Travel tips

The 8 Best Things to Do in Santa Ponsa

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Santa Ponsa is situated on the southwestern coast of Mallorca, just 13 miles from Palma and 3 miles from other popular towns such as Magaluf and Palma Nova. Therefore, staying in Santa Ponsa puts you in a great position to easily explore the island.

Being quiet during the day and becoming lively in the evenings means that Santa Ponsa offers the perfect mixture of tranquillity and fun. Although the town comes to life at night, it is still relatively calm compared to its neighbouring locations, Palma and Magaluf.

If you are planning a trip to Santa Ponsa and would like more information on the best things to do whilst you are there, this post shares our top recommendations.  

Get a Thrill at Jungle Parc

Jungle Parc is a 9-hectare forest located in Calvia, Santa Ponsa. It is the largest tree adventure park in the Balearic Islands, with different circuits consisting of 134 platforms. It is only 500m from the beach, so you can swing through the trees and then relax by the sea.

There are two adult circuits and a pirates circuit for children at Jungle Parc, making it an excellent option for the whole family. You can move from tree to tree at varying heights without touching the ground for over an hour, or cross the bridges and swing from vines and ropes.

Santa Ponsa’s Jungle Parc is open six days a week and closes every Monday. If you feel extra adventurous, you might even want to try one of the zip lines that whizzes you through the dense forest.

Play a Round of Golf

People have been buying properties in Santa Ponsa for years because of its excellent golf offering, as there are many scenic courses in and around the area.

A favoured club is the Golf Santa Ponsa, which sits on the outskirts of Calvia just a 15-minute drive from Santa Ponsa town. Golf Santa Ponsa has three courses consisting of two 18-hole and one 9-hole. However, only the 18-hole course is open to the public, as the other two are for private members only.

Being home to many national and international tournaments over the years means that Golf Santa Ponsa provides players with a long and flat course with plenty of challenging hazards and obstacles to overcome. There are plenty of excellent facilities, including a pro shop, clubhouse, trolley and buggy hire, driving range, pitch and putt greens, golf lessons and a swimming pool, so you will find that there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained the whole day.

Explore by Bike

Some fantastic cycling routes start in Santa Ponsa, taking you to different areas in Mallorca by bike. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced rider or relatively new to cycling, as the numerous trails offer varying difficulties.

The 40-kilometre cycle from Santa Ponsa to Coll de Palmanova is an excellent route of medium difficulty. Along the route, cyclists can discover the towns and villages of Calvia, El Toro, Costa de la Calma, Portals Vells and Son Ferrer.

An easier and shorter route of 14.8 kilometres takes you from Santa Ponsa to Andratx. There is a slight hill climb along this path, but the ride is made easier with a cycle lane into the village of Andratx, so you don’t have to worry about getting in the way of other road users.  

If you feel like challenging yourself, the 118-kilometre ride from Santa Ponsa to Lluc will offer you the chance to do just that. First, take the Llucmajor road and head towards the cycle-tourist path of Castellitx de la Pau, where a scenic route with little traffic will greet you. Next, the trail ascends into the Coll de Sa Batalla, the most frequented mountain pass in Mallorca.

There are many great choices for a bike ride when visiting Santa Ponsa, with some offering more challenges than others. So whether you are looking to breeze along and enjoy the views or challenge yourself, there are plenty of routes to choose from that will meet your needs.

Attend a Festival

Santa Ponsa is an excellent base for those seeking traditional and cultural events to attend when in the area. Several festivities are happening year-round, from the Fiesta of Sant Antoni in January to the Festes del Rei en Jaume in September or even the water sports events at Port Adriano throughout the year.  

You will also find great local markets every Saturday morning at Avda Riu Sill in Santa Ponsa. Here, you can browse the many stalls with local produce and handmade gifts in abundance.

The main event in Santa Ponsa is the Festes del Rei en Jaume which takes place at the beginning of September and is in celebration of the King Jaume I conquest in 1229. In addition, a mock battle between the Moors and the Christians takes place on Santa Ponsa beach, which is the highlight of the event for many.

Indulge in Dinner with a View

The best places to indulge in dinner with a view are at Port Adriano, located 1.5 miles from Santa Ponsa’s town centre.

Port Adriano is brimming with luxury designer shops, rooftop restaurants and numerous superyachts in the harbour. In addition, several great eateries offer international cuisine to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

Ariana Restaurant is worth a try as its offering of gourmet food paired with the stunning sea views creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner around the port. Harbour Grill Restaurant, located at El Toro, displays a great selection of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, alongside lovely views of the marina and out to sea.

If you are looking for excellent food accompanied by a great selection of wines, Sansibar Wine Restaurant and Bar, which sits right on Port Adriano, is the perfect option. In addition, the restaurant offers views of the luxury yachts, and you can spend hours watching people pass through the port or simply sit and watch the sea under the setting sun.

Go Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir shopping is a great way to pick up traditional gifts to bring home for friends and family or to keep for yourself as memorabilia of your trip. Santa Ponsa is a great place to pick up souvenirs, as the many shops lined up and down the seaside promenade offer a great selection.

You will find everything from clothing and jewellery to boutiques selling handmade crafts. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different, a trip to the market on a Saturday morning along Avinguda de Horts is an excellent spot for scouring local products plus cakes, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Discover Santa Ponsa’s Nightlife

Santa Ponsa has excellent nightlights with many great choices of places to visit. The range of evening venues are situated close together in the town, so you don’t have to worry about walking too far if you want an evening jumping from bar to club.

There are three nightclubs in Santa Ponsa: Disco Inferno, Kitty O’Sheas and Fama. The nightclubs are great if you want to party through the evening, as they stay open later than the other bars and restaurants in the town.

The Roman de Montcada is the main strip in Santa Ponsa; here, you will find an array of bars, restaurants and clubs, all close to one another. Although Santa Ponsa is quieter than other nearby party towns like Magaluf, it still has the perfect mixture of an entertaining nightlife yet isn’t as full-on for those who want to enjoy a few drinks and then relax in a bar.

You will also find plenty of entertainment in Los Jardines. Throughout summer,  there is live music in the town square, performances, tribute acts and kid’s games to help keep the little ones entertained.

Summary

We’ve only really given a taster of what there is to do in Santa Ponsa on this list. Not only is there more to discover in the town, but its location means that trips to places like Palma, Magaluf and Palma Nova are also super easy to plan, which allows you to see more of Mallorca and its other lovely cities and towns.

For more inspiration when visiting Santa Ponsa, why not check out our guide to the best places to visit and the best time to go to the town as well?

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Ponsa and looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic choice of accommodation. Browse our selection here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.