Es Pontàs
Cala Santanyí, Majorca
Rising from the Mediterranean Sea near the resort of Cala Santanyi in southeast Mallorca, Es Pontàs is a natural, free-standing limestone sea arch standing just offshore from the coast. At around 65 feet (20 meters) high, the arch lures sightseers who visit the nearby cliffs to admire and take photos, as well as experienced climbers and high divers.
The Basics
Thought to have once formed the entrance to a natural sea cave, Es Pontàs is one of southern Majorca’s natural wonders. Created over millennia of coastal wave erosion, its name translates as the “big bridge” in Catalan and references its near-perfect horseshoe opening, which lends it a beautiful symmetry when viewed from a distance.
As Es Pontàs is only accessible from the sea, most travelers make a trip to Mallorca’s southeastern coast to see it from land. Fine views over the rock can be had from the clifftops just west of Cala Santanyi: Follow the trails to the marked viewpoint, which commands unobstructed panoramas over the arch. Some boat tours from nearby Cala Figuera let you check out Es Pontàs and the picturesque surrounding coastline from the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Es Pontàs will appeal to sightseers, nature lovers, and geology and marine enthusiasts.
- The easiest way to see the arch is along clifftop trails from Cala Santanyi or via local boat trips.
- Bring sunscreen if walking from Cala Santanyi—shade is limited.
- The tracks to the Es Pontàs viewpoint are steep and unmade, so wear sturdy walking shoes.
- The viewpoint is only partially secured by rails and the surrounding cliff edges are uneven, making a visit unsuitable for travelers with mobility difficulties or a fear of heights.
How to Get There
The Es Pontàs viewpoint is only accessible on foot. From Cala Santanyi, take the Carrer de sa Cova des Vell Mari to the Es Pontàs car park, and then follow the signposts to Es Pontàs—you’ll walk along the Carrer sa Cova d’es Coloms before making the short walk along the rocky trails. Alternatively, book a boat tour from Cala Figuera.
When to Get There
The Es Pontàs viewpoint is open daily and popular in high summer, so plan to visit during the off-season or in the relatively early mornings. For the best views, synchronize your viewing with sunset, when the horizon behind the rock is a blaze of pink and orange.
Things to See at Es Pontàs
When weather conditions are safe, deep-water solo climbers and cliff divers take on the challenge of climbing or diving from Es Pontàs. If you’re lucky, you might spot intrepid individuals inching their way up the rock to make the summit or dive into the waters below. Both feats are strictly for experienced climbers and divers only, but they provide brilliant photo ops from the mainland viewpoint.
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