Alcúdia, Mallorca: Where History Meets the Sea
Alcúdia blends ancient charm with coastal beauty. Nestled on Mallorca’s northern coast, it offers two distinct experiences: the historic walled old town and the beachfront resort area of Port d’Alcúdia. Whether you’re looking for cultural sightseeing, a sunny family escape, or an easy day trip from Palma, Alcúdia delivers.
🚗 Distance from Palma: Approx. 55 minutes by car (Ma-13 highway)
📱 Public transport: Direct TIB bus (Route 351) from Estació Intermodal — 1hr 15min
Why Visit Alcúdia?
✔ Rich History & Culture – A walled medieval town with cobblestone streets and ancient ruins.
✔ Beautiful Beaches – Close to some of Mallorca’s best beaches, including Playa de Muro & Mal Pas.
✔ Lively Markets & Gastronomy – A must-visit for food lovers and shoppers.
✔ Outdoor Activities – Hiking, cycling, and water sports are all popular in the area.
✔ Perfect for Families & Couples – A relaxed atmosphere with activities for all ages.
⚡ Quick Guide to Alcúdia
Before we explore the winding streets of the Old Town or stretch out along the bay, here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Alcúdia one of the most rewarding destinations in northern Mallorca:
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | History lovers, beachgoers, market enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers |
| Must-See | Alcúdia Old Town, Roman ruins of Pollentia, medieval city walls |
| Nearby Beaches | Platja d’Alcúdia, Playa de Muro, Mal Pas Beach |
| Weekly Market | Tuesdays & Sundays, 08:00–13:30 (Old Town) – see full market guide |
| Events & Culture | Festival of Sant Jaume (late July), Easter processions, summer concerts |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring and early summer — fewer crowds, ideal beach and hiking weather |
| From Palma | ~55 minutes by car / 75 minutes by direct TIB bus (Route 351) |
💡 Tip: Alcúdia works just as well for a laid-back weekend as it does for a full family holiday.
🗺️ Alcúdia on the Map
Alcúdia is compact but rich in variety – from its medieval town walls to the long beach promenade in the port. To help you get your bearings, we’ve mapped all the highlights from this guide: the old town, market streets, best beaches, boat departure points, and nearby viewpoints like Mirador Es Colomer.
From Palma, to Port d’Alcúdia, to the Roman ruins – it’s all just a few taps away.
🏛️ Alcúdia Old Town – History, Culture & Local Life
Step inside Alcúdia’s medieval gates and you’ll find a world that feels far removed from the beach resorts just 2 km away. Alcúdia Old Town is a beautifully preserved enclave where cobbled streets, sandstone façades, and leafy plazas invite you to slow down and soak up the island’s history.
🌟 Highlights of Alcúdia Old Town
- Stroll the Walls – Walk along the 14th-century fortifications for panoramic views.
- Roman Theatre – A unique archaeological site on the edge of town.
- Plaça de la Constitució – Perfect for long lunches in shaded squares, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
- Local Museums – The Pollentia Monographic Museum showcases Roman artifacts uncovered in the area.
- Boutique Shopping – Art galleries, handmade jewelry, and leather goods mix with everyday shops.
🛍️ Alcúdia Market
Every Tuesday and Sunday morning, Alcúdia hosts one of Mallorca’s most popular markets. Local farmers, artisans, and food vendors fill the streets with a mix of fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, crafts, and souvenirs.
👉 Related: Best Weekly Markets in Mallorca
🍴 Eating & Drinking
Old Town Alcúdia is full of intimate restaurants and tapas bars tucked into narrow lanes. Expect everything from traditional Mallorcan dishes like tumbet and suckling pig, to modern Mediterranean bistros. Outdoor terraces are especially atmospheric at night when the sandstone walls glow under warm lights.
👉 Related: Traditional Mallorcan Dishes
🏨 Staying in the Old Town
For those who prefer charm over resorts, Alcúdia’s Old Town offers boutique hotels and agroturismos nearby. Think restored townhouses, rustic fincas, and small luxury stays where history and design meet.
📍 Best for: History lovers, culture seekers, and travelers who want a slower pace and authentic Mallorcan atmosphere.
