# Calvià and Andratx: resorts and coast in the south-west > South-west Mallorca with Magaluf, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa, Peguera and Port d'Andratx: resorts close to Palma, mountains behind and the islet of Dragonera. Canonical: https://mallorcaplaner.com/calvia-andratx/ Updated on: 2026-10-02 The south-west of Mallorca is made up of the municipalities of Calvià and Andratx. It holds the resorts of Magaluf, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa and Peguera, the harbour of Port d'Andratx and, off the western tip, the uninhabited islet of Dragonera. ## In short Calvià and Andratx form the south-west of Mallorca, a holiday region with a short journey from Palma. Magaluf is about 15 kilometres from the capital and is known for its nightlife, and Santa Ponsa is about 18 kilometres away. Peguera is a beach resort of hotels and apartment blocks, about 18 kilometres from Palma in a straight line. Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm lie in the far west, facing Sa Dragonera Natural Park. ## Key points - Calvià has 53,793 residents (2025), about 145 square kilometres and roughly 54 kilometres of coast. - Magaluf and Palmanova sit at the western end of the Bay of Palma, about 15 kilometres from the city. - King James I landed at Santa Ponsa in September 1229, and a cross at the marina entrance marks the spot. - Andratx is made up of five settlements: Andratx, Port d'Andratx, S'Arracó, Sant Elm and Camp de Mar. - Sa Dragonera covers 288 hectares, is uninhabited and has been a natural park since 1995. ## What defines the south-west of Mallorca Calvià borders Palma directly and, with 53,793 residents (2025), is one of the large municipalities on the island. Across about 145 square kilometres it brings together three landscapes: mountains in the north with Puig de Galatzó at 1,026 metres, a gentle central valley with the town of Calvià and Es Capdellà, and a deeply indented coastal strip of about 54 kilometres. According to the Catalan Wikipedia, 81 per cent of the municipality is rural land and a large part belongs to the Natura 2000 network. Andratx follows to the west, with 12,195 residents (2025), 81.5 square kilometres and about 23 kilometres of coast. Both municipalities lie at the south-western end of the [Serra de Tramuntana](https://mallorcaplaner.com/tramuntana/). Tourism is concentrated in the bays, while the land behind is hilly and quiet. ## The resorts of Calvià - Magaluf and Palmanova: These twin resorts are the largest holiday centres in Calvià. They sit at the western end of the Bay of Palma, about 15 kilometres from the city. Magaluf is known for its nightlife, which is centred on the so-called strip. Peak season is July and August, and most resort hotels close in winter. - Santa Ponsa: The town, officially Santa Ponça, is about 18 kilometres from Palma. King James I of Aragon landed here in September 1229 to conquer the island. A cross at the marina entrance marks the spot, and every September a fiesta recalls it with a mock battle between Moors and Christians. The town has several golf courses. - Peguera: The resort consists mainly of mid-range hotels, apartment blocks and restaurants. According to the German Wikipedia, many guests come from German-speaking countries. The central promenade is the Bulevar de Peguera. - Other places: Illetes, Portals Nous, Son Ferrer and El Toro also belong to Calvià, along with smaller coves such as Portals Vells. The overview of [beaches in Mallorca](https://mallorcaplaner.com/beaches/) helps you choose a beach. ## Andratx, Sant Elm and Sa Dragonera The town of Andratx lies away from the coast, and the harbour of Port d'Andratx on the sea. Camp de Mar is among the best-known beaches. Sant Elm is a small village at the far south-west corner of Mallorca. The islet of Pantaleu lies about 300 metres off the beach, with Sa Dragonera beyond it. The uninhabited island covers 288 hectares, belongs to Andratx and was declared a natural park in 1995. Its two lighthouses, Tramuntana and Llebeig, have operated since 1910. The island has its own subspecies of Lilford's wall lizard. Near Sant Elm are the ruins of La Trapa monastery, founded by Trappist monks in 1810 and abandoned in 1820. Trips to the island are listed under [boat trips](https://mallorcaplaner.com/boat-trips/) and mountain paths under [hiking](https://mallorcaplaner.com/hiking/). ## Getting there and getting around The south-west is close to Palma: in a straight line it is about 12 kilometres to Magaluf and about 18 to Peguera, and about 25 kilometres from the airport to Peguera. According to Aena, airport bus line A11 runs between Palma airport and Camp de Mar (checked on 2 October 2026). Stops, timetables and fares are published by the bus operator. Being so near the capital, the region works for day trips to [Palma](https://mallorcaplaner.com/palma/) without a long drive. The [map](https://mallorcaplaner.com/map/) shows where each resort lies. ## Who the south-west suits The south-west suits you if you want a resort with full services and a short transfer. The resorts differ clearly: Magaluf is aimed at guests who want to go out, Santa Ponsa and Peguera are classic beach resorts, and Port d'Andratx and Sant Elm are smaller and quieter. Families will find pointers under [Mallorca with children](https://mallorcaplaner.com/with-kids/). The region is less suitable if you travel in winter and expect beach hotels to be open, or if you are looking for undeveloped natural beaches. In that case look at the south. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which resorts belong to Calvià in Mallorca? The municipality of Calvià includes Magaluf, Palmanova, Santa Ponsa, Peguera, Illetes, Portals Nous, Son Ferrer and El Toro, as well as the town of Calvià and Es Capdellà inland. The municipality has about 54 kilometres of coast. ### How far is Magaluf from Palma de Mallorca? According to Wikipedia, Magaluf and neighbouring Palmanova are about 15 kilometres from Palma, at the western end of the Bay of Palma. In a straight line it is about 12 kilometres. The resort belongs to the municipality of Calvià. ### What happened historically at Santa Ponsa in Mallorca? King James I of Aragon landed at Santa Ponsa in September 1229 to conquer Mallorca. A cross at the marina entrance marks the spot. Every September a fiesta recalls the landing with a mock battle between Moors and Christians. ### Is Peguera a German resort in Mallorca? Peguera belongs to the municipality of Calvià. According to the German Wikipedia, many holidaymakers come from German-speaking countries and the entertainment on offer is geared to them. The resort consists mainly of hotels, apartment blocks and restaurants. ### Can you visit the island of Sa Dragonera off Mallorca? Yes, Sa Dragonera is a natural park and can be visited on organised excursions from the harbour of Sant Elm. The island is uninhabited and covers 288 hectares. The park administration publishes visiting rules, and each operator publishes its timetable. ### Which settlements make up Andratx in Mallorca? The municipality of Andratx in the south-west of Mallorca is made up of five settlements: the town of Andratx, the harbour of Port d'Andratx, S'Arracó, Sant Elm and Camp de Mar. It has 12,195 residents (2025) and about 23 kilometres of coast. ## Sources - [Viquipèdia (CA): Calvià](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvi%C3%A0), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Viquipèdia (CA): Andratx](https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andratx), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikipedia (EN): Magaluf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magaluf), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikipedia (EN): Santa Ponsa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Ponsa), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikipedia (DE): Peguera](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peguera), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikipedia (EN): Dragonera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonera), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikipedia (EN): Sant Elm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant_Elm), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Wikidata: Einwohner und Fläche der Gemeinden (Abfrage der Einträge am Prüfdatum)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8828), checked on 2026-10-02 - [Aena: Aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca, cómo llegar en autobús](https://www.aena.es/es/palma-de-mallorca/como-llegar/autobus.html), checked on 2026-10-02