Pollença & Port de Pollença: Mallorca’s Northern Town of Artists, Mountains and Sea

If you spend enough time exploring Mallorca, you’ll start noticing that every part of the island has its own personality. Some places are pure beach resorts, others feel completely local.

Pollença up in the north of the island sits somewhere beautifully in the middle.

It’s one of those towns that manages to keep its traditional Mallorcan character while still being lively and welcoming to visitors. Think stone streets, art galleries tucked into old houses, mountain views in every direction, and a main square that always seems to have something going on.

Just a few kilometres away is Port de Pollença, the seaside counterpart to the old town. Together, they create one of the most complete destinations in Mallorca: mountains, beaches, sailing, cycling routes, and some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.

If you’re exploring the island properly, northern Mallorca should absolutely be on your list. The landscape feels more dramatic here, the villages are slower, and the coastline is wilder than around Palma. If you’re mapping out a full island trip, it’s also worth reading this guide on how to plan a Palma de Mallorca vacation, which helps connect Palma with the northern towns.

Pollença Old Town: The Historic Heart of Northern Mallorca

The centre of Pollença's old town revolves around Plaça Major, a classic Mediterranean square surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings.

It’s the kind of place where mornings start slowly with coffee in the sun and evenings finish with a glass of wine while musicians play somewhere nearby.

Overlooking the square is the Església de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, a church originally built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century.

But honestly, the real charm of Pollença begins once you wander away from the square.

Small alleyways twist through the town, filled with art galleries, quiet courtyards, and traditional Mallorcan houses with green shutters. The town has had an artistic reputation for over a century, attracting painters and writers drawn to the light and the surrounding Tramuntana mountains.

It’s one of those places where you don’t really need a plan. Just wandering the streets is half the experience.

Climbing the Famous Calvari Steps in Pollensa

If you look up things to do in Pollensa, the Calvari Steps always appear near the top.

The staircase climbs 365 stone steps, supposedly one for every day of the year, leading to a small chapel at the top of the hill.

It’s a bit of a climb, especially during summer, but the view is worth it. From the top, you can see the rooftops of Pollença, the surrounding countryside, and the mountains stretching towards the sea.

The steps also play a big role in local tradition. Every Good Friday, the town holds the Davallament procession, where locals carry a statue of Christ down the staircase in complete silence while candles light the route.

It’s one of the most powerful cultural events anywhere in Mallorca.

Puig de Maria: One of the Hidden Views Most Visitors Miss

One place that many travel guides skip is Puig de Maria.

This small mountain rises just outside the town and leads to a monastery that dates back to the 14th century. The hike to the top takes around 40–45 minutes through pine forest and rocky trails.

At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views across the entire Pollença valley and out toward the sea.

It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels completely different from Mallorca’s busier coastal resorts. If you enjoy viewpoints and light hiking, this is easily one of the most underrated things to do in Pollença, Mallorca.

Port de Pollença: Mallorca’s Most Scenic Bay

Just ten minutes from the old town sits Port de Pollença, originally a small fishing village that has grown into one of the most relaxed seaside towns on the island.

The huge sheltered bay backed by the Tramuntana mountains creates one of the most scenic coastal landscapes in Mallorca.

One of the best things to do here is walk along the Pine Walk, a waterfront promenade shaded by pine trees and lined with cafés and small restaurants.

Late afternoon is my favourite time. Locals walk their dogs, cyclists stop for coffee, and the whole bay starts turning golden as the sun drops behind the mountains.

Sailing, Kitesurfing and Life on the Water

The enormous bay of Pollença Bay makes this area one of the best places in Mallorca for sailing and water sports.

At the marina sits the Real Club Náutico de Puerto de Pollensa, which hosts international sailing events throughout the year.

I’ve tried quite a few water sports around Mallorca over the years, but my personal favourite has to be kitesurfing.

The wind conditions in this bay are great, especially in spring and autumn. I even have a couple of friends who started a surf school here called Mallorca Kiteboarding School, so I’ve spent quite a few afternoons watching riders flying across the water while grabbing a coffee nearby.

If you want to experience the coastline from the sea, one of the best options is joining a boat tour around the Formentor peninsula, which takes you to hidden coves that are almost impossible to reach by land.

Best Beaches Near Pollensa Mallorca

Another thing visitors often miss is how many beautiful beaches sit just minutes from Pollença.

A few local favourites include:

Cala Sant Vicenç
A small village with several turquoise coves surrounded by cliffs.

La Platjola
A peaceful pebble beach reached by a scenic forest walk.

Cala Boquer
A stunning hike through the Boquer Valley leading to a quiet rocky cove.

If you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, many of these spots also appear in my guide to water sports in Mallorca, since the coastline here is perfect for exploring by water.

Pollensa Market and Village Fiestas

If you want to see Pollença at its liveliest, visit on Sunday morning when the town hosts one of the most famous markets in Mallorca.

Stalls fill the streets around Plaça Major selling fresh produce, local food, handmade crafts, and clothing.

But honestly, the real magic happens during the village fiestas.

Pollença always seems to have a celebration going on. The most famous is the Moors and Christians festival in August, which recreates a historic pirate battle with costumes, music, and huge street celebrations.

Even the smaller fiestas are worth experiencing. Expect live music, food stalls, parades, and the whole town out in the streets late into the night.

It’s one of those moments where you realise Mallorca isn’t just about beaches. It’s about traditions that have been around for centuries.

Exploring the Formentor Peninsula

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Pollença is how close you are to Cap de Formentor.

The drive along the peninsula is easily one of the most spectacular routes in Mallorca, with dramatic cliffs and viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean.

To explore properly, you’ll usually want a car, especially if you plan on visiting hidden beaches or mountain villages along the way. Many travellers compare local rental companies using DiscoverCars, which tends to find the best deals across Mallorca.

Where to Stay in Pollensa or Port de Pollensa

Both towns offer very different atmospheres depending on what kind of trip you want.

Pollença town is perfect if you love historic streets, culture, and traditional Mallorcan life.

Port de Pollença is better if you prefer beach access, waterfront restaurants, and sunset walks along the marina.

If you're looking for accommodation in Port de Pollensa, many travellers browse options through TripAdvisor, which usually has the widest selection of boutique hotels and apartments in the bay.

If you're planning a broader island trip, it’s also worth reading my guide to Mallorca in spring, since this season is one of the best times to explore northern towns like Pollença without the heavy summer crowds.

Is Pollensa the Most Beautiful Town in Mallorca?

Mallorca has plenty of beautiful villages. Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller are all famous for different reasons.

But Pollença often feels like the perfect balance of everything that makes Mallorca special.

You have the historic old town filled with art and culture.
A beautiful port just minutes away.
The Tramuntana mountains rise behind the valley.
And some of the island’s most dramatic coastal scenery is nearby.

Few places combine mountains, culture, and sea so naturally.

Which is probably why so many people visit once and end up coming back again and again.

Looking for more Mallorca tips?

Check out these posts you’ll love:

• Best Beaches in Mallorca

• Where to Stay in Mallorca

• Things to Do in Mallorca

• Travel Guide

Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