Santuary de la Mare de Deu del Puig
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.
A Gentle Walk up the Puig de Santuiri
A peaceful and secluded natural park in Pollenca
A walk around the Puig de Santuiri - a peaceful and secluded natural park perfect for a hike or a picnic with the whole family.
Walking routes in Pollenca tend to be overshadowed by the route to the Puig de Maria, the historic sanctuary atop the small mountain that overlooks Pollenca, although a beautiful walk with stunning views this is not the only hiking option available to you in the Pollenca area. A hike up the nearby, lesser known Puig de Santuiri is a gentler option which still affords great views from the summit and is a much quieter, more rural family hike.
Protected and named a Natural Area of Special Interest due to it’s ecological importance, the Puig de Santuiri is an easy hike for nature lovers that will take you through an area rich with indigenous plant life including a dense forest of protected holm oak trees and dwarf palms. Animal life is abundant in this area also and walkers may spot rabbits, hedgehogs, lizards, geckos and the imposing black vulture, which can often be spotted circling the skies here above its home.
This conical little mountain situated north of the iconic Puig de Maria, is green and unpopulated and the walking trail will take you on a circular route through the trees around the base of the hill, you’ll walk along dry stone walls and ruined dwellings then up to its peak via a weaving zigzag path through brush and stunted trees.
The route is rocky and covered in loose stones and pebbles and sections of it are made up of rough-hewn rock stairs making this path unsuitable for cyclists, but a nicely varied path for hikers. The trails are marked clearly when walking to the summit of the hill but on the walk around the base the route is much more free form allowing for the wanderer to pick their own route through the trees and woods, perfect for young explorers. At the base of the trail you will find a clearing where picnic tables and barbecue pits have been constructed making this a great area for the whole family to spend some time, walking, exploring and picnicking.
The trail takes roughly 40 minutes to walk and ascends 141m to it’s summit, in the peak of the summer heat you may wish to skip the ascent and stick to the circular path which is cool and shady being mostly in amongst the trees, once you begin the ascent there is very little shade on offer. The view from the top of the mountain is worth the climb on a cool day however as you can look out on beautiful views in all directions; south to the Puig de Maria, the town of Pollenca is spread out below you to the west, north the imposing mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana and out to east you can see all the way to the cool blue coastline of Pollenca Bay.
You can find the start to this trail easily by following the MA-2202 out of Pollenca for a short distance, you will soon find the signposted area off the road to your left. There is parking available at the base of the trail but it is also easy walking distance from the centre of Pollenca if you’d rather.
You can pick up a map of this and other walking trails in the area from the tourism information office. The map contains 10 trails called Biodiversity Routes for their natural and cultural interest, they will lead you through historical sights, bird filled wetlands, waterfalls, and areas rich in flora and fauna. The map gives you all the information you need regarding where to find the start of each trail, length, time and gradient of the route as well as points of interest along the way and all routes begin from a spot easily accessible via public transport.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Plaça Major
This traditional town square is located in the heart of Pollença and is the centre of the town's social and commercial life.
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Dionis Bennassar Museum House
This seventeenth century house is where artist Dionis Bennassar lived for half his life. It is now home to the Dionis Bennàssar Foundation, which is a cultural foundation of private non-profit organization created to promote, publicize and defend the manifestations of the human spirit.
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Castell del Rei
The hike to this remote mountain castle, 7 km north of Pollenca, is one of the loveliest in Mallorca.
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S'Albufereta Nature Reserve
S'Albufereta de Pollensa is a wetland nature reserve in the north of the island, however, it is largely private property. Visitors can drive along the main road from Pollenca to Alcudia to view the habitats.
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Roman Remains of Pollentia
Pollentia was founded by the consul Qintus Caecilius Metellus in 123 BC in the strategic location between the bays of Pollenca and Alcudia. It was the most important city in the Balearics duing the Roman period and covered an area of 15-20 hectares.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Pollenca
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3\65 Restaurant
3\65 Restaurant sits within the Son Brull estate near Pollensa and offers a dining experience closely connected to Mallorca’s landscape, seasons and traditions. The cuisine is rooted in the island, with menus that change throughout the year to reflect what is at its best at each moment. A strong emphasis is placed on ingredients from the estate itself, complemented by carefully selected products from some of Mallorca’s most respected producers and artisans.
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1907 Restaurant and Cafe
1907 Restaurant and Cafe sits on the main square in Pollensa and has long been part of everyday life in the town. With a terrace that opens directly onto the square, it’s a natural place to stop for a coffee, a relaxed meal or a drink while watching local life unfold.
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La Placeta Restaurant
La Placeta Restaurant is a modern and inviting eatery tucked away in the quieter streets of Pollença, right in the heart of the old town. Its clean-cut interior and luxurious outdoor terrace create a relaxed yet stylish setting, perfect for enjoying traditional Mediterranean cuisine at any time of day.
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R3spira Restaurant
In the heart of the historic town of Pollenca, not far from the museum, you’ll find Restaurante R3spira, serving Italian-inspired dishes to tourists and locals.
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La Braseria Restaurant
La Braseria is a must-visit culinary landmark in Mallorca, where passion for fire and local produce takes centre stage. Strategically located on the roads to Formentor, Cala Figuera, Cala Bóquer, Port de Pollença, and Alcúdia, it’s a crossroads restaurant you’ll pass by - and one you’ll want to stop at. Its reputation for grill mastery makes it a destination in its own right.
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Cantonet Restaurant
Cantonet is a charming Italian restaurant tucked away in the heart of Pollensa’s old town, offering a warm and authentic dining experience. Run by a Sardinian chef, the kitchen specialises in homemade pastas and ravioli, each dish carefully prepared to capture the true taste of Italy. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the heart of every creation, from the daily catch of fish to high-quality meats, and a selection of Italian products that bring a genuine Mediterranean touch to the menu.
What to do
Things To Do in Pollenca
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Canyoning & dry canyoning
Whether you prefer plunging into crystal-clear pools or climbing sun-drenched rock faces, there’s an adventure waiting in the island’s stunning Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.
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Mon d'Aventura Activity Company
Món d'Aventura is a Mallorcan company dedicated to active, imaginative and adventurous people of all ages who like outdoor pursuits and to discover adventure in Majorca.
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Pollenca Golf Course
Nine holes of golf, perfectly integrated into the beautiful local environment. Golf Pollenca offers panoramic views over the Tramuntana mountains, olive groves, the bays of Pollença and Alcudia and s'Albufereta reserve. By the end of the first round, the visitor will surely agree that challenge, variety, and harmony with nature are focal points around which the club's success is built.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Pollenca
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La Goleta Hotel
This wonderful beach-front hotel has a maritime theme with its name 'Goleta' meaning schooner in Catalan.
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Illa D'or Hotel
Set alongside the sea in Port de Pollença, this hotel looks like a large old mansion house. Founded in 1929, it has retained lots of character. From the terrace of Hotel Illa d’Or, enjoy the silhouette of anchored yachts in the bay as the water shimmers in the light. The lovely hotel offers a wide range of cocktails and other delicious treats, ensuring a heavenly experience all-round.
