Located on the north coast of Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa (Port de Pollença) is one of the island’s top destination for stunning natural landscapes, historical sites and outdoor activities. Whether you want to relax by the sea, explore ancient ruins or hike through mountains, this beautiful Mediterranean town has something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa, ensuring you can fully experience everything this charming town and its surroundings have to offer.
Relax on Puerto Pollensa Beach
Puerto Pollensa Beach is the town’s main beach and is ideal for those looking for a family-friendly spot with excellent amenities. The beach features fine, golden sand, calm shallow waters and stunning views of the bay, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying water sports. There are sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire, and the beach is lined with beachfront cafés and bars offering refreshments.
The calm waters of the Bay of Pollensa also make it an ideal location for a variety of water sports. Windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular activities, and there are several rental shops along the beach where you can hire equipment. For those looking for more excitement, jet skiing and parasailing are also available. The bay’s sheltered position ensures that the waters remain relatively calm, making it a safe environment for beginners as well as more experienced participants.
Scuba diving is another option, with several dive centres in the area offering courses and guided dives. The underwater world around Puerto Pollensa is home to a variety of marine life, including colourful fish and coral reefs, making it a fascinating experience for divers of all levels.
Take a Boat or Sailing Trip Around Pollensa Bay
Exploring Puerto Pollensa’s stunning coastline by boat or sailing is a must-do activity. Several operators offer a range of tours, from short boat trips to full-day sailing adventures, with stops at secluded beaches and coves perfect for swimming and snorkelling. These tours provide access to parts of the coastline that are inaccessible by land, offering a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty. There’s even a chance to spot dolphins during your journey. For a more private experience, you can rent a boat or yacht and sail at your own pace, with some tours offering on-board meals or stops at waterfront restaurants.
Stroll Along the Pine Walk
The Pine Walk, known locally as ‘Paseo Vora Mar’, is one of Puerto Pollensa’s most iconic attractions. This seafront promenade stretches along the bay, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. This is an ideal activity for those looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
Many of the town’s cafés and restaurants are situated along this route, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for a drink or meal. The Pine Walk also offers direct access to some of the quieter beaches in the area, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Hike the Boquer Valley
For a more challenging walk, hiking the Boquer Valley is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Located just outside Puerto Pollensa, the Boquer Valley is accessible via a relatively easy trail that takes about an hour each way. The hike passes through rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains before reaching Cala Boquer, a secluded cove with clear waters.
The Boquer Valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey such as falcons and eagles, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. The combination of dramatic cliffs, sweeping views and the reward of a secluded beach at the end makes this hike a popular choice for nature lovers.
Explore the Old Town of Pollença
Just a short drive inland from Puerto Pollensa is the old town of Pollença which dates back to the 13th century. The town offers a glimpse into Mallorca’s rich cultural heritage, with narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional stone houses. One of Pollensa’s main attractions is the Calvari Steps, a steep staircase of 365 steps leading to a small chapel. The climb can be challenging, but the views from the top are spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside.
Pollença is also home to the Roman Bridge, or Pont Romà, an ancient structure thought to date back to medieval times rather than Roman. The origins of the stone bridge over the Sant Jordi stream are unclear, though it has been called the Roman Bridge since the 19th century, with no record of it before 1403 when it was known as the Cubelles Bridge. The structure has two uneven arches with a central pillar featuring a small relief arch and triangular buttresses to manage water flow. Its history is further obscured by significant medieval renovations likely due to damage from severe flooding.
The town’s weekly Sunday market in Plaça Major offers a chance to sample local products, such as artisan crafts and fresh produce and provides a lively atmosphere to experience local Mallorcan life.
Visit the Formentor Peninsula
A short excursion to the Formentor Peninsula is one of the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa. Located just a short drive from the town, this area is renowned for its breathtaking views and rugged cliffs. The Cap de Formentor lighthouse, perched at the end of the peninsula, offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains.
You should stop at stop at the Mirador des Colomer along the winding road which leads to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the coastline. Cala Formentor, a secluded beach on the peninsula, is another highlight. Surrounded by pine forests, this beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore some of the hiking trails in the area, which offer a more immersive experience of the peninsula’s natural beauty.
Explore the Old Town of Alcúdia
The historic town of Alcúdia, located just 12km south of Puerto Pollensa, offers a glimpse into Mallorca’s rich history. The town is surrounded by medieval walls, parts of which visitors can walk along for panoramic views. Within the walls, narrow cobblestone streets lead to picturesque squares, Gothic churches and well-preserved Roman ruins.
Key sites to visit include the Church of Sant Jaume, the ruins of the Roman town of Pollentia, and the archaeological museum. Alcúdia also hosts a lively market twice a week, on Tuesdays and Sundays, where you can find local produce, crafts and souvenirs. The combination of historical sites and local culture makes Alcúdia a popular half-day trip from Puerto Pollensa.
Explore the Tramuntana Mountains
Puerto Pollensa is located near the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. The mountains offer numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling, with trails that cater to different skill levels. One of the most popular routes is the hike to Puig de Maria, a hilltop monastery located just outside Pollensa town. The trail to the top is steep in places, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort.
For more experienced hikers, the GR221 long-distance trail, also known as the ‘Dry Stone Route’, passes through the Tramuntana and offers more challenging terrain. Cycling enthusiasts will find that the mountain roads provide an exciting challenge, with winding routes and steep climbs that are rewarded with spectacular views.
