Puerto Pollensa Holidays

The heart of Majorca’s mystique

Puerto Pollensa, in the far north of Majorca, has long inspired writers and artists. Crime novelist Agatha Christie wrote ‘Problem at Pollensa Bay’ here, and a number of the scenic shots for the TV adaptation of John le Carré’s ‘The Night Manager’ were captured in and around the resort. It’s surrounded by some of the island’s most captivating scenery, tucked within a horseshoe-shaped bay and framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range.

In the town itself, mazey cobbled streets are lined with medieval stone houses and inviting tapas bars, while the modern waterfront area is lined with lively bars and sleek yachts. Just to the south is a long, pine-fringed sandy beach, while northeast of Puerto Pollensa lies a wild, sparsely populated peninsula leading up to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse – the island’s northernmost point, and a superb vantage point for views of the rugged, windswept coastline around it.

While Palma is the official capital of Majorca, Puerto Pollensa is the place to go for epic bike rides. Avid cyclists from around the world flock to this corner of the island to take advantage of the many awe-inspiring routes on offer along the coast, in the Tramuntana mountains, and further inland. Even if you only consider yourself a casual cyclist, there’s no shortage of flat, easy-going trails, which will give you a taste of Majorca’s majestic scenery.

Explore our map of Puerto Pollensa

Your Puerto Pollensa questions, answered

How are the beaches?

Pollensa beach is a golden kilometre of sand studded with sunloungers, located just south of the marina. Nearby Albercutx beach is narrow and kid-friendly thanks to its shallow waters and natural shade.

Are there water sports?

If you want to get out into the blue and explore the coastline, Pollensa beach has everything from pedalos and snorkelling to windsurfing and sailing.

When’s the best time to visit Puerto Pollensa?

Puerto Pollensa has events going on year-round, so you can go during the hot, dry summer, or even the milder, winter months. April to June can be a good time to enjoy an inexpensive break, and there are events such as Holy Week for Easter, and Corpus Christi, both of which bring parades and street parties to the town. One of the biggest events of the year is Feste de la Verge del Carme in July, a colourful celebration that takes place over eight nights, and this is an excellent time for sunseekers as the weather peaks.

Where are the best places to cycle around Puerto Pollensa?

If you’re keen for a challenge and you’re prepared to tackle some steep inclines, the Tramuntana mountains are a paradise for cycling. The route up to the Santuari de Lluc, a medieval monastery in an idyllic woodland part of the mountains, is especially popular. Alternatively, you could cycle up to the Cap de Formentor lighthouse, or follow the coastal route south to the ancient walled town of Alcudia. Just before you get to Alcudia, there’s a nature reserve called Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca, renowned for its abundant birdlife, which is well worth a detour.

Is Puerto Pollensa good for families?

Puerto Pollensa holidays are splendid for families with younger or older children. There’s plenty to keep your kids occupied, whether you take a dolphin-watching boat trip, book some water sports or horse riding on the beach, or spend the day inland hiking through the mountains. Of course, you should also spend some time relaxing on the beach. Most of the beaches close to Puerto Pollensa have shallow water, so kids can go several metres without swimming out of their depth. Many local beaches have Blue Flag status, so you know they’re clean and safe.

How is the hiking?

On the hour-long trek through the Boquer Valley you'll see mountain goats and ravishing scenery before emerging onto a quiet beach with a charming cove.

Do I need a car in Puerto Pollensa?

Car hire isn’t essential when you visit Puerto Pollensa. You can catch taxis and shuttle buses from the airport. Once you’re in the town, it’s very walkable. There are also buses to nearby towns like Alcudia and to some of the popular beaches. But hiring a car does give you more freedom. You can explore the unspoilt coast around the northeast of the island, and discover hidden beaches.

What’s the nightlife like in Puerto Pollensa?

Puerto Pollensa has a lively atmosphere at night but people tend to hang out in bars and restaurants rather than nightclubs. The town square is especially popular. You’ll find a variety of bars, many of them with open-air terraces so you can enjoy the balmy evenings. There are often live music and open-air cultural events during the summer. If you’re looking for nightclubs, hop in a taxi to Alcudia, which is about 15-minutes away and has a small selection of fun, friendly places.

Does Puerto Pollensa have a market?

There are two weekly markets in Puerto Pollensa. On Wednesday mornings, there’s a market in the town square, where you can buy handcrafted local items, clothes, leather goods, and fresh fruit and vegetables. On Sunday mornings, head to the old town area, where the market takes over a few of the winding, cobbled streets. During the summer months, there are usually market stalls along the main beach selling local art and souvenirs.

How far is Puerto Pollensa from Alcudia?

Puerto Pollensa is just under 15 minutes away by car or taxi. There are also regular buses between the towns that stop at the major hotels along the way. You may choose to walk one way, as the road is flat and there’s an easy route with great views. The main road between the towns also has a cycle path, so you could consider hiring a bike and enjoying a leisurely ride.

Best things to do Beaches

Take a stroll
Taking an evening walk along the tree-fringed coastal walkway is such a local institution, the Majorcans even have a special word for it – ‘pasao’, which means stroll.
Cycle to Cap de Formentor
Around 15km north of Puerto Pollensa lies the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, at the end of a rocky peninsula with steep cliffs and some of Majorca’s most dramatic vistas. This is the northernmost tip of the island, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. It's a fairly challenging route with plenty of steep sections, but the roads are well paved and the views are totally worth the effort. If you don't fancy cycling, you can also get there by bus.
Go to the square
Puerto Pollensa’s main square, Plaza Miguel Capllonch, is lined with cool restaurants and buzzy bars. It's also where the market sets up on Wednesdays, offering a variety of food, crafts and clothes.