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Situated in the heart of the Northeastern region of Mallorca, Pollensa town is a beautiful haven that is one of the island’s most popular inland tourist destinations. Within easy reach of some of Mallorca’s other popular hotspots, including the likes of Puerto Pollensa and Alcúdia, it is well-situated to explore the breadth of beauty that Northern Mallorca has to offer.
Situated in the heart of the Northeastern region of Mallorca, Pollensa town is a beautiful haven that is one of the island’s most popular inland tourist destinations. Within easy reach of some of Mallorca’s other popular hotspots, including the likes of Puerto Pollensa and Alcúdia, it is well-situated to explore the breadth of beauty that Northern Mallorca has to offer.
The ancient town attracts history buffs and nature lovers alike due to its rich history and surreal surrounding landscapes. Its timeline is saturated with many ancient civilisations, from the Romans to the Arabs, and the Moors, Pollensa’s history and culture have been shaped and influenced for centuries, crafting it to be the beautiful destination that it is today.
Some of the city's most iconic landmarks have been formed thanks to its rich historic influence, such as the old Roman Bridge, El Pont Romà, and are the sights that often stay engrained in visitors’ memories long after they’ve left.
Equally, Pollensa is known for its beautiful natural surroundings that make it somewhat of an oasis on the North side of the island. Its encompassing mountainous landscape makes for a dramatic backdrop during your visit, and its nearby coastal hotspots, from secluded seafront resorts to breathtaking golden beaches, are the perfect places to soak in the seaside scenery that Mallorca is best known for.
Pollensa old town, however, is one of Pollensa’s biggest assets. It is the beating heart of Pollensa, symbolising the town’s rich history dating back centuries, and a visit here cannot be missed during your next trip to the town.
Founded by the Catalans in the 13th century, it is located away from the coast, which was a purposeful decision made to avoid any unwanted attacks from invaders at the time.
Embodying quintessential Spanish living, you can picture narrow cobbled side streets lined with tables and chairs upon which Spaniards spend their days relaxing, catching up with friends and family, and enjoying the local beverages and delicious delicacies.
And home to some of the town’s most iconic sights, including the likes of the Calvari steps and the Roman Bridge to name but a few, Pollensa old town is a goldmine if you’re hoping to learn about some of the town’s most prominent historic and cultural areas and adopt this Northern gem’s Spanish way of life.
Should you not know where to start when planning your experiences in Pollensa old town, and only find yourself with a short amount of time to do so, here at Vida Villas we’ve outlined a day’s itinerary in the old town to give you the best things to do and sites to see during your whistlestop tour to provide you with the best possible experience.
The Roman Bridge of Pollensa is one of the town’s most well-known sights. This historic stone bridge, whilst not the grandest of structures, has much historical significance in the town. It dates back to the Roman era and is thought to have been built during the civilisation’s reign between 123 BC and 425 AD.
Now known as the Pont Romà, translating to Roman Bridge, it is arguably the town’s most famous crossing point. It was the only way for inhabitants to cross the Torrente de Sant Jordi, Pollensa’s local stream which, whilst not normally a problem, at high tide made it near impossible for inhabitants to cross to the other side of Pollensa.
The bridge is only a few minutes' walk from Pollensa old town, so makes for the perfect sight to commence your day before you proceed deeper into the old town itself.
Located in Saint Domingo’s Cloister, the Museum of Pollensa was built between 1588 and 1616 to showcase the breadth of Mallorca’s, and wider Europe’s, artistic offerings for locals and visitors to enjoy at their leisure.
The museum was officially founded in 1975, and its contents now include a variety of paintings, sculptures, and crafted creations, having grown in size and offerings considerably since it first opened.
You can leave yourself around an hour to see the museum, which should be sufficient, and it features a charming courtyard which you can roam through as you’re exploring the museum’s exhibits.
You’ll discover everything from burials found locally around Pollensa, a Buddhist Mandala from Tibet, prehistoric items, and a large collection of artwork by famous artist Atilo Boveri, an Argentinian painter, engraver, architect, and ceramist from the 19th-20th century.
The museum is free to visit, and is the perfect destination to seek refuge during the heat of the day and offers a splendid display of Pollensa’s local, and wider, culture and history worthy of a visit during your 1-day itinerary.
