Sant Elm in Mallorca

Sant Elm is a corner of paradise in Mallorca, that awaits you with its relaxed atmosphere, small beaches and coves and the island of Dragonera. It is a place that is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Mallorca, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is famous for its natural beauty, golden sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage. Among the hidden treasures to see in Mallorca, Sant Elm is one of them, a small coastal village that will surprise you with its unique charm and relaxed atmosphere.

This small coastal village is located in the southwest of Mallorca, in the municipality of Andratx. Our team of local Mallorca excursion experts have prepared this article so that you can plan your visit to Sant Elm stress free. You can read the whole article, or you can click on the section that most interests you.

In this extensive post, we will guide you through the wonders of Sant Elm and show you why it is an ideal tourist destination on the island of Mallorca.

A bit of history and the origin of its name

This picturesque coastal village owes its name to San Telmo, the patron saint of sailors and the protector against storms and dangers at sea. The devotion to San Telmo in Sant Elm is reflected in a small church dedicated to the saint, within the village.

Here, in 1229, the fleet of King James I of Aragon anchored as a starting point for the capture of Mallorca. According to tradition, the first royal mass was held on the island of Pantaleu. At this point, they had the collaboration of Alí del Pantaleu, a Muslim opposed to the governor of Mallorca, who provided valuable information to the Christians about the situation in Mallorca and the location of the enemy army.

In more recent times, Sant Elm has evolved from a small fishing village into a popular tourist destination in the summer months.

In fact, many tourists staying in the surrounding area take a day out of their holidays to visit this place. The natural beauty of the area, with its beaches and views of the island of Dragonera, has attracted tourists in search of tranquillity and outdoor activities.

What to do in Sant Elm?

Despite being a very small place, there are many things to do and see in Sant Elm. We recommend starting with a stroll around the village. With it being so small, it will only take you 15 minutes to walk from Sant Elm beach to the port. Along its streets you will find craft shops with a wide variety of products. Take your time and have a look around, because they are not the typical souvenir shops with inflatables, towels etc…

There are also numerous viewpoints where you can take beautiful photos of the stunning coastal views, the beach and the island of Dragonera. Most of them have wooden benches, so sit down, relax and enjoy the calm and peaceful atmosphere of Sant Elm.

After a refreshing drink or a bite to eat in one of the restaurants, head to the beach for a refreshing swim.

Sant Elm is the starting point for many outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous routes and itineraries. From here, you can hike into the surrounding hills and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Two of the most popular and recommended routes are to the old defensive tower of Cala en Basset or to the old monastery of La Trapa.

If you are an enthusiast of water activities, Sant Elm also has a lot to offer. The crystal clear waters are ideal for exploring Mallorca’s fascinating underwater world. Local diving schools will provide you with everything you need to dive into the deep sea and discover the marine life of the region. If you like snorkeling, we also recommend you to visit our article of the best places for snorkeling in Mallorca.

If gastronomy is your thing, then you must try some of the restaurants in Sant Elm. Along the promenade that runs parallel to the sea, you will be able to find numerous restaurants offering authentic Mallorcan dishes, such as tumbet (a kind of ratatouille), frito mallorquín (a fried meat dish) and a variety of fresh fish, caught in the nearby waters. Don’t forget to try an ensaimada, the typical sweet of the island, to sweeten your palate.

For those in love with the sea and with an adventurous spirit, another option is to rent a kayak and make a route around the surroundings. You will be able to enjoy the rugged coastline, find secluded coves, sea caves and many more surprises. For those with more experience, and as long as the weather at sea is good, you can even go as far as the island of Dragonera.

If boat trips are your thing, the excursion to Dragonera Island is one of the most popular in Mallorca. You can choose to do it from Santa Ponsa combining the Malgrats islands, the southwest coast and swimming stops in coves. However, if you simply prefer a ferry service to and from the island, from Sant Elm there is a boat that takes you to the island in just 15 minutes. It offers daily departures from March to November.

Beaches in Sant Elm

One of the main attractions of Sant Elm are its beaches. The crystal clear waters and soft sand make it an ideal place for sun and sea lovers.

The main beach, Playa de Sant Elm, is wide and has all the necessary services for a relaxing day on the coast. It is a sandy beach, and has sunbeds, umbrellas and lifeguard service. With its fine sand and calm, transparent waters, it is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is surrounded by restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. In addition, from here you can enjoy panoramic views of the island of Dragonera, which is a protected nature reserve.

The coast near Sant Elm is very rocky, and that allows us to find small and isolated coves. A short distance away you will find Cala en Basset. It is a very quiet and protected cove, surrounded by pine trees and mountains. To the west of the village, you will find Cala Conills, ideal for those seeking a secluded refuge. Its waters are perfect for diving and snorkeling due to its abundant marine life. It can be reached on foot from the village or by boat.

How to get to Sant Elm

If you have a car, to get to Sant Elm you must head towards Andratx, and from there follow the signs that in just 15 minutes will take you to your destination. It is a narrow and curvy road, so you will have to drive slowly.

When you arrive at Sant Elm you will find a paying private car park. The rate is 5€, regardless of how long you will be visiting. This is a rather expensive price, but it is the only option for parking.

If you go by public bus, the service line 100, which leaves from the center of Palma and passes through Andratx and the small village of s’Arracó. The bus stop is right next to the beach.

Hotels in Sant Elm

Sant Elm offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From boutique hotels with sea views to cozy apartments and cottages, you will find the perfect option for your stay. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in a charming place where you can enjoy the local hospitality and serenity that Sant Elm has to offer.

For travelers who want more independence and flexibility, Sant Elm has a variety of apartments and vacation homes. These accommodations are ideal for groups or families who wish to cook their own meals and enjoy a home-like atmosphere.

In short, the hotels available in Sant Elm are varied and depends on the needs of a wide range of travellers. Whether you are looking for luxury, intimacy, family comfort or a rural experience, Sant Elm offers a wide selection of accommodation for you to enjoy your stay in this beautiful corner of Mallorca.

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