Visit the Lluc Monastery
The Lluc Monastery, nestled in the Tramuntana mountains, is a site of great cultural and spiritual significance in Mallorca. Located about 20 kilometres from Puerto Pollensa, it makes for a fascinating day trip. The monastery has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and houses the statue of the Virgin of Lluc, the patron saint of Mallorca.
Visitors can explore the basilica, the museum showcasing religious art and artefacts, and the beautiful botanical gardens surrounding the monastery. The site also serves as a starting point for several hiking trails in the Tramuntana mountains. For a unique experience, try to time your visit to coincide with a performance by the Blauets, the monastery’s famous boys’ choir.
Visit Cala San Vicente
Cala San Vicente, located just 6km north-east of Puerto Pollensa, is a tranquil coastal village which offers a perfect day trip destination. The area is renowned for its four stunning cove beaches: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins and Cala Carbó, each surrounded by dramatic cliffs and featuring crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Beyond its beaches, Cala San Vicente retains traditional Mallorcan charm with its whitewashed houses and local seafood restaurants. The village and its surroundings provide opportunities for various activities, including hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints like the Torre del Verger. Its proximity to Puerto Pollensa, combined with its natural beauty and quieter atmosphere, makes Cala San Vicente an appealing excursion for those seeking a change of pace from the more bustling tourist centres.
Play Golf at Pollensa Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to play at Pollensa Golf Club, located just 4 kilometres from Puerto Pollensa. This 9-hole course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience, with stunning views of the Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop. The course is well-maintained, and facilities include a driving range, putting green, and a golf school for those looking to improve their game.
After a round of golf, you can relax at the clubhouse, which offers a restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the course and surrounding landscape. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just looking to try your hand at the sport, Pollensa Golf Club provides a peaceful and scenic setting.
Hike the Boquer Valley
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, hiking the Boquer Valley is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Located just outside Puerto Pollensa, the Boquer Valley is accessible via a relatively easy trail that takes about an hour each way. The hike passes through rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains before reaching Cala Boquer, a secluded cove with clear waters.
The Boquer Valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey such as falcons and eagles, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. The combination of dramatic cliffs, sweeping views, and the reward of a secluded beach at the end makes this hike a popular choice for nature lovers.
Visit Puerto Pollensa’s Weekly Market
Puerto Pollensa hosts a weekly market every Wednesday in Plaza Miguel Capllonch. It is typical of Mallorca’s street markets providing a vibrant atmosphere and an excellent opportunity to experience local culture. The market offers a wide range of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts, clothing and souvenirs. You can also find local delicacies such as sobrassada (a traditional Mallorcan cured sausage) and Mahón cheese from Menorca.
The market is a bustling hub of activity, where locals and tourists alike gather to shop, eat, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s also a great place to pick up a unique souvenir or try some local produce.
Visit the Caves of Drach
The Caves of Drach, located near Porto Cristo on the east coast of Mallorca, make for an excellent day trip from Puerto Pollensa. These impressive limestone caves extend for about 1,200 metres and house one of the largest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel. The tour of the caves includes a boat ride across the underground lake and a classical music concert performed on illuminated boats, creating a magical atmosphere. The caves maintain a constant temperature of 21°C year-round, making this a comfortable excursion regardless of the season. The journey from Puerto Pollensa takes about an hour by car, making it a feasible day trip.
Go Birdwatching at La Gola and S’Albufera
For nature lovers, a visit to La Gola, a small wetland area at the mouth of the Pollensa Bay, is one of the more unique things to do in Puerto Pollensa. This protected area serves as a habitat for various bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The wetland features a short walking trail with informative panels as well as an interpretation centre where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem. Some of the bird species you might spot include herons, egrets and various waders. The best time for birdwatching is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the birds are most active.
The S’Albufera Nature Reserve, located about 20km south of Puerto Pollensa, is the largest wetland area in the Balearic Islands. This protected area is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, with over 200 species of birds recorded here. The reserve features a network of trails and bird hides, allowing visitors to explore the diverse habitats and observe wildlife. Spring and autumn are particularly good times to visit, as these seasons coincide with bird migrations.
Sample Local Cuisine
Puerto Pollensa boasts a variety of dining options with many restaurants offering traditional Mallorcan dishes that highlight the island’s rich culinary heritage. One must-try dish is frito mallorquín, a tasty stir-fry of lamb or pork with peppers, potatoes and onions, seasoned with local herbs. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh, locally caught fish, either grilled or in paella de marisco, a traditional seafood paella. For lighter fare, tapas such as sobrassada (a cured sausage) are commonly available along with ensaimada which is a typical Mallorcan sweet pastry dusted with powdered sugar.
Highly recommended for sampling the best of Mallorcan cuisine is the family-run Celler La Parra (Carrer de Joan XXIII, 84) which opened its doors in Port de Pollença in 1962. They specialise in traditional Mallorcan cuisine including hearty dishes like suckling pig, lamb and rabbit in a cozy and rustic setting.
Take a Wine Tour in Binissalem
For wine enthusiasts, a trip to the Binissalem wine region makes for an excellent excursion from Puerto Pollensa. This area, located in the centre of the island, is known for its high-quality wines and has its own Denomination of Origin. Several wineries in the region offer tours and tastings, providing insight into the wine-making process and the unique characteristics of Mallorcan wines. The local grape varieties, such as Manto Negro and Callet, produce distinctive red wines, while the white wines often feature the Moll (Prensal Blanc) grape. Many tours include visits to multiple wineries and often incorporate a traditional Mallorcan lunch.
