Insider’s guide to Pollença, Mallorca

What makes Pollença such a great place to live?
Pollença is a charming town: it’s in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana, which means it has wonderful natural beauty, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle makes it a peaceful place to escape from the hustle and bustle. Connections to Palma, the airport and the coast, five miles away, are easy, while Pollença itself has a rich history, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional architecture and a strong sense of community. The climate is great too – summers are sunny and winters are mild.

Which are the best areas to buy in?
Pollença’s old town offers a traditional Mallorquin lifestyle, with plenty of cafés and restaurants. Vibrant Port de Pollença, by the sea, has super beaches and a beautiful promenade, while Cala Sant Vicenç promises a quieter life, close to nature, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the mountains. 

What kinds of property can you find?
Townhouses in the historic centre of Pollença are bursting with unique character and have charming stone façades and leafy courtyards. For more privacy and space, in the countryside you’ll find modern villas with luxurious finishes and swimming pools. Fincas – traditional farmsteads – are also common here. They offer the chance to live off the land in a peaceful setting. There are beautifully appointed apartments in Port de Pollença and along the coast, ideal for those who want to be close to the beach or require a lock-up-and-leave property.

Who’s buying in Pollença?
Pollença attracts a wide variety of people. Clients from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia looking for second homes love its relaxed lifestyle and proximity to the coast. Mallorquin and international families come for the great schools, child-friendly atmosphere and beautiful outdoor spaces for sports. It’s also popular with retirees looking to spend more time in a picturesque setting with a vibrant cultural life. And lots of hardcore cyclists and hikers make Pollença their base in winter – the Serra de Tramuntana is a huge draw. 

Which are your favourite places to eat and drink?
There’s a vibrant restaurant scene here. Onze offers a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean dishes: its grilled scallops with mushroom sauce are divine. Celler El Molí is one of the most authentic places to try home-style Mallorquin cooking, with standout dishes such as tumbet (a traditional dish of potatoes, aubergines and peppers) and lechona (slow-roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas and onions). In Port de Pollença, La Terrassa at the Illa d’Or hotel has its feet in the sea and does an excellent caldereta de langosta – spiny lobster cooked in a delicious sauce. La Llonja, in the old fish market, serves incredible seafood too.

What is there to do for culture?
Pollença is rich in history and culture. In summer, one of my favourite events is the Festival de Pollença, held in the cloister of the Sant Domingo monastery. It attracts top-notch classical musicians.

The Museu de Pollença, in a former convent, offers insight into the history of the town, with art and archaeological exhibits, while the Museu Dionís Bennàssar, in the Mallorquin painter’s one-time home, gives a wonderful glimpse of his work. In autumn, there’s La Fira de Pollença, an arts and crafts fair that showcases a marvellous selection of ceramics, jewellery and weaving. And the Carrer del Calvari is a set of 365 cypress-lined steps with a beautiful chapel at the top – well worth the hike.

How’s the shopping?
The weekly market on Plaça Major sells fresh seasonal produce and artisan goods – perfect for a traditional taste of Mallorca. There’s a thriving art scene here, and Galería Maior focuses on the work of contemporary local artists. Teixits Vicens sells handcrafted Mallorquin linens, woven using centuries-old techniques, while the ABCO Pottery Studio is a family-run workshop that creates highly distinctive ceramics. And Mastrenat is dedicated to preserving the traditional art of leather braiding, creating elegant bags, shoes, belts and home accessories.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Pollença?
I love hiking in the mountains. And spending time at the beach in Port de Pollença is always fun, particularly if you enjoy watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. I’ve lived here for more than 20 years – that speaks volumes about the glorious lifestyle.

Portfolio recommends…
A menú del día at one of Pollença’s traditional restaurants is the ideal way to sample classic Mallorquin cuisine, but for a Michelin-starred tasting menu, try Maca de Castro in Port d’Alcúdia, where the creative chef makes inventive use of seasonal ingredients harvested from the restaurant garden. Alternatively, enjoy the contemporary cooking and clifftop views on the terrace of Michelin-starred Béns d’Avall in Sóller at sunset. Sóller is on the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, a mountain trail that runs west for 90 miles from Pollença and winds through gorgeous villages such as Deià, long a haven for artists and writers. If you’d prefer to put your feet up, head to the spa at Son Brull, a boutique hotel in an 18th-century monastery outside Pollença, surrounded by orchards and olive groves. 

IRIS GRÜNEWALD, CEO OF BALEARIC PROPERTIES,
SAVILLS INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE
gruenewald@balearic-properties.com
balearic-properties.com