Puerto Pollensa: Your Gateway to Beachside Bliss, Shopping, and Gastronomy

During the Spanish Civil War, Port de Pollensa's lighthouse transformed into a military base under General Franco's orders. From here, German seaplanes took flight, most notably launching an attack on Guernica in Northern Spain on April 26, 1937. This assault, one of the first on a civilian population by a modern air force, resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, shocking the world and inspiring Pablo Picasso's anti-war painting. Today, a Spanish military airbase occupies the same site, and seaplanes are a common sight, much to the delight of beach-going children. However, curiosity seekers are advised to keep their distance from the military base due to high security measures. In the early 20th century, affluent families from Madrid and Palma constructed stunning retreats along the bay stretch known as the Pine Walk. For a taste of vintage glamour, venture 10km beyond the town to the iconic Hotel Formentor. Nestled in the natural paradise of the Formentor peninsula, this hotel has hosted a star-studded guest list, including Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Winston Churchill, and Charlie Chaplin.

Port de Pollensa, also spelled 'Puerto Pollensa', is a British favourite for holidays and second homes. It boasts excellent facilities, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of water sports opportunities. Experience a breathtaking sunset from the old watchtower's cliff-top viewpoint en route to Cap d'Formentor. The winding drive isn't for the faint-hearted, but the tranquil, sweeping bay views are well worth the journey. Cycling has become a significant part of Mallorca's tourism industry, and Port de Pollensa serves as a year-round hub. The Sky team often chooses this area for their pre-season camps, and the town has become a major base for cyclists eager to explore the diverse northern routes. Many groups choose to stay at the well-equipped Aparthotel Duva, which caters perfectly to its sporty guests. Bike hire is straightforward, with several hire shops open throughout the seasons.

Take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Pine Walk, enjoying superb bay views. Agatha Christie did the same in the 1930s, drawing inspiration for her story 'Problems at Pollensa Bay'. For hiking enthusiasts, the Boquer Valley walk offers extraordinary scenery leading to a secluded cove. If you're lucky, you might spot rare birds such as black vultures and Eleonora's falcons. The Dry Stone Route GR-221 (or 'Ruta de Pedra en Sec' in Catalan) is a challenging but beautiful hike to the former Lluc monastery, nestled in the Tramuntana mountains. The long route rewards you with fantastic views, stunning landscapes, and untouched nature.

While many of Port de Pollensa's seafront shops cater to holidaymakers, the backstreets also offer hidden gems. The Allen Graham Charity 4 Kids shop on Calle Medico Llopis, a bustling spot, boasts a vast collection of second-hand English and German books. https://www.agrahamcharity.org/pto-de-pollensa

Agata, a specialist crystal shop on the main promenade, offers an intriguing collection of gems and stones sourced from Brazilian mines. https://agataminerales.com/

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Golf Pollensa, a nine-hole course on the main Palma road. Richard Barnard, the director and a long-time resident, is a treasure trove of information about golfing on the island. Further afield, the 18-hole Alcanada, near Alcúdia, offers stunning views and a challenging, top-tier course. https://golfpollensa.com/

Simply Pilates, run by friendly English expat Rachel Shuckburgh, is a small studio on Calle Roger de Flor offering fun yet effective classes. Rachel also provides private classes in many of the area's hotels.

The calm, shallow waters around Pollensa bay are perfect for paddleboarding. Bellini SUP Centre, on Carrer Metge Llopis, organises discovery, adventure, and sunset paddle tours, with the option of renting GoPro cameras to capture your experience. Kitesurfing is also popular, and Pollensa is an excellent place to learn. Kite Mallorca and Watersports Mallorca will equip you with everything you need to participate in this fast, fun, and addictive sport. The vibrant kites are a constant sight from the beach, in the direction of Alcúdia.

A boat charter adds an exciting dimension to a holiday in the port, allowing you to explore hidden parts of the coastline and enjoy refreshing sea breezes while topping up your tan. You’ll find North Mallorca Charters located right in front of Stay restaurant, at the marina. The aspiring luxury yacht owner will discover some seriously tempting buys at the Fairline dealership in the port, with some spectacular sale models on show. https://northmallorcacharters.com/

The long, smooth promenade next to Port de Pollensa’s sands is perfect for cycling, walking, or rollerblading, hence many a small child can be seen getting to grips with learning to ride their bike.