Pollença, located in the Serra de Tramuntana, is known for its rich tradition and cultural diversity. From the historical ambiance of the Roman bridge to the 365 steps of Calvary, history is present in every corner.
The weekly market and summer concerts bring a fresh breeze to this town, surrounded by ancient walls. It’s no wonder so many artists find a special source of inspiration in this Mallorcan locality.
Map and Location
Pollença is located in the north of the island of Mallorca, about 60 kilometers northeast of the capital, Palma de Mallorca.
About the Place
Pollença, in the north of Mallorca, fascinates me time and again with its excellently preserved medieval architecture. The city retains numerous historical elements, such as the distinctive stone facades and Gothic arches that characterize its urban landscape. The Roman bridge “Pont Roma,” which still spans the Torrent de Sant Jordi, is also a testament to the long-standing tradition of this place.
The Plaza Mayor is a central meeting point. There (and on many other streets in Pollenca), the local market is held every Sunday. Local farmers sell their products, such as fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties.
Pollença attracts many visitors with regular cultural events, such as summer concerts in the Claustre del Convento Santo Domingo, a former Dominican convent.
The creativity in Pollença is palpable in every corner, whether in the numerous workshops and studios of local artists or simply in the ambiance of its streets. The colorful facades of the “Dionís Bennàssar” gallery stand out, where works by regional painters are regularly displayed.
If you’re planning a stay in Pollença, you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches 8 km away in Port de Pollença. A perfect place to combine cultural enjoyment with relaxation, even with children.
My 3 highlights in Pollença
If I were visiting Pollenca for the first time, I wouldn’t miss these attractions:
- Mount Calvary (El Calvari): The climb of the 365 steps to El Calvari, a traditional Christian place of devotion, is definitely worth it. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy a great view of Pollença, while the small chapel at the summit exudes a contemplative serenity. It is especially recommended to visit during Holy Week.
- Sunday Market at Plaça Major: Every Sunday, the main square transforms into a colorful meeting point. The hustle and bustle, local fresh produce, and crafts offer an authentic glimpse into life in Pollença. I love discovering regional specialties and buying them directly from the producers.
- Puig de Maria: The hill not only offers one of the best views of Pollença and the surrounding bay but also houses an ancient 14th-century monastery. The ascent takes about an hour and winds through romantic paths. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the small Café Refugi del Puig de Maria for visitors. In the café, I recommend trying the local specialty “Coca de patata.”
Parking in Pollença
Parking in Pollença is difficult during high season, as the city attracts many visitors. Here are three options and information about parking costs:
- Public Parking on the Outskirts of the Old Town: There are several public parking areas around the old town. These parking lots are often the first choice for visitors and cost between €0.50 and €1 per hour. Some also offer daily rates starting from 5 hours, ranging from €5 to €8.
- Park Outside and Walk: In streets further away from the center, such as Carrer de Can Sion or Carrer del Puig, free parking is often available. This is a good option to avoid the heavier traffic in the city center, especially on market days or during local festivities.
- Use of Private Parking: Many hotels and restaurants offer parking for their guests. These are usually free during your stay or visit to the restaurant. If not free, you can expect costs of approximately €10 to €15 per day.
Mount Calvary
On the northeastern edge of Pollença lies Mount Calvary. It is accessible via an impressive staircase built in the 18th century and stands at a height of 170 meters. From the top, there is a spectacular view over the city and the Bay of Alcúdia.
Annually, this elevation attracts around 100,000 visitors, especially during Holy Week. At the summit, there is a small chapel that serves as a peaceful retreat and symbolizes the spiritual tradition of Pollença.
The staircase to Mount Calvary consists of 365 steps, one for each day of the year. As you climb, the effort of each step is surpassed by the growing beauty of the landscape. The view expands, and with each breath, you feel a bit more connected to the history of the place.
Many visitors (like me) bring picnic baskets to spend the afternoon on this hill and enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Important: Unfortunately, this attraction is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Did you know?
Mount Calvary originally served as a watchtower in the Middle Ages to warn about pirates who frequently attacked Mallorca at the time. If you’re traveling with your children, be sure to tell them this story!
Tourist Attractions
For those looking to take a day trip to this charming city, the following main attractions are highly recommended:
The Roman bridge Pont Roma
This ancient building is one of the city’s historical symbols and an interesting destination for those interested in history.
Located over the Torrent de Sant Jordi, it served as a significant traffic artery for the Romans and has withstood numerous floods and storms over the centuries.
