Steep limestone cliffs, wild nature, endless horizons: Mallorca’s North Coast is a peculiar beauty that is not easily conquered. However, those who manage to do so are completely captivated by its charm.
Walking a Gigantic Rocky Pathway
The northernmost point of Mallorca, Cap Formentor, is connected by an 18 km road that winds over a rocky formation stretching into the sea like a colossal walkway. This masterpiece was designed by the Italian civil engineer Antonio Paretti, who also built the spectacular Sa Calobra road on the west coast.
At the end of this impressive rocky pathway stands a lighthouse, erected in 1862. On clear days, from this privileged position, you can see Menorca to the east, Cala Figuera to the west, and Alcúdia to the south. Only those without vertigo should look down, as the cliff drops 300 meters straight to the sea.
Tip: Bring a windbreaker! A strong breeze often blows here.
On your way back, don’t miss a coffee break at the historic Hotel Formentor, an exclusive gem that opened in 1929 and is part of the tourist itinerary.
Hoist the Sails with Favorable Winds
The bays of Pollença and Alcúdia are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. On one hand, the north of the island offers the best wind conditions, ideal for sailors and surfers. On the other hand, both bays are well protected:
Pollença Bay is flanked by the peninsulas of Formentor and Sa Victòria, while Alcúdia Bay is sheltered by Sa Victòria and Llevant. A great spot for a midday break: the port of Port de Pollença. Along the waterfront, you’ll find charming bars, restaurants, and cafes.
By the way, the famous crime novelist Agatha Christie spent several weeks here in 1929 and chose Port de Pollença as the setting for her love story “Problem at Pollensa Bay.” The statesman Winston Churchill and magnate Aristotle Onassis were also drawn to Mallorca’s northernmost port.
Dreaming in Stylish Fincas
In the north, privacy is especially valued. Rent a comfortable finca in the midst of nature and leave the world behind. There is a wide variety of exclusive properties available.
A new highlight: the luxury lifestyle hotel Son Brull. This historic 18th-century monastery has been sensitively restored, combining cutting-edge design with contemporary luxury. This five-star wellness oasis, complete with a spa area, gourmet restaurant, and trendy bar, is very close to the Pollença golf course (9 holes, challenging fairways, Ctra. Palma-Pollença, km. 49.3, 07460 Pollença, Tel.: 971-533216, Fax: 971-533265, www.golfpollensa.com).
Golfing with Sea Views
Opened in late 2003, the Alcanada golf course is Mallorca’s rising star (Ctra. del Faro s/n, 07410 Port d’Alcúdia, Tel.: 971-220966, Fax: 971-220967, www.golf-alcanada.com). And not just for its stunning views of Alcúdia Bay, as 16 of its 18 holes offer sea views.
The design, created by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr., challenges players by reflecting the waves of the sea. Alcanada is named after the nearby lighthouse, which you can admire during your round of golf.
Alcanada will never lack water: the course director, Kristoff Both, was the first on the island to choose the Paspalum grass variety, which can be watered with seawater. Attention: Strict handicap rules apply—ladies 36, gentlemen 33!
Visiting the Proud Inhabitants of the North
A select group of around 14,000 inhabitants carefully preserve the traditions of the beautiful and ancient town of Pollença. The pollencins, as the citizens of Pollença are known on the island, are considered wealthy and strong-willed.
They speak their own dialect, passionately celebrate their local customs, and promote the fine arts. More than a dozen galleries have been established here. The romantic and labyrinthine streets and staircases date back to the Arab era.
After the expulsion of the Arabs, the Templar Knights took control and founded the main church, Nostra Senyora dels Angels, in 1236. Next to the church still stands the old Templar palace, and Carrer Templ street serves as a reminder of the mysterious order.
Following the Italian style, between the 17th and 19th centuries, the red and ochre stone houses were built—most of them are a visual delight! Those who wish to follow in the footsteps of the Romans can head to the Pont Romà, just outside the town. Although only a bridge remains from the Roman occupation over the Torrent de Sant Jordi, it is surprisingly well-preserved.
Discovering Places on the North Coast
Challenging medieval walls, lively weekly markets, untouched nature, and 25 kilometers of fine sandy beaches.
Can Picafort is located in the Bay of Alcúdia, approximately ten kilometers south of Port d'Alcúdia.
Every year, on Good Friday, thousands of islanders and tourists make a pilgrimage to the Descent from the Cross procession at the Calvary.
A paradise for water sports enthusiasts and families! The Bay of Pollença is protected, so there are almost no waves and the water is quite shallow.
