Alcúdia
Medieval walled town in the north-east of Mallorca
The medieval town of Alcúdia is the main hub for visitors in the north of the island. Set on a peninsula between the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, it offers a lovely mix of historic charm and genuine local character. Its beautifully preserved old town and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular spot throughout the year.
Alcúdia is a perfectly restored walled town on the site of a Roman settlement with remains of ancient houses and a theatre. The maze of narrow streets tucked inside Alcúdia’s old medieval walls has been thoughtfully restored, giving the town a fresh charm while keeping its historic character. It’s all part of Mallorca’s effort to showcase a more authentic and inviting side to visitors.
Located about five minutes by car from the coast, Alcúdia should not be confused with the beach resort of Port d'Alcúdia. Many of Mallorca's oldest settlements were built several miles inland to provide protection against prowling pirates, while their port and coastal areas were only developed in more recent times as tourism became a major source of income for the island.
Alcúdia actually provides a real contrast to the more touristy beach resort of Port d'Alcúdia. With a wealth of history and charm, this town offers visitors an authentic Mallorcan experience. From its big weekly market through to traditional fiestas and fairs and classical music festivals, the town puts on a whole host of cultural events. The boutique style hotels and first class gastronomic restaurants that have opened in the area mean the town is becoming more attractive for those keen to immerse themselves in a wholesome Mallorcan experience whilst visiting the island. It is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, explorable by car or by bicycle.
History & Culture in Alcudia
Alcúdia's early history
The first human settlement in Alcúdia dates back to 2000-1300 BC. Pretalayotic settlers, whose burial sites (or tombs) have survived to this day in La Cova de S'Hort del Rectoria and under the Roman theatre site, were followed by Phoenician and Greek settlements. The town reached its heyday in the 2nd century BC when the Roman invaders made it their capital, Pollentia, meaning 'power'.
The Romans
Romans brought an end to piracy and built an ordered town with well-maintained streets, sewers and drinking water. They also erected an impressive theatre on the outskirts in the year 1 BC, which was capable of holding 2,000 spectators. It was built into the bedrock and was likely used for plays and for acrobatics. The semi-circular seating areas are well preserved and the site is open to the public throughout the year.
Arab influence and restoration
After the Roman empire declined in the 5th century, Alcúdia was destroyed in the 6th century by marauding vandals. The town was eventually returned to greatness under the Moors, who built Al Qudya ('the town on the hill'). The narrow streets of the old town, especially Carrer d'en Serra, are resonant of its Arab past.
The walls you see today were added after the Spanish conquest in the early 14th century, under the rule of King Jaume II, as a way of protecting the town's inhabitants from further attacks. The most famous is the Portal de Moll or Xara Gate with two square towers and two massive palm trees standing guard, which is the symbol of Alcúdia. Look for the classic 14th century architecture of Ca'n Torro library, on Carrer d'en Serra. It opened in 1990 in a former mansion and hosts exhibitions and concerts.
20th century and modernisation
Alcúdia was developed for tourism in the 20th century, with the first hotel built in the 1930s and an influx of more hotels and tourist attractions opening after the death of Franco in the 1970s. However, even today, the authenticity of the old town remains intact due to construction regulations in the municipality.
Sights & Attractions in Alcudia
History, architecture and culture in Alcúdia
From Alcúdia's rich and varied ancient history there remains an incredible wealth of culture and heritage around the place.
The Roman remains of Pollentia are amongst some of the most famous sites. The smallest Roman theatre in Spain also resides here, within which you can see remains of tombs set amongst the stands. Those keen to delve deeper into the history of the area will find the archaeological excavation sites really interesting. Maps are available at the tourist information office within the town.
There are free guided tours around the historic town or you can stroll through the town centre within the medieval and renaissance walls independently, take a peek inside the courtyards of the 16th century urban palaces ('casals'), and be sure to visit the 19th century Neogothic parish church of Sant Jaume.
Museums and art galleries
Contemporary art fans should visit the Sa Bassa Blanca museum, where 16th to 19th century paintings are exhibited alongside 20th century sculptures. It also has lovely gardens.
The great outdoors
If you enjoy nature or want to escape the crowds, visit the natural parks of S'Albufera and S'Albufereta near Alcúdia. These wetlands are top birdwatching spots where you might see rare species like Montagu's harriers, Eleonora's falcons and long-eared owls.
Sights in Alcudia
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Roman Remains of Pollentia
Located in Alcudia
Pollentia was founded by the consul Qintus Caecilius Metellus in 123 BC in the strategic location between the bays of Pollenca and Alcudia. It was the most important city in the Balearics duing the Roman period and covered an area of 15-20 hectares.
