Alcudia, a charming town in the north of Mallorca, is famous not only for its medieval walls but also for some of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches I’ve ever seen.
It holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Mallorca, founded by the Romans in 123 B.C.
Find in this blog a list of the best things to do in Alcudia.
Alcudia: Things to Do
1. Explore the Old Town
The Medieval Wall
It was a big surprise for me to learn that Alcudia is the only town in Spain that still preserves almost all of its medieval walls. The area inside the walls is known as the ‘Casco Antiguo’ or Old Town. It is pedestrian and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I recommend going through the Cami de Ronda (the Ronda Way), which is the interior road running beside the inside part of the walls. Enter to it through Carrer de la Pau. While going up the walls, you can follow the Cami de Ronda for about 1.5 km, enjoying the view of the Old Town on one side and the Bay of Pollensa on the other.
The wall, 6 meters high with 26 towers, was built in the 13th century to protect the land from the frequent attacks of pirates. However, it was surpassed several times, leading to the construction of another wall in the 17th century, which collapsed in the 19th century. There are very few remains of the second wall.
The original wall had four gates, of which currently only two remain: the Porta de Mallorca, also known as Porta de Sant Sebastiá on the west, and the Porta des Moll on the east. The first one is well-preserved; entering through it, you can cross the entire Old Town and reach the other gate that leads to the port.
The Historical Old Town
Alcudia is in the list of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Walking through the charming historic center is like taking a journey through time. Stone houses with characteristic facades, adorned with flowers, line the narrow cobbled streets.
The city boasts numerous buildings with rich historical backgrounds and great architectural value. One of them is the impressive 17th-century palace ‘Can Torró’, which houses a library. Another notable building is ‘Can Canta’ with its Renaissance-style architecture. The Moors, who occupied the island until the 14th century, have also left traces of their architectural style.
Sant Jaume Church
The original church of Sant Jaume was built in the 14th century, attached to the medieval wall. It was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style, featuring a facade with a sculpted image of the saint. Inside, a beautiful rose window displays Alcudia’s coat of arms.
Next to the church, you will find the Chapel of Sant Christ, which dates back to the 17th century. Inside, it houses the image of Sant Crist, carved in the 15th century. The chapel is also worth a visit.
The Town Hall
It dates back to the 16th century and has a Renaissance design. The building has a tall tower with a clock at the top. You can spot it in the middle of a square, and the main door has a sign that says: Casa Consistorial.
2. Visit the Roman Ruins of Pollentia
In 123 BC, the Romans established themselves on the island and founded the city of Pollentia, now known as Alcudia. Situated between the bays of Pollensa and Alcudia, it occupied a highly strategic position.
Over time, this settlement evolved into a modern city with significant buildings and infrastructure, including drinking water and sewage systems. It was a time of prosperity for the port, facilitating intense commercial traffic between the Italian peninsula and the coast of Hispania.
In the 3rd century, the Empire faced challenges that also impacted Pollentia. The city contracted in size, prompting the reinforcement of its walls. Subsequently, conditions deteriorated, especially during the Vandals’ attacks. Pollentia managed to survive until the 5th century, but following the collapse of the Empire, it ceased to exist as a city.
Archaeologists began excavating and studying this area only at the beginning of the 20th century, a practice that continues to the present day. It is located outside the urban center of Alcudia.
La Portella, the Forum and the Theater
These three spaces are open to the public.
La Portella is the name given to the residential area. There you will see the original distribution of three noble houses. One of them still has standing columns that supported the porch.
The Forum was the central area where government, justice, and religious institutions functioned. It also served as the marketplace. On one side of the Forum Square stands a significant building, the Tuscan Temple, probably dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
The Theater is located 800 meters away from La Portella. It was built in the 1st century and functioned as a theater for about a hundred years. Afterward, it was used as a cemetery. However, it still retains many of its seating, performance area, and stage features.
Admission fee is €3.50, with a discounted rate of €2.00 for individuals over 60 and children. Tickets are available for purchase at the parking area.
Since you will be walking for a while, don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
The ticket includes entrance to the Museu Monográfic de Pollentia, in Jaume Street, inside the Old Town. It is recommended not to miss it, as you will see there art pieces which were discovered in the city ruins. Therefore, it’s most interesting to visit the ruins first.
3. Explore the Alcudia Markets
Alcudia markets open all year long and are very popular. You can find them every Tuesday and Sunday from 8:00 to 13:30 h. Lined up along the wall the market stalls sell everything from food to cloth, shoes, artcrafts, shoes, jewelry and more.
In summer the affluence of visitors is huge and in this season there are also night markets which take place at the sea promenade in the port.
4. Discover the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca
A visit to this museum has become one of the best things to do in Alcudia. Word has spread, and now every tourist arriving in the city has this attraction listed on their Alcudia bucket list. It’s great for everyone, including kids.
Set on the seashore, on a private cove, Sa Bassa Blanca Museum is a captivating space. Don’t think of it as a conventional museum. Here, art and nature merge, as the architecture of the house itself is a work of art, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings.
As you wander through the museum, you’ll encounter a range of artistic styles, from traditional paintings to avant-garde sculptures. The museum features an eclectic collection of art pieces from all over the world.
