A Short Walk in the La Goya Nature Park, Puerto Pollenca
A peaceful little nature park right in the middle of Puerto Pollenca
Mallorca is home to a rich and diverse plant and animal life and has long been a location popular with birdwatchers, the north of Mallorca boasts several large wetland areas such as the S’Albufera Nature Park and the slightly smaller Albufereta, both of which areas attract birdwatchers all year round to view their ornithological offerings.
But you don’t need to head off on any long day trips or take a massive hike to commune with nature in Mallorca. If you’re looking to get your nature fix but cant or don’t want to wander too far from civilisation then La Gola natural park is the place for you. Situated in the centre of Puerto Pollenca only one street back from the beach, you can take a wander through a nature park, get your fill of wildlife and be back on the beach within the hour.
La Gola natural park is a small wetland centrally located in Puerto Pollenca town, small though it is, it’s a lush and beautiful spot to see and to walk around and is an area of ecological and ornithological importance being home to over 60 species of birds. Formed where the mouths of the two rivers the Siller and the Gommar meet this small wetland runs down to the sea which also flows back into the park making the water a mixture of salt and fresh and making for an area rich in bio diversity. Like the larger wetland areas Albufereta and S’Albufera, La Gola is an important feeding and resting for migrating birds and is also an oasis spot for birds during the hot and dry summer months in Mallorca.
A walk around the whole of La Gola will take you no more than 30 minutes as this small trail is only 1km long but there is no need to rush through the area, there are benches and look out points stationed along the trail which make for great spots to sit and to watch the birds or to come for a picnic lunch if you tire of the beach. If it's information you’re after then head to the Ornithological centre inside the park for displays and information about which birds you can expect to see in North Mallorca and keep an eye out for the information boards dotted around the park with pictures and information about the birds you are likely to see. This park is home to a plethora of ducks and sea gulls but you may also see Ospreys, Hoopoes, Herons and Crossbills and it’s not just birds you need to be looking out the river is packer full of fish and other river life and keep an eye on the ground for quick moving lizards as well as camouflaged grasshoppers and praying mantis’.
La Gola natural park is a great spot to take the family for a break from the everyday business of being on holiday, soak up some nature in this peaceful little spot with its over grown trails and back ground noise of babbling water and ducks quacking. The trails are easy to find, well marked and well maintained, and there are wooden bridges where needed to cross the streams. In some areas the path runs out and you are free to wander alongside the edge of the river bank. The park is easy to find, if you walk along the main beach front road of Puerto Pollenca you’ll come to a bridge that crosses the wetland stream, follow the road one street back and you’ll find the entrance to the park.
Unfortunately in places this nature park has taken on a somewhat urban jungle vibe, with graffiti and abandoned bikes and rubbish marring the scenery but for the most part it’s a beautiful place to spend an hour or two and hopefully the powers that be in Puerto Pollenca will get on the case soon to see that this park returns to its unspoilt state.
What to see
Sights 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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
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La Cafetería by La Goleta Bar and Restaurant
Open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
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Amazo Restaurant
Enjoy a creative, upmarket fusion menu and a jungle themed interior in this family friendly port.
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Stay Restaurant
This restaurant has arguably one of the best views of the bay of Pollensa, being situated right on the water.
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Ambrosia Restaurant
This restaurant serves a mix of Mediterranean and International dishes from sirloin steaks and seafood to wok-fried dishes and pancakes.
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Tiberi Food Lovers
For something a little bit different check out Tiberi, a relaxed and friendly restaurant serving an eclectic mix of tapas, burgers, meat and fish dishes, stir-fries and crepes all hinting at a fusion mentality and dotted with Asian flavours.
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Swing Restaurant
Open from breakfast until evening for drinks and food, with a privileged location just in front of the bay in Port de Pollença.
What to do
Things To Do in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
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Motor Yacht Trip (Fjord 39 XL)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this sophisticated Fjord 39 XL motor yacht.
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Shared boat trip
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Motor Yacht Trip (Sunseeker Superhawk 55)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this breathtaking Sunseeker Superhawk 55 motor yacht.
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Sunset boat trip
Shared or private sunset sailing trip with swimming and snorkelling.
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Private boat trip
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
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Kayaking & snorkelling
Discover Mallorca’s stunning coastline from two unique angles - glide past cliffs and caves by kayak or dive below the surface on a guided snorkelling tour. These separate activities offer different ways to connect with the island’s wild beauty.
Where to stay
Hotels in Port de Pollenca (Puerto Pollensa)
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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
This hotel looks like a large old mansion house, set along side the sea in Port de Pollença. It was founded in 1929 and still retains lots of character.
Price: €4,617