As you might reasonably expect from a resort town set in a huge sweeping bay, the list of water-related activities you can enjoy in Puerto Pollensa is as long as anywhere on the island. But what makes this destination particularly special is – thanks to the area’s mountainous geography – there’s almost as many land-based pursuits to experience, too. So whether your idea of fun is exploring the deep or climbing peaks, this popular port has it all…and plenty in between.
Puerto Pollensa
A family-friendly resort for many years, Puerto Pollensa has also attracted a growing population of ex-pats to its stunning shores.
1. Enjoy the long seafront promenade
One of the best things about the port is its sweeping esplanade that seems to extend forever along the bay. And it’s perfect for a wide range of activities, from walking and jogging to skating and cycling –even with kids. While bustling with life during the day and evening, early morning it is a dream with mist rising over the bay adding to the spectacular views – truly paradise.
2. Day trip to Formentor Beach
While there’s certainly no shortage of beach in the port itself, few on the island can complete in sheer gorgeousness of Formentor Beach. You can either brave the winding mountain road or jump on a ferry from the Puerto Pollensa pier to take you directly to the pine-fringed beach’s calm crystal clear waters and white powder sand.
3. Hit the waves
While offering a wide range of water sports – from SUP boarding and kayaking to scuba diving and sailing – it is the adrenaline pumping sport of kitesurfing that the port provides particularly ideal conditions for. The stretch of beach half way along the bay is a mecca for kitesurfers, with a kitesurf centre offering classes to get you started.
4. Go for a hike
You don’t have to stroll very far out of town to connect to a lovely local hiking path called the Boquer Valley walk. The trail cuts through a picturesque low valley and ends at the pretty Cala Bóquer beach, perfect for cooling off over the warmer months. Another gentle hike takes you over the Coll de Síller to the twin coves of Cala Sant Vicenç.
5. Get on your bike
There are plenty of reasons why this corner of the island is so popular with cyclists, and the ride over to Cap Formentor is a big one. Its hairpin turns, dizzying climbs, and dramatic mountain scenery has made this route close to legendary in the cycling world. And luckily for cyclist, cars are banned on this stretch over much of the summer.
6. Go shopping
Although there’s little in the way of high street outlets, you’ll find an abundance of fashion boutiques here, mostly clustered around the marina and neighbouring streets. For something a little more traditional, a market is held every Wednesday morning in Miquel Capllonch Square with almost 200 stalls selling everything from fruit and veg to typical island products. For wonderful Mallorcan fabrics, the Teixits Vicens workshop and store is located on the road to Pollensa town, and definitely worth a visit.
7. Charter a boat
Being a port, there’s obviously no shortage of opportunities to get out on the water, and the best way to do this is chartering your own boat. From motorboats to sailing yachts, there are various types of vessel available for hire to explore the stunning coast of this particularly picturesque region of the island. You could even pop over to the neighbouring island of Menorca for the day.
8. Snorkel and scuba
This north-eastern side of Mallorca boasts some of the clearest waters on the island, making it a prime spot for underwater exploration. There are numerous unspoilt coves dotted around the Formentor peninsular ideal for snorkelling, as is the little island of Illot de Formentor. The bay’s calm shallow waters also make ideal conditions for learning scuba, while there are numerous of dive sites in the area from easy to advanced.
9. Do some birdwatching
This part of the island is also a paradise for twitchers, with dozens of native and immigrating bird species identified in and around the port. The best place to see them is at the La Gola wetlands – a surprisingly accessible bird reserve just minutes’ walk from the marina. Here you can also find the La Gola Ornithological Tourism Centre where you can learn more about the nature park and its feathered inhabitants.
10. Climb the peaks
Thanks to the Tramuntana Sierra making up part of the majestic geography of this region, there are plenty of peaks to challenge all levels of rock-climber. Neighbouring the renowned Es Colomer Mirador, La Creveta is one of the most popular spots for climbing, offering a selection of ascents and some spectacular views en route.For energetic and active types, Puerto Pollensa is a superb place to live, whether you like to spend time walking, cycling, swimming or indulging in any number of water sports. The port may not offer a huge amount of cultural or art-related activities to take part in, though the nearby town of Pollença can provide for those inclined. Ultimately, if you love the outdoors, mountains and the sea, there are few places that combine them quite like Puerto Pollensa.
