The vibrant northern town of Alcúdia is truly a year-round location, offering life, history and culture throughout all seasons. Lying just one kilometre inland from the famous holiday resort of Port d’Alcúdia, it’s the ideal place to taste rich Mallorcan heritage, without having to stray too far off the beaten path.

Once a dozy little town, Alcúdia has grown in self-esteem, skillfully drawing attention to its attractions and cultural gems. Here we provide all the information you want to know about making a visit to this most fascinating of walled cities.

History & Culture

Dramatic past events have left their mark everywhere in Alcúdia. First inhabited by the Phonenicians and Greeks, then established in 123 B.C. as the Roman settlement Pollentia, it was subsequently attacked by Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs, before finally being conquered by katalan Christians. The conquerors left their cultural heritage behind, which is still visible today in the town’s small alleyways.

The historic centre of Alcúdia is enclosed by Mallorca’s only entirely preserved town wall, erected in the 14^th century by King Jaume II to protect Alcúdia’s inhabitants. It wasn’t, however, enough to keep out the marauding pirates who attacked the city again and again in the 16^th century, causing many of the population to flee. Today, it’s hard to believe that this bustling town was once at risk of being deserted completely. Thankfully, in 1779 the construction of a harbour saved Alcúdia from decline.

As soon as you pass the gates, you cannot help but feel enchanted by the restored ancient centre. Once hectic streets have been converted into a large pedestrian precinct, which invites you to stroll and browse.

 Major attractions in Alcúdia

The pedestrian area offers inviting restaurants, cafés with beautiful terraces and cosy backyards, handicraft shops, stylish boutiques and Mallorcan specialities. Stroll by medieval houses, the proud town hall and the so-called Casas Señorales, the majestic houses of past nobility. Here and there, you get a glimpse of one of the big, shady patios and time and again you reach the outer rim of the town wall.

This ancient enclosure is also the protagonist for a unique experience, which never fails to cast its spell over inhabitants and visitors alike. During the summer months, the town wall is the romantic setting for open-air concerts and theatre functions. While the music ranges from medieval music to cool Jazz, the plays are dedicated to Alcúdia’s history. Dressed in costumes of the respective era, the actors breathe new life into historic personalities and take the spectators back in time. There is no entrance fee and programmes can be obtained in the tourist information office.

Things to do in Alcúdia

Don’t miss Alcúdia’s famous open-air market. Held every Tuesday and Sunday, there are two sections: one for the island’s farmers selling locally-produced produce, and another dedicated to everything from shoes, handbags and jewellery, to clothing and souvenirs.

The smallest Roman amphitheatre in Spain is situated right here in Alcúdia. A kilometre or so to the south of the town, towards the harbour, it forms part of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia. Also home to a forum and the houses of La Portella, the site was used as a necropolis in late Roman times, and the evocative remains of tombs can be seen amongst the theatre stands.

Pollentia was a perfectly planned city, complete with Capitoline temple and numerous taverns. If you are into history, you’ll find the archeological excavation sites at this spot fascinating. Maps are available at the tourist information office, in the pedestrian area.

If you want to learn more about Alcúdia’s restored historic centre, you can do so on a free guided tour, taking place every Wednesday from 10:00 to 12:00. Meeting point is at the church.

Alcúdia also has a lot to offer for those interested in sports: the town is a perfect starting point for hiking and mountain bike tours in the surrounding mountains. Every kind of aquatic sport can of course be practiced at Puerto Alcúdia, which is situated at only one kilometre from the old town.

The premier 18-hole Alcanada Golf Club, owned by the famous Porsche family, is a 15 minute drive from town, to the east of the port. Surely one of the best golf courses in Europe, Alcanada boasts an interesting and challenging course in a superb setting, with magnificent sweeping views across the bay.

If you appreciate discovering hidden corners free of crowds, Fundación Yannick & Ben Jakober shouldn’t disappoint. This very special, artist-designed house is host to a private collection of children’s portraits from different centuries, and eclectic animal sculptures, reflecting the humour of the benefactors.

Opening hours: Tuesday 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Wednesday to Saturday: guided tour only with advance reservation. Entrance fee: 9 €, children under 10 are free. The estate’s garden alone is worth a visit. Tel. 971 549 880

Restaurants in Alcúdia

For an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of the old walled town, visit Osteria El Patio, which offers delicious cuisine from the owner’s home country. For something a little different, Restaurante ronda 63, on the edge of the old town, away from the main plaça, serves top-class tapas menu fused with exciting Asian flavour. Dine outside in the romantic atmosphere of the pretty square, if you don’t mind a backdrop of the local Spanish kids enjoying their soccer game.

A weekend trip to relaxed tapas bar Can Punyetes sees it packed with locals sampling mouthwatering little dishes such as serrano ham, stuffed peppers, chorizos in cider and monkfish casserole.

