Places to Visit - North Mallorca
Our selection of 'must-see' towns & places in North Mallorca
North Mallorca is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to relax and unwind, North Mallorca offers something for everyone. Here we present our selection of fantastic places to visit in this stunning part of the island. From picturesque towns to awe-inspiring natural parks, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. We highly recommend you pay them a visit and immerse yourself in the beauty of North Mallorca.
By Claire Miller
8/8/24
Valldemossa
Nestled in the North-West of Mallorca, Valldemossa is a picturesque village known for its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Balearic Islands.
History
Valldemossa’s most famous landmark is the Royal Charterhouse, a 14th-century monastery that gained fame thanks to the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator. The town is also the birthplace of Catalina Thomas, Mallorca’s patron saint. In the 1830s, the Royal Charterhouse hosted notable visitors like composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand. Their stay inspired Sand’s book “A Winter in Majorca,” highlighting the area’s beauty and local life.
Attractions and Activities
Valldemossa’s charming streets are filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can tour the Valldemossa Charterhouse, home to museums with Chopin and Sand’s artefacts. The surrounding countryside offers hiking, cycling, and rock climbing opportunities, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Festivals and Events
The town hosts vibrant festivals, including Festes de la Beata in late July and the Festival of Saint Bartomeu on August 24th. The annual Artdemossa festival at the end of July showcases local art and performances.
S'Albufera Wetlands
The S’Albufera Wetlands is the largest wetland area in the Balearic Islands. The natural park is located in the North Mallorca, in the shadow of the Tramuntana mountain range, between the towns of Sa Pobla, Muro and the coastal area of Alcudia.
Flora and Fauna
This ecological gem consists of 2.036,23 hectares of marsh and wet grassland, and is a haven for both wildlife and nature lovers alike. Its diverse habitats include marshes, dunes, reed beds, and pine forests, providing a rich environment for a wide array of plant and animal species. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 303 different species of birds having been found at the S’Albufera, these include herons, egrets, ducks, moorhens, red kites, kestrels, cranes and even Greater Flamingos. The S’Albufera is also home is other diverse fauna including eels, the Iberian Marsh Frog, viperine snake and European pond terrapin. There is also a very large insect population including, dragonflies, beetles and over 450 different species of Moth.
Exploring
Exploring S’Albufera Wetlands is best done on foot, and there are several well-maintained, flat walking paths that wind their way through the reserve, making them very accesible for families with small children, prams & pushchairs (as always due caution needs to be taken with small children near expanses of water). These paths offer visitors the chance to observe wildlife up close without causing disturbance to habitats and nesting grounds. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and if you can bring binoculars, and smartphone or camera to capture the stunning scenery.
S’Albufera Wetlands is open to the public pretty much all year-round (except for Christmas and New Year’s Day) and admission is free. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm between 1 April and 30 September, and from 9 am to 5 pm between 1 October and 31 March, providing ample opportunity to explore its beauty whatever the season.
S'Albufera Wetlands
The S’Albufera Wetlands is the largest wetland area in the Balearic Islands. The natural park is located in the North Mallorca, in the shadow of the Tramuntana mountain range, between the towns of Sa Pobla, Muro and the coastal area of Alcudia.
Flora and Fauna
This ecological gem consists of 2.036,23 hectares of marsh and wet grassland, and is a haven for both wildlife and nature lovers alike. Its diverse habitats include marshes, dunes, reed beds, and pine forests, providing a rich environment for a wide array of plant and animal species. The area is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 303 different species of birds having been found at the S’Albufera, these include herons, egrets, ducks, moorhens, red kites, kestrels, cranes and even Greater Flamingos. The S’Albufera is also home is other diverse fauna including eels, the Iberian Marsh Frog, viperine snake and European pond terrapin. There is also a very large insect population including, dragonflies, beetles and over 450 different species of Moth.
Exploring
Exploring S’Albufera Wetlands is best done on foot, and there are several well-maintained, flat walking paths that wind their way through the reserve, making them very accesible for families with small children, prams & pushchairs (as always due caution needs to be taken with small children near expanses of water). These paths offer visitors the chance to observe wildlife up close without causing disturbance to habitats and nesting grounds. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and if you can bring binoculars, and smartphone or camera to capture the stunning scenery.
