Puerto Pollensa a Tranquil Mallorcan Resort

Situated on the north-west coast of Mallorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands, the peaceful seaside resort of Puerto Pollensa is a popular and attractive destination for holidaymakers. Sheltered and overlooked by the Cap Formentor and the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, Puerto Pollensa bosts a temperate Mediterranean climate with extended hot summers and mild, pleasant winters making it an ideal all year round destination.

This old fishing port has not been spoiled by over-development as have many of its neighbouring Mallorcan towns and it retains much of its original fishing village charm. Attracting families and the middle-aged it became a holiday resort as early as the 1920’s when rich British citizens started purchasing holiday homes away from the damp, cold winters of the UK. Cheaper flights and increased leisure time made Puerto Pollensa even more popular during the 1960’s and 1970’s and a good selection of hotels and privately owned rental accommodation appeared to cater for the rising number of visitors.

The nearby ancient town of Pollensa was built inland from the port to protect it from attacks by pirates who sailed these coasts many centuries ago, it has a history going back to the Roman occupation of Mallorca although its Pont Roma (Roman bridge) was probably built much later, despite claims by locals to the contrary. Pollensa was named in the 14th Century by settlers from nearby Alcudia, after their former capital.

The old town of Pollensa has a numerous interesting places to visit including the Calvari Church with its ancient wooden cross, located at the top of 365 treacherous steps, lined with cypress trees, but worth the tortuous climb, the former Jesuit convent which is now used as the town hall, the ancient Plaza Mayor (Town Square) where local residents can be found enjoying coffee in al fresco cafés, the Municipal Museum situated in a former Dominican Convent with its displays of prehistoric sculptures dating from pre-Roman times in Mallorca and some attractive churches including the Parroquia de Nostra Senyora del Angels dating from the 13th Century.

Puerto Pollensa itself has the well known Pine Walk is possibly the best loved part of the resort, fronting onto a sheltered part of the larger Badia de Pollença. The lovely old fishing harbour now boasts numerous colourful luxury yachts moored alongside wind-warn Mallorcan fishing boats which have plied their ancient trade in the surrounding waters for many centuries. The beaches of Puerto Pollensa are safe and clean although not yet awarded "Blue Flag" status, they are great for famililies, and there are also numerous smaller isolated beaches nearby, none too crowded or noisy and great for exploring. The resort also has some superb water sports facilities for those with a little more adventure in their blood, sunbathers watch with interest as they skilfully practise their sports in the bay. Market day in Puerto Pollensa is on Wednesdays in the main church square – a popular place to pick up fresh produce or maybe a gift or two.

Puerto Pollensa is located on the MA-2200 between Alcudia and Pollensa around 58 kilometres from Palma and its airport. The trip from the Son Sant Joan International Airport takes about an hour and a half.

The writer of this interesting article on the fishing village of Puerto Pollensa is Steve Locke who lives in Cabo Roig on the Costa Blanca, Spain. Steve writes articles for his local newspaper and for his numerous websites. You can find more on Puerto Pollensa on his new website or find the latest property available for holiday rentals here: Puerto Pollensa holiday rentals.