Sunday, October 10, 2021

Pollenca: L'Hostal Pollença - Turisme Interior (Booking.com)

Walking Route: Round trip to clinic in Port de Alcudia for Covid tests, 4 miles

Bike Route: Port de Alcudia to Pollenca, 9 miles, 400 feet of climb

To board the ferry for Mallorca, we were required to get a Spain Health QR code. To do that, we had to fill out a health form. To complete the form, we had to commit to either taking a Covid test within 48 hours of arriving in Mallorca or quarantining for 10 days upon arrival. Online, we found a clinic in Port de Alcudia that let us book appointments for Covid tests Sunday morning at 9:00. We were at the door of the clinic when it opened, out of the clinic 10 minutes later, and eating breakfast at a cafe when we received our negative results via email at 9:30. So easy. But it cost us 30 euros each, and nobody ever asked us for the results. In fact, no one checked our Spain Health QR code or Covid vaccination card when we got on the ferry. There are all kinds of rules and regulations, but I suppose it is difficult to monitor and check everything. Anyway, we are legal if anyone does check.

Our plan is to take it easy on Mallorca: ride short distances, spend lots of time relaxing and enjoying the island. We started with a very short ride to our hotel in Pollenca. The road along the coast was busy, the scenery beautiful.

It was market day in Pollenca, and the streets were jammed with people and booths. We bought cheese, bread, and olives, and ate our lunch in a little park outside the main market area. By then, it was time to check in to our hotel. About 3:00, the market stalls packed up, and by early evening, the town was a little quieter--though still filled with tourists enjoying the lovely weather, restaurants, and historic sites.

The view as we cycled up the coastline from Port de Alcudia to Port de Pollenca.

Small sheep farms, hills, and rocky fields along the way.

Our first view of Pollenca.