S’Albufera Wetlands is open to the public pretty much all year-round (except for Christmas and New Year’s Day) and admission is free. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm between 1 April and 30 September, and from 9 am to 5 pm between 1 October and 31 March, providing ample opportunity to explore its beauty whatever the season.
Pollensa
Nestled in the northern part of Mallorca, Pollença is a picturesque town rich in history and culture. Located near Cap de Formentor and Alcúdia, this charming town lies about 6 kilometers inland from its port, Port de Pollença.
History
Pollença’s name traces back to the ancient Roman settlement of “Pollentia,” whose remains are found in nearby Alcúdia. Founded in the 13th century to avoid pirate attacks, Pollença has witnessed significant military action over the centuries. Notably, the town displayed remarkable bravery during a confrontation with Ottoman corsair Dragut in 1550, an event commemorated annually on August 2nd.
Exploring Pollença
The heart of Pollença is Plaça Major, a bustling square lined with outdoor cafés and dominated by the 13th-century Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, built by the Knights Templar. The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, add to its medieval charm.
One of the town’s most distinctive features is the 365-step stairway leading to the Calvary chapel. On Good Friday, this stairway hosts a dramatic reenactment of the Stations of the Cross, followed by a solemn, torchlit procession through the town.
Activities and Attractions
Plaça Major: Home to one of Mallorca’s best Sunday markets, the square is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and soak up the local atmosphere.
Calvary Chapel: Climb the 365 steps, offering a scenic walk framed by cypresses and charming houses, for a rewarding view at the top of Pollença and its surrounds.Be sure to bring the right shoes, hat and lots of water.
Puig de Maria: A relatively short, but steep climb leads to stunning panoramic views and the historic Sanctuary of Puig de Maria. There is a lovely restaurant and toilet facilities. Be sure to bring the right shoes, hat and lots of water.
Museums and Art: Visit Casa Museo Dionís Bennàssar to view the vibrant works of local artist Dionís Bennàssar.
Convent of Santo Domingo: This beautiful 17th-century sandstone convent now houses the Museum of Pollença and various art exhibits.
By Claire Miller
8/8/24
Pollensa
Nestled in the northern part of Mallorca, Pollença is a picturesque town rich in history and culture. Located near Cap de Formentor and Alcúdia, this charming town lies about 6 kilometers inland from its port, Port de Pollença.
History
Pollença’s name traces back to the ancient Roman settlement of “Pollentia,” whose remains are found in nearby Alcúdia. Founded in the 13th century to avoid pirate attacks, Pollença has witnessed significant military action over the centuries. Notably, the town displayed remarkable bravery during a confrontation with Ottoman corsair Dragut in 1550, an event commemorated annually on August 2nd.
Exploring Pollença
The heart of Pollença is Plaça Major, a bustling square lined with outdoor cafés and dominated by the 13th-century Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, built by the Knights Templar. The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, add to its medieval charm.
One of the town’s most distinctive features is the 365-step stairway leading to the Calvary chapel. On Good Friday, this stairway hosts a dramatic reenactment of the Stations of the Cross, followed by a solemn, torchlit procession through the town.
Activities and Attractions
Plaça Major: Home to one of Mallorca’s best Sunday markets, the square is a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and soak up the local atmosphere.
Calvary Chapel: Climb the 365 steps, offering a scenic walk framed by cypresses and charming houses, for a rewarding view at the top of Pollença and its surrounds.Be sure to bring the right shoes, hat and lots of water.
Puig de Maria: A relatively short, but steep climb leads to stunning panoramic views and the historic Sanctuary of Puig de Maria. There is a lovely restaurant and toilet facilities. Be sure to bring the right shoes, hat and lots of water.
Museums and Art: Visit Casa Museo Dionís Bennàssar to view the vibrant works of local artist Dionís Bennàssar.
Convent of Santo Domingo: This beautiful 17th-century sandstone convent now houses the Museum of Pollença and various art exhibits.