Pollenca: The Complete Guide
Nestled at the eastern edge of the Serra de Tramuntana, Pollença, also spelled as Pollenca or Pollensa, is a captivating rural town steeped in history. This charming Mallorcan town boasts a wealth of ancient architecture crafted from blonde stone, setting it apart from many other tourist-driven destinations. While tourism has long been a draw here, Pollensa has managed to embrace and adapt to it without sacrificing its authentic character.
The town’s inhabitants are predominantly locals, making it a favored haven for those seeking a more culturally immersive Mallorcan experience, away from the bustling tourist beach resorts. Pollença thrives on café culture, especially on Sunday mornings when Plaça Major transforms into a vibrant marketplace, drawing both locals and visitors for leisurely café gatherings. While boutique hotels are available in town, the lush countryside and surrounding hills offer luxury retreats and spacious villas for those seeking a quieter escape.
Rich in history, Pollença boasts numerous points of interest that beckon travelers from afar. Some noteworthy highlights include the ancient Roman bridge known as the ‘Pont Romà,’ the 18th-century Mare de Deu dels Angels church adorned with a renowned rose window, and the Convent de Sant Domingo. The picturesque countryside surrounding Pollença also features enchanting ancient monasteries.
A few kilometers to the north, you’ll find Pollença’s port, Port de Pollença, which boasts magnificent beaches and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés for further relaxation and enjoyment.
History of Pollenca
Although the majority of the buildings in Pollenca were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, this is a town rich in history dating back to medieval times.
Roman times
In 123 B.C., the Romans landed in Mallorca and set up their base in an area close to what is now known as Alcúdia. Their settlement was named Pollentia, from which Pollenca later got its name. This was a time of peace on the island, until 440 A.D. when vandals caused destruction and those who survived the attack fled the island.
Pollença in the Middle Ages
Pollenca, as we know it today, was founded in the late 12th century by the Arabs who set up a settlement in its current location. After King Jaume I conquered Majorca between 1229 and 1231, Pollenca was gifted to the Knights Templar by the king. During this time, the church in the main square, Parròquia de la Mare de Déu del Àngels (Parish of Our Lady of the Angels) began to be built. Following a conspiracy led by the King of France, this period of calm and prosperity came to an end during the 14th century, and the knights fled the island.
From the 16th to the 20th century
From this time onwards, there were continued attacks on this part of the island by pirates and watchtowers such as the Atalaya de Albercutx were built along the coast. The most famous one took place in 1550 when Joan Mas led a small band of locals armed only with sticks to fight off the Moorish bandits. This is celebrated with La Patrona Festival each August. The Jesuits arrived in Pollença and in 1697 constructed the iconic church, Monti Sion, situated close to the foot of the Calvari steps.
The arrival of tourism
Until the early 1900s, Pollença was mainly an agricultural town and, in fact, its coastline was sparsely populated. It all changed with the turn of the century when its port town, Port de Pollença, was developed as a tourist hub, mainly thanks to the artists who arrived here attracted by its landscapes and light. The “Escuela Pictórica de Pollença” included famous Catalan painters such as Hermenegildo Anglada-Camarasa, Santiago Rusiñol or Joaquim Mir as well as local artist Dionis Bennassar. It was in the 1960s when the tourist boom really reached Pollença so much that around a 70% of the town’s economy today is based on this industry. However, Pollenca still remains very much untouched, providing a glimpse into the traditional life of the Mallorquins.
Visiting Pollenca for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Pollenca on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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8 Best places to See in Pollenca
This complete guide to Pollenca not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Pollenca and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Mare de Deu dels Angels church
Location: Església Santa Maria de Pollença, Plaça Major, Pollença, Spain | Distance: 0.00km
Visiting Mare de Deu dels Angels church
Convent of Sant Domingo
Location: Carrer de Sant Domingo, Pollença, Spain | Hours: May-October: Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 16.00. Sundays from 10.00 to 13.00. Saturdays and holidays closed. November-April: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 10:30 and 11:00 to 15:00. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays closed. | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Convent of Sant Domingo
Calvari Steps in Pollensa
Visiting Calvari Steps in Pollensa
Pont Roma, Pollença
Location: Pont Romà, Carrer del Pont Romà, Pollença, Spain | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Pont Roma, Pollença
Santuari del Puig de Maria
Location: Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig, Pollença, Spain | Distance: 1.00km
Visiting Santuari del Puig de Maria
Santuari de Lluc
Location: Santuari de Lluc, Plaça dels Pelegrins, Lluc, Spain | Hours: You can visit the museum from 10:00 to 14:00 (except Saturdays), while the botanical gardens are open from 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00. | Price: €5 | Website | Distance: 12.80km
Visiting Santuari de Lluc
Cap de Formentor Lighthouse
Location: Lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, Pollença, Spain | Distance: 19.20km
Visiting Cap de Formentor Lighthouse
Cuevas del Drach
Location: Cuevas del Drach, Carretera de les Coves, Porto Cristo, Spain | Hours: 01 November to 12 March: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 13 March to 31 October: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. | Price: €16,50 | Website | Entrance, Music Concert and Boat Trip Tickets | Distance: 46.50km
Visiting Cuevas del Drach
Best Time to Visit Pollenca
Puerto Pollensa, located on the northern coast of Mallorca, Spain, is a picturesque town known for its stunning beaches, charming atmosphere, and scenic surroundings. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Pollensa:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Pollensa as the weather begins to warm up, and the countryside comes alive with colorful wildflowers. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Tramuntana Mountains. The beaches are less crowded during spring, making it a great time for relaxing by the sea.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Pollensa, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches, including the popular Pine Walk promenade and the sandy shores of Cala Sant Vicenç. Summer also brings a variety of water sports activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another fantastic time to visit Pollensa, as the weather remains warm, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby nature reserves, visiting historical sites like the Roman bridge at Pont Roma, and exploring the town’s charming streets and squares. Fall also offers opportunities to sample delicious local cuisine at the town’s restaurants and cafes.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Pollensa is relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F). While the weather may be cooler, winter still offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Winter is also a great time to explore the town’s cultural attractions, including the Pollensa Museum and the Sant Domingo Convent.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Pollensa depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of summer or the peaceful ambiance of the shoulder seasons, Pollensa offers something for every traveler throughout the year.
