Platja de Sant Elm

Platja de Sant Elm Mallorca: What you should know before you go

Platja de Sant Elm is a compact, scenic beach at the far western tip of Mallorca, facing directly toward the protected island of Sa Dragonera. The water here is clear and inviting, framed by low houses and small hotels that still feel more like a fishing village than a large resort. Many visitors come specifically for the combination of swimming, relaxed beach time, and the striking island views straight out to sea. If you like a calm, small town atmosphere with a dramatic backdrop and a mix of sand and rock, this beach is a strong candidate.

Quick facts at a glance

• Beach type – Small village bay
• Ground – Mostly sand, some pebbles
• Water entry – Gentle with some stony patches
• Water feel – Very clear, usually calm near shore
• Shade – Limited, mainly umbrellas and some trees
• Facilities – Showers, lifeguard, nearby bars and restaurants
• Parking – Mix of paid and free options in town
• Best for – Families, couples, snorkelers, sunset lovers

The overall vibe

Platja de Sant Elm is a sandy beach in the village of Sant Elm, on the southwest coast of Mallorca, framed by the Tramuntana foothills and the offshore silhouette of Sa Dragonera. The main beach is modest in size, around 130 metres long, but feels airy thanks to its wide outlook over the bay and the islands. Many visitors describe the atmosphere as relaxed and friendly, with a mix of local families, couples, and day trippers who have driven out along the winding road from Andratx. The soundscape is mostly gentle waves and conversation, with a few beach bars and cafés adding a low murmur rather than loud music. It is a place where people linger for sunset, when the sun drops behind the Dragonera island and the whole bay glows in warm colours.

Sand or rocks and how the water entry feels

The main part of Platja de Sant Elm is covered with soft, light sand, while the smaller neighbouring stretch has more pebbles and stones mixed in. The water entry on the main beach is generally gentle and child friendly, with a sandy seabed close to shore and a gradual increase in depth. Toward the edges and near the smaller beach, you encounter more stones and rocky patches, which many snorkelers appreciate for the added underwater interest. The water is usually very clear, making it easy to see where you are stepping and to spot fish in calm conditions. Water shoes are helpful if you plan to explore the rocky sides or swim from the smaller pebble beach, but for the central sandy zone most people manage comfortably barefoot.

Who Platja de Sant Elm is perfect for

This beach is especially good for families and couples who enjoy small scale, village style settings with clear water and manageable size. Parents often appreciate the calm, sheltered feel of the bay, the presence of lifeguards in season, and the proximity of cafés and facilities right behind the sand. Snorkelers and strong swimmers value the clear water and the chance to explore toward the offshore islet of Es Pantaleu, staying within safe distances and conditions. It is less ideal for those who want a very long stretch of sand with extensive water sports or intense nightlife, as Sant Elm remains relatively quiet and compact. If you are building a best beaches Mallorca style itinerary that mixes scenic viewpoints, walking, and swims, Sant Elm fits well as a western highlight with a standout view.

Facilities and comfort

Despite its small size, Platja de Sant Elm is well set up for comfortable beach time. In the main season there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent on part of the sand, as well as public showers and toilets close to the beach. Lifeguards usually supervise the main bathing area, and swimming zones are marked to keep bathers separate from boat traffic. The village street that runs behind the beach offers several restaurants, cafés, and an ice cream or two, many with terraces overlooking the water, so you are never far from food and drinks. Shops for basic beach items and snacks are within a short walk. Still, natural shade on the sand is limited, so bringing a hat, good sunscreen, and possibly a small umbrella or beach tent remains important, especially in midsummer.

