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Pollença, Mallorca - A Nerdy Guide
Pollença is a historic and charming town located on the northern cape of the Tramnuntana Mountains. In addition to the town itself, the municipality also comprise the popular holiday destinations of Port de Pollença and Cala de Sant Vicenç.
In this guide, you get to know Pollença and all it has to offer. You will find local points of interest, leisure activities, hotel, market, events and much more.
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What to expect from Pollença
Pollença is quite the darling when it comes to travel destinations in Mallorca. However, most tourist only know of the beautiful coastal town of Port de Pollença, and not much about the old town hidden in a lush valley ca. 7 km (4 miles) behind the bay.
In Pollença you will find a wide range of different accommodation offers, everything from private fincas, villas and apartments to luxury hotels, agroturismos and boutique hotels, yes the possibilities are many in this area.
Best things to do in Pollença
All options are on the table in Pollença, there are almost no limitations when it comes to leisure. The area is versatile, the cultural heritage is rich and the location and infrastructure makes it easy to reach other interesting places in no time. What this means, is that when you’re looking for things to do in Pollença you can choose from a very wide selection of activities such as physical activities, sightseeing, shopping and much more.
Places of Interest in Pollença
CLIMB THE CALVARY STAIRS
One the main attractions in Pollença, is the stairway built into the mountain slope leading to the summit. At the top of the calvary stairs, you will find the calvary chapel that is used for special occasions and religious ceremonies. However, most people would probably agree that is is the amazing views from the top that makes this climb so special and well worth the struggle. The stairway has about 400 steps, and when you reach the top you will be blessed with a feeling of accomplishment together with the breathtaking panoramic views of the entire valley.
SPEND A DAY AT THE BEACH
The bay of Pollença offers several kilometers of wonderful beach for you to enjoy. There is a range of fun activities by the beaches that you can do with or without prior experience, such as trying the paddle boards, surfing, jet skis or simply relax under the Mediterranean sun with a good book or podcast. There are two fantastic beaches; Platja de Port de Pollença and Platja d’Albercuitx, both spacious.
VISIT THE PARISH CHURCH AND MAIN SQUARE
In the heart of Pollença’s old town, you will find the massive parish church situated in the main square. The church was first built by the Knights Templar after the Catalan conquest of Mallorca, in 1229. Then, in the 15th century, the church was expanded and the watchtower was added as part of an extensive network of towers around the island that could warn against approaching enemies. Inside, you will find some beautiful treasures and art works worth seeing. If you do not want to go inside, stay outside and admire this amazing construction from one of the many bars and restaurants in the square.
MUSEU DE POLLENCA
The municipal museum of Pollenca is a great place to learn about the area and the rich cultural heritage here. At the museum, you will find interesting exhibitions and collections of artifacts, paintings and works representing different periods of time all the way back to the prehistory.
CROSS THE ROMAN BRIDGE
One of the most well-preserved remains of Roman presence on the island, is the Pont Roma (Roman bridge) situated in the western part of Pollença. The Roman army led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus, took over Mallorca in 123 BC after fighting in the Punic Wars for more than a hundred years. They established the capital of Pollen-tia (Alcúdia), and this bridge was an important part of the infrastructure leading to the city.
VISIT THE MARTÍ VICENC MUSEUM
Martí Vicenç was a famous artist and weaver from the local area of Pollença, whose innovative thinking and approach made his production of Mallorcan clothes and accessories renown all over Spain. At the museum, you can enjoy the many works of his, explore his workshop, his tools and machinery, as well as other interesting collections made by the artist and his wife.Visit the Marti Vicenc museum and see the artworks
VISIT THE GALLERY OF DIONÍS BENNÀSSAR
The house and gallery of local painter, Dionís Bennàssar is open to the public thanks to the foundation of same name. Dionís Bennàssar was known for his beautiful paintings of the Mallorcan nature that occupied him more than anything else. Here in his house, you can explore the life of this local artist, see his workshop and enjoy the many splendid works.
Visit the Dionis Benassar house museum and see the artworks of the local painter
ORATORI DE SANT JORDI
This little oratory standing on the corner of a cute square, was originally built back in the 16th century as a gathering place for soldiers to prepare for battle when the coast was under attack of pirates.
WALK TO THE MOUNTAINTOP SANCTUARY OF PUIG DE MARIA
If you just can’t get enough of walking/hiking, climb to the summit of the Maria mountain found in the Pollença valley. At the top, you can rest at the old convent of Maria while enjoying the breathtaking views of the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, as well as the Tramuntana mountains to your west. The sanctuary was built back in the 14th century, as it was commonly believed that the higher you went, the better you would be protected from the plague.
VISIT THE SANTUARI DE LLUC MONASTERY AND CHOIR SCHOOL
The Lluc monastery is a religious hub of Mallorca, a mandatory destination for pilgrims and, home to one of Europe’s oldest and most recognized choir schools. At the monastery, you’ll also find an interesting ethnological museum that will guide you through the history of Mallorca. Even if you’re not normally interested in religious sites, the Lluc sanctuary is quite an impressive sight that most tourists enjoy.
FORTRESS OF CASTELL DEL REI
Castell del Rei (King’s Castle) is an old fortress built by the Moors and later used by the Catalan conquerors of the island. Castell del Rei is a very popular place of interest amongst walkers, because the excursion offers so many amazing and unforgettable views while you make your way through the unspoiled and merciless landscapes of the Tramuntana mountains. When you arrive at Castell del Rei, you will be blessed with the most divine views while exploring this historical place.