Retreat to Sa Portassa’s restful courtyard for a taste of what is arguably the best pa amb oil in Alcúdia. Simple yet delicious, this typical Mallorcan dish consists of pan moreno (brown bread) topped with fresh tomatoes, quality olive oil, and fresh local ingredients.

Situated out of town, but well worth the trip, are two other restaurants with superb views. La Terraza is right by the sea at Alcanada and is popular with boat owners, who drop anchor to come and eat at this family-owned business which serves Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary flair.  Find the Mirador de la Victoria, on the coast road of the La Victoria peninsula. Sitting amongst fragrant pine trees, diners enjoy views of the truly unspoilt natural beauty of the sea and mountains, eating simple fish dishes, paella, and Mallorcan cuisine.

Hotels in Alcúdia

The splendid new nine-bedroom boutique hotel Can Mostatxins in the heart of the old town Alcúdia, recently opened to fantastic reviews. A true labour of love, that took six years of painstaking renovations, to make the talk of the town that it is today! Book your stay now directly with the hotel.

Alcúdia Petit Hotel is a small urban hotel with nine rooms decorated in a fresh, modern style, and an ambient roof terrace ideal for watching the sun set above the town’s rooftops.

Those who prefer to retreat to a peace and tranquility will appreciate the gentle setting of Son Siurana, a beautifully converted ancient farm and cattle ranch located 10 minutes’ drive from Alcúdia town. Most of the accommodation is in small ‘casas’ (houses), encompassing every element of true Mallorcan style with their domed ceilings, wooden beams, hand-painted ceramics, and antique furniture. Son Siurana has been owned by the same family since 1784.

Events in Alcúdia

In the off-peak seasons, Alcúdia offers lots of cultural activities in the context of the series of events ”Un Hivern en Mallorca”, including oncerts, guided excursions, a jazz festival in September and various local fiestas, which are always a colourful event for visitors.

The tourist information office is located in the pedestrian precinct.
Tel. 971 89 71 00 / www.alcudia.net

Fiestas
29. June Sant Pere
Holiday of the seamen’s patron. Sea processions and in the preceding week games and cultural events such as processions, a fun fair and concerts at the port.

2. July Festes de la Mare de Déu de la Victòria
Races, dance, procession and fireworks at the Hermitage La Victòria.

1. July Sant Jaume Fest
During one week, Alcúdia’s patron is celebrated with concerts, dances, theatre plays and exhibitions.

August – Agost a la Fresca
Concerts in the street, plays in the amphitheatre.

September – Alcúdia Jazz
In the gotic inner courtyard of the library Can Torró and in the concert hall Auditori d’Alcúdia.

First Sunday in September
Festa of the Mother of God of St. Anna: this event is centred around horse races.

First week-end in October
Fira d’Alcúdia: Agriculture, handicraft, industry and trade fair.

Living in Alcúdia

Owing to its privileged location close to mountains and a world-class bay, Alcúdia tops many a house hunter’s list of desirable places to live in Mallorca. Family friendly, historic, and blessed with good restaurants and cultural events, the town has much to offer.

Property here ranges from penthouse apartments, luxury beachfront villas, and family villas in residential areas, to smaller beach houses, refurbished town houses and rustic country properties.

Just 45 minutes from the airport, Alcúdia is well connected to the rest of the island via the Ma-13. For someone wanting a lively, cultural atmosphere, Alcúdia presents a viable alternative to living in the much larger and busier capital. Indeed, its reputation as ‘the little Palma’ is steadily growing.

Surrounding areas of Alcúdia

Alcúdia makes an excellent base for exploring the magnificent North of the island, a haven for mountain tours, horseback riding and cycle trips.

Natural Park S’Albufera is the Balearics’ biggest and most important marshland: varied flora and fauna, lagoons and wild streams, signposted bicycle and walking ways, and observation stations.
Open: 01. April – 30. September 9:00 am – 6:00 pm,
01. October – 31. March 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
You can visit the park free of charge, but you do need a permission from the reception centre.

Alcúdia, Port d’Alcúdia, Pollença and Port de Pollença are a cosy distance apart, yet each have their own distinct feel and character, making for a refreshing change of pace.

Cala Sant Vicenç is a small resort just a few kilometres from the main road between Pollença and the port. Tucked away from crowds and cameras, this beautiful cove and bay has hosted family holidays for British PM David Cameron. Equally lovely are the turquoise waters at La Victoria, the peninsula separating the two large bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, easily accessible from Alcúdia itself.

We hope you found this article about Alcúdia in Mallorca a useful guide to explore Northern town and the surronding areas. We feel passionate about Mallorca and we want you to experience the best of what the island has to offer. So please follow our up-to-the-minute recommendations to have a great time on the island.

Source: https://www.abc-mallorca.com/alcudia/