The beautiful island of Mallorca can often be dismissed as a package holiday destination, but if you look behind the busy resorts, Mallorca is bursting with history and interesting things to do. Discover the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa as well as some interesting things to see in a daytrip. Set on Mallorca’s northern coast Port de Pollença (also known at Puerto Pollensa) is one of the most popular resorts, with beaches and swimming but much more besides.
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Walk along the Pine Walk at sunset
The pine walk is a pedestrian area that runs along the beach for about 2 miles, named after the pine trees that run along the whole length the beach. Visit in the early evening when the sun is setting on the bay and you can hear the sea slowly lapping against the sand on the beach.
The pine walk is a really magical and relaxing place and there are some wonderful hotels along the way that you can stop off and have a drink. My favourite is the Hotel Bahia where I love sitting out on the veranda in the evening.
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Stay in Port de Pollença – Hotel Bahia
For a charming Mediterranean style hotel that’s located right on the waterfront, we recommend Hotel Bahia with a sunny terrace and direct access to the beach. Check here for other hotels in Port de Pollença.
Stay at the charming Mediterranean Hotel Bahia in Port de Pollença
Take the bus to Formentor
If you are wondering what to do in Port de Pollença that doesn’t require a car, one place you can reach by bus and boat is Formentor, a secluded cove to the north of Puerto Pollensa. Take the public bus from Port de Pollença for some outstanding photo opportunities, so be sure to have your camera ready. The bus journey can be quite scary due to steep hills and hairpin bends, but worth the experience.
At Formentor is the exclusive Hotel Formentor a Royal Hideaway that has welcomed many famous guests including Agatha Christie who wrote the novel Problem at Pollensa Bay after her time spent here. Formentor is a quiet place that doesn’t attract too many tourists. Take a beach towel and picnic with you to spend the afternoon swimming in crystal blue water.
On the return trip, take the boat which takes around an hour to get back to Puerto Pollensa. Or if you are based near Alcudia, you can take this 4 hour boat trip around the coast at Formentor to see the famous lighthouse and swim at some of the local beaches.
Read our article on why Port Soller in Mallorca is perfect for luxury holidays
Soak up the atmosphere at the Pollensa market
There are many markets across Majorca a number of which I would avoid as they are aimed at tourists. However it’s worth visiting the Sunday market in the old town of Pollensa, which is just a 20 minute bus ride from Port de Pollença. The market sells virtually every type of produce the island has to offer, from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and clothes.
There are some lovely cafés in the main square where you can soak up the atmosphere, as locals buy their weekly groceries. Try the delicious local olives flavoured with pickles that are served in the local cafés.
Visit the Roman ruins in Alcúdia
The old town of Alcúdia is rich in history and if you have any interest in the Romans it is a real gem. Outside the main wall of the old town there are a number of ruins including an old Roman amphitheatre which is within walking distance of the main public bus stop.
From the Port of Alcúdia, you can also take this 3 hour dolphin watching boat trip and stop at a local beach to swim in the clear waters.
Stay in Alcúdia at Hotel Can Mostatxins
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with character in Alcúdia, take a look at Hotel Can Mostatxins, which is housed in two restored buildings dating from the 15th and 19th century in Alcudia Old Town.
Stay at the boutique Hotel Can Mostatxins in Alcúdia Old Town
Walk across the Tramuntana mountain range to Cala San Vicente
This walk should be completed in the morning since it is too hot and tiring after lunch. The views from the top are fantastic as you can see Pollença bay and Cala San Vicente bay in one viewing. The reward at the end of the walk is a drink in one of the beach side bars or swim in the sea. If you don’t wish to walk back there is a local bus if you time it right or you take a taxi.
Have a drink in the square at night
The main square in Puerto Pollensa is one place that residents of the town come to relax. This is a great place for people watching, I love having a drink there in the evening and watching the old men and women chatting about the day’s events.
Things to do near Port de Pollença
The Edwardian steam train to Sóller
You can catch this train from Palma city, as it leaves frequently throughout the summer months. The train takes you to Sóller which is less than an hour away. It’s a real fun journey and certainly worth doing. If you don’t have a car you can take the public bus to Palma which takes about an hour from Puerto Pollensa and catch the train from there onto Sóller. If staying in the south of Mallorca, we recommend this one day sightseeing tour that includes pick up from your hotel, with a boat ride and the vintage train ride to Soller.
Stay in Soller at Hotel Es Port Soller
If you’d like to stay in Soller, we recommend the Hotel Es Port Soller set in a 17th century mansion at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains and close to the sea. Check for more hotels in Soller.
Stay at the historic 17th century Hotel Es Port in Soller
Valldemossa
Valldemossa was where Chopin spent a summer before he died. You can visit the house where he stayed and listen to a piano recital if you catch the right time. It is one one place that is easier to get to by car.
Hopefully this article will have given you a flavour of what to expect when you visit the north of the island. Majorca really is a great place to visit and if you have the time there are great places to explore all over the island. The north of the island and especially Port de Pollença is a really special place that will always give me happy memories from the many summer months I have spent relaxing there.
About the author: Ross Fraser is a keen traveller who has spent the last 15 years visiting Puerto Pollensa in Majorca.
For Hiking in Mallorca
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Hiking the GR211 Dry Stone Route in Mallorca – Lluc Monastery to Port de Pollença
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Looking for a guide to Mallorca? We recommend the Lonely Planet Guide to Mallorca
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This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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David Blakeley
Sunday 28th of August 2016
Just returned from Puerto Pollensa. A return visit. Fab holiday and wounderful place to stay. I read your blog in advance and took your advice on the Bus trip to Formentor and return by boat to Puerto Pollensa. This was a great family day out. The descent of the bus into Formenror was stunning.... Loved the market in the square in Puerto Pollensa on Wednesday. All the choise of produce always amazes me. Really pleased I found your blog and came away with a great family experience. Best wishes.
Heather Cowper
Wednesday 31st of August 2016
@David Sounds like you had a great trip - so pleased that you found the blog helpful
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Thursday 21st of January 2016
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this website. I'm hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own blog now ;)
Ben Harris
Monday 27th of July 2015
I've been to Puerto Pollensa 8 times now and stayed in some fantastic villas. We tend to come back because we've seen all the sights so we can all just relax. This year, we decided to head out on a boat trip. There were a few boats that you could book day trips out with. We had an absolutely fantastic day trip and it really was one to remember. It wasn't hugely expensive in the grand scheme of things (85 EUR for adults), especially given lunch and drinks were included!
Isabella Morgan
Wednesday 3rd of June 2015
Off to Majorca on Saturday for a week and doing my homework on what to do. Just want to say thank you for the info here - pleased I found it. I write for a website (www.frockfriday.co.uk) and will be writing up review of holiday when I return. Could I use this site as a link for further info? Thanks. Isabella x
Heather Cowper
Wednesday 3rd of June 2015
@isabella delighted that you found the article and of course feel free to share it or link back - if you search you'll find some other articles about me walking holiday in Pollenca
Sean Tunnicliffe
Friday 2nd of January 2015
Planning on going to Puerto Pollensa in late May. It will be our first time so found this useful and I will take a look at Ross Fraser's website.
Heather Cowper
Tuesday 6th of January 2015
@Sean glad you found it useful - I was in Mallorca myself in September and will be writing soon about our walk that ended in Puerto Pollenca - I highly recommend Hotel Hotel Sis Pins where we stayed.