Colonia de Sant Jordi is a picturesque tourist destination and village in Mallorca, on the south coast of the municipality of Ses Salines, in the Migjorn region. It is known for its marina, its idyllic beaches and its salt flats. It is a popular destination that combines its fishing past with modern tourist services, offering activities such as water sports, hiking, bird watching and access to the Cabrera archipelago.
Toponymy
The toponymy of Colonia de Sant Jordi comes from the salt-making activity, whose name refers to the salt flats located in the area, which have been used since ancient times by the Romans and Phoenicians. The town emerged as a small fishing port on the southeast coast of Mallorca, in the municipality of Ses Salines and is now an important tourist center.
Historical summary of Colonia de Sant Jordi
The history of Colonia de Sant Jordi dates back to prehistoric times, with remains from the Bronze Age and the establishment of salt flats, which were exploited by the Punics, Romans and other civilizations. The Middle Ages in Colonia are linked to the figure of a knight who refused to persecute Christians, for which he was beheaded on April 23, 303 AD, by order of Emperor Diocletian. After his martyrdom, legends arose about his life, such as the famous story of Saint George and the dragon, which became popular in Catalonia during the Middle Ages, when he became the patron saint of the region in 1456, when he was declared the official patron saint of Catalonia.
Colonia de Sant Jordi in Modern Times focused on protecting its valuable salt flats from piracy, with the construction of the Castle of s’Estany in the 15th century and the Defense Tower of s’Acall in the 14th century, both testimonies to the strategic importance of the place after Arab rule and pirate raids.
After the Modern Age, the importance of the salt flats continued and salt extraction continues to this day. The town developed as a fishing and agricultural center, which today has been transformed into a prominent tourist destination. Initially, the town was consolidated at the end of the 19th century with an agricultural colony promoted by the Marquis of Palmer, but its tourist development intensified significantly in the 20th century, thanks to its natural appeal and beaches.
How to get to Colonia de Sant Jordi
Colonia de Sant Jordi is located at the southern tip of Mallorca, in the municipality of Ses Salines. To get there, you can go by car, taking the Ma-19 from Palma and then the Ma-6040 towards Campos, or by public transport, using bus lines from Palma Intermodal Station. The rental car option is the most flexible and recommended, especially if you want to explore the surrounding area.
Getting there by car
To get to Colonia de Sant Jordi from Palma by car, the most direct route is to take the Ma-19 south, passing through Lluchmajor and then heading towards Campos and finally the Colonia. Another option is to take the Ma-19 and, after about 24 km, keep right towards Campos/Felanitx/Santanyí, turn at the roundabout and follow the signs. The journey takes approximately 55 minutes on the Ma-19 or about 45-50 minutes on the most direct route to Campos.
Main route: Take the Ma-19 southbound (towards the airport and the south of the island). After Lluchmajor, continue towards Campos. Once in Campos, follow the signs for Colonia de Sant Jordi. This route is shorter than the one along the coast.
Alternative route (longer): Take the Ma-19 southbound. Follow the Ma-19 for about 24 km. Keep right towards Campos/Felanitx/Santanyí. Continue along the road until you see the signs for Colonia de Sant Jordi. This route runs along the coast and is more scenic.
Travel time: The journey takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the route you choose.
Getting there by bus
To get to Colònia de Sant Jordi by bus, the best option is the 517 line from stations such as Santanyí or Llucmajor. From Palma, the bus journey may involve transfers and take around 1 hour and 33 minutes, departing from Estació Intermodal or Plaça de la Constitució and arriving at La Verge 1 station.
Bus from Palma to Colonia Sant Jordi: The 517 bus departs from Plaça Constitució and arrives at La Verge 1. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes, including transfers. There are also other options combining train and bus that take up to 2 hours and 18 minutes. Schedules may be more limited outside the high tourist season in summer.
Bus from other towns: From Santanyí, take line 517 from the Cas Canonge 2 stop to Roada 517. The journey takes about 14 minutes and costs between €3 and €5. From Llucmajor, take the 501 bus from Llucmajor est 2 to La Verge 2, then take the 517 bus to Roada 517. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Bus lines connecting to Colonia Sant Jordi: The main bus lines connecting to Colònia de Sant Jordi are the 517, which connects Santanyí with Colònia de Sant Jordi and Campos and the 508, which connects Sa Ràpita with Palma, stopping at Colònia de Sant Jordi. In addition, there are other lines that connect with nearby towns and may require a transfer, such as those that go to Campos or Ses Salines, from where you can connect with Colònia de Sant Jordi.
Direct lines: Line 517: connects Santanyí, Es Llombards and Ses Salines with Colònia de Sant Jordi. Line 508: connects Sa Ràpita with Palma, stopping at Colònia de Sant Jordi.
