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© Ilona Antina Photography
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© SeeMallorca.com
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© Jose Rains
© [J.Rains]
Pretty beach resort in the south-west corner of Mallorca
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 doesn’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 Mallorca’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.
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.
As part of the “Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival”, Port Adriano will collaborate with four movies screening in a very special way. You only need to come with your car, tune in the indicated radio channel and enjoy the movie as never before!
Since its launch in 2004, the Festival of Classical Music in Port de Sóller has become one of the outstanding events for the lovers of classical music in Mallorca.
The Halloween spirit invades Katmandu Park with millions of adventures, new attractions, contests, spooky monsters and much more.
BCM is guaranteed to host one of the biggest parties on the island this Halloween. Expect fearsome costumes, extravagant theatre shows and exceptional entertainment at this particular spooky rave.
Pueblo Espanol provides the perfect setting for a frightful evening on Halloween, so dress up in your scariest attire and join in the fun.
Palma Aquarium is organising a very special Halloween event for children aged five to 11, a sleepover surrounded by sharks!
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 Ponça. 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.
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.
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.
Near Sant Elm there is the quiet village of S'Arracó 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 França or France Street.
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.
This uninhabited island off Mallorca's western tip was the focus for a turning point in Mallorcan history in 1977, when it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. The campaigners won, the island became a nature reserve instead, the seabirds survived, and for the first time the authorities realised that mass tourism had reached its limit.
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.
Sant Elm has the largest sand beach in the south west corner of Mallorca, beyond Andratx.
Tucked around the corner from Port d'Andratx, Cala Llamp Bay offers one of Mallorca’s most superb views. High cliffs from the surrounding Tramuntana mountains, create the crescent shaped bay filled with calm and beautifully clear water.
Tucked away in a sheltered bay on the southwest coast and protected from the island’s gusty winds, surrounded by the wonderful aroma of the neighbouring pine trees, Camp de Mar is a modestly sized purpose-built resort.
Cala Fornells’ overhanging pine trees offer ample areas of natural shade and retreat away from the Balearic sun, not to mention adding to the overall charm of the Mallorcan cove.
The beach at Santa Ponsa is a lovely golden sandy beach in the heart of the resort, backed by shady pine trees for when you need some respite from the heat.
Attracting thousands of tourists annually and especially popular with Brits and package holiday makers, Palmanova is a purpose built resort next to Magaluf in south west Majorca. Palma Nova actually hosts three separate ‘Blue Flag’ beach areas, Playa de Palmanova, Playa Son Matias and Playa Es Carregador.
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.
With an Ibiza-esque feel, this restaurant in Sant Elm, Andratx has a really stylish feel to it.
Located right in front of the sea near the charming town of Sant Elm, this restaurant serves fresh seafood and fish.
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.
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'Arracó, a small village just 5km inland from Sant Elm, every Saturday.
This uninhabited island off Mallorca's western tip was the focus for a turning point in Mallorcan history in 1977, when it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. The campaigners won, the island became a nature reserve instead, the seabirds survived, and for the first time the authorities realised that mass tourism had reached its limit.
A fairly easy cycle with a few hills to get the lungs and heart going - be careful of the midday sun!
A nice quiet route, if you stay away from the main roads and enjoy these resorts in a more laid back fashion.
Enjoy a flat route by the sea that is completely on purpose made cycle paths so that it is safe for all the family to cycle. It takes you from the capital city of Palma to the beach resort area of Playa de Palma.
Palma is a really bike friendly city. The giveaway is the prominent red cycle route running all along the Paseo Maritimo and through the city centre. The weather is perfect for it too. Despite the obvious benefits of urban exploration on two wheels, Palma on Bike was my first experience of cycling in the capital.
On Saturday we hired bikes and set off on a hot afternoon to explore the beaches of Palma Bay. A shoreline cycle path runs from the northern end of Palma docks all the way to the resort S’Arenal in the south.
A flat road cycle but at a distance of 60km this could be a long ride for a beginner so be prepared!
On the mainland, there’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.
Mallorca offers excellent hiking and walking opportunities, and the months between October and May provide the perfect weather conditions for hikers keen to explore Mallorca’s varied and spectacularly scenic terrain.
This famous walk runs from Port d'Andratx, in the south-west of Mallorca, all the way to Port de Pollença, in the north-west, following ancient cobbled paths through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Andratx is located in the south-west of Mallorca. From Andratx, the walk begins in the direction of S'Arracó, three kilometres away. A short rest in this delightful village gives you enough time for a visit to the parish church, where there is a statue of the Virgin "Our Lady of la Trapa".
Camp de Mar is a purpose built beach resort with a really lovely beach, located on the south-west coast of Mallorca. This walk takes you along the coast and then over to Port Andratx, with an optional continuation to Sa Mola on the peninsula.
Puigpunyent is located on the south-west of the island. This walk provides some magnificient scenery without having to leave the road, which goes from Capdellà to Puigpunyent. The route takes in a series of ascents and descents, and cuts across woods and fields, with different views at each curve of the road.
From a distance this mountain looks like an impossible challenge, but the route is well graded with a handful of paths leading to its summit.
Paddle around the south western coast of Mallorca on our kayaks, exploring at your own pace and enjoying the stunning scenery this beautiful coastline has to offer.
Discover the southwestern coast of Mallorca on a stand-up-paddle board at your own pace, and enjoy the stunning scenery while practising an outdoor sport.
Your first underwater experience. For those who just want to try diving where fun and safety are guaranteed!
Paddle along the coast and between islands on our kayaks to visit the most interesting places of this beautiful area of Mallorca, such as a cave and a natural pool where you can snorkel or swim in crystal clear waters!
Snorkelling trip to the Malgrats Marine Reserve where you will be able to see a wide variety of marine wildlife.
Funny beach operates on Magaluf Beach, in front of MH Royal Beach, just down from Pirates.
Spacious five-bedroom villa with private heated pool, classic Mallorcan features, and a wealth of thoughtful facilities.
This elegant villa, set within the private Son Bunyola Estate, combines modern comforts with a serene atmosphere to ensure a truly relaxing holiday in Mallorca.
Historic four-bedroom villa with a unique bedroom set in a turret, private heated pool, and stunning coastline views.
Cosy family house of 270 m² in the centre of Valldemossa. High quality finishings and modern equipment, swimming pool (5 x 5 m) and large terrace. An ideal accommodation for a perfect holiday in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Villa Can Sort is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana, for a relaxing holiday. It is a short drive from the old town of Soller, as well as the beach and restaurants of Puerto de Soller.
Empaltada is a truly luxury and stylish villa with private pool, combining a great privacy with classy details. The truly perfect holiday home for an unforgettable holiday on Mallorca.
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, it’s a relaxed and flexible base. With extra space and the option to cook or dine out, it’s ideal for a comfortable holiday.
Although Sant Elm isn’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. There’s a few apartments and villas within the village and in the surrounding area.
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.
Located in the beautiful, peaceful valley in the southwest corner of Mallorca you will find the charming village of S’Arracó. The hotel is situated in a delightful, converted schoolhouse, rich in history and style, with stunning views and comfortable accommodation.
A 4-star beachfront aparthotel enjoying a stunning location at the base of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, with panoramic views over Sant Elm Bay and the nearby islands of Sa Dragonera and Es Pantaleu.
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.
There are no direct buses from the airport.
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.
Great quality service at rates that are irresistible. This company exclusively transfer you around Mallorca without having to pay an excessive price.
With offices in Alcudia and the airport, Majorca Airport Transfers has a large fleet of taxis, minibuses and coaches to suit all group sizes.
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.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThe 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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