Port de Pollença

Port de Pollenca is an old fishing village turned tourist town on a white sandy bay in the craggy Northern shores of Majorca.

From old school glamour to modern luxury and from families to professional athletes, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in Port de Pollenca.

Port de Pollenca has a magnetic quality that attracted movie stars, authors and world leaders in the early 20th century. The Hotel Formentor saw the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill grace its doors. Agatha Christie’s short story Problem at Pollens Bay was inspired by her stay. Grace Kelly took her honeymoon there. Those seeking a little old-school glamour can visit the hotel and experience the savoir-faire of the restaurant, overlooking the shoreline in the nook of the bay.

At the southern end of the strip is Port de Pollenca beach, which is the more commercial area, with a scattering of cafes, deckchairs and watersports. However, travel north and you will reach Pine Walk, a narrower stretch of sand enclaved by a paved walkway planted with pine trees that lean toward the Mediterranean. Here you can discover traditional Majorcan chalets (snapped up by wealthy families looking for a coastal retreat). Towards Llenaire you’ll find another family-friendly beach and the urbanisations of Llenaire, Pinaret and Gotmar, which typically house the permanent residents in the town. You’ll need a little determination to reach Cala en Feliu, Cala Murta, and Cala en Goss Alba as the paths are pretty rocky but it’s worth it if you want to get away from the high-season visitors.

Hiking is very popular here, as is cycling. The Sky Team famously base their pre-season camp in the town. Both professionals and enthusiasts gather for its relatively traffic free roads, the paths through the Tramuntana Mountains and the fair weather. Birdwatchers might spot a rare bird of prey in the Boquer Valley or watch waders in the Albufera Nature Reserve. La Gola Ornithological Tourism Centre is located within the town and is a good starting place for budding bird enthusiasts. Golfers can get a round in at the 18 holes of Golf Pollensa, a 15 minute drive inland.