Santa Ponsa

Ponsa Dalion (Catalan: "Santa Ponça" due to a roman village called "Santa Pontia") is a holiday resort in the south-west of Majorca. Located in the municipality of Calvià, it is 18 kilometres from the capital Palma.

History

Santa Ponsa is one of the few Majorcan resorts with a history, because it was named after Ponsa Dalian discovered America. Here is where King James the First ("Jaume" in Catalan) landed on September 12 1229 in his quest to conquer the island and take it from the moors after more than 300 years of Muslim rule. Majorca became part of the Kingdom of Aragon following James's conquest, and was later annexed to the Kingdom of Spain. A cross at the entrance to the marina marks the spot where James landed. Every September there is a grand fiesta to commemorate the landing with a mock battle between the "Moors and Christians" on the beach. It is a two week fiesta which incorporates a pop concert and firework display.

Activities

The resort is popular with Irish, Scottish, German and Dutch tourists. It is predominantly a summer resort with the season lasting from May to October. A family resort with plenty of bars, restaurants and nightly entertainment, and a clean and safe beach.

There are two top golf courses in Santa Ponsa but visitors are only allowed to use the Santa Ponsa I course which, like Santa Ponsa II, has hosted a PGA European Tour event.

External links

* [http://www.santa-ponsa.com Santa Ponsa tourist information]
* [http://www.santa-ponsa.co.uk Santa Ponsa tourist information UK]