Family-friendly beaches, championship golf, and vibrant international community
If Puerto Portals is Calvià's glamorous marina lifestyle, Santa Ponsa is its active, family-friendly counterpart. This is where international families settle for summers, where kids learn to sail at the yacht club, and where you'll hear as much German and English as Spanish on the beach.
Santa Ponsa offers something rare in Calvià: two genuinely excellent sandy beaches within walking distance of most villas, plus three championship golf courses within a 5-minute drive. The vibe is relaxed but organized, with excellent infrastructure for families—international schools nearby, kids' activities year-round, and a community that returns summer after summer.
Villa rentals here deliver better value than Puerto Portals (20-30% less expensive) while still offering the Calvià quality of life. You're trading marina glamour for family practicality, and for most families with kids, that's exactly the right trade.
Handpicked family-friendly properties with the space, amenities, and location that make holidays work with kids.
This is the villa parents dream about: a fully fenced pool (safety first), a large garden where kids can actually play, and just a 12-minute walk to Santa Ponsa beach. The layout works perfectly for families—two bedrooms on the ground floor for parents and younger kids, two upstairs for teens who want their space.
What really sells this villa is the outdoor space. The covered terrace is large enough for family meals regardless of weather, there's a barbecue that actually works well (not always a given), and the garden has mature trees providing shade during the hottest hours. Parents can relax by the pool while kids play safely within sight.
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For golf-obsessed families (or groups of friends), this villa delivers the dream: walking distance to Santa Ponsa Golf I, with Golf II and III within a 5-minute drive. The villa itself is spacious enough for two families to share comfortably without stepping on each other.
Five bedrooms mean flexibility—bring the grandparents, invite another family, or just enjoy having space. The pool is large enough for actual swimming (not just cooling off), and the outdoor entertainment area rivals what you'd expect at a resort. The location is quieter than beachfront areas but still just 10 minutes' drive from the sand.
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This three-bedroom villa proves you don't need a massive property to have a perfect Santa Ponsa holiday. What you do need is a great location—and this delivers. A 7-minute walk to the main Santa Ponsa beach means you can actually leave beach toys and chairs at the villa and walk down empty-handed (parents will understand why this matters).
The villa is well-maintained and thoughtfully equipped, with a focus on practical family living rather than show-home aesthetics. The pool is a good size for a family with younger kids, the outdoor space gets shade in the afternoon (crucial in July-August), and there's enough indoor space that rainy days (rare, but they happen) don't feel cramped.
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Need a villa closer to the golf course? Want a property with a games room for teenagers? Looking for something within your exact budget? Get in touch and we'll find options that match your specific requirements.
GET PERSONALIZED HELPPlaya Santa Ponsa (main beach): Large sandy beach with shallow water perfect for kids. Lifeguards in summer, water sports available, beach clubs, and restaurants lining the promenade. Gets busy but never unbearably crowded.
Playa Pequeña (little beach): Smaller, quieter alternative just around the headland. More relaxed vibe, good for families wanting less action.
All courses offer junior programs in summer. Book tee times online in advance during peak season.
Santa Ponsa is more casual than Puerto Portals, with good family restaurants:
| Factor | Santa Ponsa | Palmanova | Puerto Portals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Families with kids, golfers | Budget-conscious families, first-timers | Couples, luxury seekers, foodies |
| Beaches | 2 sandy beaches, both family-friendly | 3 sandy beaches, very convenient | Small beach, better options 10 min away |
| Golf Access | 3 courses within 5 min | 15 min to nearest course | 5 min to Real Golf Bendinat |
| Atmosphere | Active, international, community feel | Lively resort, touristy but fun | Sophisticated, glamorous, upscale |
| Price Range | €2,200 - €6,000/week | €1,800 - €4,500/week | €3,500 - €10,000/week |
| Schools Nearby | 15 min to international schools | 20 min to international schools | 10 min to Agora Portals |
Peak (July-August): Perfect beach weather, all facilities open, most expensive, book 10-12 months ahead.
Shoulder (May-June, September-October): Ideal conditions, less crowded beaches, better value. September is particularly good as water is warmest.
Off-Season (November-April): Many restaurants close, but still pleasant for golf-focused trips. Much cheaper.
Yes, strongly recommended. While you can walk to beaches and restaurants in Santa Ponsa, you'll want a car for:
Yes, Santa Ponsa is excellent for families. The beaches have shallow water and are lifeguarded in summer. There's a large international family community, so kids can make friends easily. The area is safe, walkable, and has all the infrastructure families need—pharmacies, supermarkets, medical center. It's one of the most family-friendly areas in Calvià.
Expect €2,200-€6,000/week depending on size and season. Three-bedroom villas start around €2,200/week in shoulder season, €3,000-4,000 in peak summer. Five-bedroom properties for larger families or groups run €3,500-6,000/week. This is 20-30% less than equivalent properties in Puerto Portals while still offering excellent quality.
Many villas are within 10-15 minute walk of the beach, though not all. When searching, check the specific distance. Beachfront villas command a premium. Most families find that 10-15 minute walks are fine with kids—it's manageable and means you're not dealing with beach crowds right outside your door.
It's a popular resort, so yes, it's touristy—but in a good way for families. You get excellent infrastructure, English-speaking services, reliable restaurants, and activities for kids. It's not as authentic as a Mallorcan village, but it's also not party-focused like Magaluf. Think "international residential area" rather than "party resort."
Santa Ponsa is one of Mallorca's best golf destinations. Three courses within 5 minutes means variety without driving. Book tee times online before you arrive—walk-ups are difficult in peak season. Green fees run €80-120 depending on course and season. All courses offer club rental if you don't want to travel with your own.
Yes, three major international schools are 15-20 minutes away: Queens College (British curriculum), Agora Portals (IB), and Baleares International College (British). This makes Santa Ponsa popular with families who relocate long-term or spend extended summers in Mallorca while kids attend school.
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