Alcudia lies in the north of Mallorca some 54km from Palma. Although well established, the municipal authorities have strictly controlled the development of Alcudia which has produced a well spread out resort consisting mainly of relatively new hotels and apartments of the low rise variety.
It is a very friendly, family resort with glorious beaches, fine accommodation and a good selection of bars and restaurants which attract visitors from all over Europe as well as many Spanish tourists. It is certainly one of the island’s most cosmopolitan resorts.
It is best to consider the town of Alcudia as three parts:
- Alcudia Beach (Platja d’Alcudia)
- Alcudia Port (Port d’Alcudia)
- Alcudia Old Town
The beach and port areas adjoin one another whilst the historical old town is some 2km away.
Alcudia Beach
There is beach all the way from C’an Picafort to Alcudia Port yet most visitors are concentrated in the network of streets which go back from Alcudia beach. Most accommodation on the front line is apartments rather than hotels and the majority are no more than three storeys high which keeps them below the level of the pine trees. Larger hotels are set back off the first line and most of these are modern, mid-sized blocks as part of the controlled development policy.
Beyond the Boccaccio Hotel and set back from the main entrance road from Can Picafort is a large lake called the Estanty Esperanca. A select few properties have been constructed overlooking the lake which offer great views and are still just a few minutes from the main beach. Interestingly a number of hotels with names such as Alcudia Beach are located across the main Carretera d’Arta from the beach. Families with young children might prefer to be on the beach side of this main road, but having said that some of the hotels further back from the beach have great pools and entertainment. Actually on the frontline the apartments Apartment Ciudad Blanca is an attractive option with lovely gardens.
The main road from Can Picafort veres off to the right next to the Burger King roundabout and within 100m you’ll see the Vanity Hotel Golf on your right. Further back from the beach you’ll find plenty more accommodation as you approach the port area.
Alcudia Port
The Alcudia port area is the most attractive area of the resort for nightlife. It is centred on the Passeig Maritim which is the walkway running parallel to the port. Here you’ll find a line of attractive shops, bars and restaurants which are reasonably priced considering the proximity of yachts! Pizzeria Novamarina is a good choice for Italian style food, L’Illa is a stylish coffee bar and for something more upmarket try Restaurante Miramar for some top notch fish dishes. There’s an Alcudia tourist information kiosk in the middle of the Passeig Maritim. The Hotel Condes de Alcudia is a good option in this area.
For a great selection of bars and restaurants just go into the streets to your left just before reaching the pedestrianised Passeig Maritim. Here you’ll find a few British and Irish pubs, Spanish and Mallorcan restaurants and bars, Chinese and Indian restaurants and a Tex Mex to name but a few.
The actual Alcudia marina extends out into the bay from the Passeig Maritim and is home to some seriously expensive boats. Just follow the signs for Club Nautic and take a stroll around them or have lunch at the very reasonable Varadero restaurant which overlooks the marina.
Alcudia Old Town
The historical centre of Alcudia is a walled city just 2km north of Alcudia Port on the way to Puerto Pollensa. If you’re coming from Alcudia Beach turn right when you reach the junction with the old walls ahead of you and park in the parking area on your right. Next to the car park is the entrance to the remains of the Roman town of Pollentia which dates back to 70BC.
Cross the main road next to the beautiful church of Sant Jaume then you can walk all the way around the walls of the city. Look out for the ancient bullring on the northern side. Within the walls wander into the small streets that weave their way around the historical centre and you’ll come across lovely old town houses and quaint squares. Placa de la Constició has a fine selection of stylish cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a fine menu of the day consisting of mainly Mallorcan specialities.
At the end of Carrer del Moll you’ll reach Porta del Moll which is packed with visitors on a Sunday morning with visitors to the weekly market. The market stretches from here back to the main road near the parking. Fruit and vegetable stalls sell superb quality produce from the countryside whilst many leather stalls offer fine leather bags, jackets and wallets from Inca. Various cafés line the side of the market where locals rub shoulders with tourists over a beer. Try to get to the market before 10am as the parking starts to get full shortly afterwards. There’s also a market on Tuesdays.
Where to Stay in Alcudia
3-Star Hotels: A good value option lying some 1.5 km from Alcudia’s beautiful beach and surrounded by picturesque hills is the Club Mac Alcudia. Quite a holiday camp approach which is a fine choice for families with children. Great range of activities to suit everyone including fabulous swimming pools. In a beautiful location right in front of Alcudia’s beach with superb views from balconies, the Vanity Hotel Golf offers large, modern rooms and a fabulous supervised swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Located in a nice quiet spot where everything closes early is the Viva Sunrise Hotel appeals to young families. If you’re interested in staying in apartments then the Viva Tropic Hotel Apartments are worth a look. They are located just a few minutes walk to a beautiful beach and to the lively marina. Within the old walled city of Alcudia is the historic Cas Ferrer Nou Hotelet which has just six beautiful rooms. This is a true gem so book well in advance.
4-Star Hotels: The spotless Grupotel Maritimo Hotel with large, well looked after rooms is located in a nice quiet area with 3 swimming pools and sauna. Most rooms have balconies with fabulous sea views. A popular family option in the centre of Alcudia is the excellent Estrella De Mar Aparthotel which lies just a couple of minutes walk from the beach. It has a stunning swimming pool with waterfall and jacuzzi surrounded by an enormous tropical garden.
Things to Do in Alcudia
Apart from the obvious main beach areas there’s a lesser known one just outside the old town of Alcudia town. Follow signs for Mal Pas then continue to Platja de San Pere. It’s very secluded with glorious clear water and terrific views towards the Formentor peninsular.
Alcudia’s waterpark stands at the back of this residential area and there’s the Karting Magic go kart track to keep the kids amused. Magic Disco above Burger King might be more appealing to the teenagers.
There are weekly markets in Alcudia Town on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Alcudia is a popular destination for birdwatchers thanks to the Albufera nature reserve which is home to many rare species. Cyclo-tourism is extremely popular with thousnds of cyclists a year basing themselves in Alcudia for jaunts around the stunning sights of the north west coast and the north east coast. And golfers are well catered for on the island with the nearest course being the 18 hole Alcanada club just west of Alcudia.
Festivals in Alcudia
In terms of annual summer festivals in the locality there are three worth looking out for:
- 29th June – St Peter
- 2nd July – Fiesta de la Mare de Deu de la Victoria
- 25th July – St James