Alcudia is a village in Mallorca that is strategically located on the isthmus that separates the two large bays to the northeast, the Bay of Pollença and the Bay of Alcudia, and which comprises a territory of 60.5 km², encompassing the urban centre of Alcudia, Alcudia Beach, the Port of Alcudia, Mal Pas – Bonaire, Marina Manresa and Son Fe.
It is also a town open to the world as it is directly connected to places such as Menorca, Barcelona and France.
If you are organising your trip to Mallorca, you should include Alcudia in your route. Mallorca’s historical legacy is very visible in this village, especially when you see the ancient city protected by the wall, its well-kept and lively streets and the cultural and historical heritage that today is proudly displayed and that you can visit.
Weather in Alcudia today: weekly forecast
AlcudiaHistory of Alcudia
The first occupations in Alcudia took place in the pre-Talaiotic period, between 2000-1200 BC, and their remains are visible in the Son Simó settlement.
Already in the Roman period, when in 123 BC the consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus landed in Mallorca, he saw as strategic places both Palmeira (Palma) and Pollentia (Alcudia), although this last was always seen as the city par excellence, becoming the first capital of the island of Mallorca. This is how the “modern” history of this town began to be forged.
Jaime I landed in Mallorca in 1229 and conquered the Balearic territory, doing what he wanted with it and being responsible for the division of the island into eight territories, four for himself and another four for the other nobles who helped him in the conquest. Most of the territories of Alcudia and Pollença remained in the hands of the Knights Templar.
Jaime II was responsible for founding the town in 1325 and Carlos I granted it the title of Most Faithful City, for the town’s loyalty to the emperor after the Germanic Revolts in 1523.
If you are interested in the history of Alcudia and want to see the objects and artefacts that were found in the ancient city of Pollentia, they are exhibited in the Monographic Museum of Alcudia.
How to get to Alcudia
Alcudia is a convenient destination as it has a motorway from Palma and is quick depending on the means of transport used.
Mallorca is well connected to its cities and villages by public transport: bus, train and taxi, but the frequency of buses passing through the bus stops outside the capital, Palma, is very slow.
During holidays, sometimes time is tight or you just want to make the journey your own way, you don’t want to wait, and you want to stop wherever and whenever you want. If so, we recommend that you get around Mallorca by car.
If you do not have a private vehicle, we suggest that you always use a car hire price comparator. You will be able to choose from many options, according to your needs and budget.
To reach Alcudia by car you will have to take the Ma-13 motorway, which links Palma with the north of Mallorca. You won’t get lost, it is very well signposted.
If you decide to go to Alcudia by public transport, the 302 bus line that goes towards Ca’n Picafort is the one you should take if you are leaving from Palma.
Public transport is not complicated in Mallorca, but if you want to know everything about how it works, we advise you to read this article. With our tips you will save a lot of time and money.
Finally, you could also reach Alcudia by taxi. It can be expensive, depending on where on the island you are coming from. Our recommendation is that you always ask the price before starting the route.
Once you have decided how you want to travel, you should make sure you don’t get lost. We recommend that you download the free Mallorca map that we have designed for you here.
What to see in Alcudia
In the centre of Alcudia you will see facades that still look as they did on the first day they were opened, decorated with the utmost care, and Renaissance–style manor houses that once belonged to the city’s nobles and which still retain elements characteristic of their period of splendour and which are of great architectural value.
In 2017, Fornalutx became part of the official list of the most beautiful villages in the country and since August 2020, together with Pollença, Alcudia is officially one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.
And not just any village can form part of this select ranking, as the tough audit to achieve such an award requires as a main premise the care of the heritage, the care of the accesses to the village and the homogeneity of its constructions.
Walls of Alcudia
Alcudia’s privileged situation also had its negative side, and that was how exposed the city was to attacks by Turkish pirates from the Mediterranean, who dismantled the island on several occasions. For this reason, in 1298 King Jaime II ordered the construction of the first walled enclosure. These walls served to protect the town and the entire north of the island.
The wall has 26 defence towers distributed along its 2 km perimeter, along which you can walk. This walkway is known as the Camí de Ronda and is 6 metres high, preserving two access gates, the Porta del Moll and the Porta de Mallorca, and the foundations of the Porta de la Vila Roja.
In the 19th century, part of the new wall were destroyed, which is why in 1974 it was given the designation of Historic-Artistic Site to guarantee its preservation and conservation.
The medieval walls of Alcudia have been preserved in their entirety, and it is the only town that still has them.
