Santa Ponsa is known as the most historic beach in the Calvia area, and is ever growing in popularity. It is quieter than its nearby neighbours Palma Nova and Magalluf, for people looking for a less frenetic area. There are many summer houses and hotels but it is still reasonably unspoiled. There are plenty of beach facilities, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports and pleasure craft. There is also a well developed town with shops, restaurants and bars for all tastes.

A minute of History:
Santa Ponsa is more than just a popular holiday resort. The town has an important place in Mallorquin history, for it was here that Jaime I landed with the Christian troops, in 1229, to begin his recovery of the island from the Moors. Every September the whole of Calvia dresses up to commemorate this historical event. Sunset on the "Cruz del Desembarco" is a must-see event.

General Information:
History and traditions mark this village, which is in turn a tourist area par excellence. The area is characterised by beautiful beaches and a marina, overlooked by green mountains. Santa Ponsa is an ideal place, to be recommended for all ages and specially for those who love golf and water sports.

Where to go:
Santa Ponsa borders with El Toro, a small village with the Port Adriano marina and a limited number of hotels, which are very new and top quality. From Santa Ponsa marina, you can enjoy the view of yachts and fishing boats, as well as the picturesque scenery. There are many interesting bars and restaurants, and a few designer shops. Diablitos bar in the Plaza Santa Ponsa is a popular haunt for locals on Fridays and Saturdays.

Beaches:
The main sandy beach is backed by pine woods, where you can take a break in the shade on hot days, but it can get very busy at weekends when local families come down for the day. There's an assortment of water sports including windsurfing and jet-skiing however these are not allowed within the roped-off area, which is for swimmers only.

Resort Suitability:
Santa Ponsa is a very friendly resort, and is suitable for families of all ages.

Attractions:
Regular buses from Calas run to Porto Cristo, where you can visit the Coves del Drac (Dragon Caves), with their fantastic underground rock formations. Two other attractions on the outskirts of the resort are the Exotic Parque Los Pajaros, with parrot shows and a small zoo, and the Jumaica tropical gardens.

Facilities:
Keen golfers looking for a challenge can play on a championship golf course in Santa Ponsa– it hosts the Balearic Open, but it is also open to visitors and you can hire clubs and trolleys for the day.

Facts for Travellers:
The Santa Ponsa tourist office is located on Puig de Galatxo s/n, Santa Ponsa. Tel: +34 971 691 712. Fax: +34 971 694137.

Nightlife:
The Fama nightclub along Carrer Ramon y Montcada (where you can find plenty of English pubs and bars) is popular with locals as well as visitors, especially at weekends. There is a good mix of Spanish and international music, along with a cocktail bar and two dance floors. The nightlife here is notably less hectic than those of Palmanova or Magaluf making it a good choice for families