Sant Elm

Sant Elm lies at the far southwestern tip of Mallorca, where the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana meet the sea. The 130-metre-long beach is also known as Platja de Sant Elm or Es Geperut and consists of two distinctly different sections: a larger one with pale, fine sand and a smaller one with sand and pebbles. Its true landmark, however, lies just offshore. Between the shore and the horizon, the small island of Es Pantaleu and the much larger Sa Dragonera dominate the view.

The beach belongs to the municipality of Andratx and lies directly beside the coastal village of the same name. Restaurants, cafés, a pedestrian street and parking are close to the water; according to the Balearic beach catalogue, a public bus stops only ten metres away. Despite the village’s relatively peaceful character, Sant Elm gets very busy during the season. Families appreciate the relatively shallow entry into the sea and the playground behind the larger beach section. The bay is also a good starting point for boat trips to Sa Dragonera, hikes to Cala en Basset or La Trapa, and a walk through the former fishing village.

Where is Sant Elm beach, Mallorca, and what is it like?

Sant Elm beach lies in the coastal village of Sant Elm, around eight kilometres from Andratx and directly opposite Es Pantaleu and Sa Dragonera. It belongs to the municipality of Andratx and marks a distinctive transition: the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana begin behind the village, while the sea opens towards the two islands in front of it.

The Balearic beach catalogue lists the beach under the names Platja de Sant Elm and Es Geperut. The municipality of Andratx also distinguishes between Sa Gran and Sa Petita. In practice, these are two adjacent beach sections separated by the Universal Hotel Aquamarin. The larger section has white or fine sand; the smaller one has a mixture of sand and pebbles. The Balearic beach catalogue classifies Sant Elm overall as a pebble beach, while its detailed description explicitly mentions both distinct shoreline areas.

Sant Elm was originally a fishing village. The municipality of Andratx gives its current population as approximately 500 and now describes tourism as its most important economic foundation. At the same time, the village has remained smaller and quieter than many holiday resorts on Mallorca’s southwestern coast. In summer, however, numerous day visitors come to the beach and to catch the boats to Sa Dragonera.

How do you get to Sant Elm by car or bus?

By car, first drive to Andratx and then follow the Ma-1030 via s’Arracó to Sant Elm. The road between Andratx, s’Arracó and the coastal village is narrow and winding and ends in Sant Elm. Drive carefully and follow the signs in the village to the beach or parking areas.

The Balearic beach catalogue rates access by car as easy because the route is signposted. This refers to navigation; the winding road remains part of the journey. The final few kilometres in particular distinguish Sant Elm from beaches located directly beside a main road or within a large holiday resort.

The beach is also accessible by public transport. Bus line 100 runs from Palma via Andratx and s’Arracó to Sant Elm. The Balearic beach catalogue lists a stop only ten metres from the beach. Timetables and operating periods may change, so check the current service before departure.

Note: If you want to avoid winding access roads or do not want to search for a parking space, the bus is a practical alternative: the stop is directly beside the beach.

Where can you park in Sant Elm?

Sant Elm has a paid car park near the beach, but information about free alternatives is inconsistent. The Balearic beach catalogue explicitly lists a paid car park. A report from 2025 also describes a private car park that charges a fee and identifies it as the only parking option.

Other descriptions also mention a more distant free car park or free parking spaces within the village. One beach description places a free area around 200 metres from the beach, while an access guide refers to a municipal car park on Carrer Mossèn Joan Ensenyat. Other local information mentions free on-street parking, which can be difficult to find in summer and especially at weekends.

You should therefore not rely on being able to park free of charge directly beside the water. The most reliably documented option is the paid car park. Whether other areas can be used free of charge depends on current regulations and signage.

There are also differing reports about daily prices: older descriptions mention 3,50 euros, while a report from 2025 gives a price of five euros regardless of the length of stay. These amounts may be outdated.

Warning: Check entrance signs, parking meters and road markings on arrival. Published information about prices and parking is not consistent.

What are the sand, water and swimming conditions like?

Sant Elm has fine sand on the larger beach section and sand mixed with pebbles on the smaller section; the water is described as clear and usually calm. The sea remains relatively shallow at first, which is why the beach is considered family-friendly. Water shoes may be comfortable for sensitive feet on the pebbly section.

Even so, you should not mistake the sheltered setting for a complete absence of wind. According to the Balearic beach catalogue, the roadstead is exposed to winds from the southwest, west and northwest. Es Pantaleu provides some protection, so the water usually remains calm. Strong winds from the west to southwest, however, can significantly change conditions.

There are two anchoring areas off Sant Elm. Northwest of the pier, between Es Pantaleu and the shore, the stated depth is around two metres. Many small boats are moored there on buoys, and excursion boats also operate in this area. The second anchorage lies southeast between Es Pantaleu and the beach, where depths of four to seven metres are reported over a sandy seabed.

Warning: Do not swim carelessly into areas with buoys, small boats or excursion traffic. Strong westerly or southwesterly winds can make the otherwise calm water rougher.

Snorkelling is an obvious activity because of the clear water. Experienced swimmers may consider the area around Es Pantaleu. The island is, however, beyond the immediate swimming area and within a zone used by boats. Take account of the wind, currents and boat traffic, and do not overestimate your stamina.

Is Sant Elm suitable for families and children?