🚶 Tip: Evenings are magical — the day-trippers leave, the streets quieten, and the town feels like it belongs to you.
The History of Alcúdia
Alcúdia’s history dates back to Roman times, and you can still visit the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, including a Roman theatre. During the Middle Ages, Alcúdia was fortified with massive stone walls, which still stand today, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town and coastline.
🏖️ Port d’Alcúdia: Beaches & Family Vibes
Just 2 km from Alcúdia’s historic old town, Port d’Alcúdia is a completely different experience – a modern seaside resort designed for families and beach lovers. The star is Platja d’Alcúdia, a 7 km stretch of fine white sand and shallow, calm waters that make it one of Mallorca’s most kid-friendly beaches.
Beyond the sand, the palm-lined Passeig Marítim connects the marina with cafés, ice cream shops, and plenty of space for evening strolls or bike rides. The marina itself is a hub for boat trips to Cap de Formentor and family-friendly glass-bottom tours.
🌊 Things to Do in Port d’Alcúdia
- Enjoy Platja d’Alcúdia – Shallow waters, sunbeds, and water sports like paddle boarding or parasailing.
- Explore the Marina – Book boat tours to Formentor Lighthouse or scenic glass-bottom cruises.
- Stroll the Passeig Marítim – Cafés, playgrounds, and relaxed seaside vibes.
- Cycle or walk the Bay – The long beachfront path is perfect for families and fitness lovers.
- Try beachfront dining – Restaurants offer everything from paella to casual tapas with sea views.
🏨 Where to Stay
Port d’Alcúdia is known for family resorts and all-inclusives. Expect large pool complexes, kids’ clubs, and easy beach access. If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find both budget-friendly apartments and higher-end hotels with spa facilities.
🚗 Getting There from Palma
- By Car: ~45–55 min via Ma-13 (direct motorway). Parking available near the marina and beach zones.
- By Bus: Lines 302/351 connect Palma to Port d’Alcúdia in ~1h 15m.
- Tours: Many day trips from Palma include Alcúdia old town + Port d’Alcúdia beach combo.
📍 Best for: Families, beach holidays, and travelers who want a complete resort experience.
🆚 Alcúdia Old Town vs Port d’Alcúdia
| Alcúdia Old Town | Port d’Alcúdia | |
| 🏛️ Vibe | Medieval walls, cobbled streets, Roman ruins | Modern seaside resort with marina & promenade |
| 🌟 Best For | Culture, history, markets, boutique stays | Families, beach holidays, boat trips |
| 🍴 Food Scene | Traditional Mallorcan restaurants, tapas bars | Beachfront dining, casual family-friendly options |
| 🛍️ Shopping | Weekly market, craft shops, local boutiques | Souvenir shops, seaside cafés, convenience stores |
| 🏨 Stays | Boutique hotels, agroturismos nearby | Resorts, family hotels, apartments |
| 🚗 Access | 45–55 min drive from Palma | 45–55 min drive from Palma (2 km from Old Town) |
👉 Many visitors combine both: explore the Old Town by day and unwind at Port d’Alcúdia’s beaches and marina in the evening.
Is Alcúdia good for a day trip from Palma?
Yes! It takes under an hour by car, or ~75 minutes by direct TIB bus. You can easily explore the old town, enjoy the beach, and catch a market all in one day.
Is Alcúdia better than Port d’Alcúdia?
They’re different experiences. Alcúdia is historic and quiet, while Port d’Alcúdia is resort-style with beach activities. Stay in the town for charm, the port for convenience.
What should I wear to Alcúdia market?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and breathable clothes. Bring cash for small vendors, though more accept cards now.
Where to Stay in Alcúdia
Alcúdia has something for every traveler:
🏡 Boutique & Historic
- Can Tem – Inside the old town walls, historic character, peaceful vibe
- Hotel Fonda Llabres – Rooftop views, great for couples
🏝️ Beachfront Resorts (Port d’Alcúdia)
- Zafiro Palace Alcúdia – 5-star family resort with pools & kids’ club
- BQ Delfín Azul Hotel – Mid-range, great location, family friendly
🔹 For nature lovers, consider hotels near Albufera Natural Park (just east of Port d’Alcúdia).
