Colònia de Sant Pere Mallorca: Guide to the Coastal Village of Artà
Colònia de Sant Pere is a quiet coastal village in the municipality of Artà with a residential character and no mass tourism. Its seafront promenade, views of Cap Pinar and proximity to the Llevant Natural Park make it an ideal base for exploring the northeast.
Colònia de Sant Pere is a small coastal village at the eastern end of the Bay of Alcúdia, within the municipality of Artà. It began in the 19th century as a farming and fishing colony and still preserves a calm atmosphere, very different from the big resorts of northern Mallorca. Its seafront promenade, marina and views towards the Tramuntana Mountains are part of its identity.
Its location is one of its great attractions: it lies a few kilometres from the Llevant Natural Park and serves as a starting point both for exploring the park by land and for reaching some of the most isolated coves on this coast by kayak.
Where it is
Colònia de Sant Pere is on the eastern shore of the Bay of Alcúdia, in the municipality of Artà.
Coordinates: 39°45'48" N, 3°18'18" E
| Artà | 12 km (~15 min) |
| Can Picafort | 9 km (~12 min) |
| Betlem | 4 km (~7 min) |
| Port of Alcúdia | ~28 km |
| Palma | 70 km |
Quick facts
| Name | Colònia de Sant Pere |
| Municipality | Artà |
| Type of settlement | Quiet coastal village, moderate tourism |
| Beach | Strip of sand and gravel with a breakwater; beach bar in summer; showers |
| Facilities available | Restaurants, cafés, basic supermarket, marina |
| Main access | Ma-12 from Can Picafort, Ma-3331 from Artà |
| Public transport | Buses to Artà, Can Picafort and Palma (more frequent in summer) |
| Distance from Alcúdia | ~28 km |
| Best way to visit | By car, as a base for the Llevant Natural Park |
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a coastal village with character, plan to combine it with an outing to the Llevant Natural Park, or need a base with services for exploring the northeastern coast. The seafront promenade has good restaurants, and its sunset views over the bay are among the best along the eastern shore.
It is less suitable if you want a lively atmosphere or a fine sandy beach with full facilities. Colònia de Sant Pere is quiet and can feel very still in low season. Its sand-and-gravel beach is comfortable for swimming but not the most striking in the area.
What the place is like
The village is built around the seafront promenade, always with the Bay of Alcúdia as its backdrop. The Tramuntana Mountains across the water, the pine woodland and the boats in the marina reinforce the sense of calm that defines Colònia de Sant Pere.
The marina has around 300 moorings for pleasure boats. It is the starting point for anyone wanting to reach the coves of the Llevant Natural Park by kayak or private boat.
The village beach is a strip of sand and gravel sheltered by a breakwater. The waters are calm. There is a beach bar in summer and showers. A short distance away are the small, more natural coves of S'Estret and Caló dels Ermitaños.
What to do
Seafront promenade: the stroll is the village's main activity. Views over the bay, terraces for a morning coffee, the boats in the harbour.
Kayaking and sea outings: from the marina you can kayak towards the coves of the Llevant Natural Park. S'Arenalet d'Aubarca can be reached by paddle on calm days, although the distance is considerable and the afternoon wind can complicate the return.
Market: Saturday mornings in the square. Local produce.
Access to the Llevant Natural Park: the s'Alqueria Vella Interpretation Centre is 12 km away (towards Artà). Starting point for the park's trails.
Betlem Monastery: 11 km by road. Dating from the 13th century, with views over the bay and hiking routes nearby.
How it fits into an itinerary around the area
Colònia de Sant Pere works well as a two-day base for exploring the northeast.
Day 1: arrival in Colònia, seafront promenade, kayak or private boat to S'Arenalet d'Aubarca.
Day 2: visit to the s'Alqueria Vella Interpretation Centre and a hiking route within the Llevant Natural Park.
As a stage on a one-day route: Betlem in the morning (Cala de na Clara) → Colònia de Sant Pere for lunch → Son Serra de Marina in the afternoon.
Colònia de Sant Pere from the sea
The Coves and Caves boat trip passes in front of the Colònia de Sant Pere seafront before heading into the coast of the Llevant Natural Park. From the sea you can clearly make out the village, the marina and the last houses along the shore; from that point on the landscape changes and the coast remains practically free of buildings for kilometres. Our Private Boat Trips also cover this stretch with greater flexibility.
When to go
Colònia de Sant Pere has a lively feel in high season (June-September) and stays quiet the rest of the year. The Saturday market runs all year round. Kayaking conditions are best in spring and autumn, when the sea is calmer.
Practical tips
For kayaking from the harbour, check the sea conditions before setting out. The coves of the Llevant Natural Park are a manageable distance away, but northerly or easterly winds can complicate the return.
Public transport: there are connections to Artà, Can Picafort and Palma, more frequent in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Colònia de Sant Pere?
The seafront promenade, kayaking to the coves of the Llevant Natural Park, the Saturday market, and the nearby coves of S'Estret and Caló dels Ermitaños.
Does it have a good beach?
The village beach is sand and gravel, quiet, with a beach bar in summer.
Are there restaurants or services?
Yes. Restaurants and cafés on the seafront promenade, and a basic supermarket.
How do you get there?
Via the Ma-12 from Can Picafort or the Ma-3331 from Artà. There is a bus service, though limited out of season.
Is it worth a dedicated visit?
As a base for exploring the Llevant Natural Park, yes. As a single-day destination, it makes more sense combined with Betlem or an outing to the park.
Son Serra de Marina is a small coastal settlement at the southern end of the Bay of Alcúdia, with a quiet, uncrowded beach. The Serra de Llevant and the Necropolis of Son Real are just a few kilometres away.
Can Picafort is the resort at the southern end of the Bay of Alcúdia, with 4 kilometres of fine sandy beach and a seafront promenade. The Alcanada Islet with the Aucanada Lighthouse can be made out from the shore on clear days.
Betlem is a quiet coastal settlement in the municipality of Artà, in northern Mallorca. No town beach, but a rocky coastline and access to the Llevant Natural Park just a few kilometres away.
Artà is a municipality in northeastern Mallorca with an inland old town and an unspoilt coastline. It is not a beach town but a gateway to the Llevant Natural Park and the wildest coves of the east coast.
The Necropolis of Son Real is one of Mallorca’s most important archaeological sites, with 143 Talayotic tombs on the coast of the Bay of Alcúdia. It sits just metres from the sea and can be seen from our boat trips.
The Llevant Natural Park protects the most unspoilt stretch of Mallorca’s northeastern coast, with cliffs over 200 metres high, sea caves and coves with no road access. It is the destination of our Coves and Caves boat trip.