By Lynda Seminara
Santa Ponsa, a popular and friendly area of Mallorca, Spain, was originally a quiet fishing village. Today it's brimming with an array of activities--from golfing and sunbathing to festivals and water activities.
Beaches Galore
beach lovers will delight in Santa Ponsa's sandy shorelines. A promenade for pedestrians lines the main beach and is shaded by pine trees. A lifeguard is present at the beach throughout the day. A large swimming area is roped off, and it is recommended that you don't swim outside this area. The "Little Beach" is less touristy than the main beach and is a safe haven for children. A playground is nearby.
Water Activities
Enjoy boating, fishing, diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, scuba diving and more. If you don't know how to scuba dive, take a few lessons at the scuba-diving school. And consider exploring the ocean with your family in a glass-bottomed boat. Another great family spot is Western Water Park, which offers water activities and shows for all ages. At Marineland, you'll find world-class shows with dolphins and sea lions.
Shopping
Good buys can be found on ceramics, blown glass, perfume, jewelry and leather goods. A popular spot for shopping is the area surrounding the main beach. More boutiques and shops can be found on the main streets of Santa Ponsa.
September 10th Fiesta
This 10-day celebration is held every year to commemorate Mallorca's liberation from the Moors. There is jazz music, a magic show, canoe races, a parade, and games for children. On the Saturday closest to September 10, a mock battle is held between Christians and Moors. This is followed by a concert on the beach that runs almost all night. The festival concludes with a magnificent fireworks display.
Hiking and Golfing
Hiking: Mallorca's most popular hiking trail will take you from the town of Alaro all the way up to a ruined castle, Castell d'Alaro, where you'll delight in the panoramic views of Santa Ponsa.
Golfing: Santa Ponsa boasts three fine golf courses, two of them with 18 holes. For 18 holes of mini-golf, visit Golf Fantasia; three fun-filled courses wind through caves, waterfalls, lakes and animal life.
Climate and Getting There
The climate is pleasant, with very little rainfall. The average temperature rarely exceeds 85 degrees F, even in the summer. Water temperatures also are comfortable, making Santa Ponsa ideal for water sports.
Santa Ponsa is just a 20-minute drive from the Palma airport. During the day, buses run about every 30 minutes from the airport to the resort. Santa Ponsa's beaches can be crowded during the busy season, which extends from May through October.
Resources
About the Author:
Lynda Seminara has been writing and editing for 25 years, primarily for the biomedical industry. She writes a column on Alzheimer’s disease and is a volunteer editor for the International Scleroderma Network. Lynda does voiceover work in English and Spanish and is the creator of Senior Sez Games (for senior citizens). She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
