Pollença

Pollença: start with the car

In Pollença, you sort the car first. The old town is a web of narrow streets. Parking inside is a bad idea. The roundabout by the Roman Bridge—it's from the 16th century, not Roman—fills up before nine in summer. Park outside the centre and walk in. It takes five minutes.

The Sunday market sets the rhythm

Life here moves to a weekly beat. The Plaça Major is just a square most days. On Sundays, it's a market. Stalls spread into the side streets from early morning. By noon, they're packing up. If you want to see the town busy, come then. If you prefer it quiet, avoid Sunday mornings.

A climb with a view: El Calvari

The 365 steps of El Calvari start behind the main square. The climb is short but steep. At the top, a small chapel and a view over the valley towards the bay. Do it before breakfast or late in the afternoon; midday sun makes it tedious.

Down the other side, you reach the old convent of Santo Domingo. It's now a museum and cultural space. Opening hours can be irregular. Inside holds religious art and an old pharmacy with ceramic jars.

The port is another world

Port de Pollença is seven kilometres away. It feels separate: a long beachfront promenade, boats, modern apartments. The town has older stone and quieter lanes.

From the port, the road winds out to Cap de Formentor. In summer it gets congested with cars and cyclists. If you drive it, start early.

Eat like it's any other day here

Food follows Mallorca’s standard script. You'll find sopas mallorquinas, frit, and coca de trempó in most places serving local dishes. Bakeries sell ensaimadas from first light—plain or filled with cream or sweet pumpkin.

One clear piece of advice

Come early on any day except Sunday if you want space. Climb El Calvari first. Walk through town when shops are opening. By eleven, groups arrive and that quiet morning feeling evaporates. Summer brings festivals with historical reenactments and noise. That’s when Pollença feels less like itself and more like an event