It is open from 10 am until 1:30 pm and from 6 pm until 8 pm on Tuesdays through to Fridays and is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
Also known as Plaça Major in the local tongue, the Old Town Square is the centrepiece of Pollensa and the vibrant core of the old town. It acts as the perfect place to break after a long day of sightseeing, catch your breath, and grab a bite to eat.
The square is a charming location in Pollensa, surrounded by Mallorca’s quintessential ochre-coloured buildings, and lined with trees and restaurant parasols, perfect to shade yourself from the Mallorcan sunshine.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the square hosts Pollensa market, which is open from the early hours at around 8 am until just after lunchtime, where hundreds of stalls are set up by local traders selling everything from fresh local produce to clothes, artwork, handicrafts, and artisanal products. Be sure to stop by and indulge in the bustle of this prominent feature of Pollensa’s culture at its liveliest.
Either grab a bite to eat from one of these Pollensa market stalls or sit yourself at any one of the restaurants in Pollensa old town square to regain your energy before taking on the next half of your exciting day.
Next to the old town square, you’ll find the El Calvari steps. It is arguably one of Pollensa old town’s most famous sights, formed of 365 steps stretching up the El Calvari mountain to reach the Calvario Chapel.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can attempt to tackle this popular climb and reach the pristine chapel at the top. The steps, whilst there are many, aren’t particularly steep, and you’ll find plenty of shelter en route during your climb thanks to the many trees bordering the steps. So, should you need a rest away from the sunlight, you can do so.
And you’re heavily rewarded once you reach the top as, from the chapel, you have views of the entire Pollensa municipality, and outwards to the Formentor peninsula and coastline - some of the best views in the town.
Should you be planning on visiting Pollensa during spring, here is where the famous easter procession in the town takes place, working its way from the chapel down to the town centre. Thousands flock to watch the re-enactment of ‘Devallament’, the Descent from the Cross, as a figure of Christ himself is carefully carried down the steps.
The convent of Santo Domingo was built between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Dominican friars as a way of strengthening their presence in the area. This was until the 1800s, from which point the site remained unused until being noticed by the Spanish Government and used as a useful community-oriented centre in the town, being a hospice, school, and even a civil barracks at several points.
Now, the ex-cloister is home to Pollensa’s museum, and itself is a stunning example of Pollensa’s religious history and influence. It has 10 side chapels and a baroque-style cloister including four arched corridors.
The International Classical Music Festival of Pollensa is also hosted at this venue. Having been held here since 1962, the event features some of the best soloists, orchestras, opera singers, and choirs in Mallorca and the world annually.
A famous name that has performed here is the highly-distinguished Philip Newman, an English Violinist, and the venue provides excellent acoustics and a spectacular opportunity to experience some of the best classical music beneath the starry Mallorcan sky.
The event occurs throughout August, and you can find tickets on its online website, should you be interested in visiting the event and learning more about the programme it has on offer.
End your day with a sumptuous evening meal at any one of the fantastic restaurants in Pollensa old town. Savour some of the best of local cuisine, with typical homestyle plates, Mallorcan favourites, and tapas, paired with a lovely crisp glass of local wine from the region.
Some of our personal recommendations include Bar Nou Restaurante. Located only a short distance from Pollensa old town square, this Mallorcan restaurant, set down a charming backstreet, is a simple rustic setting that serves homestyle cooking, with everything from hearty and fresh seafood dishes, to small nibbles and traditional tapas.
Equally, we’d recommend Centric Restaurant. Located in none other than Pollensa old town square itself, this eatery offers a contemporary and sleek dining experience. With an original menu created by its team which incorporates all of the beauty of local Mallorcan produce, delicious Mediterranean dishes for everyone to enjoy are served here.
Pollensa old town is a fascinating destination in North Mallorca’s blissful town of Pollensa that offers much to be adored by its residents, and visitors, alike.
From its photo-worthy Calvari steps to its charming old town square and beautiful religious buildings, we hope our guide has given you the inspiration you need for how to spend your single day in Pollensa old town to the fullest.
If you’re looking to make the most of your short, but sweet, trip to Pollensa old town, and are in search of a place to call home for the duration of your stay, we offer a range of rental properties in Pollensa, putting you within easy reach of the old town’s sights and scenes to make your stay all the more convenient and enjoyable.
Alternatively, you can contact a member of our team if you’re looking to discuss what options we have available for you to suit your wants and needs.