Despite its long history (more than 1,000 years!), it exudes a robustness and beauty that captivates visitors. If you’re in the area, you should visit it.
This bridge sparked my imagination about what life would have been like for the Romans in Pollença!
The Santo Domingo Convent
The old Dominican convent, now a central venue for cultural events and exhibitions, is a must-visit for any visitor to Pollença.
In summer, the convent hosts the renowned Pollença Music Festival. Attending a concert in a convent is a unique experience.
The well-preserved convent buildings and the charming inner courtyard are also ideal places for a relaxed afternoon away from the summer heat.
The Church of Santa Maria de Pollença
This impressive church in the center of Plaça Major is an architectural highlight. Its facade, featuring elements from various periods of art, invites you to visit.
The interior of the church is beautiful and stands out for the luminous effects of its colorful stained glass windows, setting it apart from other churches. The Baroque decorations of the church and the golden portal are a true feast for the eyes.
Additionally, for music lovers, the church offers a special experience. A historic 18th-century organ regularly hosts concerts.
Festivals & Events
On January 17th, the town celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals. This festival is particularly popular among locals and includes traditional songs, the ‘Gloses’, and a parade where people walk through the streets with their pets to be blessed. It’s entertaining to see not only pets like dogs and cats but also farm animals like sheep and horses.
An expert tip is to watch the festival from the edge of the main streets. Where there are fewer crowds, yet the procession is still clearly visible.
An absolute highlight for wine lovers is the Wine Fair (Fira de Vi), held every April at the Santo Domingo Convent. Numerous local wineries showcase their best wines here. Visitors have the opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines and learn more about the region’s winemaking.
The entrance costs €15. For this price, you get a drink, a €5 coupon, and you can taste all the wines. It’s worth a visit! (but it’s better to arrive by public transport)
The most well-known celebration in Pollença is “La Patrona,” held annually on August 2. The festivities culminate in a reenactment of the famous “Simulacro de Moros y Cristianos,” a historical battle between Moors and Christians. Locals dress in traditional costumes, and the entire town organizes a spectacle of music, dance, and historical performances.
Every summer, the renowned Pollença Music Festival takes place, offering classical music concerts in the city’s historic venues, such as the Santo Domingo Convent. This festival attracts internationally acclaimed musicians and provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy classical music in the fantastic atmosphere of the convent.
Tickets for the event can be purchased on this website: https://festivalpollenca.com/en/tickets/. Please note: sales are activated one or two months before the event.
Restaurants
Pollença offers several options for all tastes. In my personal case, these restaurants were the best that satisfied both my palate and my wallet:
1. Restaurant Celler El Molí
This restaurant is known for its authentic Mallorcan dishes and offers a rustic atmosphere. You can enjoy traditional dishes like “Lomo con Col.” You should budget between 20 and 30 euros per person.
Tip: If you go at lunchtime, I recommend the Daily Menu for €16.90. It’s tasty and usually includes a traditional Mallorcan dish.
- Address: Carrer del Pare Vives, 72
- Hours: Every day from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sundays only at noon.
2. Bar Nou
A local favorite of mine, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent tapas. The “Pa amb oli,” a simple yet delicious Mallorcan specialty, is especially popular. Here you should plan to spend between 15 and 25 euros per person. The costs, of course, depend on the number of tapas chosen.
My favorites: The Tumbet for €9.90 and the Balearic-style fish casserole for €25.50. Simply exquisite!
- Address: Carrer d’Antoni Maura, 13
- Hours: Every day from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Closed on Tuesdays.
3. La Font del Gall
Known for its creative cuisine, this restaurant offers a selection of Mediterranean and modern dishes, including fresh fish and seafood. The atmosphere is elegant and welcoming. The cost of a main course here is approximately 25 to 35 euros per person.
I recommend ordering the Mallorcan cheese salad for €9 and the Mallorcan Coca for €8.
- Address: Carrer de Monti-Sion, 4
- Hours: Every day from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
Market
The weekly market in Pollença is a central attraction for both residents and visitors. It takes place every Sunday from morning until noon, typically from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
It takes place in the Plaça Major, the main square of Pollença, which is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the city. During the tourist season, it is one of the busiest markets in the north of Mallorca.
In the market, there is a wide variety of products: fresh fruits and vegetables. But there are also local specialties like olive oil, cheeses, and pickled olives, handcrafted products, and typical souvenirs such as ceramics and handmade textiles.
