Puerto Pollensa
Originally a fishing village, the enchanting resort of Puerto Pollensa has everything - wonderful scenery, beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic cuisine and a laid-back friendly atmosphere. The sheltered horseshoe shaped bay is set against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range. No wonder it remains a favourite with families and couples who return time and time again. The resort of Puerto Pollensa is arguably Mallorca’s finest.
Despite its success, Puerto Pollensa has managed to retain both its charm and a somewhat understated character as well as it’s rather exclusive feel.
Pollensa
Steeped in history, the charming old town of Pollensa, approx. 3 miles inland from the coast, is arguably the most attractive town on the island. The regions cuisine is also regarded as one of the finest in Mallorca. Pollensa boasts an excellent array of superb restaurants, café’s, bars and shops, which can be found in and around the main square, The placa Major, a truly magnificent place to sit and watch the World go by. The Market in Pollensa, which takes place every Sunday, dominates the main square, spilling out in to all the side street’s is an absolute must.
Cala San Vicente
Cala de Sant Vicenç lies approx. 3 mls north of Pollença and is one of the few towns on the north coast of Majorca located directly by the sea. Furthermore, it has 4 heavenly bathing bays: Cala Barques, Cala Molins, Cala Clara, and Cala Carbó. Water sport enthusiasts, such as advanced surfers or divers will find what they are looking for on these picturesque stretches between the foothills of 2 mountain ranges. In particular by the headlands which separate the 3 bays, snorklers will find countless colourful fishes in the clear water. Clean beaches, parasol and sunlounger rental promise relaxing sunbathing. Numerous beach bars and terrace restaurants around the bay are attractive places to end the evening over a meal of fresh fish with a view of the sea and the vertical rock wall of Cavall Bernat rising out of the water. Its stunning villas afford it a feel of exclusivity.
“The Cala” offers some striking views, e.g. of the “caballo” (horse), a shape formed by the shadow and rock formation of the main promontory. In addition, the sea can strike a remarkably rich and deep shade of turquoise. There are a good selection of cafés, bars and restaurants. But otherwise it is a place for relaxation.
Formentor
The jewel in Mallorca’s crown. Formentor could easily be mistaken for an exquisite carribean island. Leaving Puerto Pollensa heading north-east you enter the peninsula that ends with the Cap de Formentor. The drive is not for the faint-hearted, but if you can bear it you are rewarded with some fabulous views - across the bay, of the cliffs and the pines. You can get as far as the lighthouse and enjoy breathtakiing views across to Menorca (on a good day). The sights on the peninsula are truly stunning.
The Carribeanesque beach at Formentor is fine and sandy and lies next to the Hotel Formentor. The whole Formentor Peninsula was bought up in 1928 by Adam Diehl, an Argentine art-lover and playboy. In 1929 he built and opened the modernist styled Formentor Hotel. The hotel began to attract quite a few celebrities such as the likes of, first of all, the Duke of Windsor, and writer Ramon Gomez de la Serna. Stars like Ava Gardner, Gary Cooper, Laurence Olivier, Audrey Hepburn and has since become an exclusive resort for the rich and famous.
Alcudia
The historical old town of Alcudia nestles along the southern part of the bay of Pollensa and behind mountainous headlands. Some 4 miles. from Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia has the same “magic” of the town of Pollensa, and is a delightful place. Home to the Roman ruins of Pollentia, Alcudia boasts some very fine restaurants and cafes. Unlike Pollensa, which is detached from its “port”, Puerto Alcudia is more or less attached to the old town, so movement between the two is that much more straightforward.
Barcares/Mal Pas/Bonaire/Alcanada
To the north of Alcudia are the beautiful, unspoilt beaches and extremely desirable resorts of Barcares, Mal Pas, Bonaire and Alcanada. Home to some of the most stupendous, stylish villa’s in the North, enjoying spectacular views across the bay of Pollensa and most are within walking distance of the fine array of restaurants, café’s, bars, etc.
Puerto Alcudia
Puerto Alcudia enjoys a deserved reputation as an excellent holiday destination. The main beach in Puerto Alcudia is one of the finest to be found in the whole Mediterranean, and the resort boasts a multitude of bars, restaurants and shops. There are really two main parts to Puerto Alcudia (three if you include the small resort of Alcanada which adjoins it and is home to the wonderful 18 hole golf course, Golf Alcanada).
The port itself has a wide cosmopolitan promenade and a marina. There is a very good atmosphere, especially in the evenings. The second part of Puerto Alcudia is formed by the areas known as Ciudad Blanca and Magic. This area is unashamedly touristic but it is extremely popular, and there is something here for everyone.
Playa de Muro
Like Puerto Pollensa, the beach resort part of Muro is separated from the town that gives it its name by several kilometres. You can be forgiven for thinking it to be a mere continuation of Puerto Alcudia as there is little to indicate where the two start and finish. Playa de Muro enjoys the same superb coastline as Puerto Alcudia and a beach just as excellent.
Fine hotels (a couple absolutely outstanding) and some pretty good restaurants and bars. Playa de Muro is home to the remarkable wetlands of S’Albufera and its abundant wild- and plantlife, while the “rustic” part of its beach is increasingly popular with naturists.
Ca’n Picafort
This is the next town down from Playa de Muro, the Alcudia Pins area of Playa de Muro being separated from Ca’n Picafort by the forest that is part of the nature park. It is a pleasant resort and has an enormous number of hotels (over 40) despite not being that big a resort. Ca’n Picafort also has a super beach, plenty of bars and restaurants and a pretty good nightlife. There is also a large go-karting track and a marina.
Son Serra de Marina
Some 5 miles past Ca’n Picafort you’ll come across Son Serra de Marina. The Marina has a small nautical club and a few bars/restaurants. It is never over populated with tourists even during peak season, yet it covers a fair size area with roads laid out on a grid basis like much of Ca’n Picafort.
The beach here is popular for naturism. Off the main road just after the turning into Son Serra is Rancho Grande, which lives up to its name as it is grande (big). Horse-riding, wagons, barbecues - it’s a good place.
