Valldemossa & NW Mallorca

Pollensa & Puerto Pollensa

Palma

Mallorca in April

Flying to Mallorca in April you’re likely to see plenty of golf clubs and even bicycles on the luggage conveyor, as this is an ideal time to get in a few rounds on some of Mallorca’s highly rated courses or to start to rebuild your walking and biking legs after the winter. It’s also a top time for photography as the countryside bursts into bloom. Poppies, cornflowers, daisies and marigolds put on a bright display in the meadows, and if you’re lucky you should be able to walk through clouds of scented white blossoms as the citrus, apple and apricot flowers come out at the start of the month. The beaches are quiet and some resort facilities may still be closed, but you’ll find plenty of places to have a meal in the main towns and villages around the island.

Golf in The Algarve

Easter festivals in Mallorca

April is the start of the holiday season in Mallorca, usually marked by many celebrations for Semana Santa – Easter. In the north of the island, the most significant event is the Davallament or Good Friday procession, which takes place on the evening of Good Friday around 9pm, starting at the Calvari Chapel. Participants carry the figure of Christ down Pollensa’s Calvari steps in a slow, solemn procession, accompanied by people carrying candles and torches, some dressed as Roman soldiers and members of religious brotherhoods. It’s a serious and important cultural event, and a far cry from fluffy rabbits or chocolate eggs!

Mallorca in May

May continues the spring as a prime time for hiking, biking, golf and sight-seeing. Daylight hours are long, there’s plenty of sunshine and the brave might easily consider a swim in the sea! You can sit outside for lunch in the sun, and enjoy peaceful strolls on the long beaches around Pollensa and Alcúdia.

For walkers, May is an excellent month to explore the countryside surrounding Pollensa. An obvious hike is the short but fairly steep walk up to the Puig de Maria, a rocky outcrop that dominates the landscape in the north east corner of the island. The path is paved all the way to the top, which you reach in about an hour, with wonderful views over the valley and Pollensa bay as your reward. For a coastal alternative (and rougher terrain, so good shoes essential!) there’s a walk from Puerto Pollensa to Cala Boquer which also takes about an hour each way – take your own water and snacks as there are no facilities either on the path or at the pretty little cove of Boquer.

Puig de Maria trail

Alcúdia

Ride up to Cap de Formentor

You’ll also see lots of road bikers out and about in May, with keen cyclists taking advantage of the mix of flat coastal rides and demanding mountain climbs, including the famous ride up to Cap de Formentor.  The serious cyclists bring their own, but if you want to rent a bike for a day or two, there are hire shops in Pollensa offering the whole range from carbon-framed road bikes to e-bikes for those looking to expend a little less effort. If you’re serious about sport, the first weekend in May is the usual date of the Mallorcan Ironman, which is a great spectator event too.

Alcúdia hosts the Circaire contemporary circus festival in May and the annual April Fair, which starts in April but usually runs until the 2^nd or 3^rd week in May.

Mallorca in June

By June, the north of Mallorca has moved firmly into the summer season. The local facilities are all open and ready to welcome guests, and it’s definitely beach weather. Long evenings are idyllic for lingering over a simple dinner by your private villa pool, or perhaps taking a sunset boat trip at the softer end of the day for beautiful photos and a super-relaxed vibe.

This is of course a great month for watersports. There are options in Pollensa and Alcúdia for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and other activities, although wind can vary considerably during the day so chat with the locals in the hire shop for the best advice on conditions. 

Calvari Steps

Flaky ensaimada pastries

S'Albufera wetland reserve

If you’ve come to do a little sight-seeing, we recommend starting early and keeping things pretty local. Climb the Calvari Steps and then treat yourself to breakfast in Pollensa town – flaky ensaimada pastries, dusted with icing sugar and washed down with freshly-squeezed orange juice are a sweet start to the day.

If you can cope with early starts, June can be a good month for golfing as it’s significantly quieter than the autumn and early spring months. Alternatively, many courses offer a twilight tee time option, saving on the green fees, though you may not quite manage a full 18 holes. Golf buggies can make all the difference on a hot day, so be sure to pre-book yours if you’re planning to be out between 11am and 5pm.

Early birds (!) will also get the very best of the S'Albufera wetland reserve south of Playa de Muro. The protected wetland is one of Mallorca's important bird habitats and has marked routes and observation areas – please stick to the paths to preserve this fragile environment.

June is also the start of the summer festival season. The festival of Saint Pere, celebrating the patron saint of fishermen, takes place around 29 June and includes cultural events and a maritime procession across Alcúdia Bay. The programme also includes traditional music, dance and a fireworks display over the sea. Alcúdia begins its summer evening programme in June, including outdoor dance, music and cinema events.