WALK TO THE OLD LOOKOUT, TALAIA D’ALBERCUTX
If you are up for walking or hiking in the beautiful nature, you’re in luck when visiting the area of Pollença. On the mountain sides, you will find the old medieval watchtower of Albercutx from where you can enjoy a refreshment while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the bay of Pollença and Formentor.
ENJOY THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM THE VICTORIA HERMITAGE
On the opposite side of the Pollença bay, another peninsula stretches from Mallorca’s north coast, namely the Alcanada peninsula. Up here, you’ll find the old hermitage of Victoria, a sacred place that has now been transformed to a hostel and cafeteria. From the old hermitage, you can enjoy the magical views of the bay of Pollença and see to the bay of Formentor.
GO BIRDWATCHING IN THE LA GOLA RESERVE
La Gola is a small and very charming wetland found in Port of Pollença. In the La Gola reserve, you can spot species such as blackwinged stilt, cetti’s warbler, the greenfinch, cattle egret, mallard, wood pigeon and various species of herons. This small piece of paradise is the perfect escape from the mass tourism that occupies most of the area.
GOLFING IN BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS
Pollença is home to a nice 9-hole golf course situated in the green valley with the mountains rising around it. If you want more, make the short drive to nearby Alcúdia and find the Alcanada golf course, a beautiful 18-hole course overlooking the bay of Port d’Alcúdia and the iconic Alcanada lighthouse island.
RENT A BIKE AND GO ROAD CYCLING
Road cycling is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports and things to do in Mallorca. The extensive network of paved roads, the many hairpin turns in the mountains and the stunning surroundings make road cycling a joy for all levels. There is a great selection of bike rentals in Pollença, where you can find a variety of different types of bikes and have them customized to match your physique.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE TRAMUNTANA
If you prefer gravel over asphalt and want to get closer to nature while spinning, then a mountain bike trip is a perfect idea. There are numerous trails you can explore in the Tramuntana, all of them will get you to some of the most magical places and vantage points and the best thing is, there is almost no traffic to pay attention to. Head down to the nearest bike rental shop in the town and have them set up a mountain bike for you, or join a MTB guided tour.
IMAGE GALLERY
Enjoy some beautiful pictures from Pollença
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FAQ
Pollença is a popular destination all year round thanks to its location close to mountains and coast. Winter and spring is perfect for sports and physical activities, while the warm Mediterranean summer invites to the fantastic beaches.
Pollença is an area abundant in places of interest and beautiful spots. Most famous is Pollença for its coastal area of Port de Pollença, the stairway of El Calvario leading to a hilltop chapel, and the mountaintop sanctuary of Puig de Maria.
You will find the weekly market in Pollença on Sundays at the main square of the old town.
On Wednesdays, there’s a market in Port de Pollença.
Head out to Port de Pollença where you’ll find two spacious sandy beaches that together comprise about 3 km of beachline. North of the marina, you’ll find the Platja d’Albercutx, and south of the marina, the Platja de Port de Pollença.
Both beaches are excellent for various activities such as swimming, paragliding, sailing etc.
Yes, Pollença is very safe to visit. However, you should always keep your personal items safe anywhere you travel.
Events in Pollença
Pollença weekly market
The weekly market in Pollença old town is held on Sundays, in the main square by the parish church.
The weekly market in Port de Pollença is held on Wednesdays.
January
Sant Antoni (Saint Anthony)
The celebration of Sant Antoni is the most traditional in Mallorca, it was introduced already in the late Middle Ages. Sant Antoni is patron saint of domestic animals, and every year blessings of pets takes place in the town. The celebration is characterized by the many bonfires lit in the streets, as well as the famous pine climbing contest Saturday evening. Participants compete in climbing a pine tree of 20 meters that has been soaped in, a custom of Pollenca.
When: January 16th and 17th
Where: Old town
Sant Sebastià (Saint Sebastian)
The celebration of Saint Sebastian is almost as traditional as the celebration of Saint Anthony. In Pollença, you can look forward to the dance of two young men and their cardboard horses, who dance to the rhythms of a drum and tambourine while a flag symbolizing the saint is waved.
When: January 20th
Where: Old town
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or enjoy a refreshment at a restaurant or bar. Now more than ever, these small businesses need support from travelers near and far.
The History of Pollença
Pollença is situated about 8 km inland from the more well-known holiday destination Port de Pollença, loved by many summer holidaymakers. The municipality of Pollença cover a surface of 15,114.53 hectares, whereof 12.338.69 hectares are classified as protected areas.
The total population of the municipality is 16,283 (2019 numbers), divided in the following population centers.
- Pollença
- Port de Pollença
- Cala Sant Vicenç
- Aeròdrom Militar
- Can Singala
- Bellresguard
- La Font
- El Vilar
History of Pollença
Prehistoric and Talayotic period
The history of human occupation dates back from the Bronze Ages, more specifically, around 2,000 – 1,500 BC. On the islands of Mallorca and Menorca, this period is known as the “pre-Talayotic”, as it was the period prior to the Talayotic culture which was unique to these islands. The pre-Talayotic period was characterized by the usage of caves for habitation and funerary purposes. In the later pre-Talayotic period, constructions of the so-called “navetiforms” appeared, houses built from a ground plan that reminds us of the shape of a vessel. Some of the most remarkable discoveries in the municipality of Pollença, are the constructions of Cornavaques, Bóquer, Formentor and Can Martorellet, as well as also the twelve burial caves found in Sant Vicenç.
Practical Info
Useful Numbers
Emergency: 112
National police: 091
Local police: 092
Guarda civil: 062
Fire: 080
Maritime emergencies: 900 202 202
Tourist Office: + 34 971 535 077
Public Transport
Bus lines: 340, 345
Power Supply
220V