Port d’Andratx is a picturesque port in the southwest of Mallorca. Initially a small fishing village, Port d’Andratx has evolved into an exclusive and charming tourist destination. It is a luxury port for high society, yet it still retains its charm and traditions, such as the fish market.
The port of Port d’Andratx is the heart of the area and attracts visitors with its idyllic atmosphere. But the surroundings, characterized by wooded hills and rugged cliffs, are also spectacular. This port is not suitable for typical beach vacations, as it does not have a beach, although nearby coves offer the opportunity to cool off on hot days.
Map and Location
Port d’Andratx is located on the southwest coast of the island, in the municipality of Andratx, about 30 kilometers west of the capital, Palma de Mallorca.
About Port d’Andratx
Due to the ancient pirate attacks, the inhabitants preferred to live inland, so the port should not be confused with the old town of Andratx, which is located about 5 kilometers from the port, inland.
In the 20th century, Port d’Andratx underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a working port to a coveted tourist destination for the elite. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, along with the charm and tranquility of the village, attracted artists, writers, and aristocrats in search of rest and inspiration. Soon, luxurious villas, exquisite restaurants, and exclusive shops began to line the waterfront, turning Port d’Andratx into a paradise for the jet set.
Did you know that…?
There are several theories about the origin of the name Andratx. They range from the Celtic name “andraquis” to the Arabic word “indiraq.” The men of Andratx were called “andritxol” and the women “andritxola.” Furthermore, the town has a Spanish spelling – Puerto Andratx – and a Catalan one – Port d’Andratx.
Celebrities like Brad Pitt, Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, or German designer and entrepreneur Philipp Plein reside here in luxurious villas, taking advantage of the exclusive atmosphere and top-notch offerings of the place. Other famous figures, like Til Schweiger, live in the surrounding areas.
My 3 recommendations in Port d’Andratx
- Sunsets: If you have the chance, head to Cap de la Mola. From there, you can witness the most impressive sunsets.
- The Port: Here, you can enjoy the special atmosphere of the international jet set and the fishing traditions.
- Sa Dragonera: Animal and nature lovers shouldn’t miss the great diversity of species in an impressive landscape.
What is the best time to visit?
Most of the shops and restaurants in Port d’Andratx are open year-round, but in winter the port is very quiet. Therefore, we recommend visiting from early May to late September. During this period, you get the best impression of the place and maybe you can participate in some of the traditional festivities.
Living in Port d’Andratx
Port d’Andratx has between 3,000 and 3,500 inhabitants. The population of Port d’Andratx is diverse and comes from different parts of the world. Most of the residents are Spanish, but there is also a significant number of inhabitants from other European countries, especially from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia.
Life in Port d’Andratx is popular and more expensive than in other parts of Mallorca. The exclusive atmosphere of the port attracts many wealthy foreigners who settle here or have a second home. The demand for luxury properties is high, and a villa often costs millions of euros. Among the most expensive properties in the country, four are in Mallorca, and one of them is in Port d’Andratx. The real estate market continues to boom, and businesses in this fishing village are also experiencing significant growth.
But where there is wealth, there are also criminals. This also happens in Port d’Andratx, where gangs specialize in stealing luxury watches as people cross the street.
My personal advice:
It’s better to wear a cheap watch to avoid the risk of being mugged for a fake one.
Although Port d’Andratx is not a typical spot for a sun and beach vacation, it does offer a few small beaches. The small beaches in the port are particularly enjoyed for a refreshing swim from early in the year.
My 7 restaurant recommendations in Andratx
The restaurants in Port d’Andratx offer a wide range of high-end culinary delights, from traditional fresh fish dishes to hearty stews and delicious tapas. Gourmet international cuisine is also not lacking. Port d’Andratx attracts the top chefs of Mallorca, and due to the high demand for exquisite cuisine, the high prices are justified.
Many restaurants are located directly at the harbor. Others are further away, like Trespais, at the southern end of the city, or Oliu, just outside.
In many restaurants in the Port d’Andratx harbor, fresh fish is served. A dining experience you shouldn’t miss.