Lines with transfer: Lines to Campos: several lines, such as the 515 from Cala d’Or to Campos or the A51 from Campos to the airport, take you to Campos, from where you can take line 517 to Colònia de Sant Jordi. Lines to Ses Salines: some lines, such as the one from Cala Figuera to Campos (516), take you to Ses Salines, from where you can take line 517 to Colònia de Sant Jordi.
Additional tips: You can buy your ticket directly from the driver on board the bus, but it is important to know that only cash tickets up to 10 euros are accepted. Another option is to purchase a prepaid card in advance at authorized points of sale. Payment can also be made directly with a contactless bank card and up to five people can travel with the same card, benefiting from discounts per user. In this case, it is essential to validate the card both when boarding and alighting from the bus so that the system can calculate the cost of the journey correctly. Please note that some lines are express and do not make all stops. To plan your trip, we recommend checking the timetables on the TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) website.
Getting there by taxi
You can also get there by taxi if you are looking for a faster option. A taxi from Palma de Mallorca airport to Colonia de Sant Jordi takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around €70 during the day (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and €75 at night and on weekends. The time and price may vary depending on the route, time and taxi company, as there may be a slight increase due to the meter or supplements.
Important notes
Once you arrive at your destination, the center of Colonia de Sant Jordi is compact and can be easily explored on foot. Having a car makes it easier to visit more distant beaches or take trips to nearby towns.
What to see and do in Colonia de Sant Jordi
Colonia de Sant Jordi is an important town in Mallorca and a popular tourist destination that combines an old fishing port with an important history linked to the oldest salt flats in the Mediterranean, dating back to the 4th century BC. The area offers white sandy beaches such as Es Trenc and Es Dolç and boasts natural monuments and important archaeological sites. It is a center for traditional salt extraction and its port is the starting point for visiting the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.
Beaches and nature
Colonia de Sant Jordi is a fishing village in the southeast of Mallorca, famous for its beaches (such as Es Trenc, Es Carbó and Es Dolç), its marina and its proximity to the Cabrera Archipelago. The town has an important past linked to salt production, which is still alive today and offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports.
Beaches: Es Trenc, Es Carbó and Es Dolç are some of the most popular beaches due to their beauty and crystal clear waters.
Cabrera Archipelago: This is the closest starting point for visiting this marine national park.
Salt flats: Near the town are the oldest salt flats in the world (4th century BC), where salt is still extracted using traditional methods.
Marina: Boats depart from the port to the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, to which Colonia is the closest area.
Sant Joan de la Font Santa Spa: This spa, which houses the only natural hot springs on the island, is located a short distance away.
Heritage
The heritage of Colònia de Sant Jordi includes both archaeological remains from the Roman period and historic defensive buildings. In terms of archaeology, the salt flats, which have been exploited since Punic times and the port, which has been in use since ancient times, are particularly noteworthy. Among the historic buildings, the 14th-century defensive tower S’Avall, the 15th-century fortification S’Estany and the tower of Ca’n Barbarà are particularly noteworthy.
Monuments: There are remains of prehistoric settlements such as talayots (megalithic monuments), as well as historic buildings and monuments, such as the fortified tower of S’Estany.
Cabrera Interpretation Center: This center offers information on the history of the island of Cabrera and has an aquarium with local marine species.
Activities
In Colonia de Sant Jordi, the main activities include water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and snorkeling, as well as boat trips to the island of Cabrera. For routes, there are hiking and cycling options that explore the Es Trenc Natural Park, such as the route to the Ses Salines Lighthouse and coastal walks that connect to coves and beaches such as Es Trenc and Es Dolç.
Water sports: In the port, you can rent boats and go snorkeling, among other activities.
Hiking and walking: There are routes for enjoying nature, such as the walk to Es Carbó beach, ideal for those who enjoy coastal walks.
Bird watching and cycling: The area is a good place for these activities.
History and culture
Colonia de Sant Jordi celebrates important events such as the feast of the patron saint Sant Jordi in April, the Festes d’Estiu in summer with concerts, sports activities and fireworks and the Nit de Sant Joan in June with bonfires on the beach. Also noteworthy are the El Carmen festivities in July, with a maritime procession and the Feria de la Sal y la Langosta (Salt and Lobster Fair) in spring.
Origin: The village has traces of Bronze Age settlements.
Historic buildings: Notable monuments include the fortified building of S’Estany and the S’Avall watchtower.
Festivals: The Sant Jordi festivities are held in April, with concerts, exhibitions and markets.
Events: There is a local produce market on Wednesdays and patron saint festivities in honor of Sant Jordi (April 23).
Colonia de Sant Jordi in 1, 2 or 3 days
Colonia de Sant Jordi in one day lets you see the essentials: a walk around the port, the town beach and a meal by the sea. In the afternoon you can head to the salt flats and the Cabrera interpretation centre to understand the role of salt and the archipelago in the town’s history.
