Information
City: PollencaCountry: Balearic Islands
Continent: Europe
Pollenca, Balearic Islands, Europe
Overview
Pollença-sometimes spelled Pollenca-sits in Mallorca’s northeast, a historic town in Spain’s Balearic Islands where sunlit stone streets wind between centuries-old buildings.Pollença brims with history, from weathered stone alleys to sunlit squares, and pairs its stunning landscapes with a lively arts scene and the warm, timeless charm of the Mediterranean.The town’s known for its beautifully kept medieval buildings, sweeping views, and its spot right next to the rugged, sunlit peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana.One.Pollença sits about 45 kilometers, or 28 miles, from Palma de Mallorca, the island’s bustling capital where the sea air mingles with the scent of fresh bread from morning markets.Set a little back from the sea, the town sits at the base of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range.From its streets, you can see rugged peaks, silver-green olive groves, and the shimmer of beaches just down the road.Just a few kilometers north lies Alcúdia Bay, an easy gateway to Mallorca’s celebrated beaches like Puerto de Pollença and the clear, sheltered cove of Cala San Vicente.Pollença’s story stretches back to Roman times, later shaped by Moorish hands.The Romans built a settlement here, and you can still spot traces of it-weathered stones, half-buried in the soil.After the Roman era, the Moors took control of Pollença, shaping its stone archways and the way crops were grown.By the Middle Ages, the town had risen to real importance.Thick stone walls and a sturdy castle guarded the town, ready to fend off any pirate ship that dared sail into the harbor.In the 13th century, after the Reconquista, Pollença joined the Kingdom of Mallorca, its streets soon echoing with the sound of market traders’ voices.Over the years, the town grew into the region’s cultural and economic heart, with the historic Old Town of Pollença offering narrow cobblestone lanes, sunlit plazas, and rows of weathered stone houses.The town still holds its medieval charm, with stone buildings from the 1500s and 1600s lining its narrow streets.Plaça Major sits at the heart of the city, alive with chatter and the scent of fresh coffee drifting from the cafés, while restaurants and shops line its edges.It’s the kind of place where you can wander narrow stone streets and feel the town’s easygoing vibe sink in.In Pollença, the Calvari Steps stand out as a beloved landmark-a steep climb of 365 stone steps that wind up to the quiet Ermita del Calvari chapel perched on the hilltop.Stone arches frame the steps, each curve worn smooth with age, and from there you can take in sweeping views of the town, the rolling countryside, and the far-off, hazy peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana.Many visitors make the walk to the chapel, enjoying the quiet climb and the fresh scent of pine, and it rewards them with a view of Pollença you won’t find anywhere else.In the heart of Pollença’s old town, the Church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels rises above the square, its stone façade weathered by centuries, and it remains one of the town’s most significant places of worship.The church, built in the 18th century, showcases graceful Baroque curves and a soaring interior filled with frescoes and glowing religious paintings.The church stands as a proud marker of Pollença’s history and culture, its stone walls holding centuries of stories.The Roman Bridge in Pollença, built in the days of the empire, still arches over the stream where sunlight glints on the water.This sturdy old bridge spans the Torrent de Pollença, its stone arches still solid after centuries, and stands as one of the town’s finest pieces of ancient engineering.Housed in a former convent with cool stone halls, the Pollença Museum displays an eclectic mix of artwork and archaeological treasures.Step inside the museum and you’ll catch a vivid glimpse of the town’s past, from the cool weight of ancient Roman coins to carved medieval relics and bold, colorful pieces by local artists.The Cloisters of the Convent de Sant Domingo: Once a quiet home for nuns, the Convent de Sant Domingo now holds the Pollença Museum, where sunlight spills across its stone floors.The building is a striking piece of medieval architecture, its arches opening onto a quiet cloister garden and courtyards where you can hear the soft splash of a fountain.The cloisters make a charming spot to wander, their cool stone arches offering a quiet retreat from the noise and bustle of the town center.Number four.Puerto de Pollença, the town’s seaside stretch, sits only a few minutes’ drive from Pollença’s center, where the salt air greets you before you even see the waves.This lively seaside town draws visitors to its stunning beaches, especially Playa de Pollença, where the water lies still and transparent, and the horizon glows in soft blues.This beach is great for families, with shady spots to relax, plenty of restaurants and cafés close by, and even kayaks and paddleboards for rent.Just a short drive away, you’ll find Cala San Vicente-a small, picture-perfect bay framed by rugged cliffs and thick green foliage, where the air smells faintly of salt and pine.This beach is perfect for swimming or snorkeling, with water so clear you can see the ripples over the sand, and it feels far quieter than busy Puerto de Pollença.Hiking and Nature Walks:
Rolling hills and pine-scented trails wrap around Pollença, making it the perfect spot to set out on a hike or wander through nature.In the Serra de Tramuntana, winding trails range from easy strolls to demanding climbs, leading hikers past silver-leafed olive groves, through quiet valleys, and onto ridges with sweeping, dramatic views.Just outside Pollença, Puig de Maria rises steep and rugged, tempting hikers with a tough climb that ends in sweeping views of the valley and sea shimmering in the distance.At the summit, a small stone chapel honors Santa Maria.In town, Pollença draws cyclists with winding scenic roads and climbs that burn the legs but reward with sweeping mountain views.The region offers plenty of cycling tours, from winding mountain climbs to breezy coastal roads and quiet lanes through sleepy villages.Five.Every August, Pollença bursts into celebration for the Festa de la Patrona, one of its most cherished and lively festivals.The festival celebrates the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of Angels, with candlelit processions winding through narrow streets, lively music, dancing, and bursts of fireworks.The Moro i Cristians parade, with its clashing swords and bright banners, brings the Christian victory over the Moors to life and stands out as the heart of the celebrations.Every year, Pollença comes alive with its Music Festival, drawing world-class musicians who fill the air with soaring notes and rich harmonies.Held each summer, the festival fills the town with classical concerts, opera, and intimate recitals in venues from the echoing Sant Domingo Cloisters to the sunlit Calvari Chapel.During Semana Santa, the streets of Pollença fill with solemn processions, culminating in the famed “La Santísima” on Good Friday, where candlelight flickers against ancient stone walls.Locals in bright traditional costumes make their way through the narrow streets, their steady steps filling the air with a quiet sense of devotion.In Pollença, the art scene bursts with color, and throughout the year you can wander into galleries where local painters’ canvases still smell faintly of fresh oils.These exhibitions come to life at the Pollença Art Gallery and the Cultural Center, where bright canvases line the walls and voices echo softly between rooms.Number six.Food and dining, from the sizzle of a hot pan to the clink of glasses.
Landmarks in pollenca