Getting there and parking

Platja de Sant Elm lies at the westernmost point of Mallorca in the municipality of Andratx, reached via a winding road from Andratx town that passes through S’Arracó. The approach involves narrow, curvy sections, so driving requires attention and time. Once you arrive in Sant Elm, the main beach is located in the heart of the village, just off the waterfront street and easily found by following signs for the beach or Sa Dragonera boats. Parking consists of at least one paid car park near the entrance to the village and additional spaces further in, plus limited free street parking in surrounding roads; in high season and on sunny weekends, these spots can fill quickly. Many travelers in the Mallorcard community say that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals since it works with multiple companies, the current promo code is available on mallorcard.es, and typical savings can be around 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which makes it easier to arrive earlier, secure parking, and combine Sant Elm with nearby viewpoints or villages without relying on infrequent buses.

The best spots along Platja de Sant Elm

On the main sandy beach, families often choose the central area where the sand is softest, the water entry is smooth, and lifeguard visibility is best. For example, many families prefer the section closest to the main access ramp and showers, so children can move easily between the sea, sand, and promenade. Swimmers and snorkelers tend to gravitate toward the edges of the bay and the smaller pebble beach, where rocky patches and underwater features attract fish. Those seeking a slightly quieter feel may step away from the busiest central line of sunbeds and move closer to the sides, where there is more space between groups. For sunset, the best views are often from the upper end of the beach or from benches along the promenade, where you can see Sa Dragonera and Es Pantaleu framed by the changing light.

What you can do nearby

• Take a boat or water taxi trip from Sant Elm to the Sa Dragonera nature reserve
• Hike to the La Trapa viewpoint above Sant Elm for panoramic views of the coast and Dragonera
• Walk the coastal paths around Sant Elm and toward Cala en Basset
• Enjoy leisurely meals in seafront restaurants with views of the bay and islands
• Visit Port d’Andratx or Andratx town by car for marina strolls and village life
• Explore nearby coves and viewpoints along the coastal road

Best time to visit

Morning at Platja de Sant Elm is usually peaceful, with clear water, fewer people, and cooler air, making it ideal for relaxed swims and quiet time on the sand. As the day moves toward midday, more day trippers arrive, especially in summer, and the beach can feel busy for its size, though still manageable. Late afternoon and evening are particularly special here, as the sun moves behind Sa Dragonera and the colours across the bay become very striking, which many visitors consider the highlight of their day. If you plan to drive from elsewhere on the island, arriving earlier in the day helps with parking and avoids the busiest road traffic. Many travellers combine a morning or early afternoon at the beach with a later boat trip or hike, then return to the waterfront for sunset and dinner.

Important tips for a smooth beach day

Although the bay is relatively sheltered, sea conditions can change, so always check the flags and follow lifeguard guidance, especially if you are considering swimming farther out toward Es Pantaleu. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as shade on the sand is limited and the western orientation means strong afternoon sun. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended while you swim, even in this generally calm village setting. Water shoes can make movement on the smaller pebble beach and around rocky edges more comfortable, especially for children or anyone with sensitive feet. The Mallorcard community tip is that visiting the beach by rental car is recommended because mallorcard.es has strong rental car deals thanks to working with multiple companies, with the current promo code available on mallorcard.es and typical savings in the range of 10 to 50 percent depending on the season, which lets you carry extra gear for hikes, boat trips, shade, and clothing so you can adapt to changing weather and make the most of a full day around Sant Elm and Sa Dragonera.

Good to know

Platja de Sant Elm is located in the far southwest of Mallorca, at the western tip of the island in the municipality of Andratx. The coastline here is a small sandy bay with rocky edges, set against a backdrop of low village buildings and Tramuntana foothills, and facing the islands of Es Pantaleu and Sa Dragonera. The surrounding area is more village and nature focused than urban resort, with a small permanent population and tourism centred on hiking, boat trips, and quiet beach days. Sant Elm has two main beaches: the larger sandy Platja de Sant Elm and a smaller, more pebbly section nearby, both within walking distance along the seafront. Understanding this layout and the village’s position facing Sa Dragonera helps travellers place it clearly on the map and plan a visit that combines beach time with coastal walks and island excursions on the southwest Mallorca coast.