Port de Pollença

Port de Pollença, a small town located right at the foot of the Tramuntana Mountains, in the North of Mallorca, is one of the most authentic Spanish destinations on the Island. Even though tourists have been coming here since the 1920’s, this little gem hasn’t been as exploited as much as many other beautiful beach and coastal areas.

Even though Port de Pollença is located a bit further away from the more vibrant areas in and around Palma, you’re actually never far away from anything when it comes to Mallorca. In less than an hour by car or taxi, you can get to the airport or the centre of the Island's capital. Although, for visiting Palma, the easiest way would be taking bus number 340 taking you straight from Port de Pollença to Plaza España.

Some might say that the best thing about Port de Pollença, besides from the lovely sun and beach vibe, is the proximity to any outdoor activity you can dream of. Hiking, sailing, climbing or biking – you can have it all.

History #

Port de Pollença itself doesn’t have a very long and rich history compared to many other places on the island, but if you’re looking for some culture nearby, the neighbouring village of Pollença, is the place to go. Located 7 km inland, you will find this charming community with nice little cafés and historic buildings. Next to the main square, Plaza Major, there’s an old church built in the 13th century, and there’s also the Museum of Pollença, a big art gallery located in a monastery from the 1600’s. Or you brave the 365 steps up Mount Calvary to visit the little church with its beautiful views.

If you are curious about the architecture:

The church of the convent has a basilica floor plan and ten side chapels, each adorned with a period altarpiece. The most striking example was created between 1651 and 1662 by Mallorcan sculptor Joan Antoni Oms and is dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario, patron saint of the Dominicans. The painting dates back to the fifteenth century and comes from the Oratorio del Roser Vell, which can also be visited in Pollença.

Next to the church is the pièce de résistance of this building: a Baroque-style cloister which was completed in 1616. Well known for the beauty of its four arched corridors, it has also been the venue for the Pollença Classical Music Festival since 1962.

This event, created by the famous British violinist Philip Newman and held annually in July and August, regularly has attracted eminent figures such as the soprano Montserrat Caballé, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and the Orchestre National de France with Lorin Maazel as conductor.”

Food & Drink #

Unlike many other beach villages, in Port de Pollença the main spot for wining and dining is not by the seafront. Instead it’s in the town square where you’ll find most restaurants. And there are many to choose from - over hundred cafés and restaurants are competing for guests. Whether you’re looking for some authentic Mallorquín food, Spanish paella or tasty tapas or a more international menu – you will find it here. But of course, do take a stroll along the beach and there, too, you will inevitably run into some really nice cafés, restaurants and pizzerias.

Restaurant Stay

So close to the water you can almost dip your toes in! Located on the pier, restaurant Stay offers fresh fish and sea food with a beautiful atmosphere overlooking the water and Port de Pollença. People mostly come here for the good vibes and nice view, but the food is delicious too! You can choose from their tapas or set menu.

Contact: +34 971 86 40 13

Argos

Dine in style on this Michelin star restaurant, located in La Gotela Hotel [[LINK]] in Puerto Pollença. With top class dishes and star ambition the food is “marked by seasonal and local products in line with Balearic home cooking but at the same time, adventurous and globetrotting.” As for affordability – well, maybe for that one special occasion …
Contact: +34 971 86 59 02

Abacco

This first line restaurant, located along the beach promenade, also known as the Pine walk, is popular thanks to its varying menu which specializes in natural food and sushi. Colourful, yet green, and healthy dishes in a lush and lovely setting, make the clients both happy and returning.
Contact: +34 971 86 57 41

Shopping and Market #

Shopping is not the main reason why people visit Puerto Pollença. You can find some shops along the promenade and in the city centre, but these are mainly tourist gift shops and a couple of clothing boutiques. Although, every Wednesday morning around 8-13, you can stock up on provisions at the local market where you can buy fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and locally crafted products. Why not get yourself a traditional Mallorquin shopping basket and fill it with some local delicacies.

