The largest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Mallorca (Majorca in English) is a place not to be overlooked as just a beach holiday, lazy week destination or indeed just a booze fuelled party destination (Magaluf). The island has so much to offer- from clifftop coastal roads, quaint hilltop villages, caves and coves, and history dating back to Moorish and Roman times.
We based ourselves in one of the islands most popular resorts for both couples and young families- Port de Pollença in the north of the island. Situated around a horseshoe bay with the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains providing a backdrop to this small town, you will fit in with the laid-back attitude of locals and holidaymakers alike, as well as it being a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Here we list is our favourite things to see and do in Port de Pollença and the surrounding areas-
The Promenade
The promenade is full of cafes and restaurants which face out onto the bay, this is the main area, from the promenade if you keep walking you will reach the start of the Pine Walk.
Pine Walk
Named after the pines trees that line the walkway, this pedestrianised area stretches along the north of the bay, there are many restaurants dotted along the way, and it is lovely for a stroll anytime of the day, with the water lapping up against the sandy beaches- sand which has been imported from the Sahara Desert!
The Square
The main square Plaça Miguel Capllonch is situated two streets back from the front and with its Church of Our Lady of Carmen and benches, it is a lovely place to sit and contemplate what the day shall hold. There are also several bars and restaurants around the square.
Wednesday Market
A weekly market is held on Wednesdays within the square which sees the area filled with traders selling everything from fruit to clothing and crafts.
Sea Plane
You will no doubt hear the noise of its engines before you see it. The sea plane is an operational aircraft that scoops up sea water and transports it to the mountains where it sprays the water on the land to prevent/ reduce any fires taking place, the plane will be in and around the harbour most days, perhaps even just practising. The best place to see the sea plane is at the far end of the Pine Walk where its hangar is at the old Military base.
South Promenade
To the south of the town is Passeig Saralegui- is a wide promenade which is suitable for walking and cycling (cars are also allowed but during certain times only) One side is a large beach and the other is cafés and restaurants mingled in with tourist shops.
Pollensa Town
Pollensa Town is located 6km inland from Port de Pollença and you can catch the public bus or if there is a few of you, sharing a taxi can cost a similar amount. The town is a wonderful place to visit with its gorgeous buildings and quaint streets, with many restaurants, cafés and boutique shops. There is the famous El Calvari (Calvari Steps), which are 365 steps, one for each day of the year and were a pilgrimage route. At the top you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view over the town and across the land below. Treat yourself to a large gin and tonic (they are free poured) in one of the many restaurants in the square. Visit Pollensa Town anytime, but it really comes alive on Sunday’s for the weekly market, here there is an abundance of local fruit and vegetables, plenty olives, flowers, handicrafts and souvenirs.
Formentor
Nearby is the secluded peninsula of Formentor. There are many ways to get there - you can hire a car, or you can take the public bus which we recommend as you can explore more of the peninsula. Our family have also taken the option of the boat across which they say is lovely to be out on the waves. Formentor is an outstanding place to visit, there are coves, beaches, a lighthouse, goats and a lot of hair-pin cliff edge roads to contend with.
views from Formentor over to Port De Pollença
Cala San Vicente
Over the mountains from Port de Pollença is the resort of Cala San Vicente, there is a walk which takes you over the mountains or you can go via bus or car (or fly your drone)
Day trips- Island Tour to Soller
We took an excursion with No Frills Excursions (based on the south promenade)
The tour was the Island Tour (with bus, train, boat and tram). We left Port de Pollença and headed into the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains and down real hair-pin bends to Sa Calobra then took a boat to Port Soller where we then took a tram to the pretty Soller Town before taking the vintage 1912 train to Palma. The trip was fantastic and the scenery and towns gorgeous. You can also reach Soller by car and we did this again another day.
Day trips- West Coast
There are so many beautiful mountain villages and towns along the west coast. Our favourites were Valldemosa, Soller, Deia and Fornalutx
Day trips- South East
You will be able to cover alot of the island in one day, we hired a car and travelled to the south of the island to Cala Pi and Es Pontas then up the east coast to Cala D'Or and to Porto Cristo to the Cuevas Del Drach- caves. We are big 'Love Island' fans so also went in search of the villa!
Hire a car
We hired a car for 2 days from Formentor Cars one day we explored the south east of the island and the next day we travelled down the west coast.
Have you visited Port de Pollença, Mallorca before? Or has this post enticed you?!
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