Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, Spain
Santa Ponsa is a family resort on the Southwest coast of Mallorca, in the municipal district of Calvia, close to Magaluf and Palma Nova.
The popular resort of Santa Ponsa is located about 26km (approximately 16 miles ) from Palma airport, with a typical transfer time of 20-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Very popular with European tourists, Santa Ponsa is a laid-back and friendly resort, with beautiful sandy beaches, rocky coves and cliffs, a pine wood, and a wealth of hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Santa Ponsa attracts visitors from England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Holland, and Scandinavia. This gives the resort a cosmopolitan feel and means that there is a great range of international cuisine available in Santa Ponsa’s restaurants and cafes.
From traditional Spanish cuisine and tapas, pizza, kebabs, ice cream, Scottish, Irish, English, Indian, and Chinese, to MacDonalds and Burger King, there’s every kind of food available in Santa Ponsa.
The resort is especially popular with Irish and Scottish tourists, and this is reflected in the many Irish and Scottish bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Nightlife in Santa Ponsa is mainly hotel-based but you will find family entertainment and live shows each evening in the “Spanish Square”. The main strip on Calle Ramon de Montcada has an array of music bars, clubs, discos, and restaurants, and after dark it becomes quite lively. A good place to relax with a cocktail and watch the world go by!
Away from that area, you will find a selection of quieter bars and places to eat. Live music can be found at several venues around Santa Ponsa. Perhaps not as full-on as neighboring Magaluf or Palma Nova, there is still plenty of fun to be had when the sun goes down in Santa Ponsa.
Santa Ponsa has more than its fair share of “Lookie Lookie” men – they walk from bar to bar selling trinkets, watches, sunglasses, etc., often overpriced, but they are generally friendly and you can have fun bartering with them.
There are plenty of shops in Santa Ponsa, selling everything you could ever need on holiday – essential items, beach accessories, clothing, shoes, handbags, leather goods, crafts, jewelry, T-shirts, sportswear, toys, gifts, and souvenirs: there are shops running right along the road opposite the main beach, and also on the strip and in the commercial center.
There are also several supermarkets in Santa Ponsa, with fresh fruit, bread, and cakes and plenty of options for self-catering tourists. Many stock international brands so there is plenty of choice.
Santa Ponsa is well-served by public transport, with regular (if not strictly to timetable!) buses to Palma via Magaluf and Palma Nova throughout the day. You can also get a bus to MarineLand from Santa Ponsa.
Santa Ponsa’s sandy main beach attracts plenty of sun seekers, both tourists, and locals – it can be a little crowded, particularly a weekends.
There are plenty of sunbeds and parasols for hire on the beach, and there are several public toilets available along the beach – a small fee is required to use these (30c). You can hire all kinds of water sports equipment on the main beach – including water skiing, jet skiing, kite surfing, pedalos, windsurfing, and banana boating. Santa Ponsa is a great base for exploring the Mediterranean Sea, with diving, snorkeling, and fishing. With its safe clear water and gentle tides, Santa Ponsa is a swimmer’s delight.
The promenade along the main beach is edged with pine trees and has a lovely pine wood at one edge, where you can seek out the shade and watch the cute parakeets that live in the trees there. There is a rocky shoreline and lots of cliff paths around Santa Ponsa, and rocky coves are perfect for rock pooling and splashing around with the little ones.
There is a roped-off restricted area for swimmers, where pedalos, jet skis, and boats are forbidden, it is recommended that swimmers stay within the restricted area to avoid the risk of injury. Lifeguards are in attendance on the beach, and you must follow any instructions they give you. A flag system is in operation in Santa Ponsa, and swimming is forbidden when a red flag is flying. There is a first-aid post near the main beach, close to the tourist information center.
There is also a second, smaller beach in Santa Ponsa (known as the “little beach“), in a secluded cove, about 15 mins walk from the main beach along Avenida Rey Jaime I. It has few facilities but is a lovely spot for families, a sandy beach very gently sloping into shallow, calm, clear water. Close to the little beach, there is also a nice children’s play area.
A little further in the same direction and you will find Santa Ponsa marina, Club Nautico Santa Ponsa. Close to the marina is a superb viewing spot, where you will see the Cruz de la Conquista monument.
You can take boat trips from Santa Ponsa’s main beach and marina – these take you around the southwest coast and often include some time for diving off and swimming if you wish to do so.
Points of architectural interest in Santa Ponsa include the Church of Nostra Senyora de l’Esperanca and Chapel Sa Pedra Sagrada /Chapel of Sacred Stone.
Sporting activities in Santa Ponsa include tennis, bicycle hire, bungee trampolining, golf, diving, snorkeling, fishing, water-skiing, jet skiing, and kite surfing.
Around the resort, you will find craft stalls, portrait and caricature artists, hair braiders, musicians, and street entertainers.
The weather in Majorca makes it the perfect holiday destination for sun-seekers – and Santa Ponsa is no exception with year-round sunshine. The best of the sunny weather is from May to October, with cooler, less predictable weather from November to April.
In the peak summer months of July and August, it can be very hot and humid. Tourists to Majorca should take care to protect their skin from the strong sun. Always use sunscreen, even when it is cloudy or hazy, as the sun’s rays are strong and you can still burn. Stay safe and enjoy the sun in Santa Ponsa!
Attractions and Activities in Santa Posa
Santa Ponsa is a popular tourist destination located on the southwest coast of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), Spain. It offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the notable tourist attractions in Santa Ponsa:
Rocio Fiesta
Santa Ponsa hosts a large five-day fiesta called the Rocio. This happens at the start of June each year and attracts a great number of visitors to the town. The Rocio is a religious festival, and as such, there are some religious aspects to the fiesta, such as processions and church activities. There is also plenty of partying during the Rocio, with live music, children’s entertainment, street stalls, and of course, food and drink!
Santa Ponsa Golf Course
Open to the public, Santa Ponsa Golf Course. # Santa Ponsa Golf 1, 07184 Santa Ponsa. Tel: 971 690 211
- opened in 1977
- designed by Folco Nardi
There are two other Golf courses in Santa Ponsa however these are private membership only and not open to visitors.
- Santa Ponsa Beach: This beautiful sandy beach is the main attraction in the area. It’s known for its clear waters, water sports activities, and sunbathing opportunities. The beach is family-friendly and offers various facilities.
- Jungle Parc: An adventure park offering zip lines, rope bridges, and treetop obstacle courses for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place for outdoor fun and adventure.
- Golf Santa Ponsa: This golf course is known for its stunning views and well-maintained facilities. It’s a popular destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the area.
- Katmandu Park: Located nearby, this theme park offers a variety of attractions and interactive experiences, including 4D cinema, mini-golf, and a house of illusions.
- Port Adriano: A modern and stylish marina featuring luxury yachts, shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to enjoy a stroll and admire the boats.
- Western Water Park: Just a short drive away, this water park offers a range of water slides, pools, and attractions for a day of family fun.
- Sa Morisca Beach: A smaller and quieter beach located east of Santa Ponsa, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
- El Toro: This hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike or drive up to the top to enjoy breathtaking vistas.
- Playa de Portals Vells: A picturesque cove with turquoise waters and white sand. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Cala Fornells: A charming little cove with crystal-clear waters, ideal for a relaxing day at the beach.
- Santa Ponsa Square: The main square in Santa Ponsa, is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s a hub of activity, especially during the evenings.
Final Word
Santa Ponsa’s sandy beaches and rocky coves make it a popular resort with European families. With plenty of sunshine, welcoming bars and restaurants, and a great atmosphere, Santa Ponsa has something for everyone.