Pollenca in Mallorca may be one of Spain’s lesser-known holiday destinations but there are plenty of reasons to visit. This guide will tell you more about this pretty seaside town, with advice on when to go, what to do and where to stay.
With its impressive architecture, beautiful beaches and unforgettable views, Pollenca (also known as Pollensa) is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a taste of the real Spain. Slightly off the tourist track, it offers a diverse range of attractions that all the family will enjoy.
The north of Mallorca is lined with mountains and beautiful clear seas. Hidden between two hills at the end of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, you will discover the ancient town of Pollenca. A former fishing port, this charming and traditional town is rich in culture, history and character.
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic islands so Pollenca benefits from a year-round enjoyable Mediterranean climate. With a huge variety of events and activities throughout the year, it is important to plan your trip at the perfect time. If you visit in the summer months you’ll be greeted by hot weather that’s perfect for a beach holiday, but be aware that it’ll be busier. Visit in the winter for a quieter holiday and cooler temperatures.
Pollenca weather: a quick guide
Spring
Springtime in Pollenca runs from March to May. During this time temperatures start to rise, with highs of 23c, but rainfall is likely and the evenings are significantly cooler. However, with less visitors to the island, spring is the ideal time for a more relaxing and quiet trip. If you’re looking for things to do in Pollenca during the spring you’ll find plenty of choice.
The best things to do in spring
Easter in Pollenca is an important springtime event, with traditional celebrations, parades and festivals throughout the weekend. Thousands of people visit the town to watch locals re-enact the events of Good Friday and participate in a solemn procession down the Calvari steps. The end of Easter is marked by another special festival celebrating the two patron saints, San Jordi (Catalonia) and St. George (England).
A popular area for training athletes throughout the year, Pollenca in spring is the most desirable time for cyclists to visit. The cooler climate, tough climbs and quiet roads provide the ideal conditions and this area is home to some of the best known cycling routes. There are two large events that take place in Mallorca during spring and Pollenca is an excellent base for both spectators and riders.
Mallorca is thought to be the producer of the finest almonds in the world and springtime visitors to Pollenca can enjoy the beautiful blossoming almond trees from January. The rocky Sierra de Tramuntana mountains provide a stunning contrasting landscape to the pretty pink flowers; an excellent Instagram opportunity!
Summer
Peak summer temperatures in Pollenca can reach up to 30°c, with the sea temperature alone rising to 24°c. There is little chance of rainfall and the sunshine lasts for up to 11 hours a day! At this time the coastline will be considerably more busy, with visitors making the most of the hot days and balmy evenings.
The best things to do in summer
Puerto Pollenca is one of the best places to visit during the summer months. Known for calm and clear waters, this popular resort area is a hub for watersports, swimming and sailing. There are a selection of different beaches to choose from where you kick back and relax or try you hand at paddle boarding, kayaking and even kite surfing. There are organised snorkeling and scuba diving groups, guided boat trips and even the opportunity to charter your own boat for the day. This is a great chance to explore the island, escape the crowds and admire the view.
During May, Pollenca plays host to a prestigious wine fair, situated in the picturesque cloisters of Santo Domingo. Well known for its high quality local wines, the town celebrates with special events featuring over 40 wine producers and thousands of visitors. For a small entrance fee, guests can try a host of Mallorcan wines and meet some of the biggest producers in the region.
There are a variety of agricultural shows and traditional markets throughout summer. The Puerto Pollenca night market runs from May through October and is a great way to explore the local culture and purchase some interesting souvenirs. A range of fabulous fiestas and festivals take place throughout the summer; theatre, art and music bring the town to life and are not to be missed!
The Fiestas del Carmen is one of the most famous celebrations, held in Puerto Pollenca in honour of the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Here, visitors can enjoy a beautiful sea procession with boats garlanded in flowers. These wild evenings usually end with a fantastic fireworks display and plenty of dancing.
You can find a full list of events here.
Autumn
As summer comes to an end, Pollenca becomes a perfect location for relaxed travelers who prefer to avoid crowds and higher temperatures. The weather remains warm, with highs of 25°c, but the risk of showers does increase throughout September and October. From November, the temperature drops to around 18°c and evenings become much cooler, however the sea is still a comfortable 20°c.
Things to do in autumn
You’ll find a great selection of different guided walks throughout Pollenca which are perfect as the roads become quieter and the temperature cools. These take place through September and October and are a great way to explore the sights with an expert and increase your knowledge of the area.
Pollenca is home to a huge range of different bird species and is one of the main routes for the autumn migration from Europe to Africa. Wildlife lovers and keen birdwatchers can join together to follow a selection of nature trails to try and spot some of the rare and native birds that pass through the Balearic Islands.
Like spring, autumn is the ideal time for sports and training. Hundreds of cyclists, walkers and athletes visit Pollenca to take advantage of the lower temperatures and rugged terrain. There is an excellent cycling camp situated in Puerto de Pollenca and in September, Calvario Hill hosts a hair-rising mountain biking competition.
Fiestas are held throughout September, October and November, with week-long celebrations, fairs, music and dancing. Artisan markets are held alongside the parties, with local produce, food and livestock on show. These events are a fantastic opportunity to experience the real Mallorcan culture and meet the local residents.
Winter
Winters in Pollenca are mild, with an average temperature of 15°c during the day, and 5°c in the evenings. Although much quieter, this season is becoming more popular with visitors and sunny days can still reach up to 22°c. As the new year starts, the chance of rain increases. January and February are less favourable months for travelers looking for a beach holiday, although the coastline’s beauty still remains.
Things to do in winter
Visitors should be aware that some restaurants and bars will be closed during the winter, although you’ll still find a good choice of accommodation. There are plenty of galleries and museums to visit on cooler days and pavement cafes offer cosy outdoor heating. The cooler climate provides the perfect chance to tour and enjoy the changing landscape; snowfall is common in the mountains and hiking trails become even more beautiful during this transitional season.
A variety of outdoor activities are still available throughout the winter, including mountain biking, climbing, sea fishing and sailing.
The best time to visit Pollenca
Mallorca is an excellent year-round holiday destination choice, with the Mediterranean climate and warm sunshine lasting throughout all seasons. With a wide variety of activities and events on offer each month, it is easy to tailor your trip to suit your needs but hard to decide when to go!
The busiest and most expensive time to visit Pollenca is over summer, especially during the school break. However, with so many things to do and see, this is a great time for families and larger groups to come. You can get amazing deals from booking in advance, or alternatively register to sign up to our mailing list and receive exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
If you are seeking a more relaxing break, we suggest visiting from September onwards. As the temperature begins to cool, the island becomes much more tranquil, providing the perfect opportunity to explore in peace. This is ideal for those seeking a more restful stay and an excellent time for couples to visit.
Where to stay
Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway or a place to stay for all the family, there are lots of options. Pollenca has some great hotels, although you’ll get more for your money by renting a private villa. Some of the best villas in Pollenca are located in the countryside just outside of the main town. These villas offer plenty of space and privacy as well as excellent amenities such as private pools, spacious sun terraces and bright open-plan living areas.
Check out some of our top picks below:
Es Raco de LArxiduc
3 bedrooms – sleeps 6
La Salve D Alt
3 bedrooms – sleeps 6
Tempted to book?
Book one of our villas in Pollenca Mallorca and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from round-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire or help with arranging a special experience.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream villa instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
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You can see all of our Mallorca villas here.
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