After our hike along the GR221 Dry Stone Route from Esporles we had a rest day in Pollenca (pop 17,500).
Pollença, located 6 km from the coast in an effort to avoid pirate attacks, was established in the 13th century. Today it’s a place of charming stone buildings with a cluster of cafés and restaurants around the plazas.
Santa Maria de Pollença overlooking the Plaza Mayor was originally built in the 13th century for the Knights TemplarCalvary Chapel at the top of the 365 steps has a small cafe built inRoser Vell Church, origin 14th century restored 19th century Known as the “Roman Bridge of Pollenca” its origins remain a mystery
Saturday 10 May
Alcudia
Instead of taking the bus we decided to walk using the GR221 from Pollenca to Port de Pollenca (7.5 km) then along Pollenca Bay to Alcudia (8.5 km).
Local fishing boats at Port de Pollenca This bunker, camouflaged as a fishermen hut, is part of a fortified line that protected the bay of Pollencas’Albufereta Reserva Natural in the Bay of Pollenca is a refuge for migratory birds
Phoenicians settled in Alcudia around 700 BC. The Romans built their island capital here but in 426AD it was destroyed by the Vandals. The Moors arrived in 800AD. After the Reconquista, the Christians began again by demolishing the Moorish town.
17th century Molí d’en Moragues windmill near AlcudiaWe enter Alcudia through the 14th century Porta del MollAlcúdia’s fine city walls are impressive. a restoration of the original medieval defencesAlcúdia town hall, built 1929Restaurants use the streets as dining roomsFirst built on this site in the 13th century, the present Church of St. Jaume is from 1893Romans built their island capital, Pollentia, on top of the earlier Phoenician settlement
Now we go by ferry to Menorca for the Cami de Cavalls, a 180 km hike circumnavigating the Island.
