One of the things I love about the island of Mallorca is that it’s small enough to get around easily by car or bus. And that means that if you’re visiting the capital city, Palma, there are plenty of easily-accessible day trips you can do.
One of my favourite destinations for a day trip – and possibly the prettiest town in the whole of Mallorca – is Pollensa.
Also known as Pollença (or sometimes Pollenca), this is a picturesque town of around 16,000 inhabitants that sits at the north of the island. It’s most famous for its charming old town, cute narrow winding streets, stunning natural surroundings, and historical significance.
About my visit to Pollença Mallorca
I took a city break to Palma Mallorca for a week in November. As part of my visit, I did a couple of day trips: one on the antique train to Soller, and one to Pollença (it’s pronounced Poy-EN-sa, by the way).
I loved wandering around the cute historic streets, admiring the architecture, hiking up nearby hills to admire the stunning views, and cooling off with an ice cream in the main square. A perfect day trip from Palma!
So this is my personal experience of doing a day trip to Pollensa, and the things I saw and did there. Hopefully it’ll help inspire your own travels.
Read more: A Weekend In Palma de Mallorca: The Perfect City Break
Where is Pollensa?
Pollensa is right at the northernmost tip of Mallorca, about 6 km (4 miles) inland from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. By car, it’s about 55 km (35 miles) from Palma, making it easy to reach for a day trip.
A brief history of Pollensa Mallorca
Pollensa’s history dates back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of human settlements found in the area – including a fascinating burial cave dating back to 1770 BC (you can see objects from this excavation in the Pollensa Museum).
In 123 BC the settlement was taken over by the Romans, who named the town Pollentia. They lasted until 440 AD, when the town was attacked and sacked by the Vandals.
The Moors occupied Mallorca for several centuries, and their influence is still evident in the town’s architecture and layout. The Calvari Steps, a famous landmark with 365 steps leading to a chapel, is thought to have Moorish origins.
In 1229, King James I of Aragon launched a conquest of Mallorca, including Pollensa, which marked the end of Moorish rule. King James gifted Pollensa to the famous order of the Knights Templar, who built the Gothic-style church of Our Lady of Angels (Nostra Senyora dels Àngels) with its austere façade. The town’s narrow streets, stone buildings, and the historic town square, Plaça Major, also date from this era.
Pollensa, like many coastal towns in the Mediterranean, faced a turbulent period in the 15th and 16th centuries, with regular pirate attacks and another Moorish invasion in 1550. The town’s defensive walls, towers, and fortifications were constructed to protect against these threats.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Pollensa flourished economically through agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. It became known for its production of wine, olives, and textiles.
Finally in the 20th century, Pollensa became a hub for artists and writers, who were attracted by its beautiful location and light. Many celebrated Spanish artists spent time here, as well as the renowned British crime writer Agatha Christie, who wrote “Problem at Pollensa Bay” during her stay.
How to spend a day in Pollensa Mallorca
The easiest way to spend your day in Pollença is simply just to walk around. It’s a very small town and easily navigable, especially if you have enabled data roaming on your phone – so that if you need to know where you are you can always check Google maps!
One of my favourite ways to explore a town is simply to wander and see what hidden gems I discover – and Pollenca is the perfect place to do that. Here are some of the top things to look out for.
Pollensa Old Town
The highlight of any day trip to Pollensa is simply to wander through the charming narrow streets of the historic Old Town, with its warm yellow stone buildings, quiet pedestrian streets and cute shops and cafes.
Placa Major (Main Square)
In the middle of the Old Town you’ll find the Plaça Major (main square), a historic square surrounded by centuries-old buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies, and with a 17th-century Baroque-style fountain in the centre. Placa Major is home to several cafes and restaurants so it’s a great place to stop for a coffee or lunch, enjoy the sunshine at an outdoor table, and watch the world go by.
Read more: A day trip to Port de Sóller on the Palma Soller train, Mallorca
Church of Nostra Senyora dels Àngels (Our Lady of Angels)
Located on the western corner of Placa Major, Nostra Senyora dels Àngels is an iconic church founded by the Knights Templar and dedicated to the town’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary. This Gothic-style church has a fairly austere façade, but the inside is stunning, with a gorgeous rose window and an ornate altarpiece.
When I visited, the sun was shining through the rose window and lighting up the wall in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colours that is still one of the most magnificent things I’ve seen in any church.
The image below was a winner in the Historic Photographer of the Year competition 2022.
