Sant Elm is a charming small tourist destination and (still) a well-kept secret. It exudes a relaxed tranquility and captivates with a dreamy sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Tourists seeking peace particularly appreciate the village’s welcoming character, making it ideal for rest and relaxation.
But it’s not just tourists who are drawn to the area. Mallorcans are also attracted to Sant Elm like a magnet on weekends. Because in few other places on the island can you enjoy traditional food as much as in Sant Elm (San Telmo).
Sant Elm offers everything one might expect from a perfect vacation destination on the west coast of Mallorca: cozy hotels, bars and restaurants, picturesque nature, and a variety of leisure activities. Hikers feel just as comfortable here as beachgoers who simply want to enjoy the sea or go snorkeling.
Map and Location of Sant Elm
The idyllic village of Sant Elm is located at the western end of Mallorca and can be comfortably reached by car from Palma in about 45 minutes. The town is framed by the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, which rise protectively behind the picturesque houses and streets. The nearby mountains also mean that excursions to the scenic beauty of the Sierra de Tramuntana are very easy from here.
The Village of Sant Elm
The ancient coastal village of Sant Elm doesn’t have many permanent residents, but there are some idyllic summer residences, a few of which are rented out as vacation homes. After the high season, Sant Elm is even quieter than usual. A silent peace envelopes the locality. With a bit of luck, you can have the beautiful cove all to yourself, as the few hotels also close. An ideal spot for stressed souls!
With its dreamlike air, San Telmo, as the village is also known, is a true gem. For those who love solitude, tranquility, and perhaps even loneliness, here you have an unforgettable experience. Simply relax, recharge, and enjoy the fantastic view of Sa Dragonera island: That is what defines Sant Elm.
Sant Elm is my favorite place in Mallorca. Every year, I visit this beautiful spot several times, and I always return home happy, relaxed, and satisfied.
Richard Hanke
Sant Elm Beach with Dreamy Views
As charming as the town itself, the beach of Sant Elm is equally enchanting and inviting. Mostly composed of fine sand, it also features a small concrete platform on the southern side. The cove is about 180 meters long and gently slopes towards the sea, making it ideal for children and non-swimmers.
The car is parked right behind the cove in a parking lot: So it’s also easy to bring a picnic basket or toys for the kids.
As mentioned earlier, the view of Sa Dragonera Island and the small islet Es Pantaleu is spectacular and a delight to the eyes. There are also umbrellas and sun loungers available for rent, as well as pedal boats.
If you don’t bring provisions, on Avenida Jaume I—right on the promenade—you’ll find a small supermarket, as well as several bars and restaurants.
Advice:
If you have experience and are in good physical condition, you can swim the 800 meters from San Telmo to Sa Dragonera. However, it’s essential to understand the currents, as the route is quite challenging.
Food & Drink in Sant Elm
In Sant Elm, you can find some of the best seafood restaurants on the island. There, you can enjoy the atmosphere and culinary specialties. Not only tourists indulge in paella and other delicacies. Many Mallorcans also head to the fishing village with their families to enjoy a meal together. The atmosphere in the restaurants is magnificent. A beautiful sight for the eyes and exquisite aromas for the nose. Just like paradise.
Information:
Many visit Sant Elm by boat to enjoy a good meal. Once they arrive, they drop anchor and call their restaurant of choice on the phone. A few minutes later, they are picked up from the boat by a dinghy.
Even though the gastronomic offerings aren’t as extensive as, for example, in Palma or other Spanish metropolises, there’s something to satisfy every taste. My recommendation for lovers of top-quality seafood and fish is the Es Raor restaurant. The cuisine and the view are truly exceptional.
I can also recommend “De na Caragola.” My favorite paella is found at Cala Conills. Although it costs a few euros more, I recommend the lobster paella. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better paella in my life.
Activities in Sant Elm
Sa Dragonera, the uninhabited island of the dragon
The island of Sa Dragonera was declared a natural park some time ago, but it can be easily explored along well-developed paths. Boats depart regularly from both Andratx and Sant Elm. There is a small visitor center on the island with interesting information, but there are no food services.
Little side note
In the 1970s, there were plans to develop the island for tourism and build hotels. However, the residents of Mallorca protested and demonstrated so vigorously that the government abandoned the plans.
In 1987, Spain declared Sa Dragonera a natural park, and in 1995 the government purchased the island to protect it further. It is only thanks to the passionate intervention of the Mallorcans that we can enjoy the island in its original state today.
Every day, you can take a boat (the dock is next to the Raor restaurant) to reach Dragon Island. It’s an excursion worth taking for the whole family.
Hiking trips to La Trapa
Given that Sant Elm is located right at the foothills of the Sierra de Tramuntana, the opportunities for hiking are excellent. One fantastic experience is a hike through the “La Trapa” nature reserve.
The name comes from the Trappist monks who long ago built a monastery here. The ruins on the long-distance trail GR 221 still exist and offer an impressive view of the turquoise sea and Sa Dragonera island. A beautiful path also runs directly along the coast. If you wish, you can also book a guided tour to La Trapa.
Walk to Port de Andratx
The simple walk leads to Port de Andratx. The 8 km can be covered in approximately 2.5 hours. If you get bored in the fishing village, just walk to the neighboring town. A spectacular view awaits you. Don’t forget to bring water and supplies. To return, just take the bus.
Hike to Torre Cala de Basset
When I’m on the west coast of Mallorca, I also like to take a short hike to the ancient watchtower Torre de Cala en Basset. It dates back to the 16th century and is located about two kilometers south of Sant Elm.
The tower is open access, but it’s protected as a monument. You can see Sa Dragonera from a different perspective. It’s about 6 km round trip.
So you can also think of it as a long walk. The watchtower lives up to its promise. The view is magnificent. If you spend a few more days in the area, you should definitely take this short hike.
Also interesting: The Tower of Sant Elm. Here, the King of Aragon landed with his troops in 1229.
Water activities in Sant Elm
Those vacationing in this picturesque town can enjoy a water quality rarely found on the entire island. This, in turn, creates ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts.
In Mossèn Sebastià Grau Square, you’ll find, for instance, a modern diving school that not only offers diving courses but also boat trips and snorkeling tours. In favorable wind conditions, amateur surfers can also enjoy themselves.
Accomodation in Sant Elm
In the small community, there aren’t many lodging options, but that’s precisely what, in my opinion, makes this place so special.
With great service and an excellent panoramic view, the Universal Hotel Aquamarin stands out, for example. The Aquamarin is the first Beach Club Hotel in Mallorca and has been recently reopened after a complete renovation. Equally cozy and appealing is its sister hotel Don Camillo.
How to get to Sant Elm
Con un coche de alquiler, llegar es especialmente fácil. Desde Andratx, la ruta pasa por una carretera serpenteante a través del pueblo de S’Arracó y las montañas. El viaje también es muy interesante desde el punto de vista paisajístico. Quienes deseen visitar Sant Elm en transporte público, pueden utilizar la línea 121. Conecta Sant Elm con Port d’Andratx y Andratx.
My conclusion about Sant Elm
Tranquility is a distinctive feature in Sant Elm, but on the cozy main shopping street Carrer Cala en Basset, you can find everything necessary for daily life. From a culinary perspective, many desires are fulfilled. For lovers of good food, this place is a paradise.
The picturesque beach with its sensational view is excellent. But those seeking tranquility will also find their place in the village, as well as nature lovers and families with young children.
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