Beaches in Alcudia
Being so close to the coast, the beaches of northern Mallorca are only a couple of miles away from Alcúdia. The beaches in this area are made up of fine golden sand and the sea is light blue and shallow enough for families with young children to safely enjoy. Parasols and sun loungers dominate the northern part of the coastline but, the further south you go, the quieter and prettier it becomes.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Platya des Morer Vermell Beach
Located <1 km away
Take a coastal stroll or cycle to the little hidden gem Platya des Morer Vermell just north of Alcudia, with its white sand and calm waters perfect for snorkelling.
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Mal Pas Beach
Located 1.7 km away
Mal Pas - consisting of Playa de Sant Pere and Playa de Sant Joan, are two quiet, beautiful beaches just to the north-east of Alcudia
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Playa de Alcudia Beach
Located 2.2 km away
This beautiful and popular ‘Blue Flag’ beach boasting fine white sand, stretches more than 3 kilometres east from Port d'Alcúdia. This breath-taking beach is one of the reasons why Port d'Alcúdia remains so popular with holiday makers year after year.
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S'illot Beach
Located 3.9 km away
A quiet cove in the north of the island that offers a calm retreat from the busy tourist beaches and crystal clear water for swimming.
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Alcanada Beach
Located 4.2 km away
A short trip out of Alcudia and away from the crowds, is a rugged stretch of coastline featuring beautiful turquoise waters and it’s own island lighthouse.
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Llenaire Beach, North Mallorca
Located 5.5 km away
Easily accessible and popular with tourists and locals alike, this long stretch of coast line from Puerto Pollensa to Alcudia makes for a beautiful drive or cycle. Hugging the beachside all the way around the crescent shaped bay, the road presents fantastic views towards Cap Formentor, Cap Pinar and all the way out to sea.
Events in Alcudia
Markets
The town of Alcúdia has a thriving morning market on Tuesdays and Sundays, which can be found inside the historic city walls. All sorts of local produce as well as leather goods, linens and souvenirs are available. There are plenty of cafés, where you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a drink or even breakfast whilst soaking up the atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the market.
Festivals
Alcúdia also hosts many traditional festivals and fairs throughout the year. Some of the most famous are the spring agricultural fairs and a harvest celebration at the beginning of October. Here you will find, food, agriculture, music, children’s entertainment and more.
One of the most popular local festivals in Alcúdia is the annual nautical fair in April, which features the cuttlefish. The town's restaurants put on a gastronomic extravaganza, and you will also find an exhibition of boats, a craft market, children’s parties and more.
The coastline in this area is a bit of a hot spot for sporting events.
Dining in Alcudia
Alcúdia specialises in restaurants serving traditional Mallorcan food - think hearty stews, stuffed vegetables, rice and fish dishes served in a rustic restaurant with al fresco dining.
There are plenty of establishments serving typical Spanish tapas. Try local favourite "pa amb oli" and other treats.
Some restaurants offer modern twists on the regional fare and creative Mediterranean cuisine made with seasonal produce, there is even a Michelin-starred restaurant in Port d’Alcudia.
Restaurants in Alcudia
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Can Polit Restaurant
Located in Alcudia
This restaurant is located in a small pedestrian square right next to the town hall in Alcúdia's old town. They serve creative tapas and pintxos using local ingredients.
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Ca'n Costa Restaurant
Located in Alcudia
With over 35 years of experience, this is the place to go if you want to try what the local cuisine is all about. They only use regional, fresh, seasonal produce in their dishes.
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Osteria El Patio Restaurant
Located in Alcudia
Boasting a lovely garden courtyard that gives it its name, this restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine right in the centre of Alcúdia.
Things to do in Alcudia
In Alcúdia, you can explore ancient sites and enjoy its historic charm at a relaxed pace. The town has a strong café culture and is popular with cyclists and hikers. In summer, many head to nearby Port d’Alcudia for watersports, mini golf and family fun.
Shopping
The best time to go shopping in Alcúdia is on market days, either on Tuesdays or Sundays. Otherwise, you will find a few clothing boutiques often selling swimwear and kaftans, delicatessens, jewellery and souvenir shops within the streets of the old town.
Nature reserve
S'Albufera Natural Park stretches across 1,708 hectares and is renowned for its wetlands and bird watching. It’s also a popular spot for cyclists and walkers keen to explore some of Mallorca’s natural beauty. Entrance to the park is free.