The Calvari Steps
The other most famous landmark in Pollensa is the Calvari Steps, or Escalíns del Calvari. Consisting of 365 stone steps, this steep staircase leads to a small chapel perched at the top of a hill. The climb is often done as an act of pilgrimage by religious visitors who come to recreate the journey Christ took on his way to the Crucifixion. Along the way, visitors can pause to contemplate the Stations of the Cross, depicted in small shrines.
You can either walk up and down the steps, or for a slightly easier ascent you can walk up the Carrer Sense Nom road that leads up to the chapel. On the way up you’ll pass the Mirador del Calvari viewpoint which offers gorgeous views out over the town and the surrounding landscape.
Then when it’s time to head back down, you can return via the steps – which will obviously be easier going downhill!
Convent of Santo Domingo
Founded in the 16th century by Dominican friars, this beautifully preserved convent features fabulous Gothic architecture, a serene cloister built in 1660, and an elegant chapel. Today, the Convente de Santo Domingo is also home to the Pollensa Museum.
Pollensa Museum
The Pollensa Museum showcases a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and historical artifacts relating to the history of Pollensa and some of the artists who have visited and worked there.
Exhibits feature everything from prehistoric artifacts – including a fascinating display about the Can Martorellet burial cave, which dates back to 1770 BC. There’s also a stunning Buddhist mandala, which was created from coloured sand by three Buddhist monks who worked solidly for three weeks to make it.
Juan Marc Gardens
The Jardines de Juan Marc, or Juan Marc Gardens, can be found directly across from the Museum. Named after Juan Marc, a local horticulturist, the gardens showcase a harmonious blend of Mediterranean and exotic plant species, creating a relaxing place to sit and enjoy an ice cream after your time in the museum.
Pollentia Ruins
Located just outside the town, this is considered the most complete archaeological site in Mallorca. The Roman town of Pollentia was founded in 70BC and at one time was the capital of the island. Today you can still see the theatre, forum, and residential areas. Entry costs a bargainous three euros. Note that the ruins are closed on Mondays.
Puig de Maria
Puig de Maria (Mary’s Hill) is a scenic hill located just outside Pollensa. Rising approximately 330 metres (1,083 feet) above sea level, it offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside, the Bay of Pollensa, and the Tramuntana Mountains.
The hill is crowned by a small monastery and chapel, Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig, which dates back to the 14th century. Today it’s home to a small restaurant serving traditional Mallorquian cuisine.
It’s a relatively easy walk up – the path is about 2 km long and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.
Read more: Palma De Mallorca: The Surprisingly Perfect City Break Destination
Old Roman Bridge (El Pont Romà)
As the name suggests, this historic bridge is said to date back to the Roman era, though there’s no record of its existence before the 14th century. Still, it’s a very scenic spot, great for a photograph or to enjoy the rushing sounds of the Torrent de Sant Jordi river which passes underneath. You’ll find the bridge just outside the town, about 700 meters from the centre of Pollensa.
Water fountains
As you walk around Pollensa, one other fun thing to spot are the many ornate water fountains. Dating back centuries, these fountains were vital sources of freshwater for residents and their livestock. During the Moorish rule of the island, many fountains were built or enhanced with intricate designs, reflecting their significance in daily life.
With the Christian reconquest in the 13th century, these fountains remained essential, serving as community hubs for gatherings and social interaction. Over time, some fountains became more ornate, adorned with carvings and decorative elements.
Other things to do near Pollenca Mallorca
- Pollensa Market: Experience the weekly Sunday market in Pollensa’s old town. It’s a great place to shop for local produce, crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The market has around 300 stalls and takes place every Sunday from 8 am to 1.30 pm in the Plaza Major and surrounding streets.
- Art Galleries: Pollensa has a thriving arts scene with several galleries featuring works by local and international artists.
- Cultural Festivals: If your visit coincides with one of Pollensa’s cultural festivals, don’t miss the opportunity to join in. The Pollensa Music Festival (in August) and the town’s traditional celebrations are highlights.
- Beaches: While Pollensa town itself is inland, you can easily reach beautiful beaches nearby. Cala San Vicente and Puerto Pollensa offer sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.
- Hiking and Nature: The surrounding countryside and the Tramuntana Mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. There are numerous trails and paths to explore.
- Port of Pollensa: Head to the nearby Puerto Pollensa and take a boat trip to explore the coastline.
- Birdwatching: The Albufereta Nature Reserve, located just a 15-minute drive from Pollensa, is a great spot for spotting local wildlife.
How to get to Pollensa from Palma de Mallorca
By car
If you’ve rented a car for your trip to Mallorca, the easiest way to get to Pollensa from Palma is by road. The most common route is via the Ma-13 highway, which is approximately 55 km (about 35 miles), and takes up to an hour.
