Puerto Pollensa Travel Guide

The sedate holiday resort of Puerto Pollensa stretches along a beautiful, 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 ancient Roman town of Pollensa, which is situated a few miles inland. Far quieter and more laid back than the exuberant resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova, Puerto Pollensa and its near neighbour, the tranquil resort of Cala San Vicente, 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, and overlook the wide sandy beach and the bay, which is dotted with the colourful sails of yachts. Those willing to make the effort to be up for sunrise are rewarded with a mesmerising sight as gentle waves lap the shore in the dawn light.

Shopping

While Puerto Pollensa may not be a shopping paradise as such, it's very adequately supplied with shops and boutiques catering to the tourist trade and holidaymakers should enjoy a spot of souvenir shopping. It's 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 and are 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

The resort is known to have some of the best seafood restaurants on Mallorca. While this is undoubtedly so, there's also a wide selection of restaurants catering to all tastes, including British pub food, pizza, Chinese and local tapas.

Nightlife

Like everything else in Puerto Pollensa, the scene after dark remains laid-back and quiet, with tourists 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 or bar. Entertainment is offered by most of the hotels, but the main resort of Puerto Pollensa is not designed for the young clubbing set. Those wanting a party should travel to the nightclubs in neighbouring Alcudia, a few miles to the south. The old town and resort host plenty of festivals and, when things get lively, like in January 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 take place in the streets. In February an annual carnival is held, and during the second week of November celebrations centre on the annual trade fair.

Holiday activities

Puerto Pollensa offers all the usual water sports enjoyed by holidaymakers, with facilities and equipment available from various operators at the marina and along the beach. Glass-bottomed boat trips are available from the port. There are also opportunities for hiking along the scenic walking trails in the surrounding hills and 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, as are trips to a number of other attractions 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 visitors 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.

Any negatives?

Negatives about Puerto Pollensa are expressed only by those who go anticipating bright lights and wild nightlife. The resort is quiet and the beaches uncrowded, even in the height of the season; most visitors are families with young children or older couples. Entertainment in most hotels is geared primarily towards children. Restaurants can be very pricey.