Within the municipality of Andratx, close to the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana on the south west coast of Mallorca is the picturesque fishing village of Sant Elm. This peaceful little resort offers a sandy beach, hotels, villa rentals, restaurants and bars and a scheduled ferry service across to the island nature reserve of sa Dragonera.
Located approximately a forty minute drive from Palma airport, Sant Elm is ideal for those wanting a quieter holiday than they may expect from many other of the Island’s resorts and it is particularly well suited for families with young children. It is also an ideal base for those wishing to explore the beautiful Serra de Tramuntana from the west.
The beach is clean and the water quality is good with a long shallow entrance into the sea ideal for non swimmers or those just wishing to paddle! The beach is split and is separated by two bays complete with lifeguards. Deck chairs and sunshades are available for hire and there are showers and toilets nearby. Motorised water sports are not allowed in the area, so no noisy jet skis, but pedallo rental is available.
Both locals and tourists use the beach and there is also a children’s playground. Approximately 300 metres off shore is a small island behind which can be seen sa Dragonera. For details of ferry times and more information on sa Dragonera Natural Park click here.
There are almost 20 restaurants in the village with Es Moli Sant Elm considered to be one of the best. Located at 2, Plaza de Mossen Sebastia Grau, and serving predominantly local cuisine, this popular establishment is open daily from 1pm until 10pm, closed on Mondays.
Best described as a grill house, Es Moli serves meat and fish dishes with lighter paellas and pastas also on the menu. There is a children’s menu and full vegan menu with all courses being beautifully presented.
Expect to pay between €20 – €40 per head dependant on courses (there are some excellent starters) and remember to book if dining during peak periods. Es Moli is wheelchair accessible and there is parking close by.
Hostal Dragonera Restaurante in the main street, Av. de Jaume, has fantastic views across the bay and serves breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a mainly authentic Spanish style. Try the fixed price three course lunch at €18 per head including wine and bottled water which is excellent value, children are also catered for.
Those wanting to spoil themselves with some excellent fine dining should travel the 15 minutes by road from Sant Elm to Port Andratx where at 24, Av de Gabriel Roca l Garcias you will find the highly rated contemporary Italian restaurant, Verico.
Overlooking the port and open daily except for Mondays, the restaurant serves daily specials with fresh ingredients purchased from the local market and an a la carte menu complete with homemade pasts dishes. During the evening service between 6.30pm and 11.30pm there is also a four course degustation menu at €50 per head. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. Booking is essential!
Away from the main street but with a terrace overlooking the sea, La Cocotte de San Telmo at 1, Calle Sa Malea, Sant Elm is a reasonably priced restaurant catering for all tastes serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and excellent tapas. Closed on Thursdays but otherwise open daily from 10.30am to 10pm it is popular with locals and tourists alike. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.
Located up the steps just off the beach, Restaurant Tigy’s at 10, Av de Jaume l, is ideal if you just want to treat the kids to a burger or pizza albeit mums and dads are able to enjoy meat and fish dishes as well! Tigy’s is open from 10am until midnight every day apart from Mondays and offers good value, friendly and fast service.
The three star Universal Hotel Aquamarin, on the beachfront of Sant Elm is an ideal family hotel with sun terrace leading to the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Rooms are on either a bed and breakfast or half board basis. This hotel consists of two separate buildings, Aquamarin and Aquavilla, the latter having been refurbished in 2018.
Those looking for self catering accommodation could try the Aparthotel Don Camilo owned and run by the same company running the Aquamarin.
Don Camilo offers studios, apartments and 3 bed villas, all with kitchens complete with fridge and microwave.
There is a large outdoor pool, a children’s play area and a buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.
As a small resort Sant Elm offers a quiet, restful experience surrounded by natural beauty, a truly wonderful beach and is only a short distance from the rugged and inspiring Tramuntana mountains. It is however, close enough to popular tourist attractions and larger towns so as to allow visitors easy access by hire car, taxi or public transport.
