Founded in 1880, this small coastal town has a harbour, a short beach and a promenade with a handful of restaurants, backed by the mountains of Artà. A quieter alternative to the larger resorts around the Bay of Alcúdia.
Colònia de Sant Pere
Colònia de Sant Pere in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A longer stay
- Best for
- A quieter coastal stay away from the large resorts
- Best months
- March–July, September–October
- Time to allow
- A couple of hours for a visit, or a week for a quiet holiday
- With children
- Good in calm conditions; the beach is small and easy to keep an eye on
- Without a car
- Hire car recommended
- Parking
- Look for signed spaces along local streets and check restrictions; summer demand can be higher
- Getting into the water
- Shallow, with some shelter from the breakwaters
- Keep in mind
- Lively nightlife
- Access
- Pushchairs: Straightforward on the promenade · Wheelchairs: The promenade is accessible; access onto the sand is more limited
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
The small town beach, partly sheltered by breakwaters.
Small local boats and yachts share the harbour.
The church of Sant Pere, with a plaque marking the settlement's first century, 1880–1980.
Getting to know Colònia de Sant Pere
Does Colònia de Sant Pere suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- A quieter coastal stay away from the large resorts
- Walking in the hills of Artà and towards the Ermita de Betlem
- A week of swimming, reading and strolling
- A place where Mallorcan families also spend their holidays
Things to bear in mind
- Lively nightlife
- A long, broad sandy beach
- Exploring widely without checking transport connections
- A resort packed with organised entertainment and water sports
Drive from the airport
60 minutes
65 km
Bus connections
Check current TIB services to Artà and onward connections towards Manacor and Palma
Region
Llevant
Nearest beach
Son Serra de Marina
5 km
Elevation
5 m
above sea level
Season guide for Colònia de Sant Pere
November Worth considering
Very quiet Some places closed
Worth visiting in March, April, May, June, July, September and October.
Location
Location of Colònia de Sant Pere
- Region
- Llevant
- Municipality
- Artà
- Elevation
- 5 m above sea level
- Airport
- 65 km , around 60 minutes
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a longer stay
- Coordinates
- 39.7369,3.2786
A quieter side of the bay
Colònia de Sant Pere sits at the eastern end of the Bay of Alcúdia, below the mountains of Artà. Across the water you can see towards Can Picafort and the Victòria peninsula, yet the atmosphere is quite different from the larger resorts.
Founded in 1880, it remains a small coastal town. A harbour, a short beach and a promenade with a handful of restaurants are the main attractions.
What you find here
The pace is slower. The small beach has shallow water and some shelter from two breakwaters. It is a more modest setting than the long stretches lined with sunbeds elsewhere around the bay.
In the harbour, small local boats sit among yachts, and you may see a hull propped up in the boatyard. A large white stone figure sits on the promenade looking across the water.
Beyond the sand are rock shelves, an old coastal bunker and views towards the opposite shore. It is a lovely place to pause without needing a plan for the rest of the afternoon.
The church
The Església de Sant Pere is dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen. Tall tamarisks partly hide the building from its small square. A plaque on the bell tower marks the settlement’s first century, 1880–1980.
The Sant Pere celebrations fall towards the end of June, traditionally including a decorated boat carrying the saint’s figure. Check the local programme if you would like to see the festivities.
Walking into the hills
The ground rises behind the coast, with walking routes towards the Ermita de Betlem. The climb includes exposed sections, but the views over the bay are rewarding.
April and May are good months. In high summer, start early, carry enough water and avoid the hottest hours. Plan the full route and return journey before setting off.
Is it the right base for you?
If you want a long hotel strip, organised entertainment and lively nightlife, choose a larger resort. Colònia de Sant Pere suits a quieter holiday built around the sea, walks and relaxed meals.
August is busier, with Mallorcan families staying in holiday homes and using the small beach. It is not deserted simply because it is less international than its neighbours.
In April or October, you are more likely to find the quieter atmosphere that draws me here.
Photographs
Colònia de Sant Pere in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Colònia de Sant Pere
Three hours
Stroll from the harbour along the promenade to the beach, return via the church and stop for a coffee.
Half a day
Spend the morning by the sea, visit Artà for its streets and Sant Salvador, then return to the coast.
A full day
Plan a walk towards the Ermita de Betlem. The uphill route rewards the effort with views across the bay; allow time for the return and bring water.
On a rainy day
Consider Artà or Alcúdia for museums and more indoor options; allow for the journey.
The beach at a glance
- Underfoot
- Pale sand with rock shelves at the sides
- Getting into the water
- Shallow, with some shelter from the breakwaters
- Length
- A short town beach
- Shade
- Tamarisks and pines near the waterfront
- Wind
- Often sheltered, though northerly winds can bring waves into the bay
- With children
- Good in calm conditions; the beach is small and easy to keep an eye on
- Facilities
- Limited sunbed and beach-equipment hire · Check seasonal lifeguard coverage locally · A few restaurants along the promenade
Practical details
- Parking
- Look for signed spaces along local streets and check restrictions; summer demand can be higher
- Public transport
- Check current services to Artà
- Time to allow
- A couple of hours for a visit, or a week for a quiet holiday
- Good to know
- Expect a small coastal town with restaurants rather than a large hotel strip and organised nightlife. Choose a larger resort if you want a wide range of evening entertainment.
