Platja de Santa Ponça – Historic Bay with Wide Sandy Beach and Resort Facilities
Location & Beach Profile
Location: 7 kilometres from Calvià, between Punta des Castellot and Caló d'en Pellicer.
Type of Beach: Artificial sand
Length: 1300 metres
Average Width: 100 metres
Occupancy: High
Typical Visitors: Tourists
Access: Pedestrians, vehicles & boats
Facilities: Anchoring zone, rentals, telephone, toilets, disabled access, diving, showers, lifeguard, restaurant, boat trips
Historical Significance & Resort Setting
Platja de Santa Ponça lies within a large, sheltered bay, best known as the landing site of King Jaume I and his fleet of 143 ships and 20,000 soldiers during the 1229 Christian conquest of Mallorca. A monumental cross built in 1929 commemorates the 700th anniversary of this historic event and can still be visited on the eastern edge of the bay near Club Nàutic Santa Ponça.
Today, Santa Ponça is one of Calvià’s most important tourist resorts, featuring a mix of residential homes, hotels, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While primarily a tourist destination, the beach is also popular with locals, many of whom relax in the pine-shaded areas behind the beach.
Beach Characteristics
The beach consists of wide stretches of fine white sand, artificially enhanced to create its current form. The gentle slope and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families, swimmers, and sunbathers.
Boating & Anchoring
Anchoring is generally good, with a sandy seabed and depths ranging from 2 to 4 metres, though caution is advised when southerly or easterly winds are present. For greater protection, Caló d’en Pellicer offers a more sheltered alternative for boats. A marked sandbank lies offshore, and navigators should take care when approaching. Club Nàutic Santa Ponça provides full marina services nearby.
Access & Popularity
Access to Santa Ponça is very easy, with clear signposting, ample free parking, and regular bus services connecting the area. Thanks to its large size, wide range of facilities, and excellent accessibility, Platja de Santa Ponça remains one of the busiest and most popular beaches in Mallorca, particularly appealing to holidaymakers seeking full resort amenities alongside historical charm.