AlcúdiaMallorca · Balearic Islands

All About Alcúdia

The establishment of Alcúdia as a strategic harbor goes back centuries, way before the Romans developed it as a city in 123BC. Soon after its initial growth, the city came under attack by various empires, including the Byzantines and the Arabs. However, between 1229 and 1231, the Catalan Christians finally took control over Alcúdia, along with the rest of the island.

Alcúdia today is an influential port, a historically significant destination, and a much-cherished seaside resort. Its magnetism lies in its vivacious personality, gorgeous beaches, ancient relics, and romantic trails. Culturally, Alcúdia is the vibrant hub of Mallorca with shops selling local handicrafts, an annual jazz festival, and concerts throughout the year. As one of the most well-preserved walled cities in the world, Alcúdia is a joy to discover and the perfect stay option for exploring North Mallorca.
 

Routes and Ferries to Alcúdia

Want to arrive in Mallorca via boat? That’s easy. Ferryscanner offers ferry tickets to Alcúdia from Barcelona, Toulon, and Ciutadella de Menorca. Tickets for the under 2-hour journey from Menorca range between €20 to €50, depending on the season. Ferry tickets to Alcúdia from Barcelona cost around €35 per adult, one way, with several sailings per week between the two cities. There’s only one boat a week from Toulon, so make sure you book a seat on it well in advance.

Palma de Mallorca Airport is a relatively busy airport with four terminals, and flights arrive here throughout the year from across Europe. Alcúdia is approximately 45 minutes by taxi from Palma Airport. The fare for this trip usually comes around €60. In comparison, taking the airport shuttle bus to the city will only cost you €8. You’ll also find many car rental agencies at the airport.
 

Port of Alcúdia

Situated in the Bay of Alcúdia, 2km from the main city, the Port of Alcúdia occupies a prime position in the north of Mallorca. Its closeness to Mainland Spain is why the port has been an essential center for trade since Roman times. Divided into two sections, the harbor nowadays handles both commercial and leisure vessels. One dock caters specifically to industrial ships, such as those bringing in coal and LPG. The other takes care of ferries, fishing boats, and private yachts.

Having won awards for its infrastructure, the Port of Alcúdia also has a marina that can accommodate 750 vessels of different sizes. Moreover, due to the port’s growing fame, the neighborhoods around the harbor have over time developed into tourist-friendly resorts. Travelers arriving on the island with ferry tickets to Alcúdia can easily find several hotels, restaurants, clubs, transport options, and shops next to the pier.
 

Best Beaches

Mallorca is a haven for sunseekers, and Alcúdia’s spectacular coastline, dotted with alluring sandy beaches, further adds to the island’s flair as one of the top year-round holiday destinations in Europe.

Alcúdia Beach

The 7km-long white sandy shoreline of the city is a mesmerizing sight as you dock at the port, ferry tickets to Alcúdia in hand. True to its resort status, the beach offers an assortment of facilities and activities to keep every visitor happy. The gorgeously transparent sea, teeming with fish, invites you to snorkel. At the same time, wide-open spaces on the beach accommodate sunbathers, sand sculptures, and different types of entertainment. Moreover, a wooden jetty, bars, restaurants, showers, toilets, and a sailing school give this seaside destination a family-friendly appeal. Surprisingly, the food and amenities here aren’t too costly, with two sunbeds and a parasol costing only €13 per day.

Playa De Los Pinos

A little further down the coast from Alcúdia Beach, Playa De Los Pinos is another long sandy strip picture-perfect for a fun day by the water with friends and family. Calm waters that are ripe for snorkeling, shallow enough for little ones to play, and the opportunity to enjoy water sports help boost the popularity of the beach among locals and tourists. Moreover, shade-providing pine trees, as well as cafes and bars, allow beachgoers at Playa De Los Pinos to spend long hours under the sun in comfort.

Playa Des Morer Vermell

Typically, it’s hard to find a beach near any city that is off the tourist radar. However, Playa des Morer Vermell somehow manages to do that, even though it is a dreamy little alcove perfect for sunbathing and swimming. About 2km from the center, the beach has no facilities but has two popular three-star hotels nearby. Guests from the hotels do sometimes visit the strand, but it’s mostly locals who come here. Although the water here is clear, calm, and inviting, there are days when an excess of seaweed floats up on the shore. If that doesn’t bother you much, the place is an excellent spot for a snorkel.

