At the island's far south-west, Andratx is the inland market town; its harbour, Port d'Andratx, is one of Mallorca's most exclusive marinas. And a step away, quiet Sant Elm looks out to sea towards the protected island of Sa Dragonera.
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Andratx has two faces. Up the hill, the inland town — quiet and authentic, with its Wednesday market and the Castell de Son Mas. Down by the sea, Port d'Andratx: a former fishing harbour turned one of the island's most glamorous marinas, with luxury villas, yachts and restaurants at the water's edge. It's the chic south-west, without quite losing its seafaring soul.
The municipality reaches the island's south-west tip at the fishing village of Sant Elm, with its small beaches and privileged views of Sa Dragonera. That uninhabited island, a nature park since 1995, is famous for its black lizards and its hiking trails; it's reached only by boat, mostly from Sant Elm. From Sant Elm too begins the walk to La Trapa, a former monastic estate on a cliff-top setting that is one of the loveliest hikes in the area.
At the table, the speciality is fresh fish and seafood from the Port d'Andratx fish market, served in the quayside restaurants. The big event of the year is the Festes de Sant Pere, honouring the fishermen's patron: around 29 June, the port marks its seafaring heritage with a maritime procession, concerts, correfocs and fireworks. Two tips: keep Wednesday for Andratx's weekly market (mornings, in the centre), and note that Sa Dragonera is reached only by boat — no cars — from Sant Elm, with limited capacity, so bring water and comfortable shoes.
