Great Things to Do Near Camp d'Avall
Walk to the top of Puig de Maria
Just past the rooster roundabout on the road from Pollença to Palma on the left, is the start of the walk up to the top of Puig de Maria. It's best to go first thing in the morning wearing sensible shoes. Don't forget your camera and a bottle of water although there is a bar at the top. The views over the north coast are outstanding.
Walking
In Spring and Autumn, Mallorca becomes a hive of activity for walkers, who come for the trails that criss cross the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in west Mallorca or the more modest Serra de Llevant mountains in the east. The Regional Government have invested lots of money in developing trails to make walking in Mallorca much more accessible and there are many well marked paths for beginners and upwards. Camp d’Avall makes an excellent base for a walking holiday, with lots of walking trails easily accessible. And if you fancy leaving your boots by the door for a day, the views from the living room are stupendous.
Planetarium
On the road between Sencelles and Costitx is the Mallorca Planetarium where in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday, they show a programme about the stars and, weather permitting, a look at the stars and moon through enormous telescopes. Best to book in advance.
Menorca!
Menorca is just 25 miles away, it is a great island to explore with lots of undeveloped coves. Mahón, the capital, and Cuitadella have beautiful architecture and excellent waterfront restaurants. Daily ferry from Cala Ratjada to Cuitadella.
Old Roman town of Alcúdia
Tuesday market in Old Alcúdia is interesting and has a plentiful supply of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, then just stroll round the pedestrianised old Roman town where caper plants are growing out of the main massive thick stone walls surrounding the town. The local council offer a free guided tour around the historical centre of Alcúdia old town on Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer months.
Paella on the beach
Spend a day at the beach between Ca'n Picafort and the area east of Alcúdia, at Ses Casetes des Capellans, where you can enjoy a tasty paella or seafood dishes at one of the beach restaurants while enjoying the sea and sun on a long and sandy beach.
Go hire a bike!
Explore the area on 2 wheels. There are a variety of bicycle hire shops in Puerto Pollença, including Pro Cycle Hire. www.procyclehire.com. It’s a great way to see the splendours of this beautiful part of the Island.
Valldemossa and Deià
Take a 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. Also look out for the wild mountain goats on the way.
Go out in a boat
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 round the headlands.
Sóller and its Port by train
The old-fashioned train ride through the mountains from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller and back, including the tram to the Port of Sóller through the orange groves and back, and just sitting in the church square in Sóller enjoying a drink and watching the world go by.
Visit Palma – 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.
Basket making, prehistoric buildings and a castle
Going further afield, drive through the resorts of Puerto Alcudia and Ca’n Picafort towards Arta – here in Arta one of the local trades is making baskets - then take a country lane to the hermitage of Betlem where the views overlook Colonia de San Pedro in the Bay of Alcudia. Back to Arta and if you are interested in prehistoric building, then visit the Poblat de Ses Païsses before carrying on to Capdepera to see the castle.
Beach at Port de Pollença
At Port de Pollença the beach is spacious, has all amenities, parking along the seafront, and if it gets too hot there is a little playground in a small wood for a respite from the sun.
Snorkelling at Mal Pas
If you would like to do some snorkelling in clear, deep water, go towards Alcúdia, 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.
Formentor beach and lighthouse
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, it is worth stopping at the viewpoint to see El Colomer rock. Although the beach at Formentor is not very large, it has clear shallow water ideal for children and adults alike, with some good waters for snorkelling. Go early, with a picnic.
Explore the old town of Pollença
Stroll around the old town of Pollença. It's definitely worth 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.
Cala San Vicente
This delightful spot has 4 sandy cove beaches where the waters are crystal clear and ideal for snorkelling. There are a good selection of beachside bars and restaurants where a cooling drink or a delightful meal of fresh fish can be enjoyed while overlooking the beach.
The only water park in the north of Mallorca
is Hidropark in Alcúdia. Open 1st May to 30th October. www.hidroparkalcudia.com.
Go to the market!
Pollença market on Sunday morning is a colourful bustling event where you can buy your locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a few souvenirs and presents. Have a look inside the church which is very impressive.
Visit to 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.
