Port of Pollença

Puerto or Port of Pollença is a town, coastal village, and tourist resort in northern Mallorca, located in the bay of the same name in the municipality of the same name. Puerto or Port of Pollença, known for its peaceful, picturesque, and family-friendly atmosphere, offers a combination of fine sandy beaches, nearby coves, a lively marina, a famous promenade (“Pine Walk”) lined with pine trees, and spectacular views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. It is a popular destination among tourists, especially British and Spanish, who seek relaxation and natural beauty, and is ideal for water sports and hiking.

Toponymy

The toponymy of Port of Pollença (Port de Pollença) is related to the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, located near present-day Alcúdia, from which the name “Pollença” derives. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inhabitants moved to the valley we now know as Pollença, and later the port was created about 6 km from the coast to avoid pirate attacks. The current name “Port de Pollença” means “port of Pollença,” referring to its location as the port of the municipality of Pollença.

Main features

Location and surroundings: It is located in the bay of Pollença, in the north of the island, and is surrounded by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes.

Beaches: There are several beaches, the main one being Port de Pollença, which is shallow and safe for children. There are also Albercutx Beach and the small Platjola Beach.

Promenade: A popular pedestrian promenade for evening strolls, lined with pine trees, restaurants, and historic hotels. The “Pine Walk” is a picturesque walk along the sea.

Activities: It is ideal for water sports such as windsurfing and paddle surfing, and for land-based activities such as cycling and hiking.

Atmosphere: It offers a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere than other destinations on the island, attracting mainly British and Spanish tourists of medium-high income who are looking for peace and quiet rather than mass tourism.

Culture and leisure: There is a weekly market on Wednesdays in Plaza Miquel Capllonch and a rich gastronomic offer.

Commerce and services: It has a marina, a weekly market in Plaza Miquel Capllonch on Wednesdays, and a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Heritage: The area has archaeological remains (Bocchoris) and historic buildings such as the Fortress of Albercutx, built for defensive purposes.

Routes and circuits: It is a center for water sports, such as sailing and diving, and offers hiking trails in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

Location and How to get there

Puerto de Pollensa is located in the north of Mallorca, at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. It is about 60 km from Palma and about 8 km from the town of Pollença. It is mainly accessed via the Ma-13 motorway from Palma, then taking the Ma-2220 or Ma-2200. The options for getting there are by car (the fastest), by public transport (bus from Palma), or by taxi.

How to get to Port de Pollença by car

Getting to Port of Pollença by car from Palma or the airport: Take the Ma-13 motorway towards Inca-Alcúdia. Continue to the end and look for the exit towards Pollença. Follow the signs that take you along the road to Puerto de Pollensa, avoiding the old town of Pollença if you are coming from the airport.

How to get to Port of Pollença by public transport

Getting to Port de Pollença by bus from Palma: Take the A1 bus from Palma airport to Palma Intermodal Station. Then take the 301 bus to Puerto de Pollensa.

Getting to Port of Pollença by bus from the airport: You can also take a bus from the airport directly to Palma station to change buses.

Other options

Getting to Port of Pollença by taxi: This is a faster and more comfortable option, although more expensive. You can take a taxi from the airport or from Palma.

Car rental: This is a highly recommended option for greater freedom of movement on the island.

Historical summary of Port of Pollença

Port de Pollença evolved from a small fishing village into a tourist center in the early 20th century, after having been used as a natural refuge since ancient times by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. Today, the port has lost its purely military and fishing character to become a tourist area with a great cultural and artistic atmosphere.

Historical evolution of Port of Pollença

Ancient times: The bay was used as a refuge by various civilizations due to its natural protection. The Romans founded the city of Pollentia nearby, and at one time there was also a pre-Roman settlement on the site of the current port.

16th century: During this period, the Fortress of Albercutx was built to protect against pirate attacks, and was used for defensive purposes until the 19th century.

19th century: Fishing was the main activity, but the low population and fear of pirates kept the area sparsely populated. The first pier was not built until 1829, and the port was not established as a customs post until 1865, which led to limited population growth.

Early 20th century: Puerto de Pollensa was a small fishing village that began to transform with the arrival of the first tourists and artists, which led to the construction of tourist facilities and consolidated its current character.

Civil War: The bay became a strategic location with the creation of a seaplane base in 1935. The port was fundamental to the military operations of Italian and Spanish aviators, consolidating its historical importance.

Culture and art: Throughout the 20th century, the port established itself as an artistic destination, attracting numerous painters and writers who have contributed to its cultural renown.

Activities and attractions near Port of Pollença

Attractions near Port de Pollensa include the Formentor peninsula (with its coves and viewpoints), the historic village of Pollença (with the Calvario and the Roman Bridge), and the nearby beaches and coves, such as Cala Sant Vicenç and Playa de Muro. Water activities and the promenade are also popular.

Port of Pollença: Nature and views

Cape Formentor: A must-see for its spectacular landscapes.

Es Colomer Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of the north coast.

Formentor Lighthouse: An iconic spot at the end of the peninsula.

Cala Sant Vicenç: A group of coves with crystal-clear waters, such as Cala Molins, Cala Barques, and Cala Carbo.

Vall de Boquer: A hiking trail with beautiful views.

Port de Pollensa: History and culture

Pollensa village: Just 7 km away, it offers a historic atmosphere with the Calvary and the Plaza Mayor.

El Calvario: Climb the 365 steps to enjoy a unique view.

Roman Bridge: A historical vestige in the center of the village of Pollensa.

Church of the Virgin of Carmen: Located in Plaza Miquel Capllonch.

Activities and leisure in Port de Pollença

Pine Walk: Ideal for strolling, relaxing, and enjoying restaurants and cafés.

Water sports: Kayaking, paddle surfing, kitesurfing, and diving are popular options in the bay.

Weekly market: On Wednesdays, there is a market in Plaza Miguel Capchanch.

Hotels and accommodation in Port de Pollença

Port de Pollença is a quiet, family-friendly tourist destination, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery, which attracts tourists looking to combine relaxation with a variety of leisure activities. The area offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, vacation apartments, and aparthotels, and is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities such as water sports, hiking, and cycling. Among its main attractions are its coves and beaches, the picturesque Pine Walk promenade, the marina, and its proximity to the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.

Gastronomy in Port de Pollença

The gastronomy of Port de Pollença is based on Mediterranean cuisine and typical Mallorcan cuisine (Pa amb oli, sobrasada, Mallorcan snails, panades, etc.). Port de Pollença has a wide range of options, from fresh seafood and rice dishes to international and fusion cuisine. You canfind everything from high-quality seafood restaurants to more cozy spotsin the town center, as well as a local bakery that stands outwith dishes such as ensaimada and gató.

And that’s it for this brief guide to Port of Pollença, in Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island