Gates of the Alcudia City Wall
The three gates of the wall of Alcudia were and still are the backbone that connects the town of Alcudia with the historic centre of the small town: the Porta de Mallorca or from Sant Sebastià, on the Inca road; the Porta de Moll or from Xara, in the north-western part; and the Porta de la Vila Roja, on the Barcarès road, of which only the stone bridge over which it was accessed has been preserved.
The foundations of the Porta de la Vila Roja appeared in 2019. The builder in charge of the renovation of the secondary road – the most modern because it dates from the 17th century, as opposed to the first road, which is medieval – discovered them.
After the discovery, the town council considered leaving the layout of the foundations of the modern wall visible, but the great urban modification that this would require meant that the idea was abandoned, but it was paved in a different way to the rest of the street.
Experts deduce that the Porta de la Vila Roja was an exit to the sea on the side of the Bay of Pollença.
Church of Sant Jaume and Chapel of Sant Crist in Alcudia
The church of Sant Jaume is, without a doubt, one of Alcudia’s treasures. Jaime I commissioned its construction, although it had to be remodelled in the 19th century due to the collapse of the original church. The current one is neo-Gothic in style and has a rose window that will remind you of the one in Palma Cathedral, which we also recommend you visit.
Inside the church is the Baroque Chapel of Sant Crist, with a 15th century carving that is highly venerated by the people of Alcudia, and other chapels, where you can visit a museum of sacred art.
Streets of the historic centre
Alcudia has a network of extremely well-kept, narrow, irregular and cobbled streets with monuments everywhere that still remind us of medieval and Roman times and invite us to stroll through them and admire every detail.
The streets have a pleasant atmosphere that even invites you to talk to the locals. We recommend you explore them and pick up handicrafts and useful items to take home as souvenirs.
St. Anne’s Church
The Church of Santa Ana or Santa María de la Torre dates from the 17th century and is attributed to Diego Español. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2014, it is one of the best-preserved examples of a church on the island after the Catalan conquest in 1229.
It should be noted that the primitive church is built on levels from the Islamic period and the latter on levels from the Roman period (1st-2nd c. BC).
Pollentia, the Roman city
The remains of the Roman city of Pollentia, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1963, are located outside the city walls and are open to the public. For us, it is one of the must-see places in Alcudia.
Stop and take your time, sit back while you contemplate and imagine what those days might have been like when the remains of today were a city full of life and growth.
You will be able to visit the Forum, where the centre of the ancient city was located; the Theatre, which is one of the smallest but most unique in Spain, as it is set on a rock, taking advantage of the natural slope; and La Portella, where the city’s residential area used to be located.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 6:30pm, Saturdays from 9:30am to 11:30am, and Sundays from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
- Admission: €4
With the price of the ticket you can also visit the Monographic Museum of Pollentia, located next to the church of Sant Jaume, which has a collection of objects found in the ancient Roman city.
Alcudia weekly market (“flea market”)
The weekly market in Alcudia is one of the most unique and genuine markets in Mallorca, as it is still held in the historic quarter, next to the walls and in the surroundings of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia.
The villages of Mallorca regain a different spirit and vibrancy on market days. The usual tone of voice is raised during selling and buying, and the routine and daily life is broken while the stalls are set up, the products are placed and displayed.
The Alcudia market is one of the largest in Mallorca and is held in the historic centre of Alcudia on Tuesdays and Sundays from 8am-1.30pm and in the Port of Alcudia (Plaça de Cas Vicari) on Fridays from 8am-1pm.
The main items available are fresh local fruit and vegetables, handmade jewellery, leather goods and handicrafts. Toys, shoes and clothes are also available. A product that is highly appreciated by visitors are the products made with Mallorcan “llenguas” textile, as they are endemic to Mallorca.
In the summer there is a night market (6pm – 10pm) on the promenade of Puerto de Alcudia, from the beginning of June until the end of September.
Free tour in Alcudia
If you prefer to visit Alcudia with a local guide who will show you the main attractions and explain the ins and outs of its history, you can do so by booking this free tour, which lasts two hours.
What to see and do around Alcudia
Would you also like to get to know the surroundings of Alcudia? Then you will certainly be interested in the Mallorca map that we have designed exclusively for you, with the most important places and visits. You can download it here for free.
Puerto de Alcudia
Puerto de Alcudia is the most touristic area of the municipality. There you will be able to enjoy the beach of Playa de Alcudia, awarded with the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and sustainability.
Formed by a large sandy beach of 3.5 km and turquoise and shallow waters, it is the perfect beach to visit with the family, as children can swim and have fun in peace and safety.
By the sea, along the promenade of Puerto de Alcudia, there is a wide range of bars and restaurants that will satisfy any culinary request you may have.
