Colonia de Sant Pere
Small coastal town in north-east Mallorca
Set within the municipality of Arta, Colonia de Sant Pere is a small, unpretentious fishing village located on the northeast. It's one of few villages on Mallorca’s coastline to resist succumbing to tourism, which means that, even in the peak summertime, the most common language you will hear on its beach is Spanish.
Colonia de Sant Pere has all the qualities you could want from a quiet holiday retreat. Its glowing assets include a pretty traditional style harbour and a promenade lined with restaurants overlooking a small sandy beach. This place is a world away from resort life, so don’t expect large scale hotels, commercial activities or nightlife, instead just a few tourists enjoying the Mallorcan sunshine in an authentic Spanish village.
In the summertime, families tend to inhabit some of the large villas in this region and there are quite a few internationally-owned boats mooring in the harbour. Lovers of the great outdoors, particularly cycling and hiking enthusiasts are also fond of the area.
History & Culture in Colonia de Sant Pere
The modern-day Colònia de Sant Pere was founded in the early 19th century. In 1820, following one of the last and deadliest outbreaks of the bubonic plague in nearby Artà, many survivors sought refuge along the coast and established the settlement. Prior to this, the area around Colònia de Sant Pere was said to be known for wild boar hunting, according to local legend.
Sights & Attractions in Colonia de Sant Pere
Beaches in Colonia de Sant Pere
There’s a lovely little sandy beach in Colonia de Sant Pere, which is about 80 metres long and child-friendly thanks to a man-made breakpoint. On the other side of this breakpoint, there’s a popular surf area. Sun loungers and parasol rentals are nowhere to be seen, which means there are more locals and fewer tourists visiting this particular beach.
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Events in Colonia de Sant Pere
The biggest festival in Colonia de Sant Pere is celebrated in honour of the village’s patron saint, Sant Pere, on the night of the 29th June. In true Mallorcan style, the locals come out in full force with music, dancing and fireworks.
Things to do in Colonia de Sant Pere
There is certainly the typical Spanish laid-back approach to life in Colonia de Sant Pere. The area is particularly attractive to families looking for a tranquil, unpretentious holiday on the island. While many use this quiet spot as a place to unwind, if you do get itchy feet there are some fun activities available to get you moving.
Watersports
While there are no commercial water sports companies based in Colònia de Sant Pere, the northeastern coastline boasts stunning coves, dramatic rock formations, and crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Surfers will also appreciate the consistent easterly winds along the northeastern end of the beach, which often create excellent conditions for catching waves.
Golf
Mallorca has become a bit of a golfing haven so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that there are five golf courses within close proximity to Colonia de Sant Pere. The most notable is the highly reputable Club de Golf Alcanada, designed by Robert Trent Jones JR, sitting in the bay of Alcudia.
Hiking
A coastal walk in this part of the island is a must, with routes ranging from relaxed strolls to more challenging hikes, there’s something for every level of ability and enthusiasm. One particularly scenic trail runs between Son Serra de Marina and Colònia de Sant Pere, stretching 5 km and forming part of the GR222 route. For those looking to go further, the hike can be extended by an additional 6 km by including Son Bauló.
Bird watching
Bird watching buffs need to visit S’Albufera Natural Park which is just up the road from Colonia de Sant Pere. These wetlands are home to rare species of birds like Montagu's harriers and Eleanora's falcons. Other species breeding here include stonechats, moustached warblers and the long-eared owl.
Shopping
Other than a supermarket, pharmacy, a bakery you won’t find much in the way of shopping in Colonia de Sant Pere. There is, however, a small weekly market on Saturday mornings, which is worth checking out. For more shopping, you could head into Arta for their weekly craft market on Tuesdays or just browse some of the artisan, interior décor and boutique stores here.
Dining in Colonia de Sant Pere
With over a dozen restaurants in Colonia de Sant Pere, there’s more than enough options for dining out whilst holidaying in the area. Being an authentic fishing village, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of good seafood restaurants. For the best catch of the day, the port’s Restaurante del Nautico is the top pick. Although one of the more expensive restaurants in the area, it is well worth it and offers spectacular views over the port.
Nightlife in Colonia de Sant Pere
There are no nightclubs, late-night dance venues, or bars open past 1am. The atmosphere is family-friendly, with local bars, casual dining, seaside walkways, ideal for a few drinks evening under the stars .
Where to stay in Colonia de Sant Pere
In Colònia de Sant Pere, accommodation is all about villa and apartment rentals. You'll find a variety of options in and around the village to suit all budgets, from charming whitewashed villas to traditional Mallorcan homes built from rustic stone.
Villas in Colonia de Sant Pere
Apartments in Colonia de Sant Pere
Hotels in Colonia de Sant Pere
Hotels in Colonia de Sant Pere
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How to get to Colonia de Sant Pere
By car
It takes just under an hour to get to Colonia de Sant Pere from Palma de Mallorca’s Sant Joan airport. Follow the Ma-15 to Manacor then take the Ma-3322 to Colonia de Sant Pere.
Public transport
There isn’t a direct bus from Palma to Colonia de Sant Pere, in fact, it’s a village that isn’t particularly well connected by public transport. However, if you are staying here, then it’s worth knowing that the TIB bus line 481 travels between Colonia de Sant Pere and Arta a few times per day.
