Located 30km west of Palma de Mallorca Airport by road, Santa Ponsa (Santa Ponça) has grown from a quiet fishing village into a thriving resort town. It is strategically located on the Bay of Santa Ponsa, nestled between the rugged cliffs of the Tramuntana mountains to the north and the gentle hills of the Serra de Na Burguesa to the east. There are so many things to do in Santa Ponsa with its relaxing beaches, lively nightlife, top notch theme parks and exciting excursions. The evergreen resort is an ideal destination for a whole range of holidaymakers.
Best Things to Do in Santa Ponsa
Explore Santa Ponsa’s Beaches
Santa Ponsa’s coastline is famed for its stunning beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Mallorca. The main beach, Playa de Santa Ponsa, stretches for 1.3 km and is bordered by lush pine trees. This blue flag beach offers clean, shallow waters, making it ideal for families and those seeking leisurely swimming. The amenities around the beach are plentiful, with a promenade lined with cafes, restaurants and shops which cater to both local and international visitors.
For a more secluded experience, Cala Blanca, a rocky cove, provides a quieter alternative. Here, visitors can escape the crowds and enjoy a more natural, unspoiled environment. The waters around Cala Blanca are crystal-clear, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Additionally, the nearby Cala Fornells offers a more intimate beach experience, with small coves and hidden bays perfect for those who appreciate privacy and the beauty of Mallorca’s rugged coastline.
Try Out Some Water Sports
Given its coastal location, Santa Ponsa is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The calm, clear waters of the Bay of Santa Ponsa make it ideal for a wide range of activities. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular options, allowing visitors to explore the coastline at a relaxed pace.
For those seeking more excitement, jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing are readily available. Marina Santa Ponsa is a hub for boating and yachting enthusiasts, offering boat rental services for those looking to explore the open sea or visit nearby islands such as Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park.
Scuba diving is another must-do activity in Santa Ponsa. The area is home to a variety of dive sites, including caves, shipwrecks and underwater cliffs. Divers can explore the rich marine life which thrives in these waters, including barracuda, moray eels and octopus.
Take Part in Outdoor Activities
Santa Ponsa’s unique geography, with its proximity to both the coast and the mountains, makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The nearby Tramuntana Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer trails which range from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Hiking: One of the most popular hikes is the route to the Puig de Galatzó, a 1,027-metre peak which provides awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The trail winds through dense pine forests, rocky paths and ancient stone terraces, offering both a physical challenge and a visual feast for hikers.
Cycling: Cycling enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in the region. The rolling hills around Santa Ponsa offer varied terrain, making it a popular destination for road cyclists. There are routes suitable for all levels, from beginners to professionals, many of which take riders through quaint villages, offering a glimpse of traditional Mallorcan life.
Golf: For a more leisurely experience, the Santa Ponsa Golf Club provides one of the best golfing experiences in the Balearic Islands. The club offers two 18-hole courses surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, attracting golfers from around the world.
Visit Local Historical Sites
Visit the Cruz del Descubrimiento: Historically, Santa Ponsa is famous for being the landing site of King James I of Aragon (Jaume I) during his 1229 conquest of Mallorca. This pivotal event marked the end of Moorish rule on the island, leading to its integration into the Crown of Aragon. A commemorative cross, Cruz del Descubrimiento, was erected on on a small hill to the west of the main beach to mark this momentous occasion. Views from this vantage point are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the bay and the surrounding coastline.
Visit the Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park: Just outside the resort’s centre is the Puig de sa Morisca Archaeological Park which offers a deeper glimpse into the island’s pre-Roman history. The park covers 45 hectares and features the remains of ancient Talaiotic settlements. Visitors can explore the ruins, including stone towers and defensive structures which date back more than 3,000 years. The site also provides well-marked trails, allowing visitors to engage in a self-guided exploration of one of Mallorca’s oldest inhabited areas.
Book a Full Day Trip from Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa’s location also makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider island of Mallorca. Some recommended destinations include the following:
Palma de Mallorca: A short drive takes visitors to Palma de Mallorca, the island’s vibrant capital. Here, visitors can explore the stunning Palma Cathedral (La Seu), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, or wander through the narrow streets of the old town, where history and modernity seamlessly blend.
Caves of Drach: Another popular day trip destination are the Cuevas del Drach located near Porto Cristo in the eastern part of Mallorca. These underground caves are home to one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world and offer guided tours which showcase their awe-inspiring formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Valldemossa: For a more cultural experience, the Valldemossa Charterhouse, once home to composer Frédéric Chopin, offers an intimate look at the island’s artistic history. The charming village of Valldemossa, surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains, provides a peaceful retreat with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Enjoy the Nightlife of Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa offers a lively and varied nightlife, catering to a range of tastes. From relaxed bars to energetic clubs, there is something to suit every mood, making evenings in this coastal town as memorable as its days. One of the standout features of Santa Ponsa’s nightlife is its numerous Irish bars, which have become an integral part of the town’s identity. McTavishes and The Dubliner are two of the most popular Irish bars which reflect the Irish influence on Santa Ponsa’s nightlife.
Have a Night Out in Downtown Magaluf
For those looking for a more intense nightlife experience, Santa Ponsa’s proximity to the famous party hubs of Magaluf and Palma Nova is a major draw. Magaluf, known internationally for its vibrant and sometimes wild nightlife, is just a 15-minute drive away. The town is home to iconic clubs such as BCM Planet Dance which is one of Europe’s largest nightclubs. Magaluf’s strip is lined with bars and clubs which stay open until the early hours, offering everything from foam parties to beach clubs.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun at World-Class Theme Parks
While Santa Ponsa is celebrated for its nightlife, it also offers a variety of family-friendly attractions with easy access to some of Mallorca’s best theme parks and adventure parks. Some of the those located nearby include:
Jungle Parc: Located just on the outskirts of the town, Jungle Parc is an outdoor adventure park which offers treetop obstacle courses and zip lines. The park has options for all age groups, making it an ideal day out for families with children or teenagers looking for a thrill.
Western Water Park: For water-based fun, Western Water Park in nearby Magaluf is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Designed with a Wild West theme, the park boasts slides, wave pools and lazy rivers which appeal to both children and adults. With exhilarating attractions such as The Beast, a near-vertical water slide and gentler options like Daky Park for younger children, Western Water Park ensures a fun-filled day for families.
Katmandu Park: Another option for a family outing is Katmandu Park in Magaluf, a unique theme park which blends interactive 4D experiences with mini-golf and water rides. The park’s highlight is the Katmandu House, a mysterious, upside-down mansion filled with interactive rooms and illusions.
Golf Fantasia: For a more relaxed experience, families can enjoy the nearby Golf Fantasia in Palma Nova, a mini-golf course set in lush tropical gardens.
