© Mallorca Panorama
© seemallorca.com
© seemallorca.com
Santuary de la Mare de Deu del Puig, Pollenca
At the top of Puig de Maria, Pollenca
Nuns settled on Puig de Maria ('Mary's mountain') in 1371 and remained for several hundred years, refusing to leave even when the Bishop of Palma ordered them down for their own safety.
The convent is still there, on top of the mountain - the chapel smells of incense and the refectory of woodsmoke. You can stay in simple rooms in the sanctuary here, but don't expect luxury - you pay extra if you take a shower. The caretaker will rustle up a paella for dinner to save you the long walk back to town.
The puig is a hill just outside of Pollenca, and takes about an hour to climb, or you can drive up a terrifying & narrow potholed road, and be rewarded with views over Cap de Formentor and the entire northeastern coast - as well as back down over Pollenca. If you'd like to know a bit more about the walk to the monastery and it's restaurant & accomodation, read our Activity Report, The Puig de Maria & Monastery, Pollenca
Visitor comments
- "If you're looking for a reward after a little exercise this is a great way to get it. A meandering 2 1/2k climb of switchbacks culminating in a series of cobbled steps, with a lovely cafe at the top, serving very basic but wholesome food. (We had the Spanish omelette) cooked by the lady who serves so be prepared for a wait. Then another trek back to the bottom, (where your calves will be screaming out for a massage) but it's well worth it!!" - Trip Advisor
- "About 45 minutes takes you to this 13th century sanctuary where you can enjoy some spectacular views of Polllença and beyond. Award yourself a drink and something to eat in the little bar or enjoy your picnic either at one of the outside tables or in the great hall complete with fresh water well. You can also make a barbecue in the purpose built ovens. Plenty of interesting religious artefacts and information on the place itself. The chapel is simple but atmospheric and far from what many people think of Mallorca." - Trip Advisor
- "We went up first thing in the morning, nice and cool, so there were only a couple of other there, it felt really calm and peaceful. the cheapest coffee in Mallorca, only 1 euro for an espresso. Loved the little chapel and the fact that you can stay overnight if you want. Left just before the 60 odd school kids got there! Definitely worth the walk up."- Trip Advisor