Playa des Coll Baix

Playa des Coll Baix is a stunning cove that is also one of the lesser-known beaches of Alcúdia. While it only takes 20 minutes by road to the beach parking, visitors must then take a 30-minute hike to reach this beautiful pebbly waterfront. Fascinatingly, along the way and on the seashore, you’ll meet a few too many goats who are interested in any food you may be carrying. If you prefer an easier route, the beach is accessible by boat. Surrounded by hills, Playa des Coll Baix is a must-visit secluded escape without any facilities, so remember to bring water and snacks.

Playa de Muro

A natural white sandy strip with modern-day conveniences, Playa de Muro is one of the best beaches in Alcúdia. It takes fewer than 15 minutes by car to reach this seaside retreat that grants uninterrupted access to the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean. The shallow sea, two wooden jetties, and lifeguards during the summers make the beach popular with families. Adding to its liveliness are restaurants and bars, a sailing school, kite surfing lessons, and plenty of water sports options. Sunbed rentals at Playa de Muro cost €13 per day.
 

Things To Do

Alcúdia is a comprehensive destination with a wide range of attractions geared towards tourists of all ages. The sheer variety of excursions that one can enjoy in and around the peninsula is why Alcúdia continues to evolve as a preferred holiday getaway for couples, families, and solo travelers.

Have Fun at Hidropark

Located only 10 minutes from the port, you can technically head straight to Hidropark after arriving on the island with ferry tickets to Alcúdia. However, a relaxed, full day is more apt since the only waterpark in North Mallorca offers plenty of thrills. Open from May to October, the park covers an area of 40,000 square meters. It entices visitors with sky-high waterslides, a 54-hole golf course, solarium, wave pool, and a special mini-park for smaller children. There are also restaurants, bars, and places to lounge and take in the sun on the property. Entry tickets for Hidropark cost €27.90 for adults and €19.90 for children.

Wander Around Alcúdia Old Town

The Old Town is a treasure-filled must-see attraction of Alcúdia that amazes visitors with its whimsical character. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its century-old narrow streets, medieval architecture, pretty courtyards, and weekly markets are huge draws, bringing in tourists from all over the island. While traversing in the neighborhood, make sure you walk the city walls with their 26 watchtowers, constructed by the Spaniards in the 1300s. The walls are an excellent vantage point from where you can take panoramic photographs of the city and the sea. Remember that Tuesdays and Sundays are crowded market days in the Old Town, but they are a precious opportunity to discover artisanal produce and products of Alcúdia.

Enjoy Wine Tasting

The Alcúdia Peninsula happens to be an idyllic location for the production of wine. Consequently, you’ll find several wineries close to the city, a perfect excuse for romantic day trips complete with wine tastings and walks through vineyards. Wine connoisseurs, though, should stop by Can Axartell, famous for producing organic vino via a unique gravitational method. While the grapes they use are both local and foreign, the technique includes vertical production wherein the wine moves from one stage to another via gravity rather than by using pumps. Can Axartell believes that this inventive method leads to the preservation of original flavors, resulting in a robust and authentic wine.

Visit the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca

An extensive site, roughly 20-minutes from Alcúdia center, Museo Sa Bassa Blanca displays one of the best collections of modern art in the region. The museum also boasts a rose garden and a sculpture park featuring large granite animal figures by artists Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu. A lesser-known art gallery on the property is called the Observatory. This modernist stone structure, about a 15-minute walk from the main museum, is open only by appointment to very small groups. The admission fee per adult for the museum, which stays closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is €15.

Explore the Ruins of Pollentia

Located near the Old Town of Alcúdia, the ruins of Pollentia cover an area of 16 hectares, highlighting the importance of the port town over centuries. While the construction of a Roman city in this location dates back to 123BC, some remnants prove the area was possibly a Roman army camp earlier. Since the site is still being excavated, only certain sections such as the forum, residences, theater, and the ancient cemetery are open to the public. Entry into the site (closed on Mondays) costs €3.50 per adult and includes admission to the Archaeological Museum nearby.
 

Transportation Around Alcúdia

The Old Town and central districts of Alcúdia invite travelers to investigate their quaint corners and hidden nooks on foot. However, you’ll need some form of transport to explore the rest of the city and its surrounding areas. Renting a car or a moped tends to be the most popular option among returning tourists. It removes any time restrictions and is cheaper, especially if you want to take day trips around the island.

If not driving on your own, taxis are a good choice. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Alcúdia can find taxis right outside the port. Drivers usually have fixed fares for hotels, towns, and top attractions in Mallorca printed on a card. The local bus service between island cities is a cost-saving possibility when time is not an issue. If you are in Alcúdia for a short period, go with organized tours that include transportation for a carefree sightseeing experience. Several tour operators near the port offer a range of excursions at competitive prices to most tourist destinations in Mallorca.