Alcúdia is a gorgeous, historic walled city in the north of Mallorca, perfect for both a day trip from Palma or as a home base for your island stay.
Spend your morning wandering its cobblestone streets and city walls, sampling local flavors at the market or one of the many restaurants, and browsing cute boutiques. In the afternoon, unwind at one of the stunning nearby beaches. If you’re staying longer, Alcúdia offers the ideal balance of culture with year-round events, gorgeous nearby coastlines, and easy access to natural beauty. As one of the bigger towns in the north, there’s always something to do.
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How to Get to Alcúdia
Alcúdia is located in the far north of the island, but it is only a short fifty-minute drive or a manageable hour-and-twenty-minute bus ride from Palma. The journey takes you through the heart of the island, allowing you to enjoy scenic countryside as well as views of the mountains in the distance.
Driving
The quickest route from Palma is via Ma-13. It’s approximately thirty-five miles, or fifty minutes. It’s a long drive in island time, but an easy one. You simply follow signs for Ma-13 from Palma, past Santa María del Camí, Inca, and Sa Pobla, all the way to Alcúdia.
Public Transportation: TIB Bus
To reach Alcúdia from Palma, take the 302 TIB bus. The journey takes about an hour. The buses are frequent and begin running regularly from Palma around 8:00 a.m. with the last bus returning from Alcúdia right before midnight. The intervals vary from an hour to fifteen minutes—the average is approximately twenty minutes between buses during the summer schedule.
Tip: During the season, I recommend arriving a bit early (at least ten minutes) at the Estació Intermodal in order to ensure you get a seat. Additionally, in the summer, give yourself extra time to return to Palma because sometimes the buses fill up and they will not stop if they are full. This is a beautiful and popular part of the island for tourists and residents alike, so the best advice is to approach the buses with patience.
What to Do in Alcúdia
As a Palma day trip, my recommendation for the perfect Alcúdia day would be to arrive early and wander the streets and walls in the morning, soaking in the vibes of this beautiful town, followed by a delicious lunch, and then an afternoon at one of the nearby beaches (Playa Alcúdia or Playa del Muro).
However, if you made the excellent choice to make Alcúdia your home base for your Mallorca getaway, there is so much to explore in and around the town, from art, culture, and history to stunning natural areas.
See The Sights
You could easily spend an afternoon happily getting lost in Alcúdia’s charm, but if you’re looking for a bit more direction, here are some highlights:
The City Walls
Alcúdia’s most notable feature is its walls—the only entirely preserved city walls in Mallorca. Dating back to the 14th century under the rule of Jaume II and featuring twenty-six towers and four entrances, the walls still encircle the city to this day. It is possible to climb them for a special panoramic view of both the town and the surrounding areas, including the nearby Bay of Pollensa.
Roman City of Pollentia
Just beyond the city walls, step back even further in time to 123 BC. The remains of the Roman city of Pollentia, founded by consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus, lie right outside the walls near the church of Sant Jaume. Three areas are open to the public—the theatre, the forum and the residential area of La Portella.
The price of admission is 4€ and includes entry to the Museu Monogràfic de Pollentia. The museum is closed on Mondays, but the ruins are open daily during the summer.
Fun fact: During the summer, the theatre is used again for its intended purpose during the annual Agost a la Fresca program.
Iglesia de Sant Jaume
Construction began in 1302 under Jaume II. It was built in the neo-Gothic style and is a must-see on your stroll through Alcúdia’s old town.
Culture
Sa Bassa Blanca Museum
Just 7 km east of Alcúdia, a haven of creativity and contemporary art is nestled in the midst of a wildlife sanctuary. Besides being located in a beautiful area by the sea, the Sa Bassa Blanca Museum features several spaces to enjoy art and inspiration, including a sculpture park, a contemporary art exhibition, a collection of children’s portraits that has been catalogued as “Heritage of the Balearic Islands,” an olive grove, an observatory (open to the public by appointment only), and more.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General admission is 7€ for access to the sculpture park and olive grove, and 12€ for entry to the galleries. Reduced rates are available for residents, students, youth, and seniors.
