Pollensa and Port de Pollensa: Must-See Attractions
Highlights and Essential Tips for Visiting These Two Villages in Northern Mallorca

Looking for a genuine spot in Mallorca that brings together culture and nature without the heavy tourist crowds? Pollensa and nearby Port de Pollensa could be exactly what you’re after.

These small towns in northern Mallorca offer a lovely old town, fantastic hiking opportunities, and are refreshingly less crowded than some of the island’s more popular coastal spots.

I spent a week near Pollensa, exploring its historic center and setting out on some stunning hikes in the surrounding area.

Here’s a guide with all you need to know about what to see, where to hike, and how to make the most of your time in Pollensa and its scenic harbor, Port de Pollensa. True gems of Mallorca.

Overview of Pollensa and Port de Pollensa

The lovely town of Pollensa (Pollença) is located in northwest Mallorca and is a popular day-trip destination.

Unlike many other spots on the island, it’s not right on the coast but instead sits about 4.3 miles (7 km) inland, just north of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

Pollensa’s roots go back to the residents of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, which is now known as Alcudia.

Pollensa and Port de Pollensa are often mixed-up, but they’re distinct places: Pollensa is inland, while Port de Pollensa is the coastal harbor area about 10 minutes away.

Fortunately, the area has managed to avoid the large-scale tourism that’s common in other parts of Mallorca. You won’t find big hotel complexes here, neither in Pollensa nor in nearby Port de Pollensa.

Pollensa Sights – A Walking Tour of the Town

We’ll kick off our walking tour of Pollensa’s attractions from one of the parking areas just south of the old town.

Just a few minutes’ walk later, we arrive at the Sant Domingo Monastery and the adjacent Esglesia de la Mare de Déu del Roser.

Sant Domingo Monastery and Esglesia de la Mare de Déu del Roser

This modest-looking church often hosts rotating art exhibitions, which are usually free to enter. Within the monastery walls, you’ll also find the Museum of Pollensa’s History, which offers a deeper look into the town’s rich heritage.

Museum Opening Times: Tuesday – Friday from 10am – 2pm

Town Park

Next to the monastery complex, there’s a small, shaded park known as Pollensa’s Town Garden. Here, you’ll find a medieval Gothic tower and a statue of the local hero, Joan Mas.

The park’s vegetation is entirely made up of native plants and trees, including olive and orange trees, giving it a distinctly Mallorcan feel.

Interesting Fact: In 1550, during a Moorish invasion, local hero Joan Mas led a small, outnumbered group of townspeople armed only with sticks to victory over the invaders. His bravery is commemorated with a statue in Pollensa’s town garden.

Plaça Mayor and Santa Maria dels Àngels Church

Following the narrow, winding streets, we arrive at Pollensa’s main square, the Plaça Mayor. This lively square is lined with cozy cafés, bars, and restaurants.

On the north side of the square stands the impressive Santa Maria dels Àngels Church.

Founded by the Knights Templar, the church may look simple from the outside, but inside, it’s beautifully decorated with paintings and frescoes. It’s open daily for visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pollensa Market

On Sundays, Pollensa hosts one of the largest markets in the region, right in the Plaça Mayor.

Here, you’ll find everything from Spanish specialties and souvenirs to local fruits, vegetables, sausages, and cheeses.

Grab a seat at one of the nearby cafés, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of market day while you enjoy a coffee or snack.

My Tip: If you’re not interested in the market, it’s best to visit Pollensa on a different day. The market is very popular, and Sundays can get quite crowded, making parking hard to find.

Calvari Hill

Just a few streets north, within the narrow lanes of Pollensa’s old town, you’ll arrive at Plaça Seglars.

This is a perfect spot to pause and catch your breath before tackling one of Pollensa’s most famous landmarks: the 365 Calvari Steps, lined with tall cypress trees.

These 365 straight stone steps lead to a small 18th-century chapel at the top. You’ll also find a small café on the hill, offering refreshments and ice cream.

The climb up Calvari Hill (El Calvari), shaded by the trees, is well worth it for the stunning views over the town that await you at the top.

Interesting Fact: Each year on Good Friday, Calvari Hill hosts one of the most significant events of Mallorca’s Holy Week, known as Semana Santa.

During the “Descent,” a carved figure of Christ is carried down the steps in complete silence by a procession, moving from the chapel on the hill down to the church on Plaça Mayor.

Return from Calvari Hill through the Narrow Old Town Roads

For the descent back into the old town’s quaint alleys, we’ll take the Via Crucis path instead of retracing our steps down the staircase.

Before heading down, make a quick stop at a small but scenic viewpoint, where you can take in views of Pollensa, the Puig de Maria, and even the northern coastline.

Following the Via Crucis path, you’ll pass several 10-foot (3-meter) stone crosses that were placed here in 1878, adding to the historic feel of the route.

Plaça de l’Amoina

Wandering through the charming lanes of the old town, we reach the Plaça de l’Amoina. Here, atop the Fond de Gall fountain, stands a rooster figure from 1827, the city’s emblem.