Cycling in Alcudia
The north of the island is favoured by cycle enthusiasts, many of which travel from across Europe to take on the various mountain climbs the Serra de Tramuntana has to offer. The area surrounding Alcúdia has flat inland plains and coastal routes surrounding the town, making the area appealing to almost every level of cyclist.
Cycling Routes in Mallorca
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Alcudia to La Victoria Cycling Route
Located <1 km away
An intermediate route for those used to climbing steeper sections of road on a bike, with stunning views of the coastline.
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Bahia de Pollensa Cycling Route
Located <1 km away
Beginner (or intermediate if you want to ride it at pace!) cycle route that uses the purpose built paths around the Alcudia area.
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Parque de S' Albufera Cycling Route
Located 6.2 km away
Combining nature, bird spotting and a bit of exercise with a cycle round the nature reserve by the holiday resort of Puerto Alcudia.
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Port Pollenca to Formentor Beach Cycling Route
Located 6.9 km away
An intermediate hill climb for those who want to stretch their legs on the bike and explore the North of the Island.
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Puerto Pollensa to Pollensa Cycling Route
Located 7.8 km away
An easy ride that is ideal for hobby cyclists who have hired a bike for the day or for a road cyclist wanting to get off the busy main roads. Not exactly a shortcut but this ride takes you from Puerto Pollenca to Pollensa via the more quiet and scenic parts of North Majorca.
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Cycling C'an Picafort to Pollenca & Alcudia
Located 8.8 km away
100,000 cyclists cannot be wrong. Mallorca is one of the most popular and idyllic islands for cycling with it's plentiful flat farm roads and challenging hill climbs.
Hiking in Alcudia
Alcúdia is hugely popular with walkers thanks to its location in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. To the north of Alcúdia lies a peninsula which has a variety of walks and hikes through beautiful countryside, with amazing views of the sea and the coast.
Walking Routes in Mallorca
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Hike from Alcudia to Hermitage La Victoria
Located <1 km away
Alcudia is located at the top of Mallorca, on the north coast. From Alcudia, take the road going to Mal Pas. Then you can either follow it along the coastline until it reaches the beginning of the road up to the "Hermita La Victoria". Or you can follow an inland trail (signposted 'Fundacion') towards the Yannick & Ben Jokober Foundation and then take the marked trail to the Hermita.
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An Easy Hike Around The Albufereta Wetlands
Located 3.2 km away
S'Albufereta is Mallorca’s third largest wetland area comprised of 211 hectares of protected park land as well as a further 290 hectares of surrounding land, which is semi-regulated so as not to adversely affect the nature park.
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A Short Walk in the La Goya Nature Park, Puerto Pollenca
Located 6.3 km away
Mallorca is home to a rich and diverse plant and animal life and has long been a location popular with birdwatchers, the north of Mallorca boasts several large wetland areas such as the S’Albufera Nature Park and the slightly smaller Albufereta, both of which areas attract birdwatchers all year round to view their ornithological offerings.
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A Walk from Puerto Pollenca to Cala de Boquer
Located 8.4 km away
Behind the busy streets of Puerto Pollensa in North Mallorca lies the quiet and peaceful Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. These mountains form the stunning backdrop that many visitors will see when they come to Mallorca as the mountain range runs from the Southwest to Northeast of the island. Behind Puerto Pollensa lies a trail walk through a valley in these mountains to the rocky beach at Cala de Boquer.
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A Gentle Walk up the Puig de Santuiri
Located 8.5 km away
A walk around the Puig de Santuiri - a peaceful and secluded natural park perfect for a hike or a picnic with the whole family.
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Gentle Hike up the Puig de Maria
Located 8.6 km away
The Puig de Maria sits overlooking the town of Pollensa in the north-east of the island of Mallorca.
Holidays Rentals in Alcudia
Staying in short-term rental accommodation gives you total freedom to enjoy the area at your own pace. Whether you're in the centre or nearer the mountains, it's a relaxed vibe. With extra space and the option to cook in or eat out, it's a comfortable way to holiday.
Holiday Rentals in Alcudia
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Bonaire Solar 200 Villa
Located in Alcudia
Enjoy an unparalleled holiday in an exclusive villa in Bonaire, Alcudia. Located in one of the most privileged areas of Alcudia, in the exclusive enclave of Bonaire, this villa is the perfect holiday retreat. Ideally located, just a few minutes drive from the crystal clear beaches of the area and the charming old town of Alcudia, you can enjoy the tranquillity, comfort and beauty of this unique setting.
