Pollensa (Pollenca)

History & Culture in Pollenca

Although the majority of the buildings in Pollenca were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, this is a town rich in history dating back to medieval times.

Pollenca's early history

In 123 BC, the Romans landed in Mallorca and set up base close to Alcúdia. Their settlement was named Pollentia, from which Pollenca later got its name. This was a time of peace on the island, until 440 AD when vandals caused destruction and those who survived the attack fled the island.

Pollenca, as we know it today, was founded in the late 12th century by the Arabs. After King Jaume I conquered Majorca (1229 to 1231), Pollenca was gifted to the Knights Templar. They began to build the church in the main square, Parròquia de la Mare de Déu del Àngels (Parish of Our Lady of the Angels), however due to a spat with the King of France during the 14th century the knights fled the island.

From the 16th to the 20th century

From this time onwards, there were continued attacks on this part of the island by pirates, as a consequence watchtowers - such as the Atalaya de Albercutx - were built along the coast. The most famous attack took place in 1550 when Joan Mas led a small band of locals armed only with sticks to fight off the Moorish bandits. This is celebrated with La Patrona Festival each August. The Jesuits arrived in Pollença and in 1697 constructed the iconic church, Monti Sion, situated close to the foot of the Calvari steps.

The arrival of tourism

Until the early 1900s, Pollença was mostly an agricultural town, with little activity along its coast. Things began to change when artists were drawn to the area’s natural beauty, helping to put Port de Pollença on the map. A group of painters, both local and Catalan, played a big part in this creative movement. Tourism took off in the 1960s and now makes up most of the local economy. Even so, the town has kept its traditional charm, with quiet lanes, neat little squares and a well-kept, authentic feel.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Pollenca

History, architecture and culture in Pollença

Pollença town is filled with history. The Pont Romà on the edge of town is one of the oldest landmarks, once part of an ancient aqueduct, though the bridge seen today dates from the 15th century.

The main square, Plaça Major, is home to the 18th-century Mare de Deu dels Angels church with its remarkable rose window. Among the town's many other historic buildings is a former Jesuit convent which is now the town hall. From here you can climb the 365 cypress tree-lined steps to reach the Calvari church with its ancient wooden cross and views of Puig de Maria and to the Bay of Pollença and over the plains of Majorca. These steps are the scene of a moving procession each Good Friday when a figure of Christ is removed from a cross and carried down the steps by torchlight.

The Convent and Cloister of Sant Domingo is one of the town's defining features. Built between 1588 and 1616, the Baroque cloister, famous for its four arched corridors will take your breath away. It has been hosting Pollenca’s annual Classical Music Festival since 1962, and the convent hosts the wonderful Pollença Arts and Crafts Fair as well as the wine fair.

The Santuari del Puig de Maria is a 330m high hillock on which a Gothic-style fortified monastery sits. First occupied by nuns in 1371, it was abandoned for many years. It has now been restored and you can stay in simple rooms if tranquillity is what you seek. You can access it by following a tiny lane (cars not recommended) which goes off the main road from Pollenca to Palma.

Museums and art galleries

The cloisters are also home to the Museum of Pollença containing the remains of prehistoric sculptures shaped like bulls, as well as a mandate (Tibetan sand painting) given by the Dalai Lama in 1990. It even houses a collection of contemporary art and works by the artist Atilio Boveri. Next to the convent lie the gardens of Joan March with its 17th-century tower.

Artists and writers have been known to be fond of the area throughout history, and Pollenca is home to the Dionis Bennassar museum, located in a typical Mallorcan house and filled with the painter's works and personal belongings. 

Beaches in Pollenca

Pollenca itself doesn't have beaches, but the Port of Pollensa is one of the most exclusive ports in the area. Its long beaches are worth a day trip to at the very least if you're staying in Pollensa itself.

Events in Pollenca

The historic town of Pollenca hosts some epic events relating to its history.

Festivals

La Patrona is one of the town’s biggest festivals and usually takes place at the end of July and start of August. For a whole week, the town comes alive with celebrations and activities in honour of the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, with decorations filling the streets.