By bus
The 301 bus goes from the main bus station in Palma, Estació Intermodal, to Pollenca and is operated by TIB (Transport de les Illes Balears). At the time of writing there were 15 buses a day, with the first one leaving Palma at 06.10 and the last bus from Pollenca back to Palma at 22.20. The journey takes an hour and costs EUR 4.50 if you buy online and EUR 7.50 if you buy on the bus.
Pollensa hotels: where to stay in Pollensa
While you can easily visit Pollensa on a day trip from Palma, you might want to stay overnight or even spend a few days relaxing in this very pretty part of Mallorca. If so, here are a few places you might like to try:
Top Pick: Hotel Illa d’Or & Illa d’Or Club Apartments
Right on the beachfront of Puerto Pollensa, Hotel Illa d’Or is a beautiful retreat with stunning sea views, offering double and single rooms, and larger apartments. It has an outdoor pool overlooking the bay, and a spa with treatments, indoor pool and sauna. Booking.com rating: 9.1.
Comfort: Mar Senses Puerto Pollensa Hotel & Spa
Located just steps from the popular port and 100 metres from the beach, MarSenses Puerto Pollensa is a clean and modern hotel that gets rave reviews. It has a spa offering a range of treatments, ideal for relaxation after a day of exploration, and it has a great location in the middle of everything and close to the sea. Booking.com rating: 8.9.
Midrange: Hotel Villa Singala
Just 50 metres from La Singala Beach, Hotel Villa Singala is a simple and friendly hotel in a great location, ideal for visitors who want comfort without splurging. The outdoor swimming pool and terrace bar are great on a sunny day, and it’s right by the beach and local restaurants making it easy to explore from here. Booking.com rating: 8.9
Budget: Hotel Eolo
Situated right in the middle of Port de Pollença, Hotel Eolo is just a short walk from the beach and all the shops, bars and restaurants of the town. It also has a roof terrace and an excellent breakfast. There’s no pool though. Booking.com rating: 8.1.
Buy me a coffee
Did you enjoy this website or find it useful? If you did and fancy showing your appreciation, that would be amazing!
A small token of support helps keep Passport & Pixels going, so I can carry on creating free content for travellers like you. Also, it makes my day! Thank you!
Where to next?
If you enjoyed this, why not check out some of my other posts?
- My First Time Forest Bathing On A Rainy Day In Mallorca
- Glamping And Hiking In The Beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka
- Santa Catarina Palopo: The Colourful Painted Town In Guatemala
- 25 Brilliant Tips For Travel Photography
- Nature Vacations: 25 Amazing Places For An Outdoors Adventure
- Cyprus in Spring: 10 Reasons Why It’s The Best Time To Visit
My favourite travel tools and brands
To help you organise your trip, here’s a short list of some of the brands and tools I use over and over again when I’m planning my travels. You can see more on my Travel Resources page.
- Booking.com: A huge range of hotels to choose from, often with free cancellation. If you book hotels regularly you can earn discounts. I’m on Genius Level 3 which gets me 20% off!
- Expedia: Another great place to find hotels and Expedia also sell flights, car hire, and loads more all in one place.
- Skyscanner: The only place I ever go to search for flights and compare prices.
- Flight Centre: Booking a more complicated route? Let Flight Centre organise it for you (and deal with the drama when something goes wrong).
- Priority Pass: I love having access to 1600+ airport lounges when I fly, allowing me to enjoy my time at the airport. Buy through my link and you get up to 20% off!
- Airalo: Say goodbye to ridiculous mobile roaming charges. Did you know you can now buy ane-SIM, install it in your phone before you leave home, and then use data abroad at local prices? Game changer. Get US$3 credit with code BELLA5735.
- TourRadar: If you prefer group travel and organised tours, TourRadar has a huge range of fantastic tours from respected operators. They’re very helpful and have 4.5 stars on TrustPilot.
- Viator: Part of the TripAdvisor brand, Viator is another great place to search for group adventures and day trips.
- GetYourGuide: A great place to find local tours and day trips in your destination.
- Wex Photo Video: The UK’s best camera gear store.
- Ellis Brigham: Looking for good quality backpacks, travel clothes and other gear? Ellis Brigham is where I buy almost all of mine.
- Rentalcars.com: Part of the Booking.com family and the world’s largest online car rental service, with 24/7 customer service.
- World Nomads Travel Insurance: I never ever travel without travel insurance and nor should you!
Liked this post?
A social share using the buttons bellow, or pinning this image to Pinterest, would really help support my blog. Thank you!