This small square holds a significant place in Pollensa’s history, as it was here in 1550 that the outnumbered townspeople fought off pirates and emerged victorious.

To wrap up your walking tour, head back to the Plaça Mayor, ideal for enjoying a café con leche or a local treat.

My Tip: If you have time, pass by Pont Romà (Roman Bridge) on the outskirts of town (⇨ location). It is one of Pollensa’s oldest landmarks, originally part of an aqueduct supplying the ancient town of Pollentia between 123 BC and 425 AD. The bridge we see today was rebuilt in the 15th century.

Route city walk of the Pollensa sights

Start- & End point: Parking lot south of Pollensa Old Town
Lenght: 2.5km (1.5 miles)
Elevation: ↑ 40 m / ↓ 40 m (approx. 130 feet up and down)
Difficulty: Easy
Link to detailed hiking route on Komoot

Port de Pollensa Sights

Just 7 km (about 4.3 miles) from Pollensa’s old town, Puerto de Pollensa has a unique vibe that sets it apart from other coastal towns on Mallorca.

Unlike the island’s typical tourist hubs, you won’t find high-rise hotels here. Puerto de Pollensa has luckily managed to keep its original charm intact.

One of the nicest walks takes you along the beach and coastline. The seaside promenade, Passeig Vora Mar, also known as the Pine Walk, is perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Shaded by old pine trees, this scenic path is lined with beautiful villas that add to the charm.

South of this idyllic Pine Walk, the Albercutx Beach stretches toward the marina. Instead of one long beach, you’ll find a series of small, picturesque sandy coves – perfect for a peaceful day by the water.

The walk eventually leads to Puerto de Pollensa’s popular marina, known across Mallorca. Here, you’ll see sailboats and yachts docked, creating a lively but laid-back atmosphere.

Further south of the marina lies the long Llenaire Beach, with calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children. This area is also a hub for various water sports, with stand-up paddleboarding being a favorite among visitors.

Good to Know: From Puerto de Pollensa, you can access the winding road that leads to the lighthouse at Cap Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca.

This spectacular viewpoint is a popular summer destination, and due to heavy traffic, the road for private vehicles is closed from June to September.

During this period, the lighthouse can only be reached by public bus 334 which is leaving from Puerto de Pollensa.

Hiking around Pollensa and Port de Pollensa

Without a long drive or bus ride, there are plenty of easy to moderate hikes that start right from Pollensa or Port de Pollensa. Therefore do not forget to bring some compfy shoes or hiking boots.

For a wider selection of trails across the island, check out my guide to the 10 best hikes in Mallorca, but these 3 routes below start right from town and offer beautiful scenery without the hassle of transportation.

Hiking Trail Pollensa – Port de Pollensa
If you’re like me and enjoy hiking, you might consider walking from Pollensa to Port de Pollensa instead of taking the car or bus.

Unfortunately, the connecting trail (GR221) runs along the main road for the entire route, so I’d advise against this hike. It’s just not enjoyable!

1. Hike from Pollensa to Puig de Maria

The Puig de Maria is Pollensa’s local mountain, standing prominently to the south of town. At its peak, you’ll find a historic monastery that’s open for exploration inside and out.

The main attraction of this hike, though, is the stunning view from the 333-meter (about 1,093 feet) summit.

From the top, you’ll have a beautiful view of Pollensa, with sights extending to the northern coastline toward Alcudia and the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana.

The summit area has benches, picnic spots, and barbecue areas. In summer, the former monastery’s bar is open, offering snacks and drinks. If you’re up for a unique experience, you can even stay overnight at the monastery.

The hike itself is fairly easy. The path starts on a narrow road, then follows a wide cobblestone path as you steadily make your way uphill. There’s only one trail, so getting lost isn’t possible.

Depending on your fitness level, the ascent takes around 45-60 minutes and is well worth the effort. The return journey is quicker since it’s all downhill.

Hiking route details from Pollensa to Puig de Maria

Start & End Point: Parking lot south of the Old Town
Length: 5 km (about 3.1 miles)
Elevation Gain: ↑ 260 m / ↓ 260 m (approx. 853 feet up and down)
Difficulty: Easy
Link to my detailed article about Puig de Maria
Link to detailed hiking route on Komoot

2. Hike from Port de Pollensa to Cala Boquer

This easy hike is perfect for anyone who wants a bit of activity combined with a swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Not far from Port de Pollensa’s main beach, you’ll find the rocky cove of Cala Boquer (also known as Cala Figuera).

The trail starts just below the Finca Bóquer. If the iron gate is closed, don’t worry, it opens easily.

Beyond the finca, the path winds through bushes and rocky terrain, accompanied by the sounds of wild goats. You’ll come across a few smaller trails branching off, but all eventually lead to Cala Boquer.

The route offers stunning views, passing through a broad valley surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s a bit rough and rocky, so it’s not suitable for strollers.

However, with a walking time of about an hour, it’s ideal for families with young kids—there are caves, goats, and plenty of birds to spot along the way.

