A First Timer’s Guide to Pollença: What to Do & See in This Mallorcan Mountain Town

Pollença is a beautiful town near the northern tip of Mallorca with so many fun things to do and see! This travel guide shares what to do in Pollença, as well as places nearby that are also worth visiting.

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Pollença is a picturesque town nestled within the Tramuntana Mountains on Mallorca.

Although small in size, this mountain town has lots to offer, including scenic views, good food, quaint streets, local boutiques, and historic sites you won’t find anywhere else on Mallorca.  

In this detailed travel guide, I’ll be sharing the top things to do and see in Pollença. 

It’s most famous for the Calvari Steps that lead to a small mountaintop monastery, but there are enough activities here to keep you busy for a full morning or afternoon. 

Table of Contents 

Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below. 

Things to Do in Pollença (Mallorca) 

Pollença is very small and all of the attractions shared in this guide can easily be explored on foot. Parking on the street can be a challenge during peak season, so park your car whenever a spot opens up and then proceed on foot from there. 

Claire’s Tip: I always pin my rental car’s location on Google Maps so I can easily find my way back to it. 

See the Roman Bridge 

Plot twist: Pollença’s Roman Bridge may not actually be Roman! 

The oldest written records of the Roman Bridge (Pont Romà) date from the 14th century, which is long after the Roman conquest of Mallorca took place in 123 B.C. 

However, “Pollentia” was the island’s capital during Roman rule so although there’s no written evidence to confirm that the Roman Bridge is, in fact, Roman, historians have good reason to suspect that it could date from Roman times. 

Treat yourself to a walk across Pollença’s beautiful Roman bridge before heading into town. 

Caffeinate at the Plaça Major 

Pollença’s tree-lined main square is the perfect place to refuel with a cup of coffee or light bite. 

There are a number of cafes and restaurants at the Plaça Major, and most have outdoor seating.  

Claire’s Tip: On Sundays, the main square transforms into a bustling outdoor market. The nearly 300 stalls fill up the Plaça Major and spill over to the Plaça de Ca les Monnares. Note that Pollença’s Sunday market runs from 8am to 1:30pm. 

Visit Santa Maria de Pollença

Another favorite attraction of mine in Pollença is the Baroque-style church of Santa Maria de Pollença. 

This is the parish church of Pollença; the 18th century building you see today was built on the site of the original parish church. The first church on this site was erected by order of King James I following the Spanish Conquest of Mallorca in the early 1200s. 

If the church is open, definitely go inside. I especially loved the 14 paintings dedicated to the Stations of the Cross. 

Climb the Famous Calvari Steps 

No visit to Pollença is complete without ascending the Calvari Steps. 

The 365 steps — one for each day of the year — lead up to the 18th century Calvary Chapel. 

As you climb the cypress-lined steps, you’ll pass by the 14 Stations of the Cross. These Stations stem from the Christian faith and represent Jesus’ final hours on earth. 

The first Station you’ll pass represents Jesus being condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. The final Station represents his death on the cross on Calvary Hill (hence the name “Calvari Steps”). 

The view from the top of the Calvari Steps, just outside the Calvary Chapel, is unparalleled. Enjoy a few moments of reflection at the top of the hill before making your way back into the town of Pollença. 

Claire’s Tip: If walking up the 365 steps isn’t an option for you, note that you can also drive your car up to the Calvary Chapel. 

Admire the View from Santuari del Puig de Maria

Rounding off this Pollença travel guide is the Puig de Maria Monastery. There’s been a monastery on this site since the 1300s, and it was alternately inhabited by nuns or monks until the 20th century. 

Getting to the monastery is fairly straightforward, but its location on the outskirts of Pollença means you have to drive there. 

To reach the Puig de Maria Monastery, follow signs along the Ma-2200 and then park in the parking lot. From the parking lot, you’ll have to walk up to the monastery. 

It’s a very steep but otherwise easy paved walking path. The final 10 minutes or so of the ascent change from smooth pavement to a cobblestone path. I suggest wearing sturdy tennis shoes for this walk! 

Once you reach the old monastery, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of Pollença from above. 

Other Places to Visit Near Pollença

You don’t need a full day to see all of Pollença’s attractions, so consider pairing your visit with one or more of the following nearby towns: 

• Port de Pollença — 13 minute drive. A must-visit after seeing the old town of Pollença! There’s a gorgeous beachfront promenade here, and this is also a good jumping off point for driving to the Cap de Formentor Lighthouse. Or, just hang out at the beach all afternoon. You can even book ferry tickets in advance to travel from the port to the popular Formentor Beach. 
• Mirador de es Colomar — 18 minute drive. Arguably the prettiest viewpoint on the entire island! There’s a designated parking area for the viewpoint, and the viewing platforms make for a great photo. Note that you’ll need a rental car to reach this spot (clearly labeled on Google Maps). 
• Cap de Formentor Lighthouse — 35 minute drive. Can only be accessed by private vehicles (like your rental car!) in the winter. During the summer, you have to ride the bus.  
• Port d’Alcúdia — 18 minute drive. A popular resort town with good beaches. Consider booking tickets for a day cruise to the Formentor Beach and Lighthouse to make the most of your day. 

Enjoy Your Visit to Pollença! 

Now that you know what all there is to do in Pollença, you can start planning your itinerary more thoroughly. 

Pollença is one of many gorgeous towns on the island of Mallorca, and I absolutely think it’s worth visiting at least once in your life! 

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More Things to Do Around Mallorca: 

• Visiting Mallorca in the Winter: A Detailed 5-Day Itinerary 
• 1 Day in Palma de Mallorca: A First Timer’s Itinerary 
• What to Do, See & Eat in Palma in the Winter
• All of my Spain travel guides!