Holidays in Puerto Pollensa

Puerto Pollensa is a gorgeous resort with soft sandy beach areas, shallow sea in a beautiful bay with just the right number of shops and restaurants. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to this lovely apartment and resort.

Helen H – Kent

Incredible scenery, a choice of several safe beaches with every water sport imaginable, coupled with a really friendly family atmosphere.

The sheltered horseshoe bay of Pollensa is set against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains. It is no surprise that it remains a firm favourite with families and couples who return time and time again.

Originally a fishing village until the 1960’s, Puerto Pollensa still retains a small-town feel.

On warm summer evenings, tourists and residents alike wander from the marina, where the yachts are moored, past the sea front cafes and restaurants and along the celebrated Pine Walk as far as the famous Illa D’Or hotel which has the perfect spot for Sundowners

We first visited Puerto Pollensa on a day trip from Palma to visit some cycling friends who were training there.

As soon as we started walking down the Pine Walk, past the beautiful 19th century villas and the cafes and bars, we knew that Puerto Pollensa had captured our hearts.

Due to the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, it is not possible to spoil the town by excessive developments, making holidays in Puerto Pollensa such an easy location as you are never far from the water’s edge.

Along came our children and we could not think of a safer and more scenic place to spend our holidays than in Puerto Pollensa.

Our children have learnt to swim in the pool and have perfected their paddleboard technique at the beach 2 minute away from our “home in the sun” as we all call it.

They have enjoyed such freedom, from going down to “Toni’s” at the front of the complex for a Fanta Limon to cycling off along the water’s edge.

Rob and I adore the incredible choice of bars and restaurants and meeting up with the many friends we have met out there. From the fantastic market in the square every Wednesday to the many festivals that occur all year round, there is so much to do and explore. Just behind the apartment is the Boquer Valley to Cala Boquer with its abundant flora and almost prehistoric shaped rock formations.

The apartment is just across the road from Platja D’Albercutx known as the Pine Walk Beach. With gentle waters and wonderful shade from the Pine trees, Platja D’Albercutx is suitable for younger children or those who envisage their holidays in Puerto Pollensa to consist of a book and glass of wine!

The backdrop to this beach are the highly sort after, exclusive and delightfully unique 19th century villas and you can see La Fortaleza the luxury private estate that featured in Hugh Laurie’s “The Night Manager”.

There are shops and cafes just a bit further up, towards the town and lots of little jetties where we fish.

Past the marina is the main beach which stretches for 2 miles. It is here where all the water sports and the lively beach bars are to be found. This beach is much wider with parasols and sunbeds to hire.

Cala de Formentor

Holidays in Puerto Pollensa would not be complete without taking the 20 minute glass bottom boat trip to this pine tree lined beach, one of the most popular beaches in Majorca due to its unspoilt beauty.

Narby is the world famous Formentor Hotel where Agatha Christie stayed when she wrote “Problems in Pollensa Bay”.

Cala San Vincente

The lovely little resort of Cala San Vincente only 4 kilometers away consists of four beautiful beaches and coves including Cala Barques, Cala Molins and Cala Carbó

Playa de Alcúdia

Playa de Alcúdia is the largest beach of all the Balearic islands with its 7 kilometres of sand.

There is a wide range of facilities including beach bars, watersports, a water park, with incredible slides, sunbeds, parasols, showers, public toilets, car parks, and even WiFi.

Playa de Alcúdia is 15 minutes by bus from Puerto Pollensa.

You are spoilt for choice for food and drinks. From the 4 star fining dining at the Hotel Illa D’or to some incredible local tapas bars we have found, there really is something for every budget and every taste. There are absolutely beautiful restaurants right by the water’s edge for that al fresco experience on warm balmy evenings. Some of our favourites are listed below.

Stay

This restaurant is open all year round and is situated right in the marina with views of the beautiful boats. It has a wonderful set menu and a water mist that sprays you when it is hot-a reason why my kids love it!!

Hotel Bahia

This restaurant has tables on the beach on the Pine Walk-beautiful setting and incredible seafood.

Bodega Can Ferra

This is a truly authentic Majorcan restaurant. Run by the Ferra family since 1953, it is tucked away in a side street and here you can order Majorcan specialities such as rabbit and suckling pig. A totally different vibe from the seafront restaurants.

Sant Pere Fiesta

If you enjoy local culture, Sant Pere Fiesta, held every year on 29th June, celebrates the local fishermen with traditions such as regional dances, concerts and a marine fair.

Verge del Carme Fiesta

In July, the Verge del Carme Fiesta takes place featuring a mass at the Church of the Virgin of Carmen followed by the traditional parade of St Peter and the Virgin through the streets to the port, where the procession board boats and continue out on the water. The evening finishes with some traditional demon and fire running!

La Patrona

Pollensa also hosts many cultural events. La Patrona is one of the most significant, typically held at the end of July and beginning of August when locals re-enact a mock battle between the Moors and the Christians.

Watersports

There is every single watersports opportunity you can think of, on offer in Puerto Pollensa itself.

These include kayaking; SUP (with yoga too!); Kitesurfing and scuba diving.

A little further afield in Formentor, there is underwater cave diving and Alcudia offers coasteering.

Cycling

Arguably GB’s greatest ever cyclist, Tom Simpson and more recently, Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas used Puerto Pollensa as their base for preparing for their Tour de France victories.

The vast majority of cyclists though, come to Majorca, and especially the northern part, to just enjoy riding in one of the world’s best cycling environments. Smooth roads, good weather and endless cafes, geared up for the cycling crowds, are all part of the appeal.

Test yourself on the iconic climbs of Sa Colabra, Lluc and Selva; all in the vicinity of Puerto Pollensa. You can also hire bikes and Bikes and join cycling groups.

Golf

There are two golf courses in the local area. Club de Alcanda, Alcudia is a 10 to 15 minute drive around the bay.

Club de Alcanda has the reputation of being the one of the best and most scenic courses on the island. There is also a 9 hole course in Pollensa which is even nearer.