Richard Hanke
1. Sumailla
Sumailla offers a unique fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. This concept combines the flavors, techniques, and ingredients of both culinary traditions to create innovative and delicious dishes.
The uniqueness of the restaurant lies in the creative interpretation of traditional dishes and the use of high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a wide variety of sushi, ceviche, tempura, and other dishes prepared with fresh seafood, exotic spices, and seasonal products.
The atmosphere here is elegant and modern, and with the beautiful view of the harbor, it’s perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner. “Sumaila” is an experience that is not only culinary but also visual.
Those who wish to visit this restaurant should book in advance, as it is very popular among both locals and tourists.
2. Trespais
The restaurant Trespais offers excellent cuisine and a charming atmosphere. Here, food lovers feel right at home.
Trespais actually means three countries, as chef Domenico Curcio is half German and half Italian, and he founded the restaurant in 2011 with Austrian Jenny Terler. The connection to these three countries is also reflected in the German-Spanish-Italian cuisine menu.
Those who dine at Trespais experience the warm hospitality of the staff. The employees here are always attentive to provide guests with an unforgettable experience and fulfill their culinary desires.
In the summer months, you can enjoy a meal outdoors in the beautiful and peaceful patio.
3. La Gourmeda
A dinner at La Gourmeda means a romantic evening in the most charming setting. The villa features a beautiful courtyard, which, with its lights, creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
The restaurant offers an Asian-Mediterranean menu with creative and innovative dishes. There are also vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
4. Latitud 39
Those who wish to enjoy a romantic dinner or a drink in the evening at a prime location, right on the fishing port, with idyllic views of the Mediterranean, are in the right place.
The modern and minimalist interior of the restaurant creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere, despite its cool and bluish colors.
Here, you can enjoy first-class service and a varied Mediterranean menu with creative dishes.
4. Barlovento
Those who book a table at Barlovento should try one of the fish dishes, which pair perfectly with the setting, namely, the stunning view of the fishing port and the Mediterranean.
In addition to the excellent fish dishes, the menu offers a wide selection of Mediterranean classics, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, pasta, and tapas, all prepared with great attention to detail.
5. Club de Vela Restaurante
At the Club, they take care of you like you’re family. If you’re looking for a restaurant with wonderful views of the harbor, good value for money, and delicious food, this is the ideal place.
The restaurant offers a fantastic selection of Mediterranean and international delights, such as seafood and paella. There are also delicious options for the little ones on the menu.
6. Oliu
Oliu Restaurant has been known since 2013 for its Mediterranean cuisine and its location on the road leading to Andratx. From the terrace, there is a beautiful view of the mountains.
The special thing is that the menu is revised each season, and every three months you can try new dishes made with seasonal and high-quality products. There are also gluten-free options on the menu.
At Oliu, on the road. If you wonder what makes these dishes special, it might be the local olive oil.
7. Maria Maria
El Maria Maria is practically a secret and very popular among the locals. If you want to enjoy simple yet delicious dishes in an authentic Mallorcan setting, you definitely need to try this rustic restaurant.
Shopping
In Port d’Andratx, there are some shops and boutiques with designer clothes, jewelry, and artworks.
Here, the style is casual but with a glamorous and luxurious touch, and you can shop at the fashion boutiques near the harbor. Most of the stores are within a comfortable walking distance.
At K & K Art and Decor, you’ll find a wide range of decoration items. The selection, almost with an African-inspired feel, offers a great combination of quality and fair prices.
Another source of inspiration for decoration matters is the Beach House Store, where great importance is placed on consultation.
Art galleries also offer the opportunity to discover and acquire unique pieces for those looking for something special for their home.
Activities and attractions
Due to its short history, Port d’Andratx doesn’t have many historical buildings to visit. The main attraction here is undoubtedly the scenery and the harbor with its numerous cafés and bars.
Due to the town’s proximity to the sea, numerous options are available for water activities such as sailing, private sunset boat trips, diving, or snorkeling. Through these activities, you can enjoy the stunning coastal scenery from the water in an unforgettable way.