Go to the Beach
Alcúdia Beach & Playa de Muro
If you’re looking for long stretches of beautiful white sand and shallow turquoise waters with views of mountains and even Menorca in the distance, head to Playa de Alcúdia and the neighboring Playa de Muro (not to be confused with Cala des Muró) in nearby Port de Alcúdia. Both beaches are considered to be some of Mallorca’s best and have received the Blue Flag award.
They are accessible, spacious, and there are plenty of amenities and facilities—lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, water sports rentals, lifeguards, restaurants, restrooms, and showers. They are very family friendly. When the water is calm, it is like visiting a large outdoor swimming pool because it is so shallow for so long with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand. On windier days, these beaches are popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
These beaches get busy during the summer as they are incredibly popular (for good reason) among locals and tourists alike, but they are long and spacious. Try going further down Playa de Muro for less crowds.
You can reach Playa de Alcúdia in about fifteen minutes from Alcúdia via TIB 324 or TIB 327.
Can Picafort
Just a bit farther along the coast, Playa Can Picafort offers another stretch of soft, white sand and clear water, with all the amenities you’d expect—sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restaurants, and lifeguards. Like the others, it is a Blue Flag beach popular with locals and tourists alike, but perhaps somewhat less crowded than Playa de Alcúdia.
You can reach it from Alcúdia in about 25 minutes via TIB 324.
Coll Baix
Coll Baix is known to be one of Mallorca’s most beautiful virgin beaches. It’s secluded and framed by gray cliffs. It’s a different kind of beach day than Playa de Alcúdia, but worth it. It’s about a 45-minute walk from the parking area down to the beach through the forest and there are no amenities, but you are rewarded with striking views and peace.
If you really want to add to the adventure, check out Refugi Coll Baix, a great home base for enjoying the beach and the surrounding natural area. These refugios are run by the government and are affordable, rustic, and comfortable stays.
Coll Baix is not accessible by bus.
Go on an Adventure
S’Albufera Reserve
The Balearic Islands’ largest wetland, S’Albufera Reserve, is located between Port de Alcúdia and Can Picafort. Containing approximately 4,000 acres of marsh and grassy wetlands, pine forests, and lagoons, this park is a bird lover’s paradise as it is a key point for a variety of species moving between Europe and Africa—Purple Swamphen, a variety of herons (Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Squacco Heron), Common Nightingales, and Marbled Teals to name a few. It is also popular with hikers and cyclists with four marked trails.
Entry is free, but a free permit needs to be obtained from the visitor’s center, open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. year round, excluding Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
The park’s visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. between April 1 and September 30, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. between October 1 and March 31. There is a small free parking lot near the entrance. Additionally, the park is accessible via TIB 315 and TIB 324.
Cove Tancada
If you’re craving a bit of seaside adventure, head to Cove Tancada—a large cave featuring impressive rock features tucked into the coastal cliffs overlooking la Bahía de Alcúdia, accessible to reasonably fit hikers and explorers. It is popular, but not overrun.
Note: this is a different vibe than the touristy Cuevas del Drach that has lighting and railing. Cove Tancada is only accessible via hiking and even though you only need a headlamp, it does require getting a little dirty.
Ermita de la Victoria
Located on the peninsula separating the Bay of Alcúdia and the Bay of Pollenca is a fortified hermitage dating back to the 18th century. Presently, it is a small, rustic hotel. There is also a restaurant and mirador with stunning views of Puerto de Pollensa and Cap de Formentor next to it.
Also, it is a lovely area for hiking and cycling with numerous routes to and from the hermitage. It is possible to hike to a small pebble beach called S’Illot—not to be confused with the beach town of the same name near Manacor.
The hermitage is accessible by car. There is free parking available.
Hidropark
The nearby Port de Alcúdia is also home to Hidropark waterpark that offers fun for the whole family with a variety of water slides, a wave pool, and a children’s splash zone. It is the only waterpark in the north of the island.
Day passes are 33.95€ for adults and 24.95€ for children. There are reduced rates for residents available. It is also cheaper to book in advance online. The park opens for the 2025 season on April 11. From April through May and again in September and October, it’s open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In June, hours extend from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and in July and August, it stays open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where to Stay in Alcúdia
Old Town: Forum Boutique Hotel and Spa
Step back in time at Forum Boutique Hotel and Spa, a charming, family-owned adults-only retreat nestled within Alcúdia’s historic city walls. This beautifully renovated historic building features sixteen tranquil rooms that blend rustic charm with modern flair. Each room offers something unique — from exposed original stone walls and wooden-beamed ceilings to private terraces, balconies, and cozy jacuzzis — all designed to create a light, airy, and comfortable atmosphere.
