Puerto Pollensa nestles between the Mediterranean Sea and the foot of the Tramuntana mountain range on the north-western edge of the Bay of Pollensa in the North of Mallorca. Eight kilometres inland from Puerto Pollensa is the historic town of Pollensa, to the north is Formentor, with its exclusive millionaires' homes and beautiful beach and to the north-west is the sleepy beach resort of Cala San Vicente with its little aquamarine bays and gorgeous cliffs.

The climate is hot, sunny and dry through the summer months and mild by day but cold by night through the winter. Of course, we experience the odd Mediterranean storm with thunder and lightning but bad weather never lasts long here. Warm summer weather and calm seas make it the ideal spot for relaxing holiday-making. Either side of summer, it is haven for walkers, cyclists, climbers and birdwatchers.

The bay of Pollensa is large, sheltered and lined with soft, sandy beaches, which slope gradually into a normally calm sea and, in the centre of the port, are reached via a pedestrianised promenade. This makes the whole beach area very safe for families.

There are great sports facilities in the sports centres in Puerto Pollensa and Pollensa (poliesportius). In the port there is an indoor pool, tennis courts, squash courts, while Pollensa has tennis courts plus a football pitch, athletics track and outdoor pool. There are sports clubs, gyms and facilities for activities such as beach volleyball, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing.

Waterskiing, wakeboarding and parascending are available in the bay with a licenced operator and pleasure boats can be hired in the marina in Puerto Pollensa.

There are golf clubs at nearby Aucanada (18 holes) and Pollensa (9 holes). Both have good restaurants and courses with stunning views and at Pollensa there is a lovely swimming pool which can be used by lunch guests.

There is also tremendous availability for more specialised outdoor pursuits throughout the Pollensa area including: bird-watching, walking/hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, cycling, horse-riding, fishing and boating. Scuba diving is available with various organisations in Puerto Pollensa.

On Wednesday, an extensive market fills the square of Puerto Pollensa where fresh produce is on sale alongside funky reading glasses and jewellery, flowers, clothing, home and leather goods and arts and crafts. A similar market is held weekly in Pollensa main square on Sundays.

The Pollensa area has a huge cultural heritage which is regularly celebrated during the many fiestas and cultural activities which take place through the year. The Festes del Virge Carme take place at the beginning of July and last for a week, during which most nights there are live concerts and dancing in the square, activities on the seafront, childrens' entertainers, culminating in a fabulous firework display on the beach at midnight.

The Patrona is the annual Pollensa fiesta, Los Moros y Cristianos (The Moors and Christians), which takes place at the beginning of August and commemorates the invasion of Pollensa by the Moors and its defence by the victorious people of Pollensa. A huge re-enactment of the battle through the narrow streets of Pollensa, spilling out onto the edges, is an experience for all to enjoy.

There is a fiesta or celebration nearly every month: in January, the renowned Sant Antoni celebrations take place both in Puerto Pollensa and Pollensa when hordes of young men fight to climb a 20m pine tree and so win their pick of any of the local women (well, in the old days!).

In February, we have Carnaval when everyone dresses up for a big parade throughout the centre of Pollensa; in April the Fira del Vi which allows everyone a taste of the new wines from all over the island and particularly the local Pollensa producers.

In June, the Fiesta of San Pedro (patron saint of fisherman) invites everyone to enjoy music, wine and dance on the fishing quays in the marina in Puerto Pollensa and to watch the procession of the statue of the Virgin and the blessing at sea.

In November, the Fira de Pollensa is a big event which attracts crowds of visitors from all over the island. It features craft stalls, displays of artesanal works and foods, live music, an animal fair. There are also lots of exhibitions, shows and a craft market open for the whole weekend.

There is a wide range of restaurants in the area to suit different tastes and pocket. From back streets bars, which offer a daily lunchtime menu del día for a very reasonable price starting around 8€ (up to 17€ on Sundays). At the other end of the scale, are a number of restaurants to be highly recommended that provide food of a very high standard in beautiful waterfront situation but charge accordingly. Cadwell Developments can recommend good to great places to eat and enjoy in the Pollensa area, Alcudia and Palma as well as in other parts of the mountains and the island.

Throughout the Pollensa area, there are clothes and gift/jewellery shops to suit all styles and tastes. Whether a serious shopper or simply picking up holiday presents to take back to friends and family, there is plenty of choice.

Whether by car, bus or even boat, it is very easy to travel and enjoy the surrounding countryside and coastline. Alcudia, on the other side of Pollensa Bay, is a 15 minute drive away. Alternatively you can catch a ferry from the marina in Puerto Pollensa and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline on your way around into the bay of Alcudia. Ferries also operate daily between Puerto Pollensa and Formentor and, from Alcudia, there is a daily ferry to the very lovely port of Ciutadella in Menorca.

A trip up in to the mountains to Lluc or any of the mountain villages, ie. Fornalutx or Estellencs is well worth it. Palma is about 65km away and has many historic buildings, gorgeous shops, a delightfully preserved centre with traditional markets, restaurants and museums and a lively, vibrant seafront area around the Club Nautico and the Lonja areas.

The scenery along the northern coast of Mallorca is rugged and dramatic with clusters of beautiful coves surrounded by towering cliffs at the end of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. On this breath-taking coastline is located the pretty fishing village, Cala San Vicente, whose sheer, natural beauty has drawn generations of artists and inspired countless paintings. The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sparkle in the sunshine and lap its fine, sandy beaches.

The beaches of Cala Molins and Cala Barques are easily accessible and are great for play and bathing. The largest beach is Cala Barques, where there are a number of restaurants/bars on the edge of the beach and there are sunbeds, sunshades and pedalos for hire. It's still a fishing port, so you'll probably even share the beach with the fishermen, their boats and nets. Cala Molins is smaller and situated on the other side of the village, with beach bars and souvenir shops nearby.

There is no fast paced nightlife in the Cala. Instead count on balmy evenings under clear, starry skies enjoying delicious local food and wines or cocktails to the accompanying sound of the sea. Lovely!

Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa are about 10km away and if your idea of a complete getaway does not involve car hire, the bus service is very good.

Pollensa is well worth a visit with its quaint narrow streets, stone houses, arty cafes and busy Sunday market. There are excellent walks all around this area including the climb to the Puig de Maria, a monastery at 330m above Pollensa from which you can see Menorca.