Andratx has been inhabited since pre-historic times. It was initially part of the Ahwaz Al-Madina district when the Muslims were in power. This district was then awarded to Berenguer de Palou, who was the Bishop of Barcelona after the Catalan reconquest.

Andratx was at the centre of the "Barony of Andratx". This area also included; Calvià; Puigpunyent; Estellencs; Banyalbufar; Marratxí; some areas of Pla de Sant Jordi; and the parish of Santa Creu.

For the most part the people on Andratx settled on the coast. During the fifteenth century continuous pirate raids pushed them inland in search of safer places. A defence system was built all along the coastline. Today the famous watchtowers are one of the areas main tourist attractions.

The Bishop of Barcelona controlled this area up until 1835. Then Mendizábal permitted the State to expropriate and sell Church lands off in public auction.

Tourism arrived in Andratx in the 1960's. This was the beginning of an enormous process of change which has turned this area into one of the most important tourist areas on Mallorca.