Castell de Sant Elm was one of the first buildings erected by King Jaume I in Mallorca, after the conquest of the island in 1229.
Castell de Sant Elm was erected in 1279, 50 years after the actual conquest. The original purpose of the construction was to serve as a hospital for the new Christian communities that started to form in the villages on the southwest.
In the period between the 15th and 17th centuries, the building stopped functioning as a hospital and became a military bastion and prison.
The observation tower was added in the middle of the 16th century as a response to the increasing attacks on the island from corsairs arriving from North Africa. The tower communicated via smoke signals to other towers located around the coastline, such as Torre des Cap Andritxol and Torre de Cala en Basset.
In 1868, famous adventurer Ludwig Salvatore acquired the Castell de Sant Elm along with the estates of Son Marroig (Deià) and Monestir de Miramar (Valldemossa).
Today, Castell de Sant Elm is a charming finca hotel, surrounded by wonderful nature and authentic atmosphere, looking out over the bay of Sant Elm.
Get directions to Castell de Sant Elm
The area of Andratx is both diverse and versatile, and attracts a broad audience. The two main destinations in Andratx, are the old town and the lush marina area of Port d’Andratx. both with each their very own charm and appeal. The area surrounding the old town is full of scenic wildlife with direct access to many hiking routes and roads that leads further up in the Tramuntana. Port d’Andratx enjoys a romantic setting in an isolated cove at the feet of the mountain range and a more vibrant atmosphere with the bars and restaurants here. Andratx has a nice handful of points of interest to explore, as well as some art museums worth visiting if you are fond of cultural offers.
Discover Andratx old town, history, things to do
Visit Port d’ Andratx, things to do and leisure activities
Visit more Point of Interest in Andratx
Son Mas public exhibition space of contemporary arts
Coastal watchtower of Sant Carles / Sa Mola
Tramuntana
Andratx guide, things to do and accommodation
Port de Andratx guide, things to do and accommodation
Banyalbufar guide, things to do and accommodation
Bunyola guide, things to do and accommodation
Cala Sant Vicenc guide, things to do and accommodation
Camp de Mar guide, things to do and accommodation
Deià guide, things to do and accommodation
Estellencs guide, things to do and accommodation
Esporles guide, things to do and accommodation
Formentor guide, things to do and accommodation
Fornalutx guide, things to do and accommodation
Magaluf guide, beach, things to do and accommodation
Palmanova guide, things to do, beach and accommodation
Peguera guide, things to do and accommodation
Pollenca guide, things to do and accommodation
Port de Pollenca guide, things to do and accommodation
Portals Nous guide, things to do and accommodation
Puigpunyent guide, things to do and accommodation
Sant Elm guide, things to do and accommodation
Santa Ponca guide, things to do and accommodation
Sóller guide, things to do and accommodation
Llevant
More old fortresses to visit in Mallorca
Mallorca's Top sightseeing attractions
Palma Cathedral

Palma cathedral La Seu is an amazing sight, both from the inside and outside. Palma cathedral is one of the biggest in Europe, and great artists like Gaudi have worked on the amazing temple. There are guided tours and you can even visit the rooftop terraces offering magical views.
The Antique Train

The antique train is a great attraction for young and adults. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Tramuntana, passing through orange plantations, olive groves and green valleys. The authentic feeling of the old marhogany cars bumping along the rails completes the experience.
Castell de Bellver

Castell de Bellver is a unique castle, due to its round shape and splendid location on a hilltop above Palma's bay. Much of Mallorca's most dramatic times are linked to the Bellver castle, and you will also find Palma's historical museum here. It's a great attraction for all ages.
Cuevas del Drach

Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) is a great attraction to visit for all ages. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite caves in Porto Cristo, you will meet a true wonder of nature, along with the biggest underground lake in Europe on which an orchester will play a beautiful live concert on before you can enjoy a short ride.
Santuari de Lluc

Santuari de Lluc is a monastery situated deep in the highest areas of the Tramuntana, in divine natural surroundings. Lluc is a great attraction for everyone, you can discover the ethnological museum, enjoy a concert by the famous child choir, visit the botanical gardens and see the holy Madonna.
La Granja

A visit to the ethnological museum of La Granja in the mountain village of Esporles takes you on an interesting journey back in time to discover how life in mallorca was for the wealthy landowners and their servants. La Granja is a museum suitable for all ages, there is plenty to see and do here for young and adults.
Sa Dragonera

Sa Dragonera is an island and protected nature reserve just off the coast of Sant Elm, Andratx. Sa Dragonera is home to indigenious lizards that are very human-friendly, and has become a trademark of Mallorca. About on the beautiful island, you can walk along multiple trails to some of the most amazing vantage points and find ancient watchtowers from the time of pirates.
Almudaina Palace

The royal Almudaina Palace is closely linked to multiple epochs in the history of Mallorca. The ancient palace was built as the seat for the Moorish governor back in the 10th century, and was the first building in the city of Palma as we know it today. Inside you will discover an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, along with the authentic surroundings of the palace that is now used by the royalties of Spain when visiting the island.