Pollenca

Culture, walks, shopping, plenty of places to eat, drink and stay – Pollença has it all.

It has the feel of real Mallorca – the qualities that beguiled iconic figures like Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie.

Situated in the northern corner of the island, 6km west of Puerto Pollensa, it lies between two hills and, although it is bursting with things to see and do, it is small enough to walk around in a morning.

The Pont Roma on the edge of town reflects its Roman history, but it was also occupied by the Moors, ravaged by the Black Death, attacked by pirates and adored by poets, painters and musicians.

Pollença has many fairs and fiestas – on Good Friday the Davallament sees a re-enactment of the Passion Play when the body of Christ is carried down the 365 steps of the Calvari by torchlight.

There’s a wine fair featuring local wines in April in Sant Domingo church; the Festes de la Patrona in late July/early August features mock battles between Moors and Christians, and November’s autumn fair celebrates agriculture and local crafts.

The cloisters of the Convent de Sant Domingo house the Museum of Pollença and host a classical music festival and an art fair.

There are also museums dedicated to artist Dionis Bennassar and weaver and artist Marti Vicenc.

There are an array of boutiques and gift shops offering the best shopping outside Palma, plus a market in the Placa Major on Sunday mornings.

The main square also boasts a selection of restaurants and cafes and visitors have a choice of hotels – including the 5-star Son Brull Hotel, one of the finest in Mallorca – plus villas and apartments to rent.

Wander Pollença’s windy lanes – or climb the 365 steps of the Calvari in search of amazing views of the bay of Pollença – and you’ll see what sets this town above the rest.