The guided tour takes about 1.5 hours, but it is so captivating that you will be left wanting more.
For all the information about opening hours and prices, visit the museum’s website.
5. Enjoy the Beaches
Beaches in Alcudia are spectacular and draw visitors not only from the island and Spain but also from abroad. The calm and turquoise waters extend to approximately 20 beaches and coves along a coastline of more than 30 km. Here is a list of some of the best ones:
Playa de Alcudia
This is a huge beach stretching over 8 km with a width of about 200 m. With truly beautiful, blue colored, and calm waters, it invites families to spend a nice day. Some years ago, Conde Nast Traveller magazine chose it as the best beach in Mallorca.
Playa de Muro
Situated next to Playa de Alcudia, Muro is considered one of the best beaches in Mallorca. With its white sand and blue waters, it is the largest in Alcudia. Part of the beach forms part of the the National Park of S’Albufera. It has been awarded the Blue Flag in 2023.
Can Picafort
This beach is in front of the residential area of the same name. It is known as one of the most touristy and lively beaches in Alcudia. It’s a white sandy beach with calm waves. As a Blue Flag Awarded Beach in 2023, it maintains a very high standard of quality and services.
Playa des Coll Baix
This is indeed one of the most charming coves in all of Mallorca. It’s located 8 km from Alcudia, and after parking, you need to descend through a steep rocky road for 20 minutes. Absolutely worth it if you spend the day, as it is really like a hidden paradise.
Playa de Aucanada
This pebble beach stands out due to the presence of pine trees providing shelter. In front of the beach, enjoy a scenic view of a small island with a lighthouse and the mountains. The small island is accessible by swimming.
Playa de Sant Joan
Playa de Sant Joan is a beautiful circular beach, approximately 200 m in length. The sea access is ideal for children, with a very gentle slope. From the beach, you can see areas with rocks and marine vegetation.
Playa de Sant Pere
Playa de Sant Pere is located next to Sant Joan in Mal Pas. It is a beautiful beach, not very deep, with pine trees and residential houses in the background. Ideal for families and frequented by locals.
6. Go Dolphin Watching
At sunrise, embark on a magical dolphin watching boat tour and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing dolphins in their natural habitat. This family-friendly adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures, creating lasting memories for everyone on board.
7. Embark on a Sunset Catamaran Tour
Depart Alcudia on a Sunset Catamaran Tour admiring the stunning views across the water. The catamaran heads for a tranquil cove for an hour and a half. There you will be able to make use of kayaks and the stand-up paddle aboard or if prefer just relax to enjoy the deep colors in the sky as the sun begins to set while having a delicious buffet meal.
How to Get to Alcudia from Palma
By Car:
The MA-13 motorway, covering 55 km, provides a 45-minute route. To rent a car, you need to present a valid Driving License from your country. While the mandatory driving age in Spain is 18, most rental companies prefer drivers to be at least 21 years old.
Given the narrow roads in both towns and the countryside, it’s advisable to opt for a narrow car with a powerful engine.
By Bus:
Traveling by bus is convenient with Tib Line 351, taking approximately 1 hour for the journey. The average fare is around 8 Euros.
Taxi:
A taxi ride takes approximately 50 minutes, with a cost of around 110 Euros.
Where to Stay in Alcudia
High-End Hotels (5*)
Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village is a big holiday spot by the beach in Playa de Muro. It features rooms with balconies, 2 pools and different restaurants. There is a gym, a tennis court, a spa, sauna and ice fountain. If you like golf, there’s a course just 2.5 miles away, and they can set you up with Green Fees.
Book here your stay at the Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village
Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa, located on Muro Beach, is surrounded by the beautiful S’Albufera Nature Reserve. Every room has a balcony or terrace with views of the gardens, pool, or sea. A bus that stops right in front of the hotel can take you directly to Can Picafort, Port d’Alcúdia, and Alcúdia. It features a restaurant and a lounge bar.
Book here your stay at Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa
Medium-Range Hotels (4*)
Inmood Aucanada 4 Sup, located in front of the beach, features 4 swimming pools, a spa, and a buffet restaurant. Themed dinners and cooking shows are available. The hotel offers a varied entertainment program. Canoeing and diving courses are offered at an additional cost. Enjoy discounted rates at various golf courses.
Book here your stay at Inmood Aucanada 4 Sup
Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa – Adults Only is found in Alcudia Old Town. It has a bar, a shared lounge, and an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. There’s also a terrace where you can hang out. They serve a buffet breakfast.
Book here your stay at Forum Boutique Hotel & Spa-Adults Only
Budget Hotels (3*)
Grupotel Amapola is near a lake and only 1640 feet from the beach. It’s a hotel that’s great for families, with a cool outdoor pool and a tennis court. Kids can play and make friends in the playground. You can have hearty meals at the buffet restaurant, where they serve both hot and cold dishes. Rooms have balconies with great view.
Book here your stay at the Grupotel Amapola
Fonda Llabres Hostal Boutique is a family-run guest house located in Alcudia’s Constitution Square. Some rooms have views of the square, while others offer sea views. The Fonda Llabrés’ restaurant serves a mixture of Mallorcan, Spanish, and international food. There is also a bar serving drinks and snacks throughout the day, and breakfast.
