Alcúdia★★
Alcúdia is one of the oldest settlements in Mallorca — the Romans founded the city of Pollentia here in 123 BC, whose ruins can still be visited today. The medieval old town, completely surrounded by an imposing city wall from the 14th century, is one of the best-preserved on the Balearic Islands.
The contrast could hardly be greater: within the walls, narrow alleys with sandstone palaces, Gothic churches, and hidden courtyards full of bougainvillea. Outside the gates, the tourist Port d'Alcúdia with hotels, restaurants, and the endless beach. Both worlds are only 2 kilometers apart and complement each other perfectly.
The market on Tuesday and Sunday is one of the largest and most authentic in Mallorca. Hundreds of stalls spread along the city wall: leather goods, ceramics, Sobrasada (the Mallorcan paprika sausage), Ensaimadas (yeast pastries), olives, almonds, fresh fruit. Many locals also come to the Sunday market — it's less touristy than the one on Tuesday.
The Roman city of Pollentia is located directly on the road between Alcúdia and the port. Remains of the forum, a theater (the only one in the Balearic Islands!), and a residential area have been excavated. The small but exquisite Museu Monogràfic de Pollentia in the old town displays the finds. Pollentia was once the capital of the Roman Balearic Islands — a fascinating piece of history that many tourists completely overlook.
For the sporty, the ascent to the Ermita de la Victòria (7 km east) is worthwhile: a pilgrimage church at 200 meters altitude with a panoramic view over the entire bay. Mountain bikers love the trails on the La Victòria peninsula.
Old Town & City Wall
The city wall of Alcúdia is the best-preserved medieval fortification in Mallorca. Built in the 14th century under King Jaume II, it encloses the entire old town over a length of 1.5 kilometers. In some places, you can walk along the wall and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the old town and the bay — free of charge and accessible at any time.
Enter the old town through the Porta del Moll (also Porta de Xara), the main gate with its two massive towers from the 14th century. Inside, you'll find winding alleys, the parish church Sant Jaume (14th century, neo-Gothic facade, rose window), and the tiny chapel Santa Anna from the 13th century — one of the oldest buildings in Mallorca.
The old town is most beautiful in the morning before 10 am, when the alleys are still quiet and the light glows golden through the sandstone facades. In the evening from 7 pm, the squares turn into open-air restaurants: The Plaça Constitució with its cafés is the perfect place for a sundowner.
Tip: The small tourist office on Carrer Major has free old town maps with a marked walking tour (about 45 min.).
💡 Tipp
On market days (Tuesday and Sunday), the old town is particularly lively, but also crowded. Those seeking tranquility should come on Wednesdays or Thursdays — then you almost have the alleys to yourself.
Port d'Alcúdia
Port d'Alcúdia is the tourist heart of the north coast and at the same time its largest holiday resort. The long promenade (Passeig Marítim) runs along the harbor, lined with restaurants, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops. At the harbor itself, fishing boats lie next to excursion boats — from here, boat tours to Cap de Formentor, Cala Sant Vicenç, and along the north coast start.
The place is clearly geared towards families and package tourists: dozens of hotels in all categories, mini-golf courses, water parks (Hidropark with slides and wave pool, entry about 17€ for adults, 12€ for children), go-kart tracks, and a marina. It's not the most authentic Mallorca, but for families with small children, Port d'Alcúdia offers perfect infrastructure.
The beach promenade is ideal for evening walks — especially the section from the harbor towards the south, where the hotels stop and the dunes of S'Albufera begin. Cyclists use the well-developed bike path that runs parallel to the beach to Can Picafort (about 12 km).
At the harbor, there is a small fish market (Lonja del Pescado), where the fresh catch is sold in the morning. Fresh fish for self-cooking — dorado, sea bass, shrimp, squid.
💡 Tipp
Bicycle rentals are available everywhere in Port d'Alcúdia (from 8€/day). The flat bike path along the bay is perfect for families. For road cyclists, the region is a dream — professional teams train here in spring.