Dear All
Today, for those of you who are currently staying in one of our lovely winter collection villas during winter and, in praticular, over the Christmas period and New Year we pass some tips and suggestions for things to do in the local area of Pollensa and beyond. Our Island is not large, and within an hour or just over there are so many interesting places to explore and enjoy, so no excuses………..
1.
FIESTAS, CELEBRATIONS DURING JANUARY ON THE ISLAND
To name a few…….
- 5TH January. The three Kings (Spanish official Christmas celebrations). Main fiesta in Palma, but also in the local towns as this is a great part of the Christmas celebrations
- 6th January. Official Spanish Christmas Day.
- 16th January. Fiesta of “San Antonio Abad” . Traditional dances, in the evening large bonfires are lit locals dress up and dance around them. This is celebrated mainly in Sa Pobla, Arta, Costitx. In Sa Pobla the traditional savory cakes are made called “Espinegades” and some cakes include eels.
- 17TH January. Pollensa celebrates “Pi de Sant Antoni”.
- 19th January. Fiesta “Revetia de Sant Sebasita” more bonfires are lit people gather around to joint the festivities. Celebrated mainly in Palma Costitx
- 20th January. Fiestas “Sant Sebastia”. Patron of Palma. Celebrated in Palma. In Pollensa the fiesta of “Sant Sebastia” is celebrated with a Procession where an image of the Saint is carried around the town.
- February. Carnival time fiestas are celebrated throughout the month of February in all towns across Mallorca. Spectacular processions of floats with children as well as families dressed up are known as “Sa Rua” and some of the most poplular towns are Palma, Playa de Palma, Palma Nova, Magaluf.
2.
RESTAURANTS
Although there are not so many restaurants open as in the height of our summer months, there are of course, restaurants who do stay open all year sufficiently so, offering lunch or evening dining between resorts of old town Pollensa, Puerto Pollensa and Port Alcudia. Also in Port Pollensa, and Port Alcudia some front line chic cafes are still open all year, enticing those who are lucky enough to be on holiday this time of year, to sit back and ” lap up” the warm winter sunshine relaxing watching the world go by without the hustle and bustle experienced in our summer months. Also, very often, during the months of December and January, one can experience the Bay of Pollensa becomes calm and glossary, like a lake…… resulting – views over the bay are both stunning and magical.
3.
ACTIVITIES, GOLF, WALKS, SHOPPING IN PALMA
To name a few…..
For the avid golfer although we have our local Golf Courses firstly, here in Pollensa for you to participate, secondly Aucanada Nr. Port Alcudia nearby, which is only approx 10 mins away, along with many other excellent golf courses to visit during your stay if you wish to go further afield.
GOLF COURSES IN SURROUNDS OF POLLENSA:-
- Golf Pollensa. Tel 971 53 32 16
- Golf Alcanada or (Aucanada as known). Tel 971 54 95 60
- Capdepera Golf Nr. Arta. Tel 971 81 85 00
- Canyamel Golf. On East Coast Tel 971 84 13 13.
- Golf Son Severa. Costa de los Pinos East coast Tel 84 00 96
- Pula Golf Son Severa. Tel 971 81 70 34
GOLF COURSES AROUND THE ISLAND:-
- Golf Vall Dor. Nr. Cala Dor south east coast 971 83 70 68
- Golf de Andratx. Camp de Mar other side of Palma. Tel 971 23 62 80
- Golf Santa Ponca. Calvia. Tel 971 69 02 11
- Son Vida Golf. Palma. Tel 971 79 12 10.
SUGGESTED WALKS SURROUNDS OF POLLENSA:-
Boquer Valley
This is easy walk 6km popular place for bird watches particularly in migration seasons April May and Sept Oct. Start at the roundabout seafront Puerto Pollensa. Follow road signs to Formentor. Turn left past the ORO PLAYA HOTEL SUPERMARKET. Stone pillars mark the entrance to a tree lined lane which leads to a ridge and large farmhouse. Go through the gate and uphill along a stony track. You will soon enter a steep sided cleft in the rocks. The track across the valley is well worn, weaving through a sparse landscape strewn with wild flowers, shrubs. The track also continues down a sharp incline passing a freshwater spring to small shingle beach of Cala Boquer.
Cala San Vicente
From Puerto Pollensa you can walk through the mountains to Cala San Vicente. The walk starts opposite the petrol station, the road that is next to the firestone garage or you can start the walk from Siller residential area. You may like to walk one way and catch the bus for example or taxi back. There and back will take approx 2 hours more or less. If you are coming from Cala San Vicente you will need to take the road on the other side of the Bay from the Hotel Molins and follow the signposted path which leads you over the mountain and down to Puerto Pollensa.
Puig de Maria
From Pollensa we can climb to the Puig a mountain approx 335m high with its summit a XIV Century Monastery. To climb the Puig we walk along the path, although the slopes are rather steep, with curving bends, they are between pine and oak trees and have magnificent views over the valley of Pollensa. The last section is the old medieval path, at the end pilgrims steps, we are met by the mystery of the Puig Sanctuary, half convent, half fortress. You can rest at the top, there is a small bar and restaurant, alternatively a picnic area. It is possible to spend the night in one of the cells which is simple, yet well appointed.
PALMA
Palma de Mallorca the capital of Mallorca is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city, for many of us who work in tourism, unfortunately, during summer months, do not get the time to visit and enjoy this amazing city, as we would like, however, during winter months is when time allows, is the ideal time enjoy within the cooler months as well. It is a city with fabulous boutiques, Armani and more, side walk cafes, excellent international restaurants, traditional and famous tapa bars, including city sightseeing venues such as the old quarter which was walled until beginning of the 20th century which centres on the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Then, there is the new modern city stretching out westwards along the magnificent Bay. The third area is the harbour and promenade area, directly below the cathedral and on the bay itself. Not forgetting Bellver Castle. Strikingly well preserved fortress built for Jaume 11 beginning of 14th century. Approx 3km west of the city centre and commands stunning views over the Bay of Palma and the city itself. Palma offers lots to explore abundance of shops, museums, galleries, squares, churches, bars and restaurants, “without fail”, one should add to your agenda, take a day out of your holiday to enjoy the sights of this lovely city and…………………… all it has to offer. If you dont want to drive, dont worry, take the local bus from Pollensa or enjoy the delightful train ride from Sa Pobla, the train takes you directly into the Plaza Espana, where all shops and sight seeing are walkable.
PLACES OF INTEREST GENERALLY ON THE ISLAND
Other places you may wish to add to your agenda:-
- Cala Dor. On east coast of Island.
- Deia. Amazing, on rugged west coast
- Valldemossa romantic village southern end of Sierra de Tramontana
- Inca. Third largest town appreciated for its leather industry
- Lluc a visit to “Monasterio de Lluc”.
- Caves of Campanet not far from Pollensa
- Village of Fornalutx this tiny village probably “the most beautiful on the Island”, not to be missed on the outskirts of Soller down the western coast.
We do hope you have enjoyed reading our “ tips and suggestions” of some places of interest on the Island, whilst on holiday during our winter months with, and especially so, within our festive season.
THE BEST VILLAS POLLENSA.
