Markets

There are several weekly markets in the area, the nearest, in the Puerto Pollenca town square, is held on Wednesday mornings and usually finishes around 1 pm. As well as fruit, vegetables, Palma Ham, cheese, olives, flowers and so on, you can also buy hardware, toys, leather goods, clothes carpets and souvenirs. Other morning markets are held at Pollenca Town (Sunday), Alcudia (Tuesdays) and INCA (Thursdays).
These markets are an absolute must, not just for purchases but as a social activity, followed by a drink at one of the surrounding cafes. The leather goods, belts, bags, shoes, etc., are incredibly cheap by our standards.  
Usually, there is a Gypsy group playing in the centre of the market, led by a member on Pan Pipes. 

Eating at home

There are several small food stores (Supermercados) or shops within walking distance, the nearest, but limited, small shop is next to the Bonanca Bar and Tennis Court, between Noel and the Illa Dor, others nearby are located as follows; in the area of the Coral restaurant, at the end of the Calle del Pescador, on the other side of the Formentor Rd, beyond the Hotel complex. 
A number of larger Supermercados are in the main road immediately leading out of Puerto Pollenca towards Pollenca, SYP is the nearest and, further on, Caprabo is the most extensive. If you have transport there is a another SYP further up on the left of the the going towards Pollenca. Wine can often be cheaper here.

If you don’t feel like cooking there are a number of  ‘take aways’.

EATING OUT.

There is a good choice of restaurants in Puerto Pollenca all offering amazing value by comparison with the UK. Especially when they provide an all inclusive menu including bread and wine. The following are recommended:- The nearby family run Coral Bar and La Roc Restaurants, LA FORTALESA on the one way  street leading into the Port, STAY at the end of the quay on the other side of the Port, MAXIM, in the town square, C’AN  PACIENCA on the right side of the road leading to Pollenca and BALAIXA, which also has a swimming pool available for customers, on the left of the same road.

BARS.

There are a host of bars in Puerto Pollenca. Most serve the usual range of spirits, wines, beer and soft drinks. If you want white coffee ask for Café con Leche. Many also serve snacks (try Tapas, which may include liver, tripe, squid, artichoke, prawns and others when in season).

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SWEETS, POSTCARDS, SOFT DRINKS, POSTAGE STAMPS.

Can be bought at the Pastelaria (which its not) named shop on the promenade next to the yacht hirer and sales.  As well as sweets, postcards, soft drinks, ice cream and postage stamps he also sells cigarettes and tobacco.

The Post Office is situated just off  the one way Formentor Road at the Rotunda. You should post your cards and letters to the U.K. where marked in the ESTRANJEROS  (Foreign)

CAR HIRE

Car hire firms are numerous. We have been using local companies but have recent personal experience of www.pepecar.com. The cars which you collect at the airport, are new, air conditioned and cheaper. I believe they also provide 24 hour emergency back up! Otherwise the most common cars available are  the Fiesta, the Corsa and Saxo. If you do hire a car and you are tempted to go to the Cap de Formentor or Sóller be warned, the roads are seriously mountainous and narrow; they are absolutely not trips for the faint hearted!!!!!!

Remember to wear your seat belts at all times. The Police can be very strict on this. Bear in mind that many petrol stations are CLOSED on Sundays. Always leave the car locked and NEVER leave, cameras, etc. inside.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Palma, Alcudia and Pollensa are all year round services which depart from the Bus Station situated at the marina in Puerto Pollenca. The Palma bus also stops at Inca.

In the summer there are also services to Formentor and Soller. (The sea trips by Glass Bottom Boats from the Quay are a more relaxed alternative to motoring!). Unfortunately, if you want to visit Soller by boat you probably will have to do so via Palma. However Alcudia is a possibility. Schedules vary from time to time.

At Soller Port you can board the electric tram into Soller  itself  or the train into Palma, with some spectacular views on the mountainous track, and return by bus from Palma.  

Places to visit.

Palma itself is worth a visit with its (Cathedral, shops and some Arab style streets and houses. 

Other places to visit are the Caves of Drach and highly recommended Valdemosa where Chopin and George Sands once stayed. 

Much easier to get to is the town of Pollensa with its medieval atmosphere. If you go on a Sunday morning there is also the market which covers the town square as well as another area nearby. 

Binisalem is also worth a visit as are many of the numerous  ports around the island.

If you are driving from Palma to Puerto Pollenca look out for Menestralia, near Inca, where there is an inexpensive restaurant and glass blowing factory. There is also a leather factory shop next door.

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CHEMIST                                                                                   

Nearest Chemist is opposite junction of Pollensa Road with Formentor Road in Puerto de Pollensa. Chemists are called “Farmacias”  look for the red or green cross.

MEDICAL CENTRE AND DOCTOR

On the top left leaving the Church Square.

CHURCH                                                        

Nearest Church (Catholic) in the main square in Puerto de Pollensa,  an Anglican service is taken every Sunday Morning.

CROSSINGS                                                        

Look both ways on zebra crossings and keep looking. Motorists here pay little or no attention, usually the latter, at crossings.

PICK POCKETS                                                   

Beware of people trying to sell you carnations or jewellery. Do not buy anything from them. They are very quick at stealing wallets and purses.

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MARKET DAYS (MORNINGS)

Alcudia                    Tuesday and Sunday

Inca                        Thursday

Palma                      Saturdays

Pollensa                   Sunday

Pto. Pollensa             Wednesday

POLLENSA TOWN                                                                  

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 NEWSPAPERS 

English newspapers are now available on the day of publication. There is also a local paper in English “The Mallorca Daily Bulletin”. The nearest paper shop is on the left hand side at the far end of the one way Formentor Rd going towards the centre from the apartment.

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TIPPING

Generally expected. In Bars or Restaurant it is usual to leave 10% of the bill.

ANIARA’S Formentor Road, Good Music (they say), young atmosphere.

DISCO’S                                                          

CHIVAS

Friendly, Air Conditioned. Open from 23.00 Hrs. till “LATE”

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