Price: €1,106
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Minerva Villa
Located in Port d'Alcudia
Villa Minerva is located in Alcudia, Mallorca. This detached vacation rental property is air-conditioned and sleeps up to 9 people (8 adults and 1 child) with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms along with private swimming pool. The is walking distance to the beach and restaurants.
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Francesca Villa
Villa Francesca has an ideal location, just a few meters from the nearest beach and a few minutes drive from the coveted historic town of Alcudia, where you can find all the indispensable services to enjoy an exceptional vacation. Countless restaurants, souvenirs, water attractions, medical center, police and all the services you can imagine will be at your fingertips. Villa Francesca offers you all the comforts for a pleasant vacation.
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Verd Villa
Villa Verd can accommodate 8 people, it has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms near the beach where you can relax without having a car!
Price: €1,526
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Can Melis Villa
Located in Alcudia
The private pool, gardens and 360º panoramic views are undoubtedly the highlight of the villa, offering the perfect setting for a day in the sun. The outdoor dining area is shaded for when you need a break from the heat, or to enjoy an alfresco meal against the stunning backdrop of the mountains. The barbecue corner is on one side of the garden.
Price: €5,712
Hotels in Alcudia
Alcúdia’s old town is a lovely place to stay if you’re looking for charm, character and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Boutique hotels
Many of the boutique hotels here are set within beautifully restored historic buildings, some dating back centuries. These places often feature original stone walls, traditional tiles and antique furniture, combined with modern touches to ensure a comfortable stay. It’s an ideal choice if you want to soak up the town’s history while enjoying a relaxed and stylish setting.
Traditional finca-style hotels
Just outside the town, in the surrounding countryside, you’ll find finca-style hotels and private villas that offer a more rural experience. These are perfect if you’re after a bit of privacy or want to enjoy the island’s natural beauty in a quieter setting.
Budget-friendly hotels
For those looking for more facilities or a livelier atmosphere, Port d’Alcúdia is the place to go. It’s especially popular with families and groups who want to be close to the sea and enjoy easy access to watersports, restaurants and entertainment.
Hotels in Alcudia
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Cas Ferrer Nou Hotelet
Located in Alcudia
This is an exclusive hotel tucked away in the historical old town of Alcudia. Built hundreds of years ago it was once a blacksmith's house, it has all modern comforts within a traditional setting that captured the Mediterranean spirit of life.
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Hotel Can Mostatxins
Located in Alcudia
With a spa pool and just nine unique bedrooms, this small hotel is located in the centre of the historic walled town of Alcúdia. It takes its name from the Mallorcan word for moustache.
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Can Pere Boutique Hotel
Located in Alcudia
This hotel is situated in the historic old town of Alcudia. It has been built in a 19th-century Mallorcan manor house, preserving many of the original features, including the beautiful stone walls.
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Can Tem Hotel
Located in Alcudia
Located in one of the main streets of the old town of Alcúdia, the hotel is situated at the heart of the family’s 17th-century traditional manor house.
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Zafiro Palace Alcudia Hotel
Located in Port d'Alcudia
Being the first of the Zafiro Palace Collection, the 5* resort exudes luxury, delicious gastronomy, comfortable rooms, impressive swimming pools, a solarium and much more.
How to get to Alcudia
By car
Car hire is a viable option in Mallorca and Alcúdia is only 40 minutes away from Palma airport by car. Alternatively you can book a private transfer to take any worries out of driving yourself.
Public transport
There are no direct buses to Alcúdia from the airport, you'll need to go via Palma city.
Transfers for Mallorca
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Luxury Chauffeur Services & Airport Transfers
Experience luxury and convenience with this company. Arrive at your yacht charter, sunset tour or boat trip in unparalleled style in a Rolls Royce Ghost.
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Janer Bus Airport Transfers
The established company have been offering a reliable, reasonably priced, private transfer service in Mallorca since 1993.
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Taxi PMI
Taxi PMI is the Association of Taxi Drivers of Palma de Mallorca, who provide visitors with an efficient and reliable airport transfer service, whilst also eliminating the need to stand in a queue and wait for the next available taxi.
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Easy Majorca Taxi
A group of taxi drivers with many years of experience in the sector of airport transfers in Mallorca. You can book online in advance or call to book last-minute.
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MajorCabDriver Taxis
The only British taxi driver in Mallorca, offering airport transfers to destinations throughout the island.
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Majorca Taxis Company Transfers
Multilingual company offering transfers from the airport to your destination.