The week ends with a lively re-enactment of a battle between the Moors and the Christians. It marks the town’s victory over pirates who attacked during the night and early morning of the 30th and 31st May, 1550.

The Pollença Classical Music Festival has been a summer tradition since 1962, drawing world-class performers to the town each July and August. Over the years, it has welcomed celebrated names from orchestras, opera and beyond.

The Pollenca Wine Fair is organised by l’Associació Vi Primitiu de Pollenca and takes place at the Convent de Santo Domingo in the spring. 

Dining in Pollenca

Pollenca has a good selection of restaurants within the town. You'll find plenty of places that make the ideal casual option offering good quality local and fusion tapas using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Try a tasting menu if you like experimenting with new dishes. Paella is another famous dish that you can't really go wrong with if you're here.

If you fancy a break from Spanish cuisine, you'll find plenty of pizza and pasta on the local menus. 

Things to do in Pollenca

Pollenca is a sleepy rural town, perfect for exploring the quaint cobbled streets where you can get up close and personal with the magnificent architecture. It’s also the perfect base for hiking and cycling in the Serra de Tramuntana.

Shopping

If a bit of retail therapy is as active as you like to get on holiday, in Pollenca there are a few boutiques and gift shops selling locally crafted goods from jewellery to ceramics, fabrics and interior decorations. 

The market in Pollensa is celebrated every Sunday morning and sells fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and local goods.

Wine tasting

Drinking wine is a thing to do, right? Well, take a trip to a bodega and sample some of Mallorca’s best wines along with some cheese and bread. You can also then buy your favourite wine at some reasonable prices.

Cycling in Pollenca

The countryside surrounding Pollenca is well-liked by cycle enthusiasts. From mountain to coastal routes, there is a great variety of terrain that will suit almost every level of cyclist. 

The designated cycle path to the south of Port de Pollença is a gentle flat route around the bay suitable for the whole family. 

Otherwise, head into the mountains for the thigh-busting climbs that attract Olympic-level athletes in the springtime. Whichever route you take, you can expect great views! If you don’t fancy lugging your bike to the island, then there are plenty of places to rent a bike.

See our Cycling Guide

Hiking in Pollenca

Pollenca is hugely popular with walkers thanks to its marvellous location in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. 

Coastal walks are also popular in this area, particularly up towards Cap de Formentor on the northwestern coast of Mallorca.

See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Holidays Rentals in Pollenca

If you're looking for short-term rental accommodation there’s a good mix of rustic finca-style places, together with some high-end, 21st century modern design villas, and fincas are a good choice for large groups or families. Within the town you'll find rustic townhouses and apartments, offering the option to cook in or dine out, ideal for a comfortable holiday.

Hotels in Pollenca

Pollenca has a good mix of accommodation options on offer, most of which will allow you to embrace the traditional Mallorcan charm. 

Boutique hotels in the town centre

Within the town, there are a few middle of the range boutique-style hotels at reasonable prices.

There are just a handful of boutique hotels within the town centre, ideal for those who want the sights and attractions of Pollenca on their doorstep. You can expect each room to have its own unique modern décor and all the amenities you might need in your room, plus rustic blonde stone and exposed beams. At the top end you can expect all the facilities one could possibly want for with full spa, swimming pools, tennis courts and a top-notch restaurant.

Rural retreats in the surrounding hills

The countryside surrounding the town is where you will find luxury rural retreats offering all of the above and more without the hubub of being in town.

Whether you’re looking for modern luxury, traditional elegance, or a rural escape, the hotel scene has something for every taste and occasion.

How to get to Pollenca

By car

Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Pollenca is easily accessible from Palma airport thanks to the MA-13 motorway, which only takes about a 40 minute drive. Or take the worry out of getting from the airport by booking a private transfer. 

Public transport

Whilst there are no direct buses to Pollenca from the airport, and we wouldn't recommend it as the first choice of transportation.

See our Getting Here Guide