Yacht Club
The Yacht Club in Port Andratx is an exclusive nautical club with top-notch facilities for sailors and yacht owners, including moorings for vessels of all sizes, a modern marina, facilities for launching and storing boats, and much more.
As a popular meeting point for sailors and yacht owners from around the world, social events, regattas, and other activities are regularly organized. These allow members to socialize, make new friendships, and share their passion for sailing.
It also features a professional sailing school for navigators of all levels, from beginners to experts. The school offers a variety of courses and training programs, allowing members to improve their nautical skills and continue developing.
The membership reflects that the yacht club offers services for extended stays, as the courses available typically have a minimum duration of six weeks. Those who wish to admire the boats can do so from the associated restaurant or café, which provides a perfect view of the vessels.
Diving
Through the diving schools Diving Dragonera, Mallorca Diving Adventure, and Deep Water Aquatics S.L., you can explore the surrounding areas. For example, you can dive from the marine reserve “Isla Dragonera” to the natural reserve “El Toro,” and even do it with children over 10 years old. Stand-up paddle excursions are also offered.
Hiking
The surrounding landscape is perfect for long walks and hikes. Active travelers shouldn’t miss the three-hour hike to Sant Elm. From there, you have a fantastic view of the bay and the mountains. Excursion boats to the island of Sa Dragonera also depart from Sant Elm.
Golf
Golfers will find an 18-hole course at Camp de Mar. The Camp de Mar golf course is set in a picturesque environment and offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean. It is suitable for both experienced golfers and beginners, providing a challenging round of golf in a stunning setting.
The Camp de Mar golf course is known for its challenging design and well-maintained fairways and greens.
Boat rentals
In Port d’Andratx, there are endless possibilities for renting a boat through local companies. Whether it’s a large luxury yacht, a catamaran, or smaller boats that can be rented without a license, you’ll find it all here.
Those who wish to explore the coast from the water and swim in the turquoise waters can rent a yacht with a skipper.
Galeries
CCA Andratx
CCA Andratx is one of the largest contemporary art centers in Europe and showcases a variety of artworks. Here, you can not only view the exhibitions, but the art center also offers workshops and events for artists.
Galeria HMH S.L.
If you feel at home in the art world, you should visit the modern gallery at the luxury port. The gallery currently has around 1,300 artworks by 70 different artists in various styles, offering a varied and exceptional selection of impressive works.
Arte Casa Gallery
La Arte Casa Gallery has three floors and 180 square meters. Here you will find original artworks and the latest trends, and private individuals can also display and sell their artworks through the gallery.
Thanks to the variety of artworks, there’s something for everyone. The gallery is located in a spectacular building that is worth a visit in its own right. The guided tours are detailed and very informative.
Market
Fish market
Those who wish to buy fresh fish should visit the La Lonja fish market, which is open every night from Monday to Friday.
At the fish market, both individuals and local restaurants purchase fresh fish. The fish auction is just a few meters away from the fishing port.
Schedule: Monday to Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Weekly market
The weekly market is held in the streets of Andratx. At the market, known since the mid-19th century, you can find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, crafts, and typical Mallorcan products.
- Day of the Week: Wednesday
- Hours: 08:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Festivals and Events
Celebration of the Virgin of Carmen
The celebration of the Virgin of Carmen on July 16, the patron saint of fishermen, is a major event here. The festival is held every year in mid-August, when all the boats are decorated with bright colors. A maritime procession takes place, which is very impressive due to its festive and traditional atmosphere. If you can, don’t miss this celebration!
As part of this festival, other events are also held, like the Correfocs on July 12. A wild street show where the public interacts with fire throwers and demons. During this week, the area’s streets are full of life.
Festival of Sant Pere
In Sant Pere, processions of fishing boats, traditional dances, and festive events take place in Port d’Andratx in honor of the fishermen’s patron saint. The festival, celebrated at the end of June, lasts a week and transforms the town into a lively bustle.
How to get to Port d’Andratx
En coche desde Palma a Port d’Andratx (36,8 km, aprox. 30-45 minutos).
