Great Things to Do Near Villa Antonia
Stunning views from 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 a camera and a bottle of water although there is a bar at the top. The views over the north coast are outstanding.
Sóller and its port by old-fashioned railway
Enjoy a ride on the old-fashioned train through the mountains and tunnels from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller. Don't miss the tram to the Port de Sóller through the orange groves and back. Sit in the church square in Sóller, enjoy a drink and local pastry while watching the world go by.
Local 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.
Sunday morning market in Pollença
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.
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.
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.
Explore 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 before sitting down to relax with a drink and dinner in one of the many popular restaurants in the pedestrianised squares.
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.
Palma de Mallorca
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, museums and art galleries to visit.
Caves at Campanet and Porto Cristo
The Caves of Campanet, discovered by a shepherd about 100 years ago, are not too far away and worth a visit to see the fascinating formation of stalagmites and stalactites. These caves are not too commercialised and visits are on the hour. For Mallorca's most impressive caves, travel over to the east coast and visit the Caves of Drach.
Boat trips
The Mallorcan coastline from the sea is quite impressive - enjoy one of the boat trips from Port de Pollença or Port d'Alcúdia to make a lovely day or half day out seeing the coastline from the sea and visiting Formentor or just cruising around the headlands.
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.
Nearby golf course
Mallorca has a great variety of golf courses, usually sporting fabulous views. Nearby are the 9-hole Pollença Golf with views of the Bay of Pollença and the 18-hole Aucanada Golf, overlooking the Bay of Alcúdia.
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 - sample home-made local products. Or, in Esporles, La Granja is 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.
Glassworks and museum
There are 3 glassworks in Mallorca open to the public: Menestralia at Exit 35 on the Ma-13 near Campanet; Gordiola, established in 1719, is near Algaida on the Ma-15 near Exit 20 on the Manacor-Palma road; Lafiore is on the Palma-Valldemossa road. You can watch craftsmen working, see the kilns, museum and shop.
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, 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 adults and children alike and suitable for snorkelling. Go early and take a picnic.
Nature Park at Santa Eugènia
The Nature Park for children at Santa Eugènia is a small zoo with birds and animals where they also help to conserve fauna in danger of extinction as well as attending to wounded creatures.
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.
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.
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.
