Puerto Pollensa is a small Mallorcan town that is located northeast of the capital city of Palma, and is one of the furthest holiday resorts from Mallorca Palma Airport.
This longer transfer time compared to many of the other resorts on the island makes it relatively quiet, which is perfect for those seeking a relaxing break in Mallorca. Although the town is more peaceful than others, it still offers guests a well-established resort set in a sweeping bay with lots of land and water activities.
The town of Puerto Pollensa isn’t well-known for having lively nightlife, but there are still several great bars and restaurants to enjoy a drink in a cosy atmosphere. Alongside this, the marina at Puerto Pollensa provides visitors with a classy experience, surrounded by super-yachts and many high-end shops and bars.
To help you plan your trip, we've put together a guide to the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa, so that you can visit with all the best places in mind.
The large marina at Puerto Pollensa is full of fishing boats and luxury yachts and is one of the main Puerto Pollensa attractions. The port is a highlight for many who choose to holiday in the area due to its excellent shopping and classy atmosphere.
There are plenty of high-end fashion boutiques to choose from, all clustered around the port and a market in the nearby Miquel Cappllonch square every Wednesday morning that offers almost 200 stalls to browse through.
Puerto Pollensa is renowned for its watersport offering as the well-established holiday resort caters to various itineraries, providing guests with plenty to do. The area is particularly favoured among those who enjoy stand up paddle boarding, and you’ll see many of these enthusiasts at the local beaches during the early mornings when the water is calm.
If paddle boarding isn’t for you, there are many more options available such as kite surfing, bodyboarding and pedal boats.
Can Cap Cou Beach is where you want to go if you fancy trying your hand at kite surfing, as the coast here is often packed with kites heading out to surf the waters. However, Can Cap Cou is a lovely spot to visit even if you don’t fancy joining in, as just watching the multiple kite surfers is a great pass time when visiting Puerto Pollensa.
Another of the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa is to jump on two wheels. Many people head to Puerto Pollensa each year for its fantastic cycle route offering, as the multiple paths with outstanding scenery make for a cyclist’s haven. One of the favoured courses is the trail from Puerto Pollensa to Cap de Formentor.
You can start your cycling journey in Puerto Pollensa and head north by the coastline towards Formentor. The first challenge is the hill at Coll de Sa Creueta, approximately 2-3 km into the ride.
As you travel along the route from Puerto Pollensa to Cap de Formentor, you’ll enjoy unmatched coastal scenery along the peninsula. When reaching Formentor, be sure to check out the views of Puerto Pollensa’s horseshoe bay.
Throughout the 40km bike ride, you will encounter four tricky climbs, with a total elevation gain of around 850 metres. The route from Puerto Pollensa to Cap de Formentor isn’t for the faint-hearted, as the winding roads that take you along the peninsula provide more than a few hairpin moments as you veer close to the cliff edges.
The Mirador d’es Colomer viewpoint is on the road that connects Puerto Pollensa to the Formentor Peninsula, situated 300 metres above sea level and providing some of the best views in the region. It’s on one of the peaks of the Tramuntana Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas of Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and the coastline.
You can get the bus from Puerto Pollensa to Mirador d’es Colomer, or if you have a car, you can also drive here. It is quite a hike from the car park or bus stop, but it’s worth it for the incredible views at the top out to sea and of the neighbouring towns below.
Many native and migratory birds live around the port at Puerto Pollensa. However, if you want to spot some wildlife when visiting, the best place to do so is the La Gola wetlands; an accessible bird reserve just a short walk from the marina.
If visiting the reserve at La Gola, it is best to start at the tourist centre, where the helpful staff can provide lots of information about the nature park and the wildlife surrounding the area. You will then be able to go on to wander through the reserve and try to spot the different species that live there.
The main square at Puerto Pollensa is the Placa Miquel Capllonch which is a beautiful cobbled area surrounded by an array of shops, bars and restaurants. Situated in the heart of the town makes the square an ideal place if you aim to explore the surrounding streets further.
There is an excellent market in the main square every Wednesday morning which displays almost 200 stalls offering local produce, clothes, crafts, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
Placa Miquel Capllonch provides a romantic setting, especially on an evening when the lights dim, and the restaurants supply guests with outdoor seating to enjoy the warm balmy evenings and perhaps a tapas dish or two.
If you visit the square in summer, you will be delighted to know that there are often several concerts, fairs, fiestas and live entertainment, which make for a great night out in Puerto Pollensa. For insight into the town’s history, a visit to the Virgin del Carmen church, situated on Placa Miquel Capllonch, is a great way to spend an hour or so.
One of the best things to do in Puerto Pollensa during the cooler winter months is to vebture into the Serra Tramuntana Mountain range, which runs along the northwest coast of Mallorca. The mountain range is approximately 90 kilometres in length, covering 30% of the island’s territory. There are hundreds of different hiking routes through the mountains, all of which provide varying difficulties of walks.
Some of the peaks in the Serra Tramuntana are as high as 1400m, with a few of around 1000m and the highest being the Puig Major, which sits at an impressive 1436 metres high. The views from the top of any of these peaks are utterly breathtaking as you take in the coastal scenery and the tiny towns below.
It is best to hike the mountains in the early morning when temperatures are cooler, as attempting to do this during the afternoon in summer will be far too hot. Any routes through the Serra Tramuntana mountain range will provide you with the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds and fully submerge yourself in the stunning natural scenery that Mallorca offers.
A favoured hike is the trail from Puerto Pollensa to the beach at Cala de Boquer, which takes you through the mountain range. The walk is around 6.5km and provides excellent mountain range views.
The Pine Walk in Puerto Pollensa’s promenade is also known as the Passeig Vora Mar and it's one of the most famous Puerto Pollensa attractions. Popular with families, from the path, you will find incredible views of the Tramuntana mountains and beautiful vistas out to sea, as the trail runs along the coastline.
Summer evenings provide the best time for a stroll along the promenade when the weather is warm and the sun sets in the background, with the only sounds being the calm waves as they roll against the shore.
Passeig Vora Mar is in a tranquil part of the town, sheltered from large waves and strong winds. It has some of the most luxurious villas in Mallorca and provides a beautiful place to sit out and enjoy a bite to eat or an evening drink.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of northern Mallorca is by taking a boat trip around the Bay of Pollensa. Boat excursions depart regularly from Puerto Pollensa’s marina, giving you the chance to explore hidden coves, crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs along the nearby Formentor peninsula. Many trips include swimming stops, snorkelling opportunities and incredible views of the surrounding Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
You can choose from half-day boat tours, private charters or relaxing catamaran cruises depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, with several licensed operators to choose from. Some tours even include dolphin-spotting or visits to quieter beaches that are difficult to reach by land. There's sure to be a Puerto Pollensa boat tour suitable for the whole family.
If you want to see more of Mallorca’s spectacular coastline while enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine, a boat trip is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Puerto Pollensa.
On this list, we’ve only scratched the surface of what to do in Puerto Pollensa. Not only is there more to discover in the town, but its location means that a serene and peaceful trip is a given, which provides the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in a beautiful setting.
Looking for more recommendations on what to do in Puerto Pollensa? Read our guides to the best time to visit and the best places to go in the town!
If you’re planning a visit to Puerto Pollensa and looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic choice of accommodation. Browse our selection here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
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