There are many ways to enjoy the beaches of Alcudia, from relaxing on the silky sands, reading a good book in the shade or simply doing nothing and listening to the waves. However, if you have traveled to Mallorca looking for movement and adrenaline, water sports will undoubtedly be one of your best options.
Below we suggest an excursion on a jet ski around the beaches, coves and cliffs of Alcudia.
Natural Park of S’Albufera de Mallorca
If you are a nature lover, very close to Alcudia, you can visit the Natural Park of S’Albufera, which is located in front of Playa de Muro, and is the largest and most important wetland on the island of Mallorca.
It is an excellent place for birdwatching, with the presence of up to 303 species having been recorded, and is highly valued for its great wealth of fauna and flora. It is an ideal area for walking or cycling, getting lost along its paths, as there are paths for cyclists in its interior.
The visit is free but you will need to ask for an access permit at the Son Roca reception centre (+34 971892250).
Cycling in Alcudia
Do you enjoy cycling? Alcudia is a practically flat area with lanes adapted for the comfort and safety of cyclists, so we recommend that you explore the surrounding area by bicycle.
Here we tell you how to travel by bicycle around Mallorca and how to rent a bike with a service that will bring it to you wherever you need it on the island, if you don’t have one.
Hiking in Alcudia
There is the possibility of hiking routes in the Alcudia area. Walk through Es Mal Pas and visit the Mirador de La Victoria, where you will find the interesting 12th century Ermita de la Victoria, and beaches such as the S’Illot, Sant Joan and Sant Pere, where you can also contemplate a spectacular sunset with the sea in the background.
Climbing Sa Talaia de Alcudia is the great hiking route in the area, as it is the highest point of the Alcudia peninsula, from where you will have panoramic views of the northwest of Mallorca.
And another plan we have a weakness for at Yo soy Mallorca is visiting Mallorca’s lighthouses, and in Alcudia you can visit the Aucanada Lighthouse. From here there is another hiking route that will take you to the incredible Coll Baix beach, one of the beaches that we include in the top 10 of the best beaches in Mallorca.
Kitesurfing in Playa de Muro
The beaches of Alcudia and its surroundings are perfect for the practice of sailing sports, more specifically kitesurfing and windsurfing, as the area takes advantage of the strong north winds blowing from the Menorca channel and as the beaches are sandy and shallow, the waves are not big.
Paddle boarding is also another sport that is very popular on calmer days due to the instability of the board, although the more daring also practice it on days with swell and rough seas and enjoy taking advantage of the waves to surf with these larger boards.
If you are unable to make plans in this area of the island due to the lack of wind and you want to practice these sports, there are other places in Mallorca such as El Arenal, Es Trenc and Sa Ràpita with a similar maritime orography that will allow you to practice them.
Wine tasting in Mallorca
If you came looking for a wine tasting in Mallorca, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a very special wine tasting in the surroundings of Alcudia, where you will be able to take a beautiful one-hour horseback ride through the woods of Puig de Sant Marti.
After the horseback ride you will arrive at the ranch and enjoy a unique taste of Mallorca with a selection of wines and cheeses and other local gastronomic products. It’s a different experience to the usual plans in Mallorca that you won’t forget.
Festivities in Alcudia
Nautical and Gastronomic Cuttlefish Fair
The Port of Alcudia Cuttlefish Fair is a fair dedicated to the display of nautical products and the tasting of dishes made with cuttlefish caught in the Bay of Alcudia. It is held during the month of April and is one of our favourite fairs on the island.
Alcudia Fair
The Alcudia Fair is held on the first weekend of October in the historic centre and is an agricultural, livestock, business, craft and gastronomic fair.
Other festivities in Alcudia
- 25th July: San Jaime, patron saint of Alcudia.
- 29th June: San Pedro, patron saint of Puerto de Alcudia.
- 26th December: San Esteban, a traditional feast day since the time of the Germanias.
Hotels in Alcudia
Alcudia stands out for being a town with a wide range of hotels, as well as being close to other areas such as Playa de Muro, Ca’n Picafort or Port de Pollença, which are also good places to stay in Mallorca.
In the specific case of Alcudia, we would recommend that you stay in the old town, within the walls, as there you will find many hotels with the charm that the beach areas do not have, as well as being able to enjoy the centre and its good atmosphere.
Do you want to know which are the best hotels in Alcudia? Here is our selection:
- Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only
- ARA Alcudia
- Hotel Can Mostatxins
- Apartamentos Carlos V
- Hotel Ca’n Pere
Do you want more options? Enter your dates in the search engine and choose from the many accommodation options available in Alcudia:
Booking.comWhat do you think? Have we convinced you to visit this wonderful village in the north of Mallorca? Leave us a comment!
