This medieval town in northern Mallorca has stone buildings from the 13th century and a 365-step stairway leading to El Calvari chapel, with views across the bay.
Pollença sits at the foot of Serra de Tramuntana mountains in northern Mallorca. In the town center, medieval streets lead past stone houses and into squares where local vendors sell fresh produce at Sunday markets. You can climb 365 steps to reach the Calvary Chapel, or walk to the 13th-century Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels church. The surrounding area includes the beach coves of Cala Sant Vicenç and the lighthouse-topped cliffs of Cap de Formentor.
Getting to Pollença
Drive or take a bus from Palma de Mallorca Airport - the journey takes about 45 minutes. The town is 6 kilometers inland from Port de Pollença, putting you within easy reach of both mountain trails and beaches.
Walking Through the Old Town
Stone buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries line the narrow streets of Pollença. Begin at Plaça Major, where you'll find cafes with outdoor tables and local residents meeting after Sunday mass. On market days, the square fills with stalls selling vegetables, fruits, local crafts, and fresh bread.
Climbing the Calvary Steps
Count 365 stone steps as you climb to Calvary Chapel, one of the town's main landmarks. Cypress trees create patches of shade along the way. From the chapel at the top, look out across valleys and mountain peaks. During Good Friday, a procession of residents carries religious statues down these steps in a local tradition.
Markets and Local Life
Every Sunday morning, farmers and artisans set up their stalls in Plaça Major. You'll find tables of oranges and almonds from nearby orchards, locally made ceramics, and traditional textiles. Stop at one of the square's cafes to watch residents doing their weekly shopping and catching up with neighbors.
Exploring Serra de Tramuntana
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rise behind the town. Walking trails start from Pollença's edges, including a path to the Santuari del Puig de Maria, a 14th-century monastery on a hilltop overlooking the bay.
Festivals Throughout the Year
In early August, the La Patrona festival brings street performances and staged fights between townspeople dressed as Christians and Pirates. Classical musicians perform in churches and courtyards during the Pollença Music Festival in July and August. In spring, local wine makers gather at the Santo Domingo convent for the annual Wine Festival.
Historical Background
The Knights Templar constructed several religious buildings in Pollença during the 13th century, including the main church. The town expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, when most of the current houses were built. On the edge of town, a bridge with Roman-style architecture suggests earlier settlement, though historians debate its exact construction date.