On-site, you’ll find a small pool perfect for a refreshing dip to take a break from the hot Mallorcan sun and a spa offering a variety of relaxing amenities, including a sauna, steam bath, sensory shower, and massage treatments. The hotel also features a peaceful interior courtyard as well as a terrace, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Start your morning with a full continental breakfast highlighting local Mallorcan products, giving you the perfect boost to discover everything Alcúdia has to offer. Boutique Hotel and Spa Forum offers the perfect blend of historic ambiance and modern comfort—as well as walkability—making it the ideal base to immerse yourself in one of Mallorca’s prettiest towns.
Seaside: Sunprime Pollensa Bay
Enjoy the best of both worlds by staying at this tranquil hotel by the sea with easy access to the historic walled city. Sunprime Pollensa Bay sits in a more secluded part of Pollensa Bay only a 10-15 minute walk from Alcúdia’s old town. This hotel features a pool with a large terrace—bigger than what you’ll typically find in Alcúdia town—perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.
Guests can enjoy many included amenities such as a gym, tennis court, fitness classes, and live music. Spa treatments are also available for those seeking extra relaxation, and the hotel offers a convenient on-site restaurant and bar. This is a convenient and serene option for those who want to be at the seaside yet only a short stroll from Alcúdia.
Countryside: Agroturismo Son Siurana
Agroturismo Son Siurana is a tranquil rural oasis nestled in the Mallorcan countryside, offering a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort. This small family-run farmstead, dating back to the 18th century, features traditional whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings, and wooden beams, complemented by carefully selected Mallorcan-style family furniture.
Guests can choose from cozy rooms, apartments, or houses—each with its own private terrace showcasing stunning views of the surrounding orchards and rolling landscape. The farm spans over 247 acres, where you can stroll among almond trees, carob, orange, and lemon groves, or simply relax by the pool. Depending on the season, guests may even be able to pick fruit and vegetables from the garden. The buffet breakfast highlights local and homemade specialties, allowing guests to be immersed in Mallorcan gastronomy as well as nature.
While a car is necessary to explore, Son Siurana’s convenient location near the main road makes Alcúdia easily accessible. Pet-friendly and perfect for those seeking an authentic Mallorcan countryside experience, Son Siurana invites you to unplug and unwind in this unique experience among the almond trees.
Where to Eat in Alcúdia
Best Views: Mirador de la Victoria
Set high above Alcúdia next to the Ermita de la Victoria, this family-run restaurant is all about the stunning views of Cap de Formentor. They serve traditional Mallorcan food as well as other Spanish dishes. One of their standouts is the roasted suckling pig, but it might take a little longer to prepare.
A bit further outside of Alcúdia at the end of some winding roads, you’ll need a car—and a reservation as it is popular. While the views are gorgeous anytime of day, this is a lovely panoramic spot to enjoy a spectacular Mallorcan sunset. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Best for Wine Lovers: Es Racó de Ronda
A hidden gem tucked right beside the town wall away from the busier parts of the city, Es Racó de Ronda is a cozy, authentic restaurant to enjoy a slower pace and soak in Alcúdia’s ambience. They serve Mallorcan food and tapas and also offer a variety of local wines—wine lovers will appreciate the barrel-style tables. While service can be relaxed, it’s all part of its charm. Come for dinner, settle in with a glass of local wine, and enjoy the authentic, unhurried atmosphere.
They are only open for dinner and are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Best for Local Charm and Flavor: Can Costa Celler
Right in the city center, this lovely, antique-filled spot has been run by the same family since 1983. It’s cozy and lovingly decorated with traditional Mallorcan touches and charming antiques. Besides the warm interior, there’s also seating in a peaceful courtyard and along Alcúdia’s picturesque stone streets.
The kitchen specializes in hearty, home-style Mallorcan cuisine made with seasonal produce. The paella