Great Things to Do Near Ca'n Menonge
Panoramic views from the top
The start for the walk up to the top of Puig de Maria is on the road from Ca'n Menonge to Pollença, just past the rooster roundabout - it's best to go early in the morning. Don't forget your camera, wear sensible shoes and take water to drink although there is a bar at the top. The views over the north coast are outstanding.
Simulated Battle of the Moors and Christians...
Pollença is famous for its simulated Battle of the Moors and the Christians which takes place on 01-02 August. The whole town takes part in the celebrations.
Explore Pollença
Walk into town past the Roman bridge, make your way up the 365 steps to the Calvary church from Monte-sion, before sitting down to relax with a drink and/or dinner in one of the pedestrianised squares and people watch.
Sunday market in Pollença
Walk into town and visit Pollença market on a Sunday morning - a colourful, bustling event where you can buy locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables as well as souvenirs and presents. Have a look inside the church which is quite impressive.
Formentor beach and lighthouse
Formentor, famous for the exclusive hotel, has a sandy and rocky beach good for snorkelling. Drive over the hill from Port de Pollença - about half an hour, stopping at the viewpoint on the way for the magnificent straight drops down to the sea and the rock Es Colomer. You can also go by ferry boat - about 20 minutes. The lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula is also worth the ride although the road is quite narrow in places.
Visit Palma - go by train
If you'd like to visit the capital, Palma, and are not keen on driving, 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. Try the touristic bus which takes you to the most renowned places.
Waterparks, Marineland and Aquarium
There are several waterparks in Mallorca - the nearest is in Port d'Alcúdia and in the south at S'Arenal and Magalluf.. Marineland, at Costa den Blanes, has wonderful dophin, sea lion show and parrot shows and the exotic Mallorca Aquarium is at Playa de Palma.
Lluc Monastery
Turn left out of the property and follow the mountain road to Lluc Monastery - visit the museum and chapel, where you may be fortunate to hear the Blauets Choir sing. At the back of the monastery there are magnificent sea views and the rock formations are fascinating.
Caves at Campanet
The Caves of Campanet, discovered by a shepherd about 100 years ago are not far from Pollença and well worth a visit - interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. These caves are not too commercialised - visits are on the hour. For Mallorca's most impressive caves - go to the Caves of Drach at Portocristo.
Local vineyards
There are several vineyards in Mallorca where you can visit and try the wine -Vinyes Mortitx - on the road Pollença-Lluc road at KM 10,9; Bodegues Macià Batle is at the entrance to Santa Maria on the main road from Consell; at 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.
Pollença Classical Music Festival
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.
Scenic drive to the north-east
Going further afield, drive in an easterly direction through the resorts of Port d'Alcúdia and Ca'n Picafort towards Artà where basket making is one of the local trades. Then take a country lane to the hermitage of Betlem where the views overlook Colònia de Sant Pere in the Bay of Alcúdia. Back to Artà and if you are interested in prehistoric building then visit the Poblat de Ses Paisses before carrying on to Capdepera to see the castle.
Sóller and its port the old-fashioned way
Take the old-fashioned train ride through the mountains from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller, include the tram to the Port of Sóller through the orange groves and back. Then just sit in the church square in Sóller, enjoy the atmosphere and watch the world go while enjoying a fresh orange juice.
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.
Birdwatching
Ornithologists will know the birdwatching area at the Albufera and Albufereta where you can see several different species of wading birds, amongst others, or in the mountains you could catch sight of eagles, falcons, buzzards and the black vulture!
Alfàbia Gardens
If you enjoy gardens, these Moorish gardens, right at the entrance to the Sóller tunnel, are a must. They are cool on a hot day, with lots of water and wonderful trees and exotic plants to admire. A small bar serves fresh orange and lemon juice.
Golf courses in Mallorca
Mallorca has a great variety of golf courses and the closest to Ca'n Menonge is at Pollença itself - a 9-hole course. Aucanada has an 18-hole course overlooking the Bay of Alcúdia.
Shopping for shoes
A 20-minute drive on the motorway takes you to Inca which has a good shopping centre but also has several leather factory outlets including Camper shoes. Nearby is Puig de Magdalena (puig = hillock, pronounced pooch) with a little chapel at the top and a restaurant which serves good typical Mallorcan food while enjoying the most splendid view over the surrounding countryside.
Boat Trips in the Bays of Pollença or Alcúdia
Boat 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 or around the headlands.
Tramuntana Mountain scenery
Drive 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.
