Alcúdia

Alcúdia is a town or village of Mallorca located in the north of the island. It is notable for its rich history and natural beauty. Its historic center, surrounded by a medieval wall, is home to the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, museums, and traditional markets. It also has extensive beaches with crystal-clear waters, ideal for families, and is close to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, offering a variety of outdoor activities.

Location of Alcúdia

Alcúdia is located on the north coast of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain, about 60 kilometers from Palma, the island’s capital. It lies between the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, offering a diverse landscape with beaches, coves, cliffs, and mountains. Its strategic location has played an important role throughout its rich history.

Toponymy

The name Alcúdia, in Mallorca, derives from the Arabic word “al-kúdya,” which means “hill, hillock, or hill.” Originally, Alcúdia was a Muslim farmstead, and its name refers to the elevated location of this important municipality of Mallorca.

How to get to Alcudia?

To get to Alcudia, you can travel by car or taxi from the airport or Palma, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes, or by public transport (bus) from different points on the island.

Access by car or taxi

From Palma Airport: Take a taxi directly from the taxi rank outside the terminal. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Palma city center: You can take a taxi directly to your destination in Alcudia. Taxis are easy to find on the streets or at designated taxi ranks.

Getting there by bus

From Palma airport: Take the A32 line (May to October only) which goes directly to Can Picafort and stops in Alcudia. If you are traveling at other times of the year, you will need to take the A1 line to Palma and change to the 302 line at the intermodal station.

From Palma: The 302 line connects Palma’s intermodal station with Alcudia. Check specific timetables and destinations, as there are other routes that go to Alcudia.

Other routes: The TIB company offers other lines, such as the 322 to Port d’Alcúdia or the 334 to Formentor, among others.

Historical summary

Alcúdia is a city of Mallorca with a rich history dating back to Roman times, when it was the city of Pollentia. After the Catalan conquest, the current town was founded in the 13th century around an old Arab farmstead called Alqudya. The city grew and was fortified with walls, and has undergone various transformations over the centuries, including the construction of Renaissance buildings and the development of its port.

Origins, foundation, and historical evolution of Alcudia

During Roman times, Alcúdia was originally the Roman city of Pollentia, an important settlement of the imperium on the island of Mallorca. After the Muslim conquest, a farmstead called Alqudya (meaning “on the hill”) developed near the ancient Pollentia. In the 13th century, after the Catalan conquest, the village of Alcúdia was founded, taking its name from the old farmstead.

The construction of the walls of Alcúdia began in the 13th century, under the reign of James II of Aragon, to protect the city. A square, a church, and a cemetery were built, and the city developed from that nucleus. The historic center of Alcúdia retains narrow streets and historic buildings, including Renaissance mansions and the church of Sant Jaume.

During the 16th century, Alcúdia suffered pirate attacks, which led to a decline in population. The construction of the port of Alcúdia in the 18th century boosted the economy and prevented the city from being abandoned.

From the 20th century onwards, Alcúdia became a tourist destination, especially with the development of Port d’Alcúdia as a tourist resort.

Economy

Alcudia’s economy depends largely on tourism, as it is one of the main tourist centers in northern Mallorca. Tourism is concentrated in the historic center, Port d’Alcúdia, where the marina is located, and in the beach areas.

Hospitality and Tourism in Alcúdia

Alcúdia is a tourist destination with a rich history and a wide range of activities to enjoy. It combines a walled old town with a marina and extensive beaches. Its hospitality industry is diverse, with everything from important hotels to more affordable options, and a wide variety of restaurants and shops.

Accommodation in Alcudia

Alcudia offers a wide variety of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, apartments, villas, and more economical hotels to suit different budgets and needs. So we have:

In the Port of Alcudia: as it’s the most touristy area, you’ll find hotels, vacation apartments, and resorts to suit all tastes.

In the historic center of Alcudia: you will find small charming hotels and tourist apartments where you can enjoy the history and culture of one of the most beautiful towns in Mallorca.

Tourist activities in Alcúdia

Old town: Strolling through Alcúdia’s old town, with its medieval walls and narrow streets, is a unique experience. In this area of Alcudia, you can visit the Church of Sant Jaume and the Plaza de la Constitución, two must-sees if you are staying nearby.

Port of Alcúdia: The port offers a lively atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, and water sports.

Beaches: Alcúdia has long, clean beaches, ideal for relaxation and water sports.

S’Albufera Natural Park: A protected natural area, perfect for bird watching and hiking.

Hidropark: A water park with attractions for all ages.

Sa Bassa Blanca Museum: A museum with an interesting art collection and a forest of sculptures.

Sports: Alcúdia is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Market: Alcúdia holds a weekly market in the old town, where you can find local products and crafts.

Gastronomy in Alcúdia

Alcúdia’s cuisine is rich and varied, with traditional Mallorcan dishes. Alcúdia also has a wide range of restaurants offering everything from the best of Mediterranean cuisine to more modern and international options. Local markets, such as those held on Tuesdays and Sundays, are ideal for discovering fresh, local produce.

Typical dishes from Alcúdia and Mallorca

Sobrasada and Butifarrón: Mallorcan sausages, with sobrasada considered the “Umami” of the island.

Pamboli: A simple Mallorcan dish made with country bread, ramellet tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.

Panades: Mallorcan pies made from unleavened dough, traditionally filled with meat (lamb or pork) or fish. They are a typical dish of Balearic cuisine.

Tumbet: A vegetarian dish that highlights the island’s agricultural wealth.

Frito Mallorquín: Meat (pork or lamb), liver, potatoes, peppers, onions, and peas fried with spices.

Caldereta de Langosta: An emblematic dish of the fishing tradition of northern Mallorca.

Peix al Forn: Fresh baked fish, an essential ingredient in Mallorcan cuisine.

Ensaimada: Traditional Mallorcan dessert.

Gató de Almendra: Almond, sugar, and egg cake.

Red prawns: A local delicacy that can be enjoyed in various dishes.

Snails: A traditional dish that can be found in several restaurants in the area.

Dentón a la Mallorquina (Cap-roig): A highly prized local fish.

Alberginies Farcides: Stuffed eggplant.

Frit de Matances: A traditional meat stew.

Sopes d’Estiu: Light and refreshing summer soups.

And that’s it for this brief guide to Alcudia, in Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island