Puerto Pollenca

Situated on the northwest coast of Majorca about 1 hour, 30 minutes from Palma and surrounded by the dramatic Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains, Puerto Pollenca is one of the more laid back, out of the way Majorcan resorts offering a smattering of history as well as outstanding beaches. Located just north of the picturesque Alcudia Bay, Puerto Pollenca appeals mainly to families with children in the summer, and to middle aged couples in the quieter winter months.

The old town of Pollenca lies inland, but after the local populace realised the tourist potential of a resort on the sea, the gorgeous bay of Puerto Pollenca has now been developed into a tourist hotspot where old fashioned hotels can found. The bay offers several beaches with shallow waters that are ideal for paddling toddlers, while ubiquitous water sports activities are also available here.

Puerto Pollenca is quiet and appeals mainly to the more discerning holidaymaker, with any serious activities congregating around the hotels, leaving the beach area fairly quiet. The port, with its collection of luxury yachts and fishing boats, offers great strolling, while the main feature of Puerto Pollenca are the imposing mountains backing the resort. Walking is popular here and the views over the bay are simply breathtaking, while the interesting old town, dating back to the 18th century, offers quaint, twisting streets.

Puerto Pollenca has a good range of shops, cafés and bars that are mainly open in the high season and the famed fish restaurants, known all over Majorca, are legendary. Puerto Pollenca does not offer karaoke and thumping bars, but there is one disco, Chivas, for those who enjoy late nights.

In nearby Alcudia there is a go-kart track and a water park, as well as some great golf courses, while farther afield, the coastal road to Palma is an exciting drive featuring the likes of Soller; the more direct route along the C-713 and PM27 has Inca as its major stop off point.