Port de Pollença

01Leaning pine trees, stylish villas

It's pure relaxation, just strolling along the seafront promenades of Passeig Vora Mar and Passeig de Colom...beneath mature, leaning pine trees...between small stretches of beach and grand villas from the beginning of the 20th century. You have no lack of options for refreshment stops either, of course, with plenty of outdoor terraces such as that of the dignified Hotel Illa d’Or, which has stood its ground here since 1929. This hotel has welcomed illustrious guests such as Annie Lennox, nowadays having modern rooms and a spa area. Indeed, Port de Pollença captivates visitors with its smaller hotels; there are barely any huge blocks of concrete. So, although it's a place that is characterised by tourism, it's not dominated by giant tourist complexes.

02A range of beaches and water sports

Beach lovers can indulge in swimming and more on Platja d’Albercutx, the Port de Pollença beach, Platja Can Cullerassa and Platja Llenaire.

Port de Pollença also offers the entire range of water sports , boat trips, sailing, kayaking, diving, stand up paddleboarding, surfing and kitesurfing. And even if you've never been on a board before, you can easily learn here at one of the biggest sailing and surfing schools in Majorca. Sail & Surf on Passeig Saralegui, under German management, has been very well known for decades. Finally, the harbour is the home of the Real Club Náutico. This is one of only two "royal" boat clubs on the island, the other being the club in Majorca's capital city of Palma. Right on the pier "Moll Nou" in Port de Pollença, Stay Restaurant welcomes guests and serves delicious fare, offering dishes ranging from breakfasts to tapas and curries to sushi. And if you feel like having a wine in the evening, the wine list gives you more than 100 choices, including a whole range of Majorcan vinos.

03Shadow play with a horse character

If you're staying in Port de Pollença, you could also take a trip to one of the numerous calas in the vicinity, such as Cala Sant Vicenç, which actually has four bays: Cala Barques, Cala Clara, Cala Molins and Cala Carbó. They lie beneath the Serra del Cavall Bernat mountain massif with its sawtoothed silhouette. This rock formation would probably be among the top 10 most painted and photographed subjects in the north of Majorca, and that's owing somewhat to the magic of special shadow play effects. In fact, on sunny afternoons in February and March, an impressive horse complete with rider appears on the steep rock face!

04The necropolis of l’Alzineret

Cala Sant Vicenç is also a paradise for history buffs, as you can visit the prehistoric Caves of l'Alzineret here. They were formed around 1,600 BC, that is, way back in the Bronze Age. Seven have been preserved from what were originally at least 14 burial caves.

05On your bikes, get set, go!

Among cyclists, Port de Pollença is extremely popular, as is Pollença itself. After all, it's perfect for exploring the north from here. You could include a challenging trip to Cap Formentor , the most spectacular headland in Majorca with a breathtaking approach and a lighthouse sitting way up high, 210 metres above sea level. Those of us who are not quite as sporty can easily rent a pushbike from one of the numerous local rental points and "discover" the region in a leisurely manner.

06Hikes and pilgrimages

Hikers might like to set off on the long-distance trail GR-221 in the direction of Lluc. This part of the "Dry Stone Route" , the Ruta de Pedra en Sec , is a great experience. The Lluc monastery with its Black Madonna has been a spiritual centre and the most important pilgrimage site in Majorca for centuries. Nowadays, you can stay the night in the former cells of the monks. And in the monastery restaurant, the Majorcan almond cake with vanilla ice cream is also worth a trek of any length…