Alcudia Holidays

A beachside beauty in Majorca

Home to an idyllic beach and an ancient old town, Alcudia holidays are perfect for relaxation and exploration in equal measure. In this charming part of Majorca’s northern coast, you can expect delightful views of the glittering turquoise sea, plenty of attractive architecture, and an extensive choice of activities.

Alcudia’s old town, just over a kilometre inland from the port, is undoubtedly one of Majorca’s most attractive urban areas to explore, full of beautifully preserved medieval buildings and cobbled streets that brim with character. Its imposing walled perimeter and Roman ruins nod towards its heritage, while more recent traditions are proudly showcased at its many rustic restaurants. It’s well worth allowing ample time to wander the narrow, winding streets, browse the market and feast on tapas.

Then there’s Alcudia’s gorgeous beach that stretches out from the marina – a 10km stretch of soft, golden sand, fringed by rocks and palm trees, which makes a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. The waters here are generally calm, clear and great for snorkelling, and there are lots of cool beach bars and seafront shops as well.

If you’re into cycling, meanwhile, you’ll be absolutely in your element in Alcudia. Many of Majorca’s most scenic routes begin here, such as Playa De Muro to Betlem (a relatively easy coastal route), and the circular loop of Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca, a wetland nature reserve home to an array of wildlife, including flamingos, turtles, frogs, and much more. For something a little more challenging, head north up the coast towards Port de Pollença and beyond into the Tramuntana mountains, whose pine forests, craggy peaks, and rural villages are a cyclist’s dream.

Explore our map of Alcudia

Your Alcudia questions, answered

When’s the best time to visit Alcudia?

If you’re looking for some serious heat, come to Alcudia in July or August – although the area is cooled by the coastal breezes and the sea is only ever a few steps away. April to June and September to October are popular when the sea is warm and the beaches less crowded. But Alcudia is a Medieval town, originally settled over 4,000 years ago, and it's steeped in history. With fewer tourists around, the winter months are ideal for exploring the many archaeological sites and the town’s beautiful architecture.

Where are the best beaches near Alcudia?

As well as the beach in Alcudia itself and nearby Playa de Muro and Pollenca, you’ll find dozens of other beaches of all sizes and colours nearby. Many are ideal for snorkelling, with calm, warm, inviting waters with colourful fishes and octopuses hiding in the rocks. Alcanda is a pebble beach just a 15-minute walk from Alcudia. It’s a popular local activity to swim through the shallow waters to the island only 150 metres offshore. Or trek to beautiful Coll Baix, accessible only by boat or a steep coastal path.

Where are the best places to cycle around Alcudia?

There are more fantastic cycling trails in this part of Majorca than you could possibly cram into a single trip, so you’ll have to be selective about where you go. For an easy, coastal ride that can easily be done in under half a day, the 9km route between Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa is a great option. Alternatively, you might want to venture into the nearby Parc Natural de s'Albufera de Mallorca, visit some of the more remote beaches further south – such as Cala Mesquida – or head north into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. There are many great inland routes, too, so your options are almost limitless. Many of the hotels in Alcudia offer cycling equipment rental, secure storage facilities, and maps that'll give you a more detailed sense of the local area and its cycling trails.

What’s the sea like?

With warm, crystal-clear waters and a protected bay, the sea around Alcudia is a wonderful swimming spot. It’s calm enough for kids to enjoy, and for lilo-based floating, too.

Does Alcudia have much nightlife?

Magaluf definitely takes Majorca’s crown when it comes to partying at night but Alcudia has a wide selection of bars and clubs to suit your taste, too. Head down to the port area to find a cocktail bar to start the evening, then into town for the chaos of clubs and karaoke. Dollar Street is a popular starting point. The Marina area is where you’ll find the high-end restaurants and chic, sleek bars. And, if you really want to go wild, in the height of summer there are party buses that travel back and forth to Magaluf.

Is Alcudia family-friendly?

Alcudia is widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly resorts in all of Spain. It’s a small, manageable town that opens out to three kilometres of white sand beach and shallow, safe swimming in a warm sea. Many of the hotels have families in mind, offering swimming pools for children and kids’ clubs that run throughout the day. There are all manner of watersport centres nearby, and there’s even a waterpark with slides, a wave pool and mini-golf.

How far is Alcudia from Palma?

It’s only 40 minutes by car between Alcudia and the island’s beautiful capital, Palma. It makes a perfect day trip if you’ve hired a car. A Gothic cathedral overlooks the bay of Palma and there’s a castle, a fortress and countless churches. The old town of cobbled streets is mainly pedestrianised. Narrow alleyways open onto vast squares full of cafes and terraces. Tree-lined Paseo del Borne is where you’ll find the high-end designer stores, or wander the streets to find one of the many markets that take place throughout the year.

Is there a market in Alcudia?

There’s a market every Tuesday and Sunday morning in Alcudia; head into the central stalls to find unique handicrafts and art, pottery and jewellery. Another section is dedicated to local farm produce and is a wonderful opportunity to peer into a slice of traditional Majorcan life. Every evening in Port Alcudia, from June to September, there’s a night market in the pedestrian area. It’s set up with tourists in mind, so expect to find souvenirs and local crafts.

When are the fiestas?

In July, Alcudia’s old town celebrates the week-long festival of St Jaume. There’s evening entertainment, plenty of Roman fancy dress and an impressive fireworks finale.

Best things to do Beaches

See some nature
Parc Natural de S’Albufera, a glorious wetlands area, is a great place to spot wildlife. This tranquil haven is home to sea daffodils, falcons, owls and frogs.
Hire a bike
You’d be hard-pressed to pick a better spot than Alcudia to take advantage of Majorca’s abundant cycling opportunities. Whether you’d prefer a leisurely ride between vineyards and almond groves, or a thigh-burning climb into the mountains, hopping on a bike is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time in Majorca – and this area is particularly well-suited to exploring on two wheels.
Take a boat trip
Stroll down to the port and catch a glass-bottomed boat to Formentor. On the way you can gaze at the vibrant marine life and fish darting beneath the water.