El viaje comienza en Pl. d’Espanya en dirección sureste hacia Avinguda d’Alexandre Rosselló. Después de unos 950 m, gira hacia la MA 20 en dirección a Inca/Andratx y sigue la MA 20 hasta la MA1 en dirección a Andratx.
Distances by car
| Place | Distance |
|---|---|
| Palma Airport | Approx. 35 minutes by car |
| Palma de Mallorca | Approx. 30-45 minutes by car |
| Andratx | Approx. 10 minutes by car |
From Palma by bus to Port d’Andratx (approx. 49 minutes)
The fastest connection to Port d’Andratx is the bus line 101, which departs every hour from Pl. d’Espanya in Palma to Port d’Andratx.
The bus trip from Palma and from the airport to Port d’Andratx costs €6.00. When booking online, the bus only costs €3.60.
By taxi from Palma to Port d’Andratx
The fastest taxi connection costs between €80 and €100 per trip and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Parking
In Port d’Andratx, there’s a public parking lot at the entrance of the town; otherwise, parking spaces in the town center are scarce.
Advice:
Don’t leave valuables in the car, as they could be stolen.
The Surroundings of Port d’Andratx
Sa Dragonera
Sa Dragonera is a small uninhabited island off the west coast of Mallorca. It measures about four kilometers long and one kilometer wide. This nature reserve is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.
The name “Sa Dragonera” comes from the Catalan word “drac,” which means “dragon.” The island got its name because of its long and sinuous shape, reminiscent of a dragon’s back. There are also legends that say the island was inhabited by dragons, which contributed to its name.
The island is known for its rocky shores, hidden coves, picturesque hiking trails, and rich wildlife. It hosts a variety of protected bird species, such as the osprey, and is also home to rare plant species. Here, you should explore the island on one of the guided tours and fully enjoy the stunning nature.
Monastery of La Trapa
The Monastery of La Trapa in Andratx is a historic monastery founded in the 19th century by monks of the Trappist community. The monastery is located in a remote and picturesque area, surrounded by rugged cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation.
The monastery was originally built in 1810, but was abandoned by the monks in 1820. In the following decades, the monastery fell into ruin and was mostly destroyed. However, in the 1980s the restoration of the monastery began, and today some parts have been restored and are open to the public.
The Monastery of La Trapa is known for its spiritual atmosphere and its impressive location 270 meters above sea level. It offers a picturesque setting for walks and excursions in the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the remains of the monastery and enjoy the stunning view of the Mediterranean.
The monastery is only accessible on foot from Sant Elm. The hike along the cliffside trail requires you to be free of vertigo. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
The Tower of Sa Mola
The Tower of Sa Mola is a historical defense tower near the port of Port d’Andratx, in the municipality of Andratx, in Mallorca. It was built in the 16th century to protect the coast from pirate attacks and other threats.
The Tower of Sa Mola is a round stone tower about 15 meters tall. It was strategically positioned on a hill and offers a wide view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The tower has thick walls and loopholes that allowed defenders to watch the coast and repel enemies.
Originally, the Tower of Sa Mola was part of a network of defense towers along the coast of Mallorca. Today it is a historical monument and a popular destination for those interested in history. The tower can only be visited from the outside.
El Molino de Sa Planeta
El Molino de Sa Planeta, also known as Moli d’en Planeta, consists of three historic windmills located at the highest point of the old town of Andratx, dating back to the 18th century, and they are a characteristic symbol of the city.
The Sa Planeta Mill was built to grind grain and produce flour using the power of the wind. Gallows for hanging criminals were also placed here.
Today, the Molino de Sa Planeta is a historical monument and a popular spot for taking photographs.
Church of Santa María
The Church of Santa María in Andratx was built in the 13th century in Baroque style and has been remodeled several times.
However, the current church was not built until the 15th century, although at that time the church did not have a bell tower, side chapels, or a sacristy.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the church was completed and became what it is today. The church can be visited inside.
Conclusion
Port Andratx is a place that attracts both tourists and locals. It harmoniously combines tradition and the beauty of the Mallorcan landscape with luxury and exclusivity. Those seeking exquisite or active holidays will find Port d’Andratx the perfect place. Those wishing to settle here should be prepared to spend a little more.
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