It’s important to note that some restaurants and bars may be closed during the winter season, although accommodation options remain available.
Spring in Pollenca: During this period, temperatures start to rise, reaching highs of 23°C, but occasional rainfall is expected, and evenings become noticeably cooler.
Easter in Mallorca is a significant celebration, with each village hosting its unique traditional festivities. In Pollensa, Formatjada is a springtime treat where locals prepare formatjada, a pastry filled with cream cheese, pumpkin jam, or chocolate at home.
In Pollensa, the events commence on the Thursday before Easter (April 18th), with the most captivating event being the Devallement, or the devilment, taking place on Friday. Locals, dressed in traditional attire, transport the statue of Jesus down the Calvari steps into town. This solemn procession is a spectacular sight, with the steps illuminated by naked flames, reenacting the events of Good Friday.
May brings a prestigious wine fair to Pollenca, set within the picturesque cloisters of Santo Domingo. Renowned for its high-quality local wines, the town hosts special events featuring over 40 wine producers and thousands of visitors. For a modest entrance fee, guests can savor a variety of Mallorcan wines and meet some of the region’s top producers.
Summer in Pollenca: Peak summer temperatures in Pollenca can climb up to 30°C, with the sea temperature reaching 24°C. Rainfall is unlikely, and daylight extends for up to 11 hours a day. The coastline becomes considerably more vibrant as visitors take advantage of the scorching days and balmy evenings.
Autumn in Pollenca: As summer winds down, Pollenca becomes an idyllic destination for relaxed travelers seeking to avoid crowds and the peak temperatures. The weather remains warm, with highs around 25°C, although the possibility of showers increases during September and October. In November, temperatures dip to approximately 18°C, and evenings become significantly cooler, but the sea remains a comfortable 20°C.
Average Temperatures in Pollenca
- January 15°C 60°F 6
- February 16°C 61°F 5
- March 17°C 63°F 5
- April 19°C 66°F 6
- May 23°C 74°F 4
- June 29°C 84°F 3
- July 32°C 89°F 1
- August 32°C 89°F 3
- September 28°C 82°F 8
- October 25°C 78°F 7
- November 20°C 68°F 10
- December 17°C 63°F 5
How to get to Pollenca
Getting to Pollenca By Plane
The Son Sant Joan Airport of Majorca is located about eight kilometres from the capital Palma. And Pollensa is located about 58 km. from the capital city Palma de Mallorca.
Getting to Pollenca By Car
Pollenca is conveniently reachable from Palma airport via the MA-13 motorway, offering a smooth 40-minute drive. To reach Pollenca, exit the MA-2200, which is clearly marked with signs pointing in the direction of Pollenca.
Getting to Pollenca By Train and Bus
Although there are no direct bus routes from the airport to Pollenca, you can take bus number 1 to the bus station located at Plaça Espanya. From there, you can board the 340 TIB bus, which departs once per hour and takes less than an hour to reach Pollenca.
Private Transfer to Pollenca
Arranging a private transfer to Pollença offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to this charming town in the northern part of Mallorca. Private transfers can be booked in advance through numerous local and online companies, providing a seamless travel experience right from your arrival at the airport or from any point on the island. These services typically offer a choice of vehicles to suit different group sizes and preferences, ranging from luxury sedans to larger vans for families or groups. Drivers are professional and usually fluent in multiple languages, enhancing the travel experience with their local knowledge and tips about Pollença and its surroundings. Opting for a private transfer not only ensures that you bypass the stress of navigating public transportation or car rentals but also allows you to enjoy a personalized, direct route to your destination with all the comfort and privacy you desire. This service is particularly advantageous for those looking to maximize their holiday time in Pollenca, providing a swift, efficient, and relaxing start to your visit.