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Sant Elm

Pretty beach resort in the south-west corner of Mallorca

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Sant Elm
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Sant Elm (also known as San Telmo in Spanish) is a charming coastal village in the far south-west corner of Mallorca. With the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains behind it and the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera in front, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful spot.

Sant Elm was named after the patron saint of sailors. In the past, it was a quiet fishing village. Today, it largely remains true to its roots, but a few good-quality restaurants have popped up in the area in recent years and have certainly added to its charms. It doesnโ€™t really feel like a resort but there are a couple of hotels and a selection of villas in this neck of the woods, ideal for those keen to keep away from the beaten track of Mallorcaโ€™s southwestern coastline. With the Serra de Tramuntana on its doorstep, Sant Elm is also a prime location for hikers and cyclists to base themselves.

There is still very much a local feel to Sant Elm even if, over the years, international holidaymakers have been buying homes in the area. The winters here are particularly quiet with many restaurants closing for their annual break at this time of year. In the summer, Sant Elm does receive a good influx of day visitors due to its beautiful location. Many spend the day on the pretty sandy beaches or enjoy a lunch in one of the seafood restaurants on the coastline. Others travel to Sant Elm to catch a boat over to Sa Dragonera for the day to take a closer look at the natural flora and fauna on the uninhabited island.

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  1. History & Culture in Sant Elm
  2. Sights & Attractions in Sant Elm
  3. Beaches in Sant Elm
  4. Dining in Sant Elm
  5. Events in Sant Elm
  6. Things to do in Sant Elm
  7. Cycling in Sant Elm
  8. Hiking in Sant Elm
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Sant Elm
  10. Watersports in Sant Elm
  11. Families in Sant Elm
  12. Villas in Sant Elm
  13. Holidays Rentals in Sant Elm
  14. Hotels in Sant Elm
  15. How to get to Sant Elm

History & Culture in Sant Elm

Sant Elm's early history

Formerly known as Palomera, this is the spot where the Christian troops of Jaume I arrived in 1229 to conquer the island of Mallorca from the Arabs, before heading to Santa Ponรงa. Over the centuries, Sant Elm has seen many attempted invasions, which led to Cala Basset watchtower being built in 1585 as an observation point from which to view attackers. 

The impact of tourism

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the village relied on fishing. Now, whilst remaining true to its roots, the village is receiving more attention from holidaymakers visiting the island.

Sights & Attractions in Sant Elm

History, architecture and culture in Sant Elm

Sant Elm has two ancient watchtowers along its coastline, firmly built to protect the town from pirate attacks. The most interesting one is the Sant Elm tower, an old sailors' hospital and oratory erected in 1279 by King Jaume II and turned into a tower because of the frequent pirate assaults in the 16th century. The one in Cala Basset was constructed in 1585 as a high point from which to warn other coastal towns of the arrival of the enemies by lighting a fire.

S'arracรณ

Near Sant Elm there is the quiet village of S'Arracรณ comprised of beautiful traditional Mallorcan houses interspersed with magnificent modernist palaces built with the money that the town's emigrants to France sent back to their families. Most of them are located on the main street, Calle Franรงa or France Street.

La Trapa

From Sant Elm, you can also take a hike and visit the splendid nature reserve of La Trapa, which is named after the Trappist monks who settled here in 1810. During their stay, they built a monastery. Today you can still see the ruins of its chapel, the mill and the dry-stone terraces and ancient water systems they created to sustain themselves. If this wasn't enough to tempt you, then perhaps the breathtaking views over Sa Dragonera from the viewing platform will win you over.

Sights in Sant Elm

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Beaches in Sant Elm

There are two main beaches in Sant Elm. The largest one is Sa Platja G or Es Geperut with 125m of soft sand dotted with sun loungers and parasols in the summer months. You will find watersports and pedaloes available to rent from this beach. Sa Platja Petita or Cala Petita is smaller and perfect for children because of its shallow waters. Both are only a short walk from the town's main car park. The coves of Cala en Basset, Es Carregador, Es Conills and Cala d'Egos feature turquoise waters with coarser sand or pebbles.

Beaches in Mallorca

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Dining in Sant Elm

Sant Elm has several lovely fish restaurants which have great views of the sea and over to Sa Dragonera. Expect local and Mediterranean dishes on the menu including paella, seafood platters with many spots having terraces overlooking the sea.

Restaurants in Sant Elm

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Events in Sant Elm

Religious festivals

Along with many other towns along the coast, Sant Elm celebrates a Moors and Christians festival at the beginning of August. Another popular traditional fiesta here is the Pancaritats on Easter Monday, a religious celebration that sees locals parade to Sant Elm tower.

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Things to do in Sant Elm

Sant Elm is a fantastic base for walkers. Visitors also come to enjoy the views over Sa Dragonera or sit in the stunning setting whilst watching the world as it goes by. You can also take regular boat tips over to Sa Dragonera during the peak summer season. 

Shopping

There are just a few shops in Sant Elm selling local arts and crafts and some local produce. A small market is also held in S'Arracรณ, a small village just 5km inland from Sant Elm, every Saturday.

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Cycling in Sant Elm

Cycling Routes in Mallorca

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Hiking in Sant Elm

On the mainland, thereโ€™s a wonderful hike from Sant Elm that heads to the abandoned Trappist monastery of Sa Trapa, a round trip of around 3 hours through coastal maquis and pine trees with some of the finest views of Sa Dragonera. From here you can see that the island really looks like a dragon coming out of the sea, hence its name. 

There is also a shorter 2.5km walk, more suitable for families, to Torre de Cala Basset, another great place to appreciate the views over the protected islet. This tower was originally built as a lookout for Moorish pirates, as Sa Dragonera was supposedly used as a base to conquer Mallorca. 

One of the most popular trails is to the south of the island where the Cap de Lleibeitx lighthouse sits. For those keen to expel a little more energy, the Puig de Na Popia is another great walk with an incline of 312m.

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Yachts & Sailing in Sant Elm

Watersports in Sant Elm

Watersports in Mallorca

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Villas in Sant Elm

Villas in Mallorca

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Holidays Rentals in Sant Elm

Staying in short-term rental accommodation in Sant Elm gives you the freedom to enjoy the area at your own pace. Whether in the historic centre or near the mountains, itโ€™s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, itโ€™s ideal for a comfortable holiday. 

Although Sant Elm isnโ€™t a major tourist destination, it does offer accommodation for those looking to base themselves away from the more touristy spots along the south-west coast of Mallorca. Thereโ€™s a few apartments and villas within the village and in the surrounding area.

Hotels in Sant Elm

Most hotels here tend to be quite basic but certainly provide a great place to set up base for a relaxing holiday or an outdoors hiking trip. You'll find a range of budget friendly spots with simple and clean accommodation overlooking the beach and mountains.

Hotels in Sant Elm

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How to get to Sant Elm

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Sant Elm is a 45 minute drive from Palma airport. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport and book a transfer.

Public transport

There are no direct buses from the airport.

Transfers for Mallorca

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Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Mallorca and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see, and experience on the island.

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Upcoming Events

The island hosts all sorts of events, including agricultural fairs in the spring and autumn, live music and DJs in the summer, religious fiestas and international sporting events. Some of the most popular are the Mallorca 312 cycling race in April, the Copa del Rey sailing regatta in July and the Moors vs Christians mock battle in September.

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