Great Things to Do Near Marquesa
Sunday morning market
The market in Pollença 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. Have a look inside the church while you are there as it is quite impressive.
Nearby beaches
Cala Sant Vicenç and Port de Pollença are two lovely beaches in the north of the island which can be reached by car in just a few minutes. A little further afield is the renowned beach of Formentor.
Early morning walk to the top
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.
Stroll down to the beach....
The gorgeous sandy bay of Pollença is a short walk away where there is a wide range of water sports for the more energetic members of the party to enjoy.
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.
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.
Visit another island - 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.
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.
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.
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.
Palma de Mallorca, an interesting capital city
There are many interesting historical buildings to visit in Palma, including the Cathedral, Almudaina Palace and Bellver Castle, as well as museums and art galleries. Palma is also an excellent shopping centre.
Fornalutx, Deià and Valldemossa
Drive over the Tramuntana mountain roads taking in the spectacular scenery, stopping at the various viewpoints including two lakes/reservoirs, and passing through several world-renowned towns like Deià and Valldemossa, home to famous painters, writers and musicians. Fornalutx is one of the prettiest towns in Mallorca.
Play a round of golf!
Mallorca has a great variety of golf courses and the closest to Puerto Pollença is the 9-hole course at Pollença. Alcanada has an 18-hole course with beautiful views overlooking the Bay of Alcúdia.
Local vineyards
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.
The old ruined castle 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 done in a traditional Mallorcan oven.
Going further afield ...
..... drive 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.
Waterparks, Marineland and Aquarium
Mallorca's waterparks provide a fun day out for all the family; the nearest to Pollença is 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.
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.
Alaró Castle ruins and roast lamb
Make your way to the top of Castell d'Alaró (take water to drink for the last part of the journey which 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 (said to be the best!) done in a traditional Mallorcan oven.
The only water park in the north of Mallorca
is Hidropark in Alcúdia. Open 1st May to 30th October. www.hidroparkalcudia.com.