Family
Fun (and free!) Family Days Out -
Port de Pollença
BY LUCY BURKE
They say the best things in life are free, and I for one believe that to be very true. There's nothing that makes me happier than quality time with my family. In Mallorca, luckily there is no shortage of places to go on a day out with our little ones, most of these experiences are not too bad on the wallet, with many attractions offering family and resident discounts. However, after a week or two of school holiday all these days out can still add up! So to help make the school holidays a little lighter on the pocket, I decided to share my favourite spots for fun and free (well...mostly) days out with the kids in North Mallorca. First up, the beautiful Port de Pollença.
Summer
The absolutely stunning bay of Pollença in North Mallorca is the perfect spot for a day out with the family at any time of year. As a very popular tourist spot, from Easter onwards the bay is buzzing with life. Boutiques, shops, restaurants and cafes line the sea front - so there's plenty of places to stop for an ice cream, coffee, or lunch.
The coastline here is lined with beaches - the beaches of Platja de Can Cap de Bou and L'Arenalet are wider with lots of facilities - Loungers and umbrellas for hire, toilets and showers. These beaches are manned by lifeguards in the summer season. The water itself is typically very calm and sheltered - perfect for little ones to play in the warm, crystaline waters. Fishlife is usually abundant so bring a snorkel and you're bound to see some wildlife. Further round Pollença bay towards the town of Alcudia, the bay is less sheltered and the water is a little wilder, making it the perfect spot for water sports, particularly wind surfing and kite boarding. You will find plenty of businesses offering lessons and equipment for hire along this part of the bay.
At the other end of the bay, in the beautiful tree-lined area known as as Pine Walk, the beaches tend to be smaller, a little quieter but unmanned. This part of the bay is very sheltered and the water typically is very calm, which make it perfect for swimming and paddle-boarding. There is also usually the opportunity to hire peddalos in Summer.
Port de Pollença / Puerto de Pollensa
Winter
Port de Pollença is also a fantastic place for a day out, even in the winter months. With breathtaking views of the coastline and Tramuntana mountain range, it is the perfect spot for a scenic winter walk. At around 4 miles long, the bay is ideal for a long day's hike back & forth or for short stretches - depending on how little / active you and your family are.
There is also an abundance of children's play parks all the way along the beach front line, in the Port's main square and off the many side streets throughout the town - perfect to amuse younger children. Although a lot of the shops and restaurants tend to close for Winter (Mostly December - March), you will find some spots open all year round, so there are still plenty of options for a coffee, snack or lunch. If you bring a bucket and spade the beach can still be lots of fun for little ones, even in (the usually a very sunny!) winter climes.
If you're happy to do a bit of shopping, the market is hosted all year round, every Wednesday from 8am -1.30 pm in the main square, and there are lots of bargains to be had - from local produce, to hand-crafted items, leather goods, homeware, art and clothing. your chance to snap up something to your liking.
Port de Pollença can be reached by bus or car. There is free parking at many spots throughout the port town, be warned it can be tricky to find a space in Summer but much easier in the winter months.