A Perfect Blend of Beach and Hiking in Mallorca: Pollença
It was yet another extraordinary day of our honeymoon as we combined a beach day and hiking in Mallorca.
After a somewhat restless night, we woke up at 8 AM and headed for breakfast. Initially, we had to decide between spending the day at the beach or going hiking. With the sun already shining brightly, we opted for a morning at Platja de Son Bauló, just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. The 29°C heat made the cool, refreshing water a perfect start to our day. We found a good spot, applied sun lotion, and went straight into the water. It was a bit cold but very refreshing.
After some sunbathing and a couple of dips, the baby started being active again, so we returned to the hotel to avoid the midday sun. For lunch, we enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal of leftover bread, cheese, pink tomatoes, and hummus with Kalamata olives.
Exploring Pollença
In the afternoon, we drove to Pollença, about 30 minutes away from our hotel. The drive took us through the bustling resorts of Can Picafort and Alcudia before turning onto a quieter, narrow road leading to Pollença. Our destination was the Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig, a sanctuary perched on a hill overlooking the town.
The initial part of the hike was a steady ascent on an asphalt road, soon replaced by a shaded, zigzagging stone path. Along the way, we encountered goats, including a mother with her two kids, and enjoyed occasional breaks under the trees. After a 40-minute climb, we reached the sanctuary, which was unfortunately closed but still offered a serene courtyard and a picnic area with stunning valley views.
Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig- A Hidden Gem in Pollença
Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig: A Hidden Gem in Pollença
This tranquil sanctuary dates back to the 14th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is an important religious and cultural site, drawing pilgrims and tourists, eager to experience its peaceful ambiance and stunning panoramic views. Originally built as a monastery, the sanctuary served as a spiritual place for monks who sought solitude and contemplation. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations, preserving its Gothic architectural elements while integrating also some Baroque touches. The sanctuary’s church is very small and inside you will find a statue of Virgin Mary that local legends claim possesses miraculous powers.
Scenic Views from the Sanctuary
Continuing our adventure, we hiked further away from the sanctuary (about 5-10 min more) to a viewpoint that provided breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the peninsula of Formentor, which we had explored two days earlier (read more about this hike here). The rocky path required careful footing, but the views were worth it. After taking in the panoramic views, we carefully made our way back down the rocky path to the parking lot, making sure to avoid slipping on the loose stones during the descend.
365 steps to Camí del Calvari
Discovering Pollença’s Charm
Our next stop was the charming town center of Pollença. We found a cozy café in the main square, where we relaxed with iced tea and coffee. The square was lively with people enjoying the sunny afternoon, adding to the town’s vibrant and cozy atmosphere. Refreshed, we explored the town’s narrow streets, eventually reaching the Camí del Calvari, a historic church accessible via 365 steps. The climb was manageable and lined with quaint shops, houses, and beautiful flowers. The church at the top was open, and we enjoyed a quiet moment. Then we headed to the Roman bridge following the signs, which although a bit disappointing due to the dried riverbed, still added to the town’s historical charm.
Camí del Calvari: A Historic and Spiritual Landmark
Camí del Calvari is renowned for its 365-step stairway, representing each day of the year, flanked by cypress trees and fourteen three-meter-high crosses. This iconic location in Pollença hosts one of Mallorca’s most important Easter Week traditions. On Good Friday, the ‘Davallament’ ceremony sees a revered carving of Christ removed from the cross and solemnly paraded down the steps in complete silence, illuminated only by torchlight.
The site is also historically significant, originally owned by the Knights Templar after aiding King Jaime I of Aragon in the Conquest of Mallorca in 1229. The mount, initially called ‘Puig de les Forques’ or ‘Mount of Gallows,’ reflects the Templars’ feudal influence and judicial authority in the area. This rich blend of history and tradition makes Camí del Calvari a must-visit for those exploring Mallorca.
By late afternoon, we returned to the hotel, deciding against another beach trip as it was nearly 6 PM. After refreshing showers, we dined at the hotel restaurant, savoring a delicious meal and reflecting on our day’s adventures. We spent the evening watching the Denmark vs. Serbia football match, a relaxing way to wind down after a busy day. I also found some time to knit a baby sock for my little girl before we finally went to bed, content and tired from our exciting exploration of Mallorca.
Start
Pollença
End
Pollença
Duration
2 hours
Length
5.5 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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