The municipality of Pollensa (called Pollença in the Mallorcan language), is found to the north of the island of Mallorca, with a population of 16,000. The name “Pollensa” could lead to confusion with the old roman city of Pollentia, which is a city in the municipality of Alcúdia considered as one of the oldest and most historic cities in the Spanish Mediterranean. Nevertheless, this municipality has nothing to do with the ancient city in Alcúdia.
They are different, and it is Pollensa, the Port of Pollensa and San Vincent Cove, as well as, as has already been mentioned, Alcúdia (the ancient Roman Pollentia), which are some of the most beautiful areas of the north of the island.
Emblematic sites in Pollensa
The Roman Bridge: The origin of this stone bridge which crosses the waters of Sant Jordi is one of Pollensa’s local mysteries. Since the 19th Century, it has been known as the “Pont Romà” (Roman Bridge).
Puig de Maria: Situated at 330m above sea level, this sanctuary dedicated to the Virgen Mary was constructed in 1348 to ask for protection when the population was faced with the epidemic of Black Death, a plague which caused the death of around 20% of the population of Mallorca.
Faro de Formentor: This lighthouse is in the extreme north of the island of Mallorca, and has served as inspiration for numerous artists. The Formentor peninsula is, together with the Cavall Bernat in Sant Vicenç cove which is also in the municipality of Pollença, one of the most painted and captured places on the island.
Montision Building: The School of San Ignacio, known locally as the Montision Building, was built by the Jesuits between the years 1696 and 1738, although it was first started to be used by this ecclesiastic order in 1703. Initially, it contained a church and a convent, although from 1882 part of the building was destined for use by town hall and legal offices, and from the 20th century it was also used as a public school.
El Calvario: This is one of the most emblematic places in the municipality, thanks to the impressive staircase which leads up to the top. Composed of 365 steps, one for each day of the year, it is flanked both by cypress trees and by 14 crosses, each measuring 3 metres tall, similar to the hell through which, according to Christian tradition, Jesus suffered on his journey to Mount Golgotha upon which he was then crucified.
The Lion’s Fountain (La Fuente del Lleó): The first public fountain in Pollença. Until its construction in 1813, the population had to gather water from wells and streams. This system was clearly insufficient to cover the needs of the people of Pollença, which had suffered each summer from droughts, and that had seen notable demographic growth in recent decades.
Beaches
Nevertheless, what most characterizes Pollensa is its beaches of golden sand, which make up a colourful landscape with wide sandy areas and diminutive, private coves.
The main beach of the area is that of the Pollensa Bridge, which is also known as Llenaire. It is a kilometre in length and is bordered by a coastal footpath, perfect for walking at sunset to arrive at the Bridge.
One of the other important beaches, known for its breadth, is Can Cullerassa, protected by an ancient pine forest and stretching for over half a kilometre of sand.
Can Albercuix is a collection of coves, located near to the pedestrian zone of the old town of the Port (known as the Voramar walk). These coves are also located very close to the urban centre.
In Pollensa, there is a great quantity of coves, such as Caló, a virgin cove perfect for diving. This cove is fairly difficult to access as, although it is possible to approach it by car, it is a long walk between the parking and the cove. Another beautiful local cove is Cala Formentor, which has a smaller area of 900 metres.
Nevertheless, what is best about the island is being able to enjoy the fresh air and agreeable temperatures. The perfect place to do this is Cala Murta, which has a rest area and picnic tables. Despite this, perhaps the most popular beach in Pollensa remains Cala Barques, because of its great expanse of fine white sand.
Nature
The beaches of Pollensa, with their variety of local vegetation, almost resemble a picture postcard, however the interior of the region also has a lot to offer. You can explore the Sierra de Tramontana with its magnificently conserved vegetation using a labyrinth of different routes.
Another magnificent space is the Albufereta nature reserve. In the 300 hectares which make up the reserve live birds as interesting as the Black Vulture, the Fishing Eagle, and the falcon. It is a mountainous area, with viewing points over the sea, woods and wetlands.
Art in Pollensa
Culture, art and local crafts are very important to the Port of Pollensa. In this area, one of the most important music festivals of the island has developed where each year you can watch some of the most esteemed jazz musicians of the era, such as Gabrieli Consort or the Kronos Quartet. There have been 56 editions of this annual festival.
Art galleries are very prevalent in Pollensa, and the work they present is as wide and interesting as any gallery in the capital. Museums and municipal centres dedicated to culture organise regular display cycles special exhibitions and guided routes in order to underline the value of all of the local marine heritage.
If you would like to get to know this culture, check out this website through which you can access all of the arranged cultural events.
Now that you have got to know Pollensa a little bit, if you would like to know more or experience it from the ground, in Dompick we can help you to find the perfect place for you in Pollensa. We will advise and guide you so that you can achieve your dream house.