When vacationing with your teens, I think that it is really important to find plenty of activities to keep them happy and engaged on the trip – the last thing you want is to be stuck with a pair of moody adolescents on your summer holiday!
The scenic coastal town of Puerto Pollensa in Northern Majorca is an excellent choice for active families. This is thanks to the range of cycle routes that take you through the heart of the town, along the beautiful coastline and deep into wine country (be sure to finish your ride with a hard-earned glass!). It is really easy to hire bikes here, and the dedicated cycle paths mean that it is a very safe place to explore, so it is sure to be a fun and rewarding experience that you will all enjoy.
Looking for another fun family-friendly activity? Check out our guide to scuba diving in Puerto Pollensa!
Here are a couple of cycling routes that previous visitors have recommended:
Puerto Pollensa to S’Albufera Wetlands
Nature lovers will get a real kick out of this peaceful cycling route, which takes you through the nature reserve and bird sanctuary at Alcudia after a gentle stretch along the gorgeous coastline. The cycling route is well marked around the wetlands and there are plenty of bird watching opportunities, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some rare species!
This route is particularly good for less confident riders as it is easy and flat and the 30km round trip can be taken at a leisurely pace with plenty of breaks along the way.
Puerto Pollensa to La Victoria
This 32-km loop provides spectacular views of the coast and showcases the great diversity in the area. You begin the route at the Duva Hotel and take the bay road all along the coast until you reach Alcudia, before travelling through Mal Pas and along the scenic peninsula on your way to La Victoria. Consider taking a packed lunch and stopping off for lunch with a view, or take a break in Alcudia and spend some time exploring the pretty town.
Reaching highs of 444m above sea level, this cycle route will dazzle the young ones with amazing vistas of the endless blue ocean and beautiful beaches below.
Bahia de Pollensa Route
A gentle and flat route which showcases the outstanding beauty of the coast and Pollensa, this is also a route which can be tailored to your abilities/energy levels.
If you are feeling adventurous or full of energy, head from the Port of Pollenca up the winding hills to Cap Formentor – here you are treated to incredible panoramic views of the ocean that are a great reward for a challenging ride. Back at the Port, take the gentle coastal route and stop off at the inviting seaside resort of Cala de Sant Vicenc. I recommend that you stop off for a spot of lunch here and enjoy the crystal clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Continue down to Pollenca, where you can check out the town, visit the Calvari Steps and make the ascent to Puig de Maria before returning home.
How to Get to Puerto Pollensa
Another great reason to visit Puerto Pollensa is the fact that it boasts a superb climate and you do not have to travel too far to enjoy this. Flights from London to Palma Mallorca (PMI) take a little over 2 hours and the majority of the budget airlines fly from Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow, Stansted and London City.
Puerto Pollensa is the other side of the island to Palma Mallorca and around an hour away by road, so you will want to pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer from the airport to your hotel. This will take all the stress out of the trip and be the most comfortable and efficient way to reach your destination.
Where to Stay
Hotel Illa d’Or & Illa d’Or Club Apartments – Families will immediately feel at home here in the spacious and comfortable apartments, all of which come with a TV, balcony, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi (a must for teens!). The hotel also features an outdoor pool with ocean views, a fully equipped spa and a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner menu. Although you have everything you need at your fingertips, previous guests have commented on the convenient location just a stone’s throw from the beach and town centre.
Apartamentos Las Velas – Despite being just 5 minutes from the town centre and beach, Apartments Las Velas is incredibly peaceful and surrounded by picturesque pine forests and gardens. The apartments have satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, furnished terrace and even BBQ facilities. Many guests have spoken very highly of the attentive and friendly staff who made their stay even more enjoyable.
Habitat Apartment K02 – Those eager to check out the above cycling routes may want to book here, as the property offers bike hire and is situated near the port. In addition to this, the spacious apartments all come with free Wi-Fi, a lounge area, flat-screen TV, kitchenette, terrace and outdoor pool. You can enjoy all your meals here, but you could also stroll to the port and sample the local cuisine. One key selling point for these apartments is the excellent value for money when compared to neighbouring accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct:
Get your vacation off to a smooth start with a pre-booked Shuttle Direct transfer from the airport to your destination. As one of Europe’s most trusted transfer providers, Shuttle Direct guarantees fast, efficient and safe transportation between airports, hotels, train stations and cruise terminals throughout the continent.
Use the online booking form and leave the rest to the experts.