I would definitely recommend trying the regional wines at the market! Regional grape varieties like Manto Negro and Callet can basically only be tasted in Mallorca.
Surroundings
Near Pollença, there are beautiful places that offer the one thing Pollença lacks, which is the beach, so beloved in summer.
Port de Pollença: This beautiful port city is located about 8 kilometers or 15 minutes by car from Pollença. It is directly accessible via the MA-2200 highway. The main promenade along the “Passeig Vora Mar” is known for its beautiful views of the bay. There you can take a break and enjoy the cafés, bars, and restaurants.
The city entices with an incredibly cool beach, perfect for sandcastle builders and sun lovers. The soft sand and the clear, calm waters make it an ideal spot for laid-back days under the Mallorcan sun. Additionally, this vacation destination offers various water activities like sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, which can be booked directly at the harbor. For families, there are swimming areas and playgrounds.
Important for travelers by car: There are parking spaces along the promenade, which can fill up quickly during peak season. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early or use the parking lots located a bit farther away.
Cala Sant Vicenç: Just about 8 kilometers or around 15 minutes from Pollença, you can reach Cala Sant Vicenç via the MA-2203. Those who prefer public transportation can take bus line 322.
This small cove on the northern coast is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the rugged cliffs that surround it. This corner of Mallorca offers several small beaches, including Cala Molins and Cala Clara. Both locations are equipped with fine sand and good infrastructure, such as showers and equipment rental for water sports.
In Cala Sant Vicenç, there are several cafés and restaurants along Cala Molins street. Here, you can taste local delicacies. This street leads directly to Cala Molins beach and is also a popular meeting spot for residents and tourists.
Little tip:
To avoid the crowds, plan your visit to Cala Sant Vicenç ideally outside of the main vacation months, July and August. It’s quieter and you’ll find a good spot on the beach more easily, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and pleasant beach experience.
Hotels
Is it really worth staying in Pollença?
Pollença is undoubtedly a charming place with excellent infrastructure and good restaurants. But if you’re used to all-inclusive vacations, where you head straight to the beach after breakfast, you’re probably better off in Port de Pollença.
One advantage of Pollença, of course, is that from there it’s easy to explore the north of the island. Formentor, Alcudia, but also Cala Rajada and Sa Calobra are easily accessible from Pollença.
Here are some good recommendations:
| Hotel | Price per night | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Son Sant Jordi | From €120 | Outdoor pool, spa area, restaurant |
| Hotel Juma | From €100 | Restaurant on the rooftop terrace |
| L’Hostal – Hotel D’Interior | From €80 | Rooftop terrace with jacuzzi |
How to get there
For all those who wish to visit this beautiful city of Mallorca, there are several options to get there:
- By Car: From the capital, Palma de Mallorca, it’s approximately 55 kilometers to Pollença, which means about a 45-minute drive via the Ma-13 motorway. Upon arriving in Pollença, you can park in public parking lots near the old town. Parking fees vary depending on the season and time of day but typically are around €2 per hour.
- By Bus: TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears) offers regular bus connections from Palma to Pollença. Line 340 directly connects both cities and takes about an hour to arrive. A one-way ticket costs around €5. The central bus stop in Pollença is located at Plaça de Ca les Munnares, which is easily accessible on foot and serves as a connection point for other local routes.
- By Taxi: A taxi ride from Palma to Pollença can cost between €60 and €80, depending on the time of day and traffic. Taxis offer a comfortable, though more expensive, alternative for those wishing to travel directly from the airport or another location.
Artists in Pollença
Pollença is not only a beautiful place for tourists but also a vibrant hub for artists and creatives. Within the city, there are numerous workshops and studios where local artists work and display their artwork. These creative spaces are often tucked away in the narrow streets of the old town.
One of the highlights is the “Dionís Bennàssar” gallery. The colorful façades and the diverse display of artworks attract art lovers from all over the world. The gallery is named after one of the island’s most famous artists.
Did you know?
The famous British writer Agatha Christie was inspired by the beauty and tranquility of Pollença. During her stay in the city, she wrote some of her short stories, such as “Miss Marple Tells a Story.”
Conclusión
Pollença combines an authentic Mallorcan experience with the stunning backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana – an unbeatable combination!
As you walk through the city, you’ll be captivated by the excellently preserved medieval architecture.
In addition, the numerous cultural events and a vibrant art scene bring the city to life, turning your visit into a profound experience of Mallorcan culture.
If you travel north, you definitely must visit Pollença. It’s worth it!
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