Great Things to Do Near Ca'n Bennassar
Puig de Maria
Just before the rooster roundabout on the right on the road towards Port de Pollença, is the start of the walk up to the top of Puig de Maria - best to go first thing in the morning, wearing sensible shoes, take water to drink, although there is a bar at the top, and don't forget the camera. See if you can spot your villa from the top.
Sunday market in Pollença
Market on Sunday morning is a colourful bustling event where you can buy your locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as souvenirs and presents. It's worth having a look inside the impressive church while you are there.
Explore Pollença
Spend time walking around the town of Pollença, making the effort to climb the 365 steps up to the Calvary church, and browsing in the curious little shops, before sitting down to relax with a drink and dinner in one of the many popular restaurants in the pedestrianised squares.
Nearby beaches
At the Port de Pollença the beach is spacious, and has all amenities, with parking along the seafront. There are two smaller beaches at Cala Sant Vicenç and the sandy and rocky beaches at Formentor are lovely for snorkelling too.
Evening stroll
From the villa, turn left down the country lane and stroll deep into the beautiful, peaceful valley.
For classical music lovers
The Pollença Classical Music Festival is held in July and August, featuring various well-known bands, quartets and soloists - a great variety of programmes to choose from.
Moors and Christians Mock Battle
Pollença is famous for its simulated Battle of the Moors and the Christians which takes place on 1-2 August, when the whole town takes part in the celebrations.
Lluc is not just a monastery!
Follow the mountain road from Pollença to Lluc, visit the museum and the chapel where you may be fortunate to hear the Blauets Choir sing. There is also a small botanic garden at the back of the monastery which takes about 15 minutes to stroll round and an interesting rock formation in the shape of a camel.
Train ride to Palma
If you'd like to visit the capital city, Palma, and are not keen on driving there, then take the train from Sa Pobla. Palma is an excellent shopping centre and has many interesting historical buildings, museums and art galleries to visit.
Sóller and its port by train and tram
Enjoy the old-fashioned train ride through the mountains and tunnels from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller, and don't miss the tram to Port de Sóller through the orange groves and back, then just sit in the church square in Sóller enjoying a drink and a local pastry while watching the world go by.
Formentor by boat
Boats trips from the local coves and ports can make a lovely day or half day out from Port de Pollença or Port d'Alcúdia going to Formentor and/or around the headlands.
Valldemossa and Deià
Driving over the Tramuntana mountain roads taking in the spectacular scenery, stopping at the various viewpoints including the two lake/reservoirs, and passing through several world renowned towns like Deià and Valldemossa, home to famous writers, painters and musicians. Look out for the wild mountain goats on the way.
Visit a local vineyard
There are several vineyards in Mallorca where you can visit and try the wine – Vinyes Mortitx is on the road to Pollença-Lluc road at KM 10,9; Bodegues Macià Batle is at the entrance to Santa Maria on the main road towards Consell; and in Binissalem is the better-known Bodega José L. Ferrer. No visits during the grape harvest in September although the wine festival in Binissalem is worth joining in.
Snorkelling at Mal Pas
If you are keen on snorkelling, go towards Alcúdia then turn off towards the La Victoria headland until you reach Mal Pas. Beside a fish restaurant serving lobster (choose your own), there is an excellent area off the rocks for snorkelling in deep clear water.
Nature reserve for bird watching
Ornithologists will know about the birdwatching area at the Albufera and Albufereta, where you can see a variety of wading birds, amongst others, especially during the migrating seasons.
Mallorca in the olden days!
Visit one of the most representative manors of Mallorca's plains, Els Calderers de Sant Joan, where you will be able to imagine farming as it was 200 years ago and sample some home-made local products. Or, in the opposite direction at Esporles is La Granja, a large historical mansion with gardens, fountains, ancient trees and plants with wild and domestic animals. Also on view - a demonstration of ancient handicrafts, tools and machinery. Taste Mallorcan specialities such as jams, cheese, fig cake, sobrassada and moscatel.
Waterparks
Enjoy the excitement of one of Mallorca's famous waterparks. The nearest to Pollença is in Port d'Alcúdia, and the largest one with the most rides is Aqualand near S'Arenal in the south - just past the airport on the way to Llucmayor.
Formentor lighthouse and beach
A scenic drive will take you to Formentor lighthouse - the road is quite narrow in places. At the top of the hill out of Port de Pollença, stop at the viewpoint to see the dramatic vertical drops to the sea and El Colomer rock. The beach at Formentor is not very large and has clear shallow water ideal for kids and grown ups alike - go early and take a picnic - and there are some good areas for snorkelling.
Caves of Campanet
The beautiful Caves of Campanet, found by a shepherd about 100 years ago, are not too far away and worth a visit to see the fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations. These caves are not too commercialised and visits are on the hour. For the most impressive caves, go to Portocristo on the east coast and visit the Caves of Drach which houses one of the largest underground lakes in Europe
Castle ruins at Alaró
Make your way to the top of Castell d'Alaró - take water to drink as the last part of the journey has to be done on foot. The views from the top are breathtakingly beautiful! On the way down enjoy a meal at the Restaurant Es Verger where they serve tasty roast lamb cooked in a traditional Mallorcan oven.