- Bus
- Check current TIB services to Artà and onward connections towards Manacor and Palma
- Shops and services
- Supermarkets: Small local shops; a wider choice in Artà · Pharmacy: Check local availability; further services in Artà · Medical care: Further medical services in Artà · Cash machines: Limited local provision · Fuel: In Artà
- Access
- Level paved promenade · Pushchairs: Straightforward on the promenade · Wheelchairs: The promenade is accessible; access onto the sand is more limited · Dogs: Check current restrictions at the town beach
- What you will not find
- Extensive nightlife · A long strip of large hotels · A wide range of organised water sports · Frequent direct connections to every resort around the bay
- Coordinates
- 39.7369,3.2786 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
A hermitage founded in 1805 in the hills of Artà, reached by a narrow, winding road. The last resident hermits …
Check the route via Artà if driving; the direct approach from the coast is a walking route
Old farm buildings, gnarled olive trees and a museum about earlier life on Mallorca. Son Real lies between Can …
A few steps onto a wooden platform reveal the coast of Son Real. A dolmen lies beside the viewpoint, with the …
A Talayotic burial ground right beside the sea between Can Picafort and Son Serra de Marina. Around 110 tombs …
A fortress with a church inside, high above Artà. Walls with nine towers surround a courtyard of palms, an old …
Behind a wall of enormous stone blocks on the edge of Artà lies a Talayotic settlement with around 3,000 years of …
A church among the pines, beside the old Son Serra estate with its towers and farm buildings. A glimpse of the …
Above Capdepera stands a former walled settlement, with walkable defensive walls, the Miquel Nunis tower and a …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Other beaches to consider
Beaches and swimming nearby
A planned village of grid-pattern streets, no hotels and houses no higher than two storeys. In front lies a long …
A small fishing settlement first recorded in 1860 has become a busy holiday resort. Come for the beach, the …
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Colònia de Sant Pere
Is Colònia de Sant Pere too quiet for a holiday?
That depends on what you enjoy. There is no large hotel strip or extensive nightlife. For swimming, reading and walks, it can be a lovely base. If you want a busy evening scene and lots of organised activities, consider one of the larger resorts around the bay.
How do I get to Colònia de Sant Pere?
A car is convenient, especially for excursions. If travelling by bus, check current TIB services to Artà and onward connections; do not assume there is a direct service to every town visible across the bay.
Where can I walk from Colònia de Sant Pere?
A rewarding option leads towards the Ermita de Betlem in the hills above the coast. It is an uphill walk with exposed sections and views across the Bay of Alcúdia. April and May are good months; avoid the hottest part of summer days and plan your return route.
Is the beach worth visiting?
Yes, for a quieter beach day when conditions are calm. It is short and partly sheltered by breakwaters, with shallow water. Choose Platja de Muro if you want a much longer sandy beach.
How old is Colònia de Sant Pere?
The settlement was founded in 1880. Its church is dedicated to Saint Peter, patron saint of fishermen, and a plaque on the bell tower commemorates the town's first century, from 1880 to 1980.
What changes in August?
Mallorcan families come for their summer holidays, so homes and the small beach are busy. It still has a different atmosphere from a large resort, but do not expect the quiet of spring.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Colònia de Sant Pere?
Recommended months: March, April, May, June, July, September, October.
Is Colònia de Sant Pere worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth a visit. Usually lively. Generally quieter than the larger resorts, even in summer. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually busy. Popular with Mallorcan summer visitors; the small beach and holiday homes are busy.
How far is Colònia de Sant Pere from Palma airport?
About 65 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 60 minutes by car. The town sits away from the main through road at the eastern end of the bay. A car is useful for excursions; if using buses, plan around the current timetable.
Do I need a hire car for Colònia de Sant Pere?
A car is useful Check current TIB services to Artà and onward connections towards Manacor and Palma
Where can I park in Colònia de Sant Pere?
Look for signed spaces along local streets and check restrictions; summer demand can be higher
Can you swim at Colònia de Sant Pere?
Yes. Pale sand with rock shelves at the sides Shallow, with some shelter from the breakwaters A short town beach Tamarisks and pines near the waterfront Good in calm conditions; the beach is small and easy to keep an eye on
Can I visit Colònia de Sant Pere with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Level paved promenade Pushchairs: Straightforward on the promenade Wheelchairs: The promenade is accessible; access onto the sand is more limited
Are dogs allowed at Colònia de Sant Pere?
Check current restrictions at the town beach
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.