Things to do in Port de Pollença

While you’re staying by the sea, it’s worth making an afternoon’s trip inland to pretty Pollença old town to take some very scenic photographs. Wander down the charming, cobbled streets and admire how the sand-coloured walls and red roof tiles look against the green, mountainous backdrop. A visit is not complete without ascending the famous and picturesque Calvari Steps to witness the incredible view over the hills and valleys. After the somewhat-steep climb, you’ll be glad of refreshment in the main square, plus there are dozens of romantic restaurants in Pollença to round off an evening here.

Cycling is a popular activity throughout Majorca as it’s a cheap and tranquil way to explore the island. There are several places to hire bikes in Port de Pollença, so you can make your own way on two wheels to the s’Albufereta nature reserve – or you can take a bus or drive and pick-up a bike at the reserve itself. This protected bird reserve and wetlands area is criss-crossed with cycle trails, walking routes, hides and platforms where you could spy falcons, osprey, herons, cranes and many other water and wading birds. You’ll also find glorious picnic spots, semi-wild ponies and cows.

Mirador Es Colomer offers one of the most stunning views on the whole island. One of the top things to do in Port de Pollença is follow the windy Ma-2210 towards the cape. You’ll reach parking at the top of the hill and then stroll the well-paved walkway along the clifftop until you’re greeted with an epic vista of the rugged, cape coastline stretching out before you like a sleeping dragon. Come as the sun starts to set and see the golden-orange hue it casts along the dragon’s back – it’s a less-than ten-minute drive from the centre of Port de Pollença so you’ll still be back in time for your first cocktail of the evening.

A road trip on the Ma-2210 coastal road is one of the top Port de Pollença activities. Enjoy a stunning drive, up past the Es Colomer viewpoint, through the switch-backs on the pine-studded hillside and down towards Formentor beach. It’s a driver’s dream – and a road cyclist’s dream too – offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. You can stop off at Formentor beach and then drive or cycle onwards along the Carrer Zona Formentor. Park at the dramatic rocks and hike to not-so-secret Cala Figuera beach or simply admire the sweeping views as the road curves past and you drive on, until you reach the lighthouse on Cap Formentor. There are myriad photo and view opportunities en route, as the landscape gets more barren. At the end you’re greeted by a lighthouse (complete with toilets and café) and an exceptional view back along the cape and out to sea.

As part of your epic journey exploring Cap Formentor, or on a separate, more leisurely afternoon, visit the somewhat-secret beaches of Cala Figuera and Cala Murta. While they’re by no means undiscovered, both beaches are only accessible by foot, so you’ll encounter fewer crowds. At Cala Figuera there is a bus stop and informal parking (off-road). The journey to the bay is finished on foot, on a narrow, rocky and steep path, but once at the bottom you’re rewarded with a stony beach and a gloriously blue sea with few other visitors. It’s great for snorkelling. Cala Murta is – if possible – even more gorgeous. Use the same parking but walk in the opposite direction, on a partially paved path through the mountains (around 2km) until you emerge from the forest into the peaceful inlet. The beach is rocky and the swimming is blissful, surrounded by wooded hills.

Cala Sant Vicenç is a pretty and petite resort town just a 15-minute drive from Port de Pollença. It’s well-known for its three delightful beaches and fabulous swimming and snorkelling. Platja de Cala Barques has a narrow sliver of sand-and-shingle shore with loungers and shade, as well as space to spread your own towel, and calm, shallow sea. Platja de Cala Clara is smaller again, with a sandy shore and rocky seabed that’s ideal for snorkelling. It’s free from sunbeds but is situated just at the back of a hotel – the hotel doesn’t own it, so you’re free to walk down and enjoy the space, you just have to beat the hotel guests. Cala Molins is the biggest and probably the most popular beach in town, with handy public parking close by. It’s sandy, with bath-like water and options to pitch your own towel or hire a lounger.