An absolutely unmissable stop on the itinerary to discover the south-west of the island of Mallorca. A charming village with privileged views of the island of sa Dragonera. Turquoise sea, restaurants and narrow streets. Here the sunset is unforgettable.
Tour to Sant Elm
The picturesque village of Sant Elm is located at the southwest end of the Sierra de Tramuntana, not far from Andratx, which can be reached after about 8 km via S'Arracó. Originally a fishing village, its economy was mainly focused on fishing and fish processing. Today, with around 500 residents, the village has developed into a cosy and popular tourist resort offering numerous bars and restaurants with sea views and a shopping street with small shops.
The beautiful beaches 'Sa Gran' and 'Sa Petita' with fine sand, 'Cala es Conills' and 'Cala en Basset' with pebbles also make Sant Elm a popular seaside resort.
Off the coast is the islet Es Pantaleo, where the Aragonese conquest of Mallorca by Jaume I began in 1229. Offshore, beyond the islet of Es Pantaleu, lies a much larger uninhabited island, Sa Dragonera, a protected natural area. On the island of Dragonera there are also the defence towers of Cala en Basset and Llebeig erected to protect against pirate attacks. The only way to get there is by one's own boat (after acquiring the necessary permits) or with various companies (from March to the end of October) that cover the route from the port of Sant Elm or Port Andratx.
Sant Elm has an interesting historical heritage. One can appreciate the tower of Sant Elm that gave its name to the village, built by order of King Jaume II in the year 1279 and used as a hospital to house sailors forced into quarantine. In addition to these points of interest, we can also see the nature reserve 'La Trapa', which owes its name to the Trappist monks who settled there around 1810 and built a monastery, creating a water supply system and terracing. At 'La Trapa' you can still find the buildings of the old monastery and remains of artefacts such as the mill.
From there, one can enjoy a splendid view of Dragonera Island with its dragon-like appearance emerging from the sea. The beaches with crystal-clear waters, the walking routes, the historical heritage and the accommodation and catering offer make Sant Elm a must-see.
Tip: at sunset time the sky is tinged like the canvas of a painting, providing a romantic spectacle.
