Pollença Travel Guide

The town centres on the Plaça Major, a compact square of cafés and shops; north of it a steep street climbs the Calvari stairway. A pedestrianised old town of narrow lanes fans out from the square; small shops and galleries fill the streets to the west and south. Buses and taxis meet visitors on the edge of the historic core, while Port de Pollença and the coastal roads lie 6 km to the east.

Costs: A modest daily budget (tens to low hundreds of US dollars, depending on season and activities). - Modest town prices for food and cafés; transport and guided trips to beaches or Formentor increase daily costs.

Safety: Generally safe - Typical Mediterranean town safety - take normal precautions in crowded summer areas and at festivals.

Best Time: May-June and September-October - Warm weather with fewer crowds than July-August and good conditions for walking and coastal drives.

Pollença sits inland in northern Mallorca, about 6 km west of its port, Port de Pollença. The town grew up where the medieval district once stood and today is known for narrow streets, house façades from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a compact central square, the Plaça Major, framed by cafés and the 13th-century church Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels.

The area has deep roots: the Roman settlement of Pollentia lies nearby at modern Alcúdia, and through the Middle Ages Pollença endured pirate threats and military struggles. That layered history surfaces in annual events - the sombre Good Friday procession and the August 2 patronal reenactment of battles between Moros i Cristians - and in local museums such as the Pollentia Museum. Visiting Pollença feels like stepping into a working market town that is also a gateway to the northern coast and the Cap de Formentor peninsula.

Pollença is visited for its compact, atmospheric center and the dramatic climb to the Calvari chapel that rewards you with wide views over the plain and sea. It makes a calm base for exploring the rugged northern coastline, sheltered coves and the scenic roads of the Serra de Tramuntana. The town’s cafés, galleries and occasional festivals add cultural depth to beach and hiking days.

Pollença is pleasant most of the year but the climate shapes how you experience the town and coast. Summers are reliably warm and dry while late autumn and winter bring wetter weather and quieter streets.

Pollença is easiest reached via Palma and then by road or bus; boat and regional bus options connect the north coast in summer. Plan extra time in summer for traffic on the scenic coastal roads.

• By Air: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI): Palma Airport is the main entry point for Mallorca; Pollença is roughly a 45- to 60-minute drive depending on traffic. Regular buses run from Palma to Pollença and fares are typically in the single-digit euros; car hire is a common choice for exploring the north coast.
• By Sea: ferries to Palma or Alcúdia: Ferries from the Spanish mainland and nearby islands arrive at Palma and, in season, at Alcúdia; from Alcúdia it’s a short road transfer to Pollença by bus or taxi. Timetables vary by operator and season so check connections in advance.
• By Bus: from Palma and Alcúdia: Regional buses link Palma, Alcúdia and Pollença with journey times around 1-1.5 hours from Palma and under 20 minutes from Alcúdia; expect fares of a few euros for these routes.

Pollença is compact and most of the historic centre is best explored on foot, while the surrounding coast and headlands are easiest by bike or car.

• Walking: The old town and Plaça Major are pedestrian-friendly and many sights are within short walking distance; the Calvari stairway is a walking highlight.
• Local buses and taxis: Local bus services connect the town with Port de Pollença, Alcúdia and surrounding beaches; taxis are available but can be costly for longer trips.
• Bicycle and scooter rental: Bikes and scooters are popular for short coastal rides and quiet country roads - choose routes carefully and avoid exposed cliffs in strong winds.
• Car hire and tours: Hiring a car gives the most flexibility for reaching remote coves and viewpoints; guided day tours are a convenient alternative for visiting Cap de Formentor and the Tramuntana.

Most dining in Pollença clusters around the Plaça Major and its side streets, where cafés serve breakfasts, tapas and light Mallorcan dishes; seafood and full-meal restaurants are concentrated down at the port. Expect a mix of family-run restaurants, seasonal menus and a strong emphasis on seafood and local produce.

Nightlife is low-key: evening drinks in the square, a few bars with live music in season and relaxed beachfront venues at Port de Pollença that stay open later in summer. There are no large nightclubs in town.

Small artisan shops and galleries line the old town streets, selling ceramics, textiles and local crafts; you’ll also find food shops with local olive oils, cheeses and preserves. A weekly market operates in the town during much of the year, offering produce and handicrafts.