Puerto Pollensa (Port de Pollença) is a charming resort town located on the northern coast of Mallorca. It is easily accessible from Palma Airport, which is just under an hour’s drive away (65km/40miles). Originally a traditional fishing village, it has grown into a popular holiday destination while retaining much of its original character and laid-back feel.
Unlike some of the more bustling resorts on the island, Puerto Pollensa has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Here, you will generally find a mix of families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is popular with British tourists but also attracts a wide variety of other nationalities. The resort offers a good balance of amenities and entertainment without being overly commercialised.
Puerto Pollensa is home to several lovely beaches. They all have great views of the mountain ranges that protrude from the sea on either side of the bay. The Albercuix beaches can be found along the famous Pine Walk and the Tamarells beaches are to the south of the marina.
Tamarells Beach is the main beach in Puerto Pollensa and is situated close to the town centre. It’s a continuation of the larger bay area that stretches all the way from Alcudia. Tamarells Beach has the following key features:
Albercuix Beach is a bit further along the coastline, north from the marina, where it curves around the bay for about 2km/1.25miles, running parallel to the Pine Walk promenade. The beach area is quite narrow in places and even disappears at points. Here you will find:
Puerto Pollensa offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Mallorcan cuisine and fresh seafood to international restaurants, like Indian, Chinese and Italian, amongst others. Numerous cafés, bars and restaurants are located along the seafront, offering great views of the bay and mountains. Further restaurants can be found in the main square and some are scattered across the town.
Puerto Pollensa is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to water sports, the surrounding area is excellent for hiking and cycling. The nearby Formentor Peninsula offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and scenic viewpoints such as Mirador Es Colomer. There are also several golf courses within a short drive from the town.
For those who want to see the bay of Pollensa from a different perspective, kayaking or paddleboarding will be fun. These water sports are well suited to Port de Pollenca due to the calm sea. It’s possible to hire a kayak or paddleboard on the main beach in Puerto Pollensa, south of the marina.
Those deciding to take a boat trip from Puerto Pollensa will be able to discover some unspoiled parts of the Mallorcan coast. There are various types of boat trips which start from the marina. To see what’s on offer, you can walk through the marina and see the display boards by the waterfront and the boat trip agencies. The fares and timetables are usually shown there.
Very close to the marina, there are two scuba diving centres, both of which offer Scuba diving lessons and PADI training.
Scuba Mallorca is found two streets from the seafront. Then offer a range of scuba diving services and have instructors who speak German, French, Spanish and English. They are open from March to October and can make special arrangements in the off season.
Tramuntana Diving & Adventure is situated just a few meters from the Marina. Their dive center has a variety of recreational diving possibilities to offer and includes equipment hire and group bookings. Their staff speak the main European languages.
The market in Puerto Pollensa is held every Wednesday morning from around 9am to 1:30pm in the main square, Plaza Miguel Capllonch, next to the Virgen del Carmen church. The stalls sell fresh local produce, artisanal goods, clothing, and souvenirs.
The is also an even larger market in Pollensa old town, which is held every Sunday morning from 9am to roughly 1:30pm. It is located in the town centre at Placa Major, by an old Jesuit convent.
The Pine Walk is a beautiful seafront promenade to the north of the marina. It stretches along the edge of the bay and is shaded by pine trees. With stunning views of the clear blue waters and the Tramuntana Mountains, it is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The pedestrianised path is peaceful and lined with charming cafés, small beaches, and traditional Mallorcan houses. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the area.
The Plaza Miguel Capllonch is the central square in Puerto Pollensa, and serves as the social and cultural heart of the town. It’s named after the local composer Miquel Capllonch Rotger, who was born in nearby Pollensa and is celebrated for his contribution to music.
The square is a lively meeting point for both locals and tourists, especially during the evenings when it comes alive with activity. It’s a place where people gather to relax, dine, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. It is often the setting for cultural events and concerts, especially during the summer months. Traditional music, dance, and festivals are held here, as well as the weekly market (see above).
The old town of Pollensa, is around 5km/3miles inland from the port, roughly a 10-minute drive away. This quaint town features narrow streets, traditional architecture, and the famous 365-step Calvari steps leading to a small chapel with panoramic views. On Sundays, Pollensa has a lively market offering local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
The Museo de Pollença, located in Pollensa town, is a cultural gem housed in a former 16th-century convent. Its exhibitions often feature works by both local and international artists, making it a significant cultural hub in Mallorca. From 13.7. – 13.10.2024, you can see Danny Rolph’s work “Tercet”. Danny Rolph is a British contemporary artist known for his vibrant, abstract compositions that explore the interplay of colour, form, and space.
For those that enjoy walking and exploring, the dramatic Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range that surrounds the resort is ideal to investigate. The views looking back over the natural harbour are amazing and there are abundant walks into the foothills. Port de Pollenca is an ideal place to start a hike or bicycle ride.
The Formentor peninsula is possibly one of the best-known areas in Mallorca and a popular area to explore. This can be on foot via one of the many walking trails, by bus or car, or via a boat trip. Please note that in high season, public car access is restricted to Formentor Beach. If you want to go on further to see the lighthouse, you will need to use the bus service that takes visitors up the winding serpentine roads during the summer months. In the winter months, it is possible to drive up the famous peninsular road with its many viewing points of the coast and huge cliffs below, culminating at the peninsular tip. There are also some secluded coves to discover along the way. See here for more information on Formentor car access restrictions and bus service.
Located just a view kilometers south along the bay of Pollensa on the coast road, S’Albufereta Nature Reserve is a bird-rich wetland and a place for migratory birds. The habitat consist of pools, reed beds, wet grazing areas and large Tamarisk bushes.
This wetland isn’t to be confused with the similar named S’Albufera Natural Park which is beyond Acudia and has greater access. Most of S’Albufereta is private property and there are only limited tracks to visit, 1.5km/1mile. These start on the coast road by the Can Cuarassa restaurant.
For information on how to get to Puerto Pollensa from Palma Airport, please see our pages Taxi Transfer to Pollenca, Car Hire at Mallorca Airport, and Bus Service in Mallorca.