As you near Cala Boquer, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of turquoise waters. Nestled between towering cliffs, the picturesque pebble beach opens up before you. The last 15 minutes of the descent are steep, winding through knee-high shrubs.

Large rocks along the beach offer perfect spots to rest. Be cautious, though, the local goats are bold and known for snatching food from visitors.

From the beach, you can explore further by scrambling over the rocks to reach smaller, more secluded coves to the left and right, where solitude is often guaranteed. The return hike along the same path takes about an hour.

Important Tips:

• I recommend sturdy shoes, as the trail is rocky and the final stretch down to the beach is steep. Water shoes are also a good idea, as the beach is made up of pebbles and stones, making entry into the water much more comfortable.

• There’s very little shade along the trail and none at the beach, so be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water. There’s no infrastructure along the way, so come prepared!

Hiking route details from Puerto Pollensa to Cala Boquer

Start- & End point: Free, Large Gravel Parking Lot (⇨ Location)
Length: 6 km (about 3.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: ↑ 150 m / ↓ 150 m (approx. 492 feet up and down)
Difficulty: Easy
Link to detailed hiking route on Komoot

3. Hike from Lluc Monastery to Pollensa on the GR-221

The hike from Lluc Monastery to Pollensa is a relatively easy but long-distance trek, marking the 10th stage of the famous GR-221, also known as the Dry Stone Route.

There’s a convenient bus from Pollensa to Lluc Monastery four times a day. We opted for a drop-off, which gave us time to explore the beautiful monastery before starting the hike.

Important: The bus (No. 231) from Pollensa to Lluc Monastery operates only in the summer months! Therefore, you won’t be able to do that hike if you’re visiting Mallorca in winter without a rental car.

From the monastery, we followed the well-marked trail toward Refugi Son Amer. This section includes pretty much the only uphill climb of the entire route.

At Refugi Son Amer, you’ll find a lovely view over Lluc Monastery and the surrounding peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana.

For a good part of the hike, we walk through dense forests, surrounded by large piles of stones and lined by dry stone walls, with the trail gently sloping downhill.

Near the Binifaldó Education Center, the forest opens up, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills. The descent continues leisurely along wide paths that wind gradually down in gentle switchbacks.

Eventually, the forest thins out again, and we realize we’ve descended about 750 meters (2,460 feet) since the trail now levels off. We pass fields and continue along the historic Camí Vell de Lluc a Pollença.

Fortunately, my concern about walking along the main road for the final stretch turns out to be unfounded. A narrow path leads us beautifully alongside the Torrent de la Vall d’en Marc stream, guiding us all the way back to Pollensa.

Hiking route details from Lluc to Pollensa

Start Point: Lluc Monastery
End Point: Pollensa
Length: 20 km (about 12.4 miles)
Elevation Gain: ↑ 320 m / ↓ 750 m (approx. 1,050 feet up / 2,460 feet down)
Difficulty: Difficult (due to the length)
Link to detailed hiking route on Komoot

How to get to Pollensa and Parking

How to get to Pollensa

Pollensa is located about 60 km (37 miles) from Palma de Mallorca Airport. By car, using the M-13 highway, the drive takes around 45 minutes.

But you do not need a car in Mallorca to reach Pollensa. By bus, depending on the connection, the journey from the airport takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and requires one transfer. There are two possible routes:

• Route 1: Take Bus A1 from the airport to Inca, then transfer to Bus A301 to Pollensa.
• Route 2: Take Bus A32 from the airport to Alcudia, then transfer to Bus A322 to Pollensa.

Parking in Pollensa

There are quite a few free parking options around Pollensa, though they can fill up quickly in the summer or on market days. The most convenient spots are the parking areas south of town.

Here, you’ll find details on a partially paved lot (⇨ location) as well as an unpaved alternative (⇨ location) nearby. Both are ideal starting points for exploring the town.

Additionally, there’s a spacious parking area specifically for electric vehicles and motorhomes, located just a few steps from the old town.

Where to stay in Pollensa

Pollensa is a great base for exploring the northern and western parts of Mallorca. From here, you can set out on some outstanding hikes or simply relax on the beach.

With so much to do and see, it’s worth planning a few days in this area and staying overnight to fully enjoy the experience.

Staying in Pollensa’s Old Town

If you prefer a bit more comfort than the simple monastery cell on Puig de Maria, I recommend the Mon Boutique Hotel, right in the heart of Pollensa’s old town.

A standout feature of this four-star hotel is its rooftop pool, where you can relax with a view of the Puig de Maria.

Staying at the beach in Port de Pollensa

If you’d rather stay close to the beach, I highly recommend this gem: the Hotel Illa d’Or & Club.

This exceptional 4-star hotel, located just outside the town center, offers fully equipped apartments and comfortable hotel rooms, all right by the sea.

Swim in the outdoor pool, explore small rocky coves right at your doorstep, or enjoy a dip from the long pier. The well-stocked breakfast buffet makes for a perfect start to the day.

And really, is there anything better than ending your evening watching the sunset over the sea, right from the promenade just outside?

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