AM Tip: If it’s some great clothes and shoe shopping you’re after, you should definitely take that bus ride to Palma.

Beaches and Water Sports #

If there is one particular thing that makes people visit, and revisit, Puerto Pollença it’s the beach. Or beaches, there are many. One of them is Playa Port de Pollença, an almost 1.5 km long stretch of white sand surrounded by majestic mountains and turquoise water and borderByed by a line of both pine and palm trees.

This beach is a popular place for all kinds of water sports, since it offers a lot of activities such as volleyball or snorkelling. The favourable winds prevailing in the Bay of Pollença makes this a paradise for windsurfers, kite surfers and sailing enthusiasts, too.

In the sailing school on the beach you can rent surf boards, dinghies and paddle boats.

Hiking #

Port de Pollença is a great place to visit if you love sports and outdoor activities, but if you ever grow tired of the beach and swimming in the crystal clear water, this area provides so much more.

Pay a visit to the beautiful Cap de Formentor, and enjoy the spectacular view from the lighthouse. On clear days you can see all the way to Menorca. And while you’re up there, why not go for a hike with the Mediterranean surrounding your every step. If you take the trail towards Cala San Vincente, you can visit caves inhabited by humans during the Bronze Age. Depending on your level, there are many trails to choose from in the Pollença/Puerto Pollença area.

On the way back from Cap de Formentor, if you’re up for beach and swimming again, you can stop by Playa de Formentor, See more>> which is one of the most famous beaches in Mallorca. Next to it there’s a hotel counting many very famous people amongst their guests, e.g. Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn and Winston Churchill just to mention a few.

Cycling #

If you are more up to discovering the island by bike, there are several bike shops in Puerto Pollença where you can rent a bike for the day, both of the simpler kind and ones for real professionals. Thanks to the varying scenery and terrain in Mallorca, with miles of flat, winding or steep roads, it’s a popular place for athletes and cyclists. Also, Port de Pollença’s more vibrant neighbouring village, Alcúdia has hosted the Mallorca Ironman several times.

At the lookout, we met Antoni Faidella, a drummer who works with Max to have drumming lessons that reverberate forever, it seems. His instructions were like writing poetry with the drums in a gift to the heavens. Watching the sunset and drumming is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you decide to buy an e-bike, Max will make you a good deal.

Watt Style
Contact: +34 685 88 57 19

Carrer de Joan XXIII, 12, 07470 Pollença, Illes Balears, Spain

Mallorca Ironman #

Port de Pollença’s vibrant neighboring village, Alcúdia has hosted the Mallorca Ironman several times.

For more information: See More>>

Golf #

For the golf lover, Pollença golf, a beautiful nine-hole course, is located 10 km from Port de Pollença just next to the Tramuntana Range. And if you’re up for a drive, there are plenty of great golf courses around the island.

Fiestas and Annual Highlights #

Fiestas & Annual Highlights #

Like in so many other villages on the Island, there are festivities and fiestas in Port de Pollença, too. During the summer, July and August, you can enjoy the Fiesta de la Verge del Carme where, in honour of the Patron Saint of seafarers and fishermen, the whole town is in celebratory mood, festivities going on over a period of eight days, ending with a mass, processions and a closing firework at midnight.

Then follows the Fiesta de la Patrona de Pollença, where the battle of the Christians and Moors is recreated, followed by a big party and fireworks.

And don’t miss the Pollença Music Festival!

Then follows the Fiesta de la Patrona de Pollença, where the battle of the Christians and Moors is recreated, followed by a big party and fireworks.

Charm factor #

The charm factor in Port de Pollença is high. It’s a quiet and family friendly area with stunning nature and beautiful surroundings. This is not a place for night life and party, on the contrary. Although, since it’s located just next to Alcudia, there are night clubs, busy bars and karaoke places just a stone’s throw away, if you want to make sure you don’t get too relaxed during your stay.