A guide to things to do in Santa Ponsa
Tucked into a sheltered cove south of the island, Santa Ponsa oozes charm and beauty. The whole family will love the warm sea, fabulous beaches and delicious restaurants but there’s also a great deal more. Not only is there a fun and lively atmosphere across the resort, you’ll also find world-famous landmarks that define Mallorca‘s rich history and enjoy many outdoor activities. All this, set against a backdrop of the breathtaking Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
Beach life
Whatever you get up to on holiday, you’ll want to spend a day lazing on the amazing Blue Flag Playa de Santa Ponsa. It’s a 560-metre stretch of white sand with glistening blue waters, and a promenade dotted with restaurants, markets, live music and pop-up bars. You could also venture slightly out of the main resort and explore the charming beach of Caló d’en Pellicer. Lying in a small cove and a favourite with locals, it’s a peaceful oasis with waters that are perfect for little ones to paddle in.
Fiesta time!
You’ll want to kick back and enjoy the local vibe with all the entertainment on offer here. Check out the family-friendly nightclubs and bars along the main strip, Ramon de Montcada. If you love a party, the famous Rei En Jaume Fiesta takes place here every year. With street parades, stalls, knights in shining armour and fireworks, you’ll find yourself celebrating King Jaume I’s successful return to Mallorca in 1229. Don’t miss La Nit del Foc, Mallorca’s ‘Night of Fire’, marking the summer solstice.
The great outdoors
There’s a real active feel to this town. Santa Ponsa has three world-class golf courses that play host to many high-profile tournaments. You can even enjoy a game yourself on one of them. Be one of the 3,000 spectators each year and catch the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Mallorca Open tennis competition held here. Get in on the action yourself and check out the Jungle Parc, the only forest adventure course in the Balearic Islands. Make your way through pine trees using only bridges, vines and zip wires.
Peer into its rich history
There’s no doubt about it, Mallorca has been around for a long time and there’s plenty to transport you back in time. Take a trip to one of the several archaeological sites that date back to the Moorish and Roman occupations. There’s the fascinating Puig de sa Morisca, a hilltop site and nature park with remains from the late Bronze Age. Visit the magnificent Gothic Seu Cathedral in nearby Palma for one of the most iconic monuments in Spain, let alone the Balearic Islands. Enjoy some spectacular views from 14th-century royal fortress, Bellver Castle.
Parks and eateries
Santa Ponsa is surrounded by many protected green areas and a Segway excursion can be a really fun way to explore them. Don’t leave without visiting La Reserva Puig de Galatzó on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range. It’s a beautiful forested nature park with eagles and mountain views, including the magnificent peak of the supposed magical mountain, Galatzó. After that, enjoy a spot of R&R and at one of the many bars and restaurants along the famous Passeig des Born nearby, a wide, tree-lined promenade.
Mallorca's marinas
Santa Ponsa’s deep natural inlet has become the setting for one of the most picturesque harbours in Mallorca, the Club Nautico de Santa Ponsa. Surrounded by gardens, it’s great for a relaxing family experience. For a touch of the high life, make your way over to Port Adriano and marvel at the super-yachts moored there. Designed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, it’s one of the most modern marinas in the Mediterranean and a centre for designer shopping and high-end restaurants.
Explore on water
Why not lose track of time and catch a boat trip from Santa Ponsa. Simply drift past the many beautiful shores on the southwest of the island, along the Tramuntana’s coastline visiting ‘dragon caves’ and local islands. If you want to play, water sports such as sailing, surfing, and jet-skiing are all within easy reach at the Santa Ponsa Beach. There’s even a scuba diving school, Zoea Mallorca, at the Club Nautico Marina. For younger ones, there’s also banana-boat riding and pedal boats.