Previously we covered the ports in the southeast and southwest of Mallorca, the turn has now come to the beautiful and very popular Ports in the northern part of the island. Mallorca’s fantastic climate invites many to come and enjoy the water in all its forms, may it be beaches, sailing and yachting or watersports. The island is a heaven for boat enthusiasts, regardless if you have a boat or not, there are ways to still enjoy Mallorca’s beautiful natural bays, the stunning sandy beaches and the impressive rocky coastlines. There are many marinas that make for the perfect place to drop anchor and explore. They are well worth a visit for the beautiful views, pleasant atmosphere, excellent restaurants and shopping.
Port de Sóller
Port de Sóller and Sóller are beautiful traditional towns situated in the heart of the ‘valley of oranges’ in the northwest coast of Mallorca. They are rich in history and full of architectural beauty. Port de Sóller is unique compared to the rest on the island due to its geographical isolation, being surrounded by the Tramuntana mountain range. In the 19th century, the area was isolated from all other major towns on the island, making it easier to trade with French merchants arriving by sea. Sóller became wealthy because of the valley’s rich citrus groves. The oranges were shipped to France from Port de Sóller and many locals went to work in France and returned wealthy to then construct some of the striking properties that beauty Sóller today. Port de Sóller also has a nice sandy beach with lovely turquoise water and a boardwalk with plenty of options. There are lovely “chiringuitos” (beach restaurants) such as Es Reco where you eat right in front of the water while the sun slowly sets in the Mediterranean, enjoying popular Spanish dishes such as tapas, grilled meats and fresh fish. Or there is also the very popular Patiki Beach which serves flavorful colorful delicious fresh food that is a celebration of the raw ingredients supplied by neighboring growers.
Port d’Alcudia
Port d’Alcudia is a popular resort town and holiday destination located on the northern coast of the island. Traditionally Port d’Alcudia has been a place for locals to spend their summer holidays. From about mid-April through the end of September, Port d’Alcúdia is bustling with people who have come to have fun and enjoy all that this port and its surroundings has to offer. For Mallorca, it is a relatively large port with a marina that can receive big ferry boats and therefore serve as an alternative to Palma for commercial traffic to nearby Menorca and Barcelona. This means that the port has two different areas: a marina and a commercial port.
Port of Alcudia´s history stretches all the way back to the Roman empire when the Romans used the port, then known as Pollentia, which was the capital of the island of Mallorca. It is believed that it served as a gateway for the north to other nearby islands, and as transport hub bringing goods to inland towns.
The large beach is the focus point in Port d’Alcudia, as well as the many activities and water sports from paddle boats to SUP to paragliding. The attractive village of Alcúdia is located about 5-10 minutes’ drive, it’s full of history with an ancient past that includes Roman, Phoenician and Arab cultures with a nicely restored ancient town center. Take a round of golf in Golf Alcanada with its very nice clubhouse, or visit The Yannick and Ben Jakober Foundation, home to unique sculpture and a private collection.
You could also spend your time doing fun excursions from the port such as dolphin watching tours, glass bottom boats or why not a day trip to Menorca. The options of renting a bike and cruising along the boardwalk and over to the streets that wind along the marina and port are plenty. Many of the small streets in the port are lined with restaurants and bars that offer delicious meals in a wonderful setting overlooking the surroundings, serving Mallorcan and international cuisine. This is what’s great about Port d’Alcúdia; it has something for everyone.
Port de Pollenca
Port de Pollença is a traditional port with lots of charm and it is in Mallorca’s most northerly town. Like most parts of the island it’s livelier during the summer season. Port de Pollença can trace its roots back to a simple fishing settlement that rapidly transformed at the turn of the century, when it became a popular summer destination for Mallorca‘s wealthy upper classes. Many built grand holiday residences overlooking the port. It became an example of how tourism can completely change and renovate not only the economy but the entire village. Going from a tiny fishing pier at the end of the nineteenth century to becoming the core of the local economy thanks to the tourism boom.
The old fishermen’s dock where the fishermen harbor is was built between 1826 and 1829, today still surrounded by the traditional fishing boats, the “llaüts”. All this contrasts with the modern Reial club nautic building from 1962 that is open all year around. The club is located in the most sheltered area of the bay of Pollença and offers an impressive list of sports and social facilities, including a sailing school and a clubhouse with a restaurant and cafeteria.
Many artists, writers and celebrities made it to Port de Pollença attracted by its light and inspiring scenery and landscape; it has some of the island’s most spectacular views. Intellectual giants like Agatha Christie visited the town in the early 20th century and stayed at a hotel in the Pine Walk area, which she describes in her book ‘Problems at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories’. Experience and see what inspired Agatha Christie by strolling along the most popular enchanting Pine Walk for terrific views of the bay. Other things that one can see and visit while in Port de Pollença is the scenic Boquer Valley that runs north-east from the town, near the ruins of the pre-Roman city of Bocchoris, one of the oldest settlements on the island.
You can also stay in the town’s main square Plaça Miguel Capllonch. It is surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars, with the Church of Our Lady of Carmen lying to the west. Visit the weekly market that is held on Wednesdays. The market was officially created in1984 and is very important today, especially during the summer as it has a large inflow of tourists. The Plaça Miguel Capllonch square is filled with traders selling fruit, fish, clothing and crafts. Finish off your visit to Port de Pollença by watching the sunset from the splendid clifftop vantage point of the old watchtower, en route to Cap de Formentor. The windy drive up is for the brave hearted and not for the motion sick people. The car trip is worth it, once there you’ll be rewarded by tranquil sweeping majestic views that will leave you breathless.
Massar Midgley Mahdi
Team Assistant @ Mallorcaresidencia