Experience an Exciting Pirate Battle
“Moros a tierra – moros en tierra!” cries the brave Pollencín, Juan Mas, horrified from his balcony. Below him, the crowd stirs around Pollença’s iconic Font de Gall (Fountain of the Rooster).
With this shout, every August 2nd at 7:00 PM, the Moros y Cristians spectacle begins. The historic 1550 battle against the Turkish pirate Dragut’s band is reenacted. The brave Pollencíns fight in white nightgowns, as the attack took place at night. They celebrate their victory joyfully until dawn.
Instead of blood, a large amount of Mesclat, a typically Mallorcan dark liquor, flows. At midnight, a grand fireworks display is launched.
Discover the Mystical Side of Mallorca
If you find yourself in Mallorca during the Easter holidays, you must not miss the Descendimiento (Davallament) procession at Puig de Calvari in Pollença—a truly mystical spectacle!
In the afternoon, all the oil lamps along the 365 steps of the staircase are lit. At the top, on the esplanade in front of the chapel, two Pollencíns dressed as Romans guard a large crucifix. From this 170-meter-high viewpoint, you’ll enjoy an impressive view of the town and the Bay of Pollença.
When night falls, the procession begins, a sea of torch and lantern lights. Accompanied by hooded penitents with pointed hats (nazarenos), the statue of Christ, wrapped in a black lace veil, is carried down the steps to the Nostra Senyora dels Angels church. There, the community celebrates a midnight mass.
The Pollencíns also hold an impressive Corpus Christi procession in June. Two girls, dressed in lavish eagle (àguiles) costumes and wearing the town women’s most precious jewelry, dance before the altar and capture all eyes. The eagle is the emblem of the weavers, whose guild sponsored the procession in the Middle Ages.
Walk Through Solitary Natural Paradises
Cliffs rising directly from the sea, shady oak forests, centuries-old olive groves: the Sierra de Tramuntana in the north offers grand and idyllic panoramic views! From Pollença, be sure to hike up to Puig de Maria (about 30 minutes) and explore the ruins of Castell del Rei (about 3 hours).
Note: Part of the route passes through the private road of Finca Ternelles. Ask at the Tourism Office about access times. From Port de Pollença, there’s a beautiful short trail that goes through the Bóquer Valley to the Es Colomer viewpoint (about 2 hours; the starting point is at the eastern end of the town).
You can also enjoy a splendid circular hike on the Sa Victòria peninsula in Alcúdia. The S’Albufera Natural Park in Alcúdia Bay is unique, with 1,700 hectares—it’s the largest wetland in the Balearic Islands! Approximately 200 bird species live in the park, and around 10,000 migratory birds from Africa and Northern Europe stop here. Additionally, there are many amphibians, eels, dragonflies, and beautiful marsh orchids.
From the reed-lined trails and bike paths, you can observe the park’s shy inhabitants without disturbing their lives (entrance at Pont dels Anglesos bridge, Ctra. Alcúdia-Can Picafort). At the conservation and information center, you can get brochures, a map of the area, and binoculars (available for a small rental fee).
Discover Traces of Arabs and Romans
Al-Kudia means “the hill” in Arabic. On a hill, the Moors built their capital on the island after conquering Mallorca in the year 903. The historic town of Alcúdia still retains its Arabic name, though with a slight modification in the spelling.
Today, its approximately 6,000 inhabitants are surrounded by an impressive medieval wall, started in 1298 by Jaume II and expanded around 1660 by Philip IV. The abandoned Roman city of Pollentia, located at the foot of the hill, was the source of stone used for its construction.
Over the centuries, the Arabs also used these stones as building material. Fortunately, they didn’t take them all, and Pollentia remains the main Roman archaeological site on the island, though only a few columns and the foundations of the Casa de la Portella remain (in front of the parish church, Ctra. Port d’Alcúdia). Only the foundations of the smallest Roman theater in Spain, the Teatre Romà (Ctra. Port d’Alcúdia, km 54), are preserved as well.
The Monographic Museum of Pollentia will help you imagine what Pollentia was like in its day: a model of a Roman house will give you a better visualization of the ancient city (C/. Sant Jaume, 30; behind the parish church).
Enjoy Classical Music
The International Music Weeks of Pollença (Festival de Pollença), held between July and September, are highly prestigious in the music world. The setting for these concerts is the historic Dominican Monastery, founded in the early Baroque period in 1578.
Virtuosos typically perform in the beautiful cloister of the Convent of Santo Domingo. Queen Sofía of Spain is the festival’s patron. If her schedule permits, she sometimes attends the concerts in person. Information and the current program are available on the website www.festivalpollenca.com.
