops, sunbeds, and parasols for rent. There are also ample seating areas and shaded spots for relaxation.
Nearby Resorts
Palma Nova is around 8 km from Santa Ponsa. By car or taxi, you can get there in around 10-15 minutes.
Magaluf is right next to Palma Nova and the two resorts literally blend into each other. Magaluf is famous for being a party-resort with abundant nightlife.
S’Arenal is on the other side of Palma. The 39-kilometer drive from Santa Ponsa takes between 30 to 40 minutes by car or taxi. Similar to Magaluf, S’Arenal is known for its busy nightlife.
Please see here for information on airport transfers to and from Santa Ponsa.