Alcúdia is a small town of about 12 thousand inhabitants, located in the Balearic Islands. Known as one of the largest towns on the island of Mallorca, it is surprising for the particular beauty of its natural landscape, including virgin coves with crystal clear waters, pine forests, wildlife and archaeological sites. The presence of the hospitality business is varied, with most hotels in Alcudia and Mallorca’s hotels in general located in the areas of Port d’Alcúdia and Platja d’Alcúdia, and towards Can Picafort.
At present, Alcúdia has become one of the most visited villages in Mallorca. The remains of the old city walls characterise the urban centre. There are also several remains from the Roman period: just outside the walls you can visit the archaeological site of Pollèntia, with the remains of an ancient amphitheatre, indicated as the smallest still existing in Spain.
Alcúdia, town between walls
It is highly recommended to go around the village following the Camí de Ronda, which is the inner street of the cordon of walls. For some years now you can access the top of the walls in some of its sections, the lime provides us with incredible views of the village and the Tramuntana Mountains
The strategic situation of the village, which has been appreciated and recognized since Roman times, also exposed it to the dangers of being close to the coast. For this reason King Jaume II designed a protection system, the wall, with a double motivation: to defend the local population and to build a safe place in the northeast of the island in case of an external attack. Construction began in the 13th century (1298) and did not end until the mid-14th century (1360).
Throughout the 16th century new wall layouts were made and bastions were added to the old ones, although the Renaissance wall had to be demolished due to a city sanitation plan. In modern times, various restorations have been carried out.
One of the attractions of the medieval wall are its access gates. There were originally three of them, the Porta des Moll or Xara Gate, the Porta de Mallorca or Sant Sebastià Gate and the Vila Roja Gate. We cannot fail to take pictures next to the Porta de Mallorca (the two towers joined by the large arched gate) or the Porta des Moll, which is not attached to the walls and shows us the original rake or lifting gate.
Alcudia and the Roman City of Pollentia
Very close to the city walls is the Roman city of Pollentia, founded in 123 B.C. It currently has three excavated areas: a residential area known as La Portella, the Forum (an open-air archaeological excavation site, which can be seen from the road that runs alongside it) and the Theatre.
The Monographic Museum Of Pollentia
The Monographic Museum of Pollentia houses the collection of pieces found in the Roman city. Excursions are available to show us all these outstanding places, with specific schedules and for a price of 3 euros. Guided tours are also available, although you should check availability.
The church of Sant Jaume in Alcudia
The Church of Sant Jaume, located on the same side of the medieval wall, occupies the site where the primitive church of the 16th century was built. This construction, linked to the history of the town, originally had the appearance of a fortification (on its roof the surveillance tasks were carried out). Its structure was part of the wall and had only one opening to the inside of the village.
Parish Museum in Alcudia
Next to the church you can visit the Parish Museum where there is a display of religious art with pieces of sculpture, paintings, ashlars and chasubles from other periods.
Alcudia Town Hall
The town hall of Alcudia (1929) is a beautiful building, it is said to be one of the most beautiful town halls in Spain, reminiscent of the Renaissance style and stands out with its clock, its weather vane with a dragon, its large windows and its stairs at the main entrance .
All along the historical center there are numerous examples of casals, houses of important owners, who during the 16th century suffered important transformations especially in their facades to adapt to the new stylistic tastes. The library of “Ca’n Torró”, in a Mallorcan manor house of medieval style restored in 1989, Can Fondo or Can Castells (currently the headquarters of the Historical Archive and Exhibition Hall) stand out. In any case, we will be delighted to see these stately facades and their Renaissance windows, which abound in Alcúdia.
The visit to Alcúdia can be combined with other tours in the north of the island, such as S’Albufera, Formentor and the viewpoint of Sa Creueta or Colomer, Pollença… Although we will need more than one day to discover all that this area has to offer the visitor.
If you want to see the town in action, Tuesdays and Sundays are the days when the traditional market is held, ideal for taking souvenirs and typical products of the area, such as fruits, vegetables and sausages.
History of Alcudia
With the arrival of the Vandals, the city was abandoned and the population forced to move to a new city in a more protected and secure location (today’s town of Pollenca, about 6 km from Alcúdia). The gates of Xarae Palma date from the Middle Ages, while the bastions of Sant Ferran (in the present-day Plaza de Toros) date from the Renaissance period. The old town is beautiful, today it has become a pedestrian zone, so that you can walk around without being disturbed by traffic. Bars, shops and restaurants emphasise the picturesque atmosphere of the old town. Don’t miss a visit to the local market in the old town, held on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Other Places of Interest in Alcúdia
Other places of interest are the churches of Santa Ana and Sant Jaume, the baroque chapel of Sant Crist, the Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu de la Victoria, some 7 km from the town, and the town hall. In 1994 the government institutions of Alcúdia created the awarding of an Environmental Quality Mark to those tourist facilities characterised by a strong commitment to the environment. The main objective is to encourage the tourism industry to protect the environment through eco-sustainable tourism.
Beaches of Alcudia
The beaches of Alcúdia are spectacular, especially the 9 km beach and the Albufeira Nature Reserve, which is very popular with birdwatchers. You will certainly appreciate the nature and environment of this beautiful place, much more than the celebrity it has gained since the popular singer Tiziano Ferro chose it to set his video clip (Noelia). Alcudia is only 40 km from the airport of the capital city Palma de Mallorca and is well connected by ferry with Barcelona, Menorca and Valencia.
FAQs about Alcudia
How far is Alcudia from palma airport?
Alcudia is 44 minutes away from Palma Airport by car or by Taxi.
How long is the transfer from Palma airport to Alcudia?
It takes about 45 minutes with a taxi to drive 62 km. Shared shuttle takes between 70 minutes to 90 minutes by bus. Bear in mind the joint shuttle will take longer due to drop-offs along the route, and busses will take longer due to stops.
Alcudia is an ideal place for expatriates?
More and more expatriates are choosing to live in Alcudia or surroundings, as the island of Mallorca is an idyllic place for many foreigners.
If you want to retire in Spain, Alcudia can be the ideal place to live and for you to obtain a golden visa or a non-lucrative visa.