Alcanada Beach, Alcudia

There are several restaurant options including beach front Bar Playa and upmarket La Terraza.

Situated alongside the small town of Alcanada whose main draw is the stunningly located Alcanada Golf club, the town doesn’t attract many tourists, leaving the beach free for residents and a few day tripping tourists. A paved walkway providing easy access leads from the town out to the farthest point of the beach, level with the lighthouse and is popular with joggers, dog walkers and cyclists. At the end of the walkway the beach curves back in land and becomes rather more rocky, rugged and exciting to explore.

Clear azur waters and easy access into the sea via a gently sloping and shallow sandy sea bed. The sea grass or Poseidon Grass is a regular feature of north Mallorca and although it detracts a little from the visual and comfort aspects of this beach it is in fact a key element of the ecosystem and is instrumental in slowing the erosion of sea bed and coastline. It should not affect your enjoyment of this beach however because the sea is for the most part clear of the weed and you can easily pick a clear blue spot to wade into.

The beach at Alcanada is unfortunately lacking in sand being prone to gravel and abundant sea grass, but this beach makes up for it with clear azure waters, a sandy sea bed and shallow entry to the water. The beach also runs along a grassy area dotted with large shady trees and great picnic spots, meaning that although the sand is no great shakes for sunbathing you’re not short of space to set up camp.

If you do prefer white sand, then you have the option of heading to the small patch of beach in town directly opposite the HSM President hotel, a pretty little patch of beach complete with sun loungers and beach side bar and café. This spot does tend to fill up fast with guests of the hotel, so if you want your own space you’re better off walking out of town to the long stretch of less sandy but more private beach.

Be warned that this beach is unmanned, meaning no lifeguards, no toilets, showers or water sports stations. You will see some of the tourist cruise boats float past - making use of the clear waters for a snorkelling stop and you should follow their lead - snorkel in the reed beds dotted in the sea or head over towards the lighthouse and swim out to its rocky shores.

You can reach Alcanada easily by car following the signs from Alcudia and there is plenty of free parking along the street, the town is also a pleasant half hour walk or a steady cycle from Port D’Alcudia. If you want to give public transport a go the 356 bus runs from Alcudia but only 3 or 4 times a day so check out the return times lest you get stranded!