Great Things to Do Near L'Horta
Pollença Music Festival
The Pollença Classical Music Festival is held at the Cloisters in July and August, featuring various well-known bands, quartets and soloists - a great variety of programmes to choose from.
Birdwatching
Ornithologists will know about the birdwatching area at the Albufera and Albufereta, where you can see several different species of wading birds, amongst others.
Battle of the Moors and the 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.
Visit an historic manor house
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.
Take a train and a tram!
Take the old-fashioned train ride through the mountains and tunnels from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller and don't miss the tram to the Port de Sóller through the orange groves and back. Just sit in the church square in Sóller, enjoy a drink and local pastry, relax and watch the world go by.
Visit Palma
If you'd like to visit the capital city, 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 to visit - the Cathedral, Moorish Palace and impressive Bellver Castle for example.
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 but has clear shallow water ideal for children and adults alike with some good areas for snorkelling. Go early, with a picnic.
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.
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.
The old ruined castle at Alaró
Make your way to the top of the hill to 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 done in a traditional Mallorcan oven.
Sunday Market in Pollença
The market in Pollença is a colourful bustling event where you can buy 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.
Lluc Monastery - not only a monastery
Follow the mountain road from Pollença to Lluc Monastery. Visit the museum and the chapel where you may be fortunate to hear the Blauets Choir sing. Don't miss the small botanic garden at the back of the monastery which takes about 15 minutes to walk round or the rock formation in the shape of a camel.
Local beaches
The beach at Port de Pollença is spacious and has all amenities with parking along the seafront. Cala Sant Vicenç has 2 small beaches and the Formentor beach, although further away, is worth spending the day at.
Caves of Campanet
The Caves of Campanet, discovered by a shepherd about 100 years ago, are not too far away and worth a visit if you like to see the fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations. These caves are not too commercialised and visits are on the hour. For Mallorca's most impressive caves, go to Portocristo on the east coast and visit the Caves of Drach.
Golf and Tennis
While the 9-hole golf course at Pollença is only a short drive away, the tennis courts at the Pollença Municipal Sports ground are within walking distance of L'Horta.
Puig de Maria Walk
The start for the walk to the top of Puig de Maria is on the road towards Palma, a short way from the rooster roundabout on the left - 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.
Water parks, Marineland and Aquarium
The nearest waterpark to Pollença is Hidropark at Port d'Alcúdia where there is also a mini-golf course! The others are in the south of the island at El Arenal and Magalluf. At Costa den Blanes there is Marineland which has dolphin, sea lion and parrots shows and an excellent Aquarium at Ca'n Pastilla.
Explore the old town of Pollença
Spend time walking around the town of Pollença, browsing in the quaint little shops and making the effort to climb the 365 steps up to Calvary church before sitting down for a drink and dinner in one of the pedestrianised squares.
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.
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.