The municipality of Alcúdia is located at the northwestern tip of Mallorca, stretching its urbanized areas, forests and beaches on a small peninsula framed by the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença. A true natural enclave, this corner of the island is singular in many ways. The temperate climate ofAlcúdia as well as its strategic location has led many peoples to settle here over the centuries, all leaving a trace of their passage.
If the place attracts many Europeans during the summer season, it also attracts a very varied fauna: no less than 200 species of birds frequent the area!
It must be said that nature is not lacking in charms: between the semi-mountainous reliefs covered with a beautiful pine forest in the north and the golden beaches and coves opening here and there on the intense blue of the Mediterranean, Alcúdia has everything of a small Balearic paradise. Add to this cocktail a first-class island gastronomy, sports and leisure activities for the whole family and a great hotel offer, and you have the perfect destination for your next vacation!
History and heritage
The walled city of Alcúdia, a real architectural gem with an air of an Arabian medina, is the place to discover the territory. Rich of numerous prehistoric vestiges, but also Roman, Arab and medieval, the city which was the Roman capital of the Balearic Islands in the 1st century of our era is quite simply the oldest city of Majorca! Devastated by the Vandals in the5th century, it was again founded by the Moors who named it Al Kudia, ("on top" in Arabic). To get a good idea of Alcúdia, you can take a reconnaissance tour from the six-meter high medieval walls, built in 60 years (13th century) by the Catalan king Jaume II.
Leaving the walled city, we find the Roman ruins of Pollentia, the name the city bore when it was founded in 123 B.C. Here we find the remains of the House of the Two Treasures, the forum (foundations of ancient buildings) and the Roman theater! A superb museum gathers the archaeological finds made during the excavations. In another register, theoratory of Santa Anna (13th century) is worth a visit: its unique nave supported by three Gothic arches does not leave one indifferent.
Contemporary art in Bassa Blanca
If history can be read everywhere in the stone, culture is celebrated throughout the year in Alcúdia: between art galleries and craft workshops, between music recitals, plays and folk festivals, the agenda is full! In the field of art, the Museu sa Bassa Blanca is a must-see in the area. Formerly named Fundación Yannick y Ben Jakober, after its founders (artists and collectors), the site - which is reached via a path winding through an almost enchanted forest - is quite simply enchanting. Several spaces coexist here: the immense tropical garden first, decorated with monumental animal sculptures (the 7-meter octopus is the star here). Two underground spaces then offer two immersions: the heterogeneous Sokrates space plunges us into contemporary art, while the NINS space exhibits classical portraits representing children from royal families from the 16th to the 19th century. The highlight of the show is the house itself, designed by the famous Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy: each room is an architectural marvel as well as a thematic immersion in African and Aboriginal art. An ode to nature, art and architecture!
Active tourism and gastronomy
Whether you're with family, friends, a couple or on your own, whatever the combination, you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay or eat in Alcúdia. There is something for everyone! Some restaurant suggestions?
Celler Ca'n Costa perhaps, which serves fish dishes so famous that Palma residents don't hesitate to cross the island to try them. Almost an emblem of the city, Cerveseria Santa Anna offers some local craft beers and hearty tapas at the entrance to the city. For a seafood meal in front of the water, opt for the S'Illot Bar, which is a must if you take the road to the Victoria hermitage. The latter building, overlooking the bay of Pollença, is a haven of peace (you can sleep there), but also a starting point for memorable hiking trips.
The municipality is home to no less than 12 panoramic hiking routes in the middle of nature... and twice as many for cycling! As an island, water is everywhere in Alcúdia: 30 km of coastline surround the peninsula, allowing for every imaginable water activity. And when you just need to lie down on the sand to fill up on vitamin D, choose one of the 18 beaches!
FUTURE INFO
When
Mallorca has the advantage of year-round sunshine, and Alcúdia in particular has a particularly pleasant climate. With the exception of the three winter months (less suitable for outdoor activities), the region is easy to visit.
Duration
Although Alcúdia's territory is not huge, it is nonetheless dense with tourist attractions. So, if a long weekend is enough to discover the area, a good week, or even 10 days, is not too much to take advantage of it!
Public
Couples looking for a romantic escape, groups of friends looking for good food and relaxation, families or solo travelers, sportsmen and contemplative walkers... Alcúdia is suitable for everyone!
The pluses
Proximity. Majorca is very easy to reach from France: most airports serve Palma (and at a good price), and ferries (Toulon-Alcúdia in particular) allow you to arrive on the island with your own vehicle.
Cheap. The largest island of the Balearic Islands is also the cheapest!
Good weather guaranteed!
The minuses
The language barrier. Quickly overcome however if you speak a little Spanish or English.
The very hot weather in July and August.
Useful
ALCÚDIA TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the website
Passeig de Pere Ventayol
(39°51'06.0 "N 3°07'22.2 "E)
Open all year round. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 8 pm. Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Closed on Saturday.
Phone: (+34) 971 54 90 22