Sant Elm is considered family-friendly because the water remains relatively shallow at first and there is a playground behind the larger beach section. The larger sandy area is generally more comfortable for children than the smaller section with pebbles. At the same time, this is the busier of the two beaches.

The beach lies directly beside the village rather than at the end of a long walk. Restaurants and cafés are in the immediate vicinity, and according to the Balearic beach catalogue, the bus stop is ten metres from the beach. These short distances make a beach day with children easier.

The beach’s size does, however, limit the available space: the entire beach is 130 metres long and 30 metres wide, and the Balearic beach catalogue classifies seasonal occupancy as high. Anyone who wants to keep an eye on children in the water and have a little more space along the shore should avoid the busiest times. The smaller beach section is described as quieter, but it has less fine sand and only a few loungers.

In westerly or southwesterly winds, check the water conditions particularly carefully. Es Pantaleu partly shelters the bay, but strong winds from these directions can make the sea rougher.

What facilities are available at the beach and in the village?

The larger beach section has loungers and a playground; food and drink are available directly at the beach and in the nearby pedestrian street. There are more loungers on the larger section than on the smaller, quieter one. Parasols and lifeguard service are also listed among the beach facilities. Because beach services may operate seasonally or change, you should not assume they will be available on the day of your visit.

A hotel restaurant is located directly beside the beach. More restaurants and cafés can be found in the pedestrian street and along the waterfront promenade. The municipality of Andratx also describes Sant Elm as a village with bars and a small shopping area. There are small shops and boutiques in the village, as well as smaller grocery stores.

Pedal boats are available to hire on the water. Depending on the season, other activities such as diving and kayaking are also available in the village. Which operators are open and which tours actually run depends on the season and weather.

According to the Balearic beach catalogue, Sant Elm is accessible. The catalogue entry does not provide more precise information about ramps, walkways, reserved parking spaces or bathing aids. If you require specific assistance, ask the Andratx tourist office about the available facilities before your visit.

When is Sant Elm busiest, and what time suits you best?

Sant Elm is very busy during the season, while the village becomes exceptionally quiet in winter. The Balearic beach catalogue classifies seasonal occupancy as high. Many day visitors arrive in summer, with beachgoers and passengers travelling by boat to Sa Dragonera particularly shaping the atmosphere of the village.

The larger sandy beach attracts more visitors than the smaller section with sand and pebbles. This is due both to its finer surface and to the many loungers and the playground. If a quieter spot matters more to you than pure sand, the smaller section may suit you better.

Many restaurants close for their annual break in winter. Sant Elm is then considerably quieter, and the range of places to eat is correspondingly limited. This period is therefore less reliable for a traditional beach day with available beach services; for a peaceful visit to the village, however, the lack of activity can be appealing.

Festivals can also affect normal beach operations in early August. Sant Elm celebrates a Moors and Christians festival at the beginning of the month, with a historical re-enactment taking place on the main beach. On Easter Monday, a religious procession also heads to Torre de Sant Elm.

What can you do around Sant Elm beach?

From Sant Elm, you can travel by boat to Sa Dragonera and reach several hiking destinations along the coast and in the mountains. The one-way crossing to the island takes around 15 minutes. Trips operate seasonally, often between March and November; actual sailing days depend on the current timetable and conditions at sea.

Sa Dragonera is a protected natural area located directly opposite the village. The smaller island of Es Pantaleu lies closer to the shore. According to historical tradition, the conquest of Mallorca by the Catalan-Aragonese Crown under Jaume I. began there in 1229. The Balearic beach catalogue also describes the roadstead as the last safe anchorage between Andratx and Sóller.

Hikers set out from Sant Elm for destinations including Cala en Basset and its historic watchtower. The tower was built in 1585 as an observation point against attacks. Another destination is La Trapa: Trappist monks settled there in 1810 and built a monastery. Surviving features include the ruins of the chapel, a mill, dry-stone terraces and old water-supply structures.

For a shorter outing, you can remain in the village. The walk from the beach to the harbour takes approximately 15 minutes. Along the streets are small shops, viewpoints and benches overlooking the coast and Sa Dragonera. Nearby alternatives for swimming include Cala es Conills and Cala en Basset; the municipality of Andratx classifies both as pebble beaches.

What should you know before a beach day in Sant Elm?

When planning a visit to Sant Elm, expect high seasonal occupancy, changing parking conditions and unreliable winter opening times. Although its location within the village makes the beach easy to reach, 130 metres of shoreline offers only limited space on busy days.

If you prefer fine sand, choose the larger beach section. For more peace and quiet, the smaller section is a better option, although the surface there is a mixture of sand and pebbles and fewer loungers are available. Natural shade on the beach is difficult to rely on. Parasols are listed as part of the beach facilities, but their availability may be seasonal.

Check the wind and boat traffic before swimming. Es Pantaleu partly shelters the bay, but strong winds from the west to southwest can alter the normally calm water. Particular care is needed around the pier, buoy fields and excursion-boat route.

Rules on whether dogs are allowed on the beach are not documented consistently. Check the current signs at the entrance and be aware of possible seasonal rules. The same applies to the available beach services, parking fees and boat timetables.

Note: Bring water shoes for the smaller beach section if needed, and check conditions at sea before any planned boat or kayak trip.