Every day we get inundated with e-mails from people asking he most basic of questions like: "What's the weather like?" to such questions as: "How far is it from my hotel to the middle of Santa Ponsa?" We answer every single e-mail we receive but have listed those most frequently asked questions below, which will (a) hopefully answer your queries and (b) reduce our workload!
OK, let's start with - What is the weather like?"
Hot...Between May and October it is virtually sunshine all the way with very little rain. In July and August it can be very humid and at night it is very sticky. If you come to Santa Ponsa over the Winter months you will need to bring a jumper and/or coat for the evenings because it does go cooler but there will almost certainly be some stage each day when you can still enjoy the sun.
What are the dates of the big Fiesta in September?"
The September Fiesta, which marks the landing of James I and his subsequent conquering of the island from the Moors in September (10th) 1229, is the biggest Fiesta of the year in Santa Ponsa. It is a 10-day-plus long celebration - which entails a lot of eating and drinking. The culmination of the Fiesta is on the Saturday closest to 10th September each year with the parade from the cross at the Marina through the town to the main beach. It normally starts at 5.30 pm and ends with a mock battle between the Moors and Christians on the main beach (the Christians always win!!!). That night - until the early hours, there is normally a rock concert on the main beach. The Fiesta comes to an end with a monumental firework display on the main beach on the Sunday. The schedule of the main events of 2012 can be found here. The schedule for 2013 will not be available until June time but as soon as we have them we will post them on this site,
Is there anywhere open in the Winter months?
The busy Summer season runs from around Mid-May to Mid-October. Like all Mallorcan resorts, Santa Ponsa is a different place in Winter, but a few bars, cafes, restaurants and shops stay open the Winter months (not many), thus giving you a choice of places to visit. The local council also puts on activities for tourists and details can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office on the beach. Those people who do come in the Winter mix in with the local residents and generally have a good time because the weather is better than "back home". However, on saying all that - there are very very few hotels open in Winter hese days - there used to be plenty of places open in the winter - but not anymore,
How many cigarettes can I take back home with me?
In October 2011 the recommended maximum number of cigarettes you can take into the UK was reduced from 3,200 to 800, but if you click here you will get the full deatails and the current cost of cigarettes in Mallorca.
Can I make reverse charge phone calls to the UK or Ireland from Mallorca?
Yes, dial 1408 and you will get connected to an operator
Do you have ATM machines in Mallorca?
Of course we do ... doesn't everywhere these days? To check out the location of ATM's abroad for Visa and Mastercard, check out their websites at: www.visaeurope.com and www.mastercard.com www.mastercard.com
Can I connect to the internet while on holiday?
There is free Wifi provided by the local council in the beach area - logo on to "Playa Santa Ponsa". Many bars and cafes have Wifi around town and there is a full internet and printing facility at Marsur on Ramon de Moncada close to the Holiday Centre.
"If I have a problem, is there a consumer office I can go to?"
Yes, but it is in Palma. You can phone them, but be prepared to speak Catalan - Spanish probably won't do you! The phone number of the Oficina Municipal de Informacion al Consumidor (OMIC) is 971 712 748 or 971 724 650, and the offices are in the Plaza Olivar No.4 - which is close to the Plaza Espanya. To check ojt the location of their offices click here
Can I do the UK lottery while I am on holiday?
No, unless you do it online at www.national-lottery.co.uk. You can, however, partake in the Spanish Lottery, and the Euro Millions, which is the same as 'back home' except it costs you 2€ per line. The lottery office in Santa Ponsa is on Ramon de Moncada underneath Xaloc Apartments, just past the Restaurante Xaloc. If you buy a ticket for the Spanish lottery and need to check it when you get back home you can do so at www.loterias.com
I would like to go and watch Real Mallorca while I am on holiday, how do I go about it?
Go to our Real Mallorca page here
I would like to get married in Mallorca - is it possible?
First of all, it isn't easy. You are best to speak to either the British or Irish consul for advice. Their respective telephone numbers are: (0034) 971 712 445 and (0034) 971 719 244. Alternatively, you could ring Jane at Mallorca Blessings, 667 731 391 or Alago Events on 630 777 116.
Do you have any information about my hotel, pictures etc?
Go to our Hotels Page and click on one of the links to get further information, compare prices and even make a booking if you want.
Can you buy baby foods, nappies and milk in Santa Ponsa?
Yes. Heinz baby foods and other brands are available in Supermarkets and Chemists, as are most brands of nappies. In Spain Nutraben is similar to SMA baby milk. Milupa Aptimil is available in Supermarkets as is Cow & Gate, which is available in the some smaller supermarkets.
Can we hire buggies, cots, high chairs and wheelchairs
Yes, Kwik Kleen laundry have such a facility. Lower Hire also hire wheelchairs, mobility scooters and everything you could possibly need while on holidays. including buggies, cots, TVs, DVDs etc. Contact them via their website at: www.lower-hire.co.uk They will deliver to your hotel or apartment.
How much does a taxi cost from the airport and how long does it take?
It takes about 20 minutes and costs around 38-42 euros. You could always get a quote from the companies advertising on our Airport Transfers page. If there are more than four people in your party, it is certainly worth getting in touch with one of them.
Can I get to Santa Ponsa by bus from the airport?
Yes, but it can take a couple of hours. However it will cost only around 6-7 euros (per person). There is a special bus from the airport (No.1) into the centre of Palma and then you need the direct bus (102 or 111) to Santa Ponsa. There are other buses but they travel into Palma Nova and Magalluf and therefore take longer.
Is there anywhere for me to access my e-mails while I am on holiday?
Yes, either at Marsur Exchange Bureau on Ramon de Moncada or at any bars in town that offer an internet service to customers. If you have a laptop with you, or suitable smartphone, then you can connect to the internet for FREE on Santa Ponsa beach. Simply log on to "playa santa ponsa". Many bars have free WIFI for customers.
I am thinking of coming to Santa Ponsa to work in the Summer months, what do you recommend?
If you are one of those many people who want to come over on the off chance of getting work - a bit of advice ... come for a fortnight's holiday at the beginning of the season, May time, and while you are here look for work and accommodation (increasingly harder each year). If you get fixed up while you are here then its a bonus. If you don't then just enjoy your holiday and use the return portion of your ticket. If you do get work remember that the people employing you are expecting you to work, they are not just paying for your holiday. Every year people start work with enthusiasm one day, go out on the town that night and then turn up late for work on day two. They are then surprised that they are sacked on the spot!
Can you recommend a good car hire firm?
Go to our Car Hire page.
Can I go Scuba diving in Santa Ponsa?
Of course - being surrounded by water, the Island of Mallorca is very popular for Scuba divers.
You can contact the following local firms: Barry Gooch Scuba & Diving (PADI instructor) Santa Ponsa Marina. Tel: 671 492 788. mail: barrygooch@hotmail.co.uk, or ZOEA Mallorca tel: (00 34) 971 691 444
Can I go horse riding in Santa Ponsa?
There is the Santa Ponsa Riding Club just outside Santa Ponsa on the road to Calvia and close to the Son Bugadellas indistrial estate. Details can be found at their website: www.santaponsaridingclub.com |