Sa Ponsa, Majorca: history, beaches and leisure in the tourist heart of Calvià

Sa Ponsa —officially Santa Ponça in Catalan, or Santa Ponsa in Spanish— is one of the most popular destinations in south-western Mallorca. Located in the municipality of Calvià, this town combines history, nature, leisure and beach all in one place. With more than 10,000 registered inhabitants, it is the most populated town in the municipality and a real tourist hub that welcomes thousands of visitors every year, especially from Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

What is now a cosmopolitan and vibrant place, full of hotels, restaurants, yacht clubs and golf courses, was for centuries a strategic port and key setting in the history of Mallorca. It was here that King James I of Aragon landed in 1229 to begin the conquest of the island, an episode that is still commemorated with great celebrations every September. Santa Ponsa is a place with a thousand faces: ideal for families, perfect for those seeking water sports, a magnet for golf and sailing enthusiasts, and at the same time a place steeped in tradition and history.

History and cultural heritage

Santa Ponça is not just about beaches and tourism: it is also a historical enclave of the highest order. It was in its bay that James I the Conqueror landed on 10 September 1229, initiating the Christian reconquest of Mallorca. The exact spot is marked with a large stone cross, and every year it is commemorated with the Fiestas del Rei en Jaume, in which the battle between Moors and Christians is re-enacted on the beach itself.

In addition, the area preserves archaeological remains from different periods, such as the Puig de Sa Morisca Archaeological Park, which brings together more than twenty prehistoric, Roman and Muslim sites in a natural setting of pine forests with excellent views of the bay. During the Middle Ages, Santa Ponça functioned as a commercial port with its own hospital, and in the 16th century it became known as the ‘Término de Santa Ponsa’ (Santa Ponsa District), before being integrated into Calvià. Its transformation into a tourist destination began in the 1930s with the construction of garden city-style summer villas, although it was not until the 1960s that it became one of Mallorca’s major mass tourist centres.

The beaches of Santa Ponça

The town’s main attraction is its beaches, which offer everything that visitors to Mallorca are looking for in terms of sea and sun.

Santa Ponça Beach (the large beach):
At 530 metres long and up to 100 metres wide, it is one of the largest and most family-friendly beaches on the island. Protected by the bay, its waters are calm and shallow, perfect for children. It has lifeguards, adapted access for people with reduced mobility, sun lounger hire, showers, changing rooms and a lively promenade full of bars and restaurants.
Caló d’en Pellicer (the small beach):
Located next to the main beach, it is much more intimate and quiet. It is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without giving up services.

Both beaches offer all kinds of water sports: paddle surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, diving and snorkelling. Nearby, at the Club Náutico de Santa Ponça, there are more than 500 moorings surrounded by spectacular natural surroundings. An interesting fact: the film Bahía de Palma was shot on the large beach in 1962, in which German actress Elke Sommer wore a bikini on a Spanish beach for the first time, causing quite a stir at the time.

Sports and outdoor activities

Santa Ponça is a comprehensive destination for those seeking more than just relaxation.

Adventure in nature: The Jungle Park, a circuit of zip lines and suspension bridges in a 9-hectare forest, offers fun for adults and children alike. Quad bike safaris along rural tracks and kayak trips to the Malgrats islets, a protected area with crystal-clear waters ideal for diving, are also popular.
Diving: The marine reserves of the Malgrats Islands (which we will discuss later) and El Toro are a short distance away and offer spectacular seabeds, with wrecks such as a sunken Balearic frigate.
Golf and tennis: Nova Santa Ponça has three international-standard golf courses (Santa Ponsa I, II and III), one of which is open to the public and hosts European tournaments. There is also the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club, with eight clay courts and an academy for all ages.
Hiking and cycling: The proximity to the Sierra de Tramuntana makes Santa Ponça an ideal starting point for excursions and cycling routes. The coastal path to the Malgrats Islands viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views.

Culture and festivals

The festive calendar in Santa Ponça is deeply rooted in tradition.

Fiestas del Rei en Jaume (September): the most important festival, with historical re-enactments, parades, concerts and the eagerly awaited mock battle between Moors and Christians on the beach.
Sant Joan and the Nit de Foc (June): bonfires, demons and music on the beach.
El Rocío and summer festivals: popular celebrations with an Andalusian flavour, traditional dances, medieval markets and shows.

The town’s multicultural atmosphere is also reflected in its nightlife. The Ramón de Montcada and The Square areas are home to pubs, bars with live music and open-air shows, with a strong Irish influence. It is no surprise that Santa Ponça is known as ‘BallyPonça’ due to the large number of Irish visitors who fill its streets every year.

Gastronomy and social life

The promenade and the port offer a wide variety of gastronomic options.

At the Club Náutico, the 7Fuegos restaurant offers top-quality Argentinean meat with a terrace facing the sea.
The Uruguayan grill El Ceibo is another culinary reference point.
The surrounding area is full of tapas bars, beach bars and family restaurants serving Mallorcan and Mediterranean cuisine.

Social life also revolves around the markets: every Saturday there is a lively market on Avenida dels Horts and a larger one in the Son Bugadelles industrial estate, specialising in furniture, decoration and nautical items.

