Travel guide – puerto pollensa

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Overview

The sedate resort of Puerto Pollensa stretches along a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay lined with sandy beaches, set against the backdrop of the Boquer mountain range on the north coast of Mallorca. The resort has grown up around the scenic fishing port that serves the picturesque old Roman town of Pollensa, situated a few miles inland. Far quieter and more laid back than the exuberant resorts of Magalluf and Palma Nova, Puerto Pollensa and its near neighbour, the tranquil resort of Cala San Vicente, it attracts families and couples. Holidaymakers generally take inclusive packages at the resort’s family hotels, or rent sophisticated villas on the port’s celebrated Pine Walk promenade. Cafes, restaurants and tourist shops line the promenade along with some elegant hotels, which overlook the wide sandy beach and the bay, dotted with the colourful sails of yachts. Those willing to make the effort to be up for sunrise are rewarded with an inspiring sight as gentle waves lap the shore in the dawn light.

Shopping

While Puerto Pollensa may not be a shopping Mecca as such, it is very adequately supplied with shops and boutiques catering to the tourist trade. It is the local markets, mainly, that delight shoppers in Mallorca, and one of the liveliest and biggest takes place every Sunday in the church square in the Pollensa old town. Stalls extend down the side streets, filled with a variety of goods from fresh fruits and vegetables to local crafts and carvings, leather goods, ceramics and lace. Market day in Puerto Pollensa itself is Wednesdays, when stalls are set up in the Church Square. The port is connected to the old town by a regular and frequent bus service.

Restaurants

Puerto Pollensa is renowned for hosting some of the best fish restaurants on Mallorca. While this is undoubtedly so, there is also a wide selection of restaurants catering to all tastes, from the best of British to pizza, Chinese, the local tapas and even a Kashmiri restaurant.

Nightlife

Like everything else in Puerto Pollensa, the scene after dark remains laid-back and quiet, visitors and locals alike taking time for the traditional ‘paseo’ or stroll from the marina along the Pine Walk, as far as the elegant Illa D’Or hotel. After lingering over a delicious dinner most are content to watch the world go by from a pavement café. There is entertainment offered by most of the hotels, but the main resort of Puerto Pollensa is not designed for the techno clubbing set, though there are nightclubs in neighbouring Alcudia, a few miles to the south. The old town and resort experience plenty of festivals, however, when things get lively, like on January 16 when bonfires are lit in honour of St Anthony, and in July when the patron saint is honoured with parades, concerts and plenty of dancing in the streets. In February an annual carnival is held, and during the 2nd week of November celebrations centre on the annual trade fair.

Activities

Puerto Pollensa offers all the usual watersports enjoyed by holidaymakers, with facilities and equipment available from various operators at the marina and along the beach. Glass bottom boat trips are available from the port. There are also opportunities for hiking along walking trails in the surrounding hills and scenic mountains. Sightseeing in the port itself and the neighbouring old town, particularly on foot, is an interesting option. Excursions to the lighthouse at Cap Formentor, along a hair-raising but beautiful drive, are popular, also trips to other places of interest on Mallorca. On the outskirts of the adjacent resort of Cala San Vicente there are ancient burial caves. The island is small, and no matter where you start from on Mallorca no destination is more than 75 miles (120km) away. Generally, though, most visitors come to Puerto Pollensa purely for relaxation on the magnificent beaches.

Attractions in Puerto Pollensa

Pollensa (Old Town)

Situated in the hills, towards the north east of Mallorca, Pollensa is a peaceful old town that has been largely unaffected by tourism. The town was established a few miles inland to protect against any sudden pirate attacks; its harbour, Puerto Pollensa, was left as an unprotected outpost. Today the port has grown into a popular family resort. Some of Pollensa's medieval centre remains around the Plaça Major, the main square, including the church of Nostra Senyora dels Àngels. From the outside the church is fairly austere, the sheer stone façade is pierced only by a large rose window, but the interior is highly decorative particularly during the packed Sunday morning services when it is ablaze with candles. Other than the church, the main square houses a cluster of bars and cafés, and on Sunday morning, a busy market. Just north of the square is the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), a long stone stairway, bordered by ancient cypress trees. At the top, in a small chapel, is a much-revered statue of Mare de Déu del Peu de la Creu (Mother of God at the Foot of the Cross). On Good Friday, a figure of Jesus is slowly carried down the steps by torchlight in the Davallament (Lowering). Perched on a hill just south of Pollensa is a rambling 18th-century monastery, a peaceful and serene spot to take in wonderful views of the surrounding area. The monastery is an hour’s walk from town.

Climate

Mallorca has an ideal climate for holidaymakers with little rain and average temperatures kept below 86ºF (30ºC) even in mid-summer. Temperatures remain nice in the spring and autumn and even in winter rarely drop below 50ºF (10ºC), though rain is more likely at this time of year. Water temperatures range from 64ºF (18ºC) in May to 79ºF (26ºC) in August making Mallorca ideal for watersports.

Health

There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

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