Colonia de Sant Jordi in two days adds nature. Dedicate the second day to a nearby beach (Es Trenc or Es Dolç, depending on whether you prefer wide sand or a smaller cove) and, if the weather allows, a boat trip to Cabrera from the port.
Colonia de Sant Jordi in three days gives you room to explore the south at a relaxed pace: one day for the Ses Salines lighthouse and the coast, another for Santanyí and Cala Figuera, and another to repeat the beach or hike around the Es Trenc area. It’s a good rhythm if you’re travelling with family or want to combine rest and short outings.
What to see near Colonia de Sant Jordi
Ordered from nearest to furthest, these are the easy getaways from Colonia de Sant Jordi:
Ses Salines (about 10 minutes by car): a quiet village near the lighthouse with a local feel. A good stop for shopping or eating away from the crowds.
Santanyí (about 20-25 minutes): a charming town with a market and stone streets. A classic in the south for a morning or an afternoon.
Cala Figuera (about 25-30 minutes): a picturesque fishing port, ideal for a stroll and fresh fish.
Cala d’Or (about 30-35 minutes): a coastal area with coves and services. Useful if you’re after a livelier atmosphere or water activities.
Campos (about 20-25 minutes): an inland town with practical services and good connections to Palma and the airport.
If you want to go further, Palma is just over 45-50 minutes by car, so it’s also an option for a full day.
Colonia de Sant Jordi without a car: what you can do on foot
The centre of Colonia de Sant Jordi is compact and flat, so it’s easy to explore on foot: port, promenade, town beach and streets with restaurants and shops.
Without a car you can easily cover day-to-day needs: beach, promenade, port and the nearby salt flats. For more distant beaches such as Es Trenc or Es Dolç, the most practical option is to combine bus, taxi or bike, as walking takes longer and there isn’t always shade.
To get around the south, the bus is the simplest option: line 517 connects with Santanyí, Es Llombards and Ses Salines, and there are connections to Campos and Palma. Check timetables on the TIB website, as they may be more limited outside high season.
Colonia de Sant Jordi for families
Colonia de Sant Jordi works well for families because of its scale: a manageable town, a comfortable promenade and fine-sand beaches with calm waters in the town area. It’s a good place to combine beach time with short walks without needing the car every day.
With children, these usually work well: the town beach and the port promenade, the Cabrera interpretation centre (educational and with an aquarium), and a short boat trip if the weather allows. On hotter days, it’s best to keep the beach for early morning and leave visits for mid-afternoon.
If you’re looking for a bit more activity, the area has kayak and paddle surf rental, and easy hiking routes around Es Trenc. For families wanting to expand, Cala d’Or or Santanyí are short, simple outings.
Curious facts and insider tips about Colonia de Sant Jordi
The town’s name is linked to salt-making and to the tradition of Sant Jordi, a deeply rooted patron saint in the area. The salt flats have been worked since ancient times and are still active, so the landscape of ponds and salt mountains is part of the place’s identity.
A practical detail: in high season, the beaches around Es Trenc fill up early. If you’re after more peace, go early or choose walking access areas such as the path to Es Carbó, which usually has fewer people than the main access points.
Insider tip: to see the Cabrera archipelago without a long excursion, the town’s interpretation centre gives context and the port allows you to board short trips. And if you like photography, sunset from the port and salt flats area is a good moment to capture the landscape without the hottest hours.
Frequently asked questions about Colonia de Sant Jordi
Where to park in Colonia de Sant Jordi? In high season parking near the port and beach fills up. There are free areas on the outskirts of the centre and paid options in the most central areas. If you’re staying in the centre, the easiest thing is to walk for local trips.
Is it better to stay in Colonia de Sant Jordi or Santanyí? Colonia de Sant Jordi is more coastal and practical for the beach; Santanyí is more inland, with a village atmosphere and a good base for exploring the south. The choice depends on whether you prioritise daily beach time or a more village-like pace.
Is there a party scene in Colonia de Sant Jordi? It’s not an intense nightlife destination. The atmosphere is family-friendly and quiet, with terraces and a promenade, and more lively in summer and during the patron saint festivities.
When is the best time to go to Colonia de Sant Jordi? From May to October there are full services and good weather. July and August are the busiest months; May, June and September usually offer the best combination of good weather and fewer people.
Do you need a car to visit Colonia de Sant Jordi? For the town and the town beach, no. For Es Trenc, the Ses Salines lighthouse or southern villages, it is recommended. You can also combine bus and bike for short trips.
Can you drink tap water in Mallorca? In general, the mains water is potable, although the taste may vary. Many visitors choose bottled water for drinking, but for cooking and washing it is suitable.
And that’s it for this brief guide to Colonia de Sant Jordi, Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
