Free walking tours in Santa Ponsa and what to see

Must-sees

Santa Ponsa is in the municipality of Calvià, in south-west Majorca, about twenty minutes from Palma. It is built around a bay with a sandy beach and calm water, good for children. Beside the beach is a promenade with restaurants, and at the end of the bay stands the Creu de la Conquesta, which marks the landing of James I in 1229, the start of the Christian conquest of the island.

Very close by is the Puig de Sa Morisca archaeological park, with Talayotic remains, a watchtower and trails with views over the coast. Facing the bay are the Malgrat islands, a marine reserve popular for diving. The area has golf courses and small coves towards Costa de la Calma and Peguera. For monuments, Palma is a short trip away, with its cathedral, Bellver Castle and old town.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are rare in Santa Ponsa. Guided visits and trips leaving from the area are the norm here. The most common is the trip to Palma, where there are free walking tours of the old town and guided visits to the cathedral. Boat trips along the Calvià coast, diving or kayak trips around the Malgrat islands and excursions to the Serra de Tramuntana, with Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, are all worthwhile.

How long to spend

You can see the town in half a day: the beach, the promenade, the Creu de la Conquesta and a climb up Puig de Sa Morisca. As a holiday base, four or five days let you alternate beach and trips. A good plan is a day for Palma, another for the Serra de Tramuntana and another for Andratx and the west coast, leaving the rest for the sea and water sports.

Where to stay

The most convenient choice is to stay near the main beach, where the restaurants, shops and bus stops to Palma are. If you want something quieter, the residential areas higher up or towards Costa de la Calma have apartments and villas with more space. Bear in mind there are quite a few hills. For trips around the island, a hire car gives you more freedom, although the bus connection with Palma is good.