We’ve now settled into our beautiful apartment in Puerto Pollensa, generously lent to us by our friends Rachel and Keith for the next six weeks. It’s our first visit to Mallorca, and we’re already charmed by Pollensa, which lies to the north of the island. It’s still early days, but it’s clear that this area has so much to offer.
The first few days brought some wet and windy weather, blown in from the west. Luckily, it wasn’t nearly as severe as the storms that battered southern Spain, and the bad weather only lingered for a couple of days. Once it cleared, we got to properly enjoy the island’s sunny warmth.
A Visit from Christien and Brad
Late Thursday morning, I drove to the airport to pick up Christien and Brad, who had flown in for a long weekend. The sun was shining as I greeted them, and after a quick lunch, they were off for a round of golf (they’re both avid golfers, so I happily left them to it).
The next morning, we had booked a paddle tennis court. We’d discovered this fun sport in Montenegro earlier in the year and were hooked! Even here, in Rafa’s hometown, paddle tennis seems to outshine regular tennis in popularity. It’s a fantastic game, especially for a group of four, and a fun way to kick off the day.
Later that afternoon, the guys headed out for another round of golf. That evening, we ventured into Puerto Pollensa, where much of the tourist activity has slowed as the season winds down. However, the port still buzzes with locals, particularly on weekends. We opted for dinner at Stay, the only restaurant on the dock, with views out across the water.
The evening ended with a few rounds of Rummikub—a much-loved tradition for us, as we often prefer board games to TV—before we called it a night.
A Day in Alcúdia
The next day started with a long walk and a leisurely breakfast, before some paddle, before we decided to explore the nearby town of Alcúdia. This charming town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is steeped in history and surrounded by well-preserved 14th-century walls that were originally built to protect against pirate attacks.
Wandering through the narrow streets within the walls, we were captivated by the medieval architecture and historic charm. The Church of St. Jaume was a standout, and we paused for coffee in the central plaza, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
As the day wound down, we made our way to Alcúdia’s port, where the energy picked up. Ports here tend to be the livelier areas, home to many restaurants and bars. We watched the sunset over the harbor before heading to Negra, a vibrant restaurant where the evening entertainment included a fantastic trio of Cuban musicians. The music added a festive atmosphere to what was already a great evening.
A mixed bag of weather in Palma
On the last day of Christien and Brad’s visit, the weather didn’t look promising, so after an hour and a half of paddle, we decided to drive south to Palma, Mallorca’s capital. Our first stop was Bellver Castle, a striking circular fortress from the medieval period and one of the few of its kind in Europe. The castle offered incredible views over Palma, though our visit was cut short when an unexpected downpour had us sprinting back to the car!
Undeterred, we headed into Palma’s old town, where we took in the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (commonly known as La Seu) and the beautifully restored Royal Palace of La Almudaina. While the cathedral was unfortunately closed, we were able to explore the palace, which was as interesting outside, as it was inside.
The old town itself was another highlight. It’s incredibly well-maintained, with winding streets, charming squares, and impressive architecture. After working up an appetite, we discovered a fantastic restaurant tucked away behind the cathedral. The food and service were top-notch—a perfect way to wrap up the day and a lovely visit from a couple of our regulars.
Dream Chasers 