Santa Ponsa was even more green and white than usual on Sunday as holidaymakers took in Celtic’s vital SPFL clash away to Dundee at Dens Park.
The Mallorcan resort is a favourite destination for Celtic supporters with a good variety of bars to watch the action from, enjoying the sunshine with Cervezas, cocktails and even some with aqua.
Flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick touch down in Palma in under three hours with Santa Ponsa just a 30 minute drive from the airport to what is assumed to be a green and white enclave.
That is only about one third of the story, Santa Ponsa attracts visitors from all over with Germans, Scandinavians and Spaniards enjoying the beaches, climate and the variety of bars and restaurants on offer.
After the nerve-shredder against Aberdeen at Hampden the previous weekend it was back to the SPFL on Sunday and the tantalising prospect of knowing that winning the first three post-split fixtures would put Brendan Rodgers’ side in an incredibly strong position to lift the title.
Celts Well, Brennan’s and The Dubliner are three of the most popular locations to watch the action with all of them offering something different with a seat half an hour before kick-off strongly recommended.
When James Forrest opened the scoring in the 30th minute against Dundee the roar could be heard all around Santa Ponsa, there was a similar shout midway through the second half with relief at the final whistle with the three points secured.
The place to be to watch the match for most fans is clearly at The Square where the Celts Well has an incredible setting.
Since August 2022 the installation of Harry’s Big Telly has quickly become a tourist attraction with a screen the size of a double-decker bus allowing 400 fans to watch a crystal clear picture in the baking sunshine.
Indoors there are a few good screens to watch the match with Harry, Marina and Katie bolstered by extra matchday staff to keep the thirsty fans well hydrated.
Walking into The Square, which is actually circular, for the first time is a special experience, the screen dominates with a variety of outdoor acts on through the summer while Karl Byrne provides Celtic tunes and more late into the night.
About half a mile away, along the Carter de Ramon de Montcalm is The Dubliner which provides six hours of live music every night from the start of April until well in to October.
Indoors there are no shortage of screens, outdoors on the terrace you can enjoy the match with a smoke in the ultimate Celtic minded atmosphere.
With Sonia, Sofia and Ciaran calling the shots only the very best musicians make it on stage with the brilliant Mairtin O’Huigin putting in 10 out of 10 performances every night of the week throughout the season. Abley assisted by Darrin Cahill and Cammy.
Keen to stay out in front, other top musicians appear in fortnightly shifts with Chris from Erin Go Bragh booked in for the whole of July and August.
Between The Dubliner and Celts Well there are plenty of options for supporters to watch the match or enjoy their night out with the area east of the small roundabout at Daniels Corner known as The Strip.
Brennan’s is in action before St Patrick’s Day with Michelle putting in Daizen Maeda type performances morning, noon and night.
The drinks are flowing, the tables cleared and the glasses washed in the blink of an eye, outdoors there are different acts on from 9-11.30pm every night. Indoors JJ McBrearty, known locally as Jesus keeps the tunes going well into the morning.
There is off course much more to Santa Ponsa than Celtic friendly pubs and bars, it is a very cosmpolitan resort, completely different to Magaluf which is a 10 euro taxi fair away where you’ll struggle to escape from a ‘diet’ of pizzas, burgers, chips, kebabs and overweight gammons.
Central to the appeal of Santa Ponsa is the white sanded beach which never seems to get overcrowded.
The bay of Santa Ponsa provides a very sheltered beach, the waves are never fierce and from June onwards the chill is removed from the water.
Running parallel to the beach is Gran via Puig de Galatzo which has a Burger King and McDonalds for those needing a taste of home comforts.
At the bottom of Gran via Puig de Galatzo is the big roundabout, take a left and it opens up a very Spanish main road with a massive selection of restaurants with something for those that enjoy their steaks and tapas alongside Sangria.
You can eat out well every night, with or without your Celtic top on and get an authentic taste of the Spanish lifestyle that makes Mallorca the most in-demand resort in Europe.
On the other side of the big roundabout you have what is known as the quiet side of the bay, an area with more German themed hotels and restaurants. Before you reach that area you have to stop and get a picture on Carrer de Lisboa which is likely to have a few Celtic stickers.
Following the coastline round takes you to the exclusive Country Club area with properties belonging to Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp and Rafa Nadal.
Last June that area was the centre of attention for Celtic fans, after Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay indulged in some sweet talking Callum McGregor and Odin Thiago Holm were among Brendan’s guests.
Whatever the age range Santa Ponsa has an incredible pull, few visitors can resist the magic of the place with many guests returning two or three times each year, and never disappointed.
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