Mallorca in July

July is a summer high, particularly strong for local events. Throughout the 2^nd two weeks of the month, Pollensa celebrates La Patrona, a festival celebrating the town’s patron saint Mare de Déu dels Àngels. There are concerts, processions and live music.

Alcúdia celebrates Sant Jaume, its patron saint, during a programme running around 18–25 July. The celebrations include cultural and leisure activities in the old town, with a fireworks display usually programmed in for the final night. The Via Fora historic theatre programme is another July feature. Performances take place around the old town and Porta del Moll, using the historic setting as part of the production.

Cala San Vicente beach

Puerto Pollenca beach

No one feels much like shopping in the heat of a July day, so Port d'Alcúdia hosts a series of summer night markets in July. Hot nights mean you’ll probably want to eat later like the locals do, so these evening markets are a fun way to fill the hours until it’s time for dinner. Alternatively take a stroll along the city walls of Alcúdia for lovely views, or wander the shady streets of Pollensa town for a little holiday shopping in the relative cool of early evening.

For beach days, Puerto Pollensa, Cala San Vicente, Playa de Muro and Port d'Alcúdia are the most convenient options that allow you to park nearby and avoid a long hot walk with tired kids. A villa with a pool is always a smart option for families, especially when you have the option of pool fencing for additional peace of mind.

Mallorca in August

Pollensa’s Patrona festival culminates in the White Night party on 1^st August; wear white and join the 1000s of people out in the streets enjoying a lively but safe party atmosphere.

August also has a substantial cultural programme in Alcúdia. The official events calendar includes the Ronda Murada night race, which takes participants along the medieval walls, as well as the Llego Mal Pas-Bonaire race.

On 24 August, Alcúdia celebrates Sant Bartomeu with the Ses Llanternes lantern procession. Children traditionally walk through the streets carrying lanterns and singing Mallorcan songs.

Pollensa is also worth visiting after sunset, particularly around the main square and surrounding streets. The town's compact centre is easy to explore on foot – park at one of the large car parks on the outskirts for a stress-free evening.

Muro beach

Caves of Drach

Restaurants in Pollensa

The summer sun is usually at its strongest in August, which can make it occasionally challenging for young families, but an air-conditioned villa with a pool and a little forward planning can make this a very fun time to be away with your kids. There are three water parks on the island, of which Hidropark is the most convenient for holidays around Pollensa. There are slides for all ages (each has its own height/age restrictions) plus a spray park and small pool for little ones. Another good hot weather day out is the Caves of Drach, where you can discover naturally cool caves and an underground lake – book online and take the first or last slot of the day for a more peaceful and atmospheric experience.

Mallorca in September

This is when to go if you want to try a bit of everything! The sea is warm, the atmosphere is more mellow and while it does still get hot in the afternoons, there’s more time for walking, cycling, sightseeing and longer excursions without making the entire itinerary dependent on avoiding the heat.

Many people are surprised to discover that Mallorca has Roman remains, with the largest site being Pollentia just outside Alcúdia. The remains include a theatre, a forum and a small museum – allow an hour or so to explore.

As the days cool towards the end of the month, we recommend a day or more exploring Palma city. Buses run from the north of the island (inexpensive and air-conditioned) or you could park your car at Inca and take the train into town. It’s a charming and easily walkable small city, with a historic old centre, an array of modern art galleries and plenty of shops for all tastes and budgets.

Roman remains

Exploring Palma city

Palma city

Arròs brut

Eating out is a particular pleasure in September. It’s still warm enough to sit outside for lunch, but cooler evening temperatures – and perhaps more active days – awaken the appetite for some of the island’s heartier traditional dishes. Look out for frito Mallorquí (fried meat and potatoes, garlic and peppers) or arròs brut, a dark, soupy risotto cooked with pork, rabbit or seasonal game.

Mallorca in October

October marks the beginning of the autumn season in northern Mallorca, but it is still a useful month for outdoor activities. Days are usually warm – especially compared to the UK – but shorter, and you should come prepared for cooler evenings and the odd wet day.  For extra comfort, couples often consider a luxury hotel at this time of year.

The area around Pollensa and the wider north of Mallorca has several vineyards and wine producers. October coincides with the end of the grape-growing and harvest period, although the exact timing varies according to the year and grape variety.

Serra de Tramuntana

Autumn vinyards

This is prime time for walking and cycling once more, and once you’ve explored Pollensa and the many pretty traditional villages of northern and central Mallorca, you may want to try some more extensive walks into the impressive Serra de Tramuntana range.

Guide to Valldemossa & NW Mallorca

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