Things to Do in Alcúdia
🏰 Stroll Through Alcúdia Old Town
One of the most beautifully preserved medieval towns in Mallorca, Alcúdia’s Old Town is a maze of charming streets filled with stone houses, flower-filled balconies, and artisan shops. Visit Plaça de la Constitució, the town’s main square, to enjoy an espresso or tapas at a traditional café.
🌿 Alcúdia Market Days
Twice a week, Alcúdia comes alive with stalls selling local produce, handmade crafts, clothes, ceramics, and more.
| Day | Time | Location |
| Tuesday | 08:00–13:30 | Old Town streets |
| Sunday | 08:00–13:30 | Old Town streets |
🔹 Arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid parking stress and get the best selection. More markets? See our full market day guide.
🏛️ Explore the Roman City of Pollentia
Just outside the Old Town, you can visit Pollentia, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Mallorca. Highlights include:
- The Roman Theatre – The smallest in Spain, carved directly into rock.
- The Forum – Once the heart of Roman Pollentia.
- The Residential Area – With remains of ancient Roman houses.
🌊 Relax at Playa de Muro & Mal Pas Beach
Alcúdia is located near some of the island’s most famous beaches:
✔ Playa de Muro – One of Mallorca’s longest and most beautiful white-sand beaches. Perfect for families, it features shallow waters, beach bars, and water sports.
✔ Mal Pas Beach – A hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful setting, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
🚴 Cycling & Hiking in Alcúdia
Alcúdia is a fantastic base for outdoor enthusiasts, with great cycling routes and hiking trails in the nearby Serra de Tramuntana.
✔ La Victoria Peninsula – A scenic coastal hike with stunning views.
✔ Coll Baix Hike – A short hike leading to a beautiful secluded beach.
✔ Cycling Route to Cap de Formentor – A bucket-list ride for cyclists, with breathtaking coastal roads.
⛵ Boat Trips from Alcúdia
Alcúdia Port is a hub for boat excursions, offering:
✔ Catamaran tours to Cap Formentor and hidden coves.
✔ Dolphin-watching trips early in the morning.
✔ Glass-bottom boat tours to explore marine life.
🔗 Read More: Boat Trips from Alcúdia
🍽️ Where to Eat in Alcúdia
Alcúdia is filled with charming eateries, many with terrace seating under olive trees or on quiet plazas.
- Can Costa (Old Town): Mediterranean fusion in a 17th-century house
- Bistro 1909 (Old Town): Local and seasonal plates
- El Yate (Port): Classic seaside seafood
- Hibiscus (Port): Vegan and health-conscious lunch spot
🔍 Nearby Sights: Don’t Miss Mirador Es Colomer
Just a 30-minute drive from Alcúdia, the Mirador Es Colomer is one of the most iconic viewpoints in all of Mallorca. Combine it with a visit to Cap de Formentor for an unforgettable road trip.
Real Estate & Living in Alcúdia
Alcúdia is a popular location for expats and second-home buyers, thanks to its charming old town, coastal access, and laid-back atmosphere.
🏡 Property Market in Alcúdia
- Historic townhouses – Charming renovated homes in the Old Town.
- Seaside villas – Exclusive properties near Mal Pas and Bonaire.
- Apartments near the beach – Modern homes close to Playa de Muro.
💰 Average Property Prices:
- Townhouses in Alcúdia Old Town: €400,000 – €1M
- Seaside villas in Mal Pas: €1M+
- Apartments near the beach: From €250,000
🚗 Getting to Alcúdia from Palma
Planning to drive? Check out our complete guide to car rental in Alcúdia with tips on parking and pick-up points.
There is no direct train to Alcúdia, but we explain the best rail and bus combo in our guide to the Palma to Alcúdia train route.
Want to explore from the sea? Browse our favorite boat trips from Alcúdia, including beach coves, dolphin tours, and Formentor routes.
From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca.
Alcúdia combines old-world atmosphere with laid-back coastal living. Whether you go for the history, the beach, or the markets, it’s one of the north’s must-see destinations.
Have tips, photos, or stories from Alcúdia? Tag us @PalmaWeekly – we love featuring reader insights!
