Andratx Travel Guide

The compact old town of Andratx clusters around a central square and the church, with narrow streets rising toward the castle; shops, cafés and a small market sit close to the main square. Port d’Andratx is several kilometres to the south and has its own seafront promenade, restaurants and yacht moorings; many travellers base themselves either in the town for quietness or at the port for waterfront life.

Costs: $50-120 per day - Meals, galleries and local transport are moderate; high-end dining and yacht services at the port raise costs.

Safety: Generally safe - Low crime but take normal precautions at night and watch for strong sun and heat in summer.

Best Time: May-June, September - Shoulder months have best weather for walking and fewer tourists than July-August.

Andratx sits on Mallorca’s southwest corner at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana, with a compact historic centre set slightly inland from the coast and a separate harbour area a few kilometres away. The municipality includes Port d’Andratx, Sant Elm, S’Arracó, Camp de Mar and the islet of Sa Dragonera.

The town has ancient roots - Romans called it Andrachium - and its inland location reflects a history of coastal pirate raids; there are still old towers and a castle that mark its defensive past. In recent decades tourism and foreign residents have reshaped the local economy while galleries and cultural centres have strengthened an arty side to the town.

Visiting Andratx feels calm and local: narrow streets, a church and small squares in the village and an active harbour life down the road. It is a good base for coastal walks, short boat trips and exploring quieter Mallorcan villages without the mass-tourism vibe of some eastern resorts.

Come for a relaxed Mallorcan town with good access to dramatic coastal scenery and a sophisticated harbour. Art galleries and a handful of cultural spaces give Andratx an unexpectedly creative profile. Use it as a quieter alternative to Palma with easy access to hiking in the Serra de Tramuntana and boat trips to nearby islets.

Andratx is pleasant most of the year; summer is busiest and warmest while spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer visitors. Winters are mild but wetter and quieter, good for low-season stays and walks.

Andratx is best reached via Palma by road; the island’s main airport and ferry terminals are in Palma. There are also local boats linking the coast for island excursions.

• By Air: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI): PMI is the main airport for Mallorca; a taxi to Andratx takes around 35-50 minutes and costs roughly €40-60, while a combination of bus and local services takes longer. Car hire at the airport is convenient if you plan to explore the Serra de Tramuntana.
• By Bus: regular services from Palma: Interurban buses run between Palma and Andratx; the journey typically takes 40-60 minutes depending on route and traffic and fares are in the region of €3-6 one-way.
• By Sea: boats to Sa Dragonera and local boat trips: Boat trips to Sa Dragonera depart from Port d’Andratx or Sant Elm and take around 20-40 minutes depending on the departure point and sea conditions, with fares set by individual operators.

Andratx is compact and easy to explore on foot, but a car or scooter makes reaching beaches and mountain trails much easier.

• Walking: The old town and nearby viewpoints are easily explored on foot; streets are narrow in places so wear comfortable shoes.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: Local taxis are available for short hops; expect short trips in town to cost roughly €6-12 and longer island transfers to be more expensive.
• Local buses: Buses connect Andratx with Port d’Andratx, Sant Elm and Palma; fares are typically a few euros and buses are the cheapest option for inter-town travel.
• Car and scooter rental: Hiring a car or scooter gives maximum flexibility for beaches and Tramuntana routes; scooter rentals commonly cost around €25-40 per day depending on season.

Dining in Andratx ranges from simple tapas bars in the town to seafood-focused restaurants along the port. Expect traditional Mallorcan dishes, fresh fish and seasonal produce; cafés on the main square are good for breakfast and light lunches.

Nightlife is low-key and leans toward relaxed wine bars, seaside restaurants and occasional live music in the port; late-night clubbing is found in Palma rather than Andratx. Evenings in high season are liveliest at the harbour promenade.

Shops in the town center sell local produce, artisanal foods and a handful of boutiques and galleries; Port d’Andratx has more upmarket stores and art galleries. Look for local ceramics, olive products and small contemporary galleries rather than mass-market souvenirs.