Santa Ponsa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponça
Santa Ponsa |
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| Santa Ponça | |
Santa Ponsa
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 Santa Ponsa
Location in Majorca
Santa Ponsa
Location in Balearic Islands
Santa Ponsa
Location in Spain
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| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous community | Balearic Islands |
| Province | Balearic Islands |
| Island | Mallorca |
| Comarca | Serra de Tramuntana |
| Municipality | Calvià |
| Postal code |
07180
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| Dialling code | 971 |
Santa Ponsa (also known as Santa Ponça in Catalan) is a small town located in the southwest of Mallorca. It is part of the Calvià area and is about 18 kilometers away from Palma, the capital city.
Contents
History of Santa Ponsa
People once thought Santa Ponsa got its name from an old Roman villa. However, its name actually comes from the Arabic words Sanat Busa. These words mean "area of rush bushes."
King James I's Landing
Santa Ponsa is a very important place in the history of Mallorca. On September 12, 1229, a king named James I of Aragon landed here. He was on a mission to conquer the island. At that time, Mallorca was ruled by the Moors, who were Muslims, and they had been in control for over 300 years.
King James I's mission was successful. After his victory, Mallorca became part of the Crown of Aragon. Later, it joined the Monarchy of Spain.
Commemorating the Past
Today, a special cross stands at the entrance to the marina. It marks the exact spot where King James I landed.
Every September, Santa Ponsa holds a big celebration called a fiesta. This event remembers the historic landing. A fun mock battle takes place on the beach between "Moors and Christians." It's a two-week festival that includes a pop concert and a fantastic firework display.
Tourism in Santa Ponsa
Santa Ponsa is a very popular place for holidays. Many people from countries with colder weather, like Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, visit here. The busiest time is usually from May to October.
Some visitors love Santa Ponsa so much that they buy homes there. You can find villas and apartments built into the hills around the bay. Santa Ponsa is also known as a great holiday spot for older teens, especially those aged 17 and up. It has a lively atmosphere and is close to other fun areas like Magaluf.
Facilities and Activities
Santa Ponsa offers many things to do and see.
Golf Courses
If you like golf, Santa Ponsa has three courses. There are two 18-hole courses (named I and II) and one 9-hole course (named III). Santa Ponsa II has even hosted a big golf event called the PGA European Tour. This course is only for club members. Its 18th green is shaped like the island of Mallorca, surrounded by a pond, which you reach by a bridge.
Education
The Baleares International College is an English school in Santa Ponsa. It was started in 1956 and is located on the road leading to the nearby village of Magaluf.
Marina
Santa Ponsa also has its own private boat harbor, called Club Náutico Santa Ponsa. This yacht club was built in 1975 inside a natural cove known as "Sa Caleta." The marina can hold up to 522 boats, ranging from 7 to 20 meters long. It also offers services for boats that need to be out of the water.
Power System
Santa Ponsa is home to an important part of the COMETA electric power system. This system helps bring electricity from the Spanish mainland to the Balearic Islands.
Images for kids
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A panoramic view of Santa Ponsa
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A balcony view from Deya Hotel
See also
In Spanish: Santa Ponsa para niños
