See you again next year Puerto Pollensa!

Given the amount of criticism levelled at the Port we had some worries before our arrival.
We were shocked to see the damage to the lovely old palm trees and sadly it looks as though many won't survive and yes, the seaweed should be cleared from the beaches near the Pollentia Club – but that area was rarely used by bathers as it is quite a narrow and rocky beach.

But the main beach looks as good as ever, maybe a little shorter but certainly clean and inviting. The main problem in the water was quite a lot of jellyfish – which no town council can order out of town.

There were certainly less visitors around which (selfishly) is something of a relief, but the Port, as usual was busy and welcoming – as were all the local people. We met many old friends and as usual made a few new ones.

Quite a lot of building is going on, we hope some of it will be affordable accommodation for local people and there are still a few eyesores that should never have been built and hopefully will be demolished at the earliest opportunity.

I found it quite shameful that the beautiful beachside house La Pedruscada should have quite cynically been allowed to be stripped down and demolished for yet more 'luxury apartments', we encountered the developer last year and weren't impressed.

But quite a few large houses quietly being built in previously tranquil areas – that was a little worrying. But I understand from previous Bulletin reports that this is happening all over the island. Please don't spoil the beautiful countryside with too much thoughtless development.

Traffic and parking is always busy in Pto Pollensa – maybe a little more thought should go into the one way system which seems to have its own Majorcan charm.

But we tourists are on holiday, where are we needing to get to so frantically? Can't we leave the road rage at home?
Whilst we don't like fast food restaurants particularly, the Burger King & McDonalds debate didn't worry us too much, there are some far worse local restaurant signs in the Port that should be torn down.

Prices mainly seemed stable and not noticeably higher than last year. We had a great holiday as usual and look forward to returning again.

Dear Sir,
We have been visitors to your beautiful island of Majorca for the last four years. Two were spent at the Alcudia resort, but the last two have been spent at Pollensa. We spent the first two weeks of July at Pollensa this year, and I always buy the 'Daily Bulletin' during our stay. I feel that I must make a comment about the negative publicity Pollensa has received this year. I think the beach is wonderful – I love the gently sloping beach, the clean water and the general feel of relaxation when one sits down and takes in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

As a family, we walk to the small town in the evening, and with its extensive choice of restaurants – whether you like 'fish n' chips', Chinese, Mexican or Majorcan cuisine – you can find something to please everyone. We were especially impressed with the Pollensa Festival this year.

So let's stop criticising Pollensa and look at the extensive choice it has to offer all its visitors!

Dear Sir,
As a frequent visitor and boating enthusiast in Port de Pollenca, I feel I must make you aware of a serious concern regarding the increasing amount of debris in the sea. During my very recent stay, I encountered amongst other things in the bay, 100s of plastic bags (one of which fouled my engine intake), mattresses, rolls of plastic fencing and plastic chairs. I don't think the problem is unique to this area, but litter in the sea seems to be an ever increasing problem which is ruining the landscape. What do the Balearic Government do to create an awareness to ”Boaties” to keep the seas clean? Is the rubbish expelled mainly from cruise liners? Are there any penalties for dumping rubbish at sea?

Stop the moaners please, the other side of the coin

Dear Sir,
I have again read people in the Bulletin moaning about people's attitude. I wish the people who write to you to say they are not coming to the island again would just not come, the island does not need the moaners the “lets slag Majorca off” mentality is getting worse. People see a letter and think something like that happened to me will write and moan so I think from now on only print letters that say all the good things about the island. We come at least three times a year and had problems, bus strikes, computer failure (we spent 9 hours on a plane sat on the runways edge) outbreak off illness in hotels, bad weather, I could go on. I come to Majorca to enjoy my holiday and come what may. So come on Bulletin lets keep the moaners off the pages and only print the letters which promote the island.

Dear Sir,
Mr. Clive Emerson's letter (yesterday's Bulletin) complaining about his conceived idea of poor/bad attention during his visit here from various parties, and from what he has said, he seems to be under a total misconception regarding the situation here in respect of the three points he raised.

Being asked for identification when presenting a credit card for payment is a result of credit card theft/fraud, prevalent throughout Europe, and unfortunately here too. Instead of being disgruntled about this, one should be happy to cooperate (it might be his card stolen in the future), that such a brief check will stop a spending spree. As far as a check-out girl at a supermarket having limited English and reverting to her own language when an argument ensued, a natural reaction, Maybe with the many visits Mr. Emerson makes to the island, he might like to try his hand at Spanish. It's unlikely a Spaniard will find anyone in a supermarket in the UK who speaks his language. In fact, hardly anywhere, with only 10% of the population having any real knowledge of a foreign language.

In respect of pedaloes for 4 or 6 persons, no doubt as with taxis, insurance cover can come into this, and if something is designed for X number of people there is a reason, and safety usually comes into it. The less accidents by the sea or swimming pools the better, too many at present. Surely it's better to be comfortable on a six seater than cramped on one for four? Worth the couple of euros extra!

Yours sincerely

Clean the beaches please

“ The best thing that they can do with the money from the tourist tax is spend it on giving Majorca a spring clean. Starting on the beaches and working inwards.” This statement was made to me yesterday by a leading member of the tourist industry and it is probably one of the most sensible comments I have heard on this controversial issue. At the moment it seems there is a never ending list of complaints about Majorca and it has to be said that in some cases I suspect that complacency has set in. The state of some of the island's beaches is appalling. In Puerto Pollensa, there are piles of sea–weed along the beach, in Soller the water has a distinct taste of diesel fuel, in Palma Nova the water is a browny/grey colour and yesterday to my horror I saw all the rubbish which is daily swept ashore on the small beach next to the Puerto Portals yacht club. Come on Majorca, the island survives on beach and sand tourism. Something needs to be done. The scene which greeted me next to Portals yesterday was little short of disgusting. How the Calvia council can allow a beach to get into this sort of state, I do not know. Instead of spending the millions of tourist tax euros on building yet more museums, helping farmers grow organic foods, the money should be reinvested in the basics. The beaches. Showers and toilets need to be built on Puerto Pollensa beach, beaches must be cleaned twice a day. Legislation should be introduced which penalises people who throw litter both at sea and on land. Come on Majorca wake–up. Things are not right this year. There are some major faults which are not being ironed out. After 10 years of steady growth within the tourist industry it's normal that a degree of complacency may have set–in. Well, the time has come to act. If tourists are not satisfied they are not going to return the following year. It's as simple as that.