3.1 kmSa Dragonera Nature Park
Protected island trip by boat, with trails, birdlife, and the same view as from Sant Elm.
Sant Elm lies at the far end of Mallorca’s southwest coast, where the town faces the small island of Es Pantaleu and the long, dark silhouette of Sa Dragonera. It is not a town that spreads out extensively; rather, the experience lies in the short distance between the beach, the coastal street and the mountains behind the town.
The main beach, Platja de Sant Elm, is also called Es Geperut and is divided into a smaller gravel section and a larger sandy section. From the beach, the islands form a constant backdrop, and this view makes the place more distinctive than just another beach resort in Mallorca.
Sant Elm works well as a base if the day is to continue into nature. During the summer months, the passenger boat Margarita sails between Sant Elm and Sa Dragonera, which is part of Parc Natural de sa Dragonera together with, among others, Es Pantaleu.
Several options lead away from the beach on foot. La Trapa lies opposite Sa Dragonera and is known as a hiking destination from Sant Elm, while GR 221, Ruta de Pedra en Sec, has an official stage between Sant Elm and Estellencs. The town is therefore situated on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana’s dry-stone landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Above Sant Elm stands Torre de Cala en Basset on Punta de Sa Galera. The tower was built to monitor the strait between Mallorca and Sa Dragonera; today it is a viewpoint with a more peaceful purpose.
From Sant Elm, Sa Dragonera Nature Park is a short boat ride across the Freu strait. In summer, the passenger boat Margarita sails between the town and the island, where visitors normally disembark at Cala Lledó.
Here the visitor centre and the official hiking routes begin, including those towards Far de Llebeig and Na Pòpia. The island is uninhabited and simple: toilets are available, but there is no bar, vending machines or drinking water. The short strait can be more serious than it looks, with currents, wind and larger boats.
There is a hiking trail from Sant Elm to Torre de Cala en Basset. The watchtower dates from 1585 and was part of a chain of watchtowers along Mallorca's coast.
