Guide to Sant Elm: Mallorca’s western seaside village

Guide

From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca. We love Sant Elm for its end-of-the-road calm: a small crescent of sand, low-key cafés, and uninterrupted views across the channel to Sa Dragonera.

Distance from Palma: roughly 50–55 minutes (≈47 km) via Ma-1 to Andratx, then the local road to Sant Elm.

🧭 Orientation & quick facts

What	Details
Region	Municipality of Andratx (Southwest)
From Palma (car)	~50–55 min / ~47 km via Ma-1 → Andratx → Sant Elm
Public transport	Andratx connection + local bus to Sant Elm (seasonal frequencies vary)
Best for	Calm swimming, easy coastal walks, Sa Dragonera boat shuttles
Nearby	Andratx, Port d’Andratx, Camp de Mar, Peguera
When to go	April–October for village buzz; shoulder seasons for quiet

🏖️ Why we rate it

Sant Elm feels intimate and authentic. Two compact beaches bracket a car-free paseo, the sea is typically clear, and that Dragonera skyline turns every sunset into an event. It’s the laid-back counterpoint to a couple of packed days in Palma.

🚤 Top things to do

Hop the Sa Dragonera boat shuttle for light hiking and lighthouse views (Sa Dragonera Natural Park).
Slow beach hours on Platja de Sant Elm and smaller Sa Petita.
Walk the coastal path to Cala en Basset for Dragonera views.
Sunset tapas along the promenade, or dinner in Port d’Andratx.

🍽️ Where to eat (shortlist)

Style	What to order	Setting	When
Seafront rice & grill	Paella, grilled local fish	On the promenade	Lunch with sea breeze
Casual tapas	Padrones, croquettes, local cheese	One street back	Budget-friendly evenings
Sweet pause	Gelato, coffee	Kiosk / café benches	Sunset stop
Marina night in Port d’Andratx	Catch of the day, desserts	Waterfront tables	Dress-up dinner

Good to know

Kitchens often reopen around 19:30–20:00; book ahead on summer weekends.
Many places take cards, but we carry a little cash for small spots.

🛏️ Where to stay

Base	Vibe	Why choose this	Notes
Sant Elm village	Small-scale, sleepy	Wake to sea views, car-light days	Limited rooms—book early for summer.
Port d’Andratx	Upscale marina	Boutique picks + dining variety	Easy taxi back after dinner.
Camp de Mar	Resort + spa	Family-friendly hotels and a calm bay	Handy for Golf Andratx.
Peguera	Larger resort	Broad hotel inventory, good value	Combine with a Sant Elm day trip.

Booking nudges

Sea-facing rooms go first; shoulder season = best value.
Ask hotels about on-site parking or nearby public lots.

🚗 Getting there from Palma

Drive: Ma-1 to Andratx, then follow signs to Sant Elm (a.k.a. Sant Elmo/San Telm). Allow extra time in July–August.
Bus: Connect in Andratx then onward to Sant Elm (check current timetables on the day).
Parking tip: Street spaces go early on summer weekends; shoulder seasons are easier.

🧪 Compare with Palma

Palma brings museums, markets and nightlife; Sant Elm trades that for sea air and simplicity. We like a 2+1 split: two nights in Palma, one in Sant Elm.