Water adventures in Sa Ponsa

Special mention must be made, although we have already mentioned it above, of the various water activities that can be enjoyed near Santa Ponsa. Its blue waters that cradle the coastline are a playground for water adventures, with a wide variety of exciting and immersive experiences for sea lovers. From leisurely boat trips and sailing excursions to high-octane adventures such as jet skiing, parasailing and deep-sea fishing, there are endless opportunities to splash around and explore the fascinating marine realm.

One of the most captivating aquatic attractions in the area, as mentioned above, is the nearby Malgrats Islands (pictured below), a marine reserve that is a paradise for divers and snorkellers, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant marine life, secret coves and underwater wonders. We leave you here with the option of chartering a boat, should you wish to visit the Malgrats Islands by yourself or with friends. The crystal clear waters and varied seabed create an enchanting and seductive underwater landscape, inviting all visitors to don mask and snorkel or glide beneath the surface to discover the captivating and colourful world that lies beneath.

Shopping, luxury and surroundings

Those seeking exclusive experiences will find Port Adriano just a few minutes away, a superyacht harbour redesigned by Philippe Starck that combines luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants and cultural events throughout the year.

Santa Ponsa is well connected to other nearby destinations such as Magaluf, with water parks such as Western Park and Wave House; Palmanova, with its nightlife; and Andratx, with its picturesque harbour. The Costa de la Calma offers quiet corners to enjoy sunsets by the sea at places such as El Chiringuito.

Accommodation in Sa Ponsa

Sa Ponsa offers a wide variety of accommodation for all types of travellers. From all-inclusive resorts with sea views to boutique hotels with local charm, to holiday flats ideal for families or longer stays. Whether you are looking for luxury, comfort or a budget option close to the beach, in Sa Ponsa you will find the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable holiday in Mallorca. Below we recommend three options that are highly rated by travellers:

Santa Ponça as a place to live

Beyond tourism, Santa Ponça has a cosmopolitan community of international residents. The area combines luxury beachfront properties with more affordable flats, although the average price is high compared to other areas of Mallorca.

Nova Santa Ponça is the most exclusive area, with villas facing the golf course or overlooking the harbour. In contrast, Costa de la Calma offers a more residential and peaceful atmosphere. Thanks to its infrastructure—schools, banks, supermarkets and proximity to Palma—it is a highly valued location for families and expatriates.

How to get there and get around

By car: Santa Ponça is 30 minutes from Palma airport and 25 minutes from the centre of the capital.
By bus: take the A1 line to the centre of Palma and change to the 102 bus to Andratx, which stops in Santa Ponça square.
By taxi: there is a main taxi rank at the Pinos roundabout.
By bicycle or on foot: the Paseo Calvià, known as the ‘green lung’ of the municipality, connects Santa Ponça with other nearby towns.

What to see in Mallorca

During your visit to the island, here are a number of places that we have included on our map in case you want to add them to your itinerary:

-Paradise beaches and coves

Cala Romántica: this is a hidden cove with pine-covered cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters that invite you to lose yourself.
Cala Blava: a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere makes this the perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the island’s more crowded beaches.
Portal Vells: coastal area with crystal clear waters, three picturesque coves and a historic cave.
Camp de Mar: chosen by travellers seeking dream beaches, quality cuisine and peaceful surroundings.
Cala Mesquida: a beach experience in a still wild setting, far from the hustle and bustle of more urbanised areas.

-Charming Places

Cala Figuera: charming fishing port, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Sa Pobla: a place with cultural heritage and a unique natural environment such as the Parc Natural de s’Albufera.
S’Illot: a place that combines a unique archaeological past, quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Porto Petro: surrounded by crystal-clear coves and framed by the Mondragó Natural Park.
Santa Margarita: a town that retains its authentic spirit, largely untouched by mass tourism.
Estellencs: an idyllic coastal village nestled in Mallorca’s Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.
Santa María del Camí: A village that combines history, wine-making tradition, craftsmanship and local atmosphere.
Esporles: A village surrounded by holm oak forests, stone houses and paths that wind through the mountains.

-Tourist Attractions

Artà: here you will find a complete destination, ancient history, charming cobbled streets, unspoilt natural landscapes, wild coves and a unique cultural heritage.
Sant Elm: once a humble fishing port, it has been transformed over the years into a peaceful tourist destination.
Magaluf: Mallorca’s premier resort, with turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches, modern facilities, shows, theme parks and nightlife.
Can Picafort: one of the island’s major tourist resorts, just a few decades ago it was a humble fishing village.
Llucmajor: the perfect balance between history, nature, and quality of life, making it an ideal place to visit or live.

Conclusion

Santa Ponça is one of those places in Mallorca that has it all: history and culture, family-friendly beaches with crystal-clear waters, a wide range of sports and leisure activities, lively nightlife and luxurious spots in the surrounding area. It is both a mass destination and a multicultural meeting point that keeps alive the memory of James I’s landing.

Whether you want to enjoy time with your family, experience the excitement of its festivals, explore the coast by kayak or immerse yourself in the Irish nightlife, Santa Ponça offers a complete experience that reflects the most dynamic and cosmopolitan essence of Mallorca.

Photo Credits

Below are the photo credits in order of appearance. Royalty-free photos will not be listed below:

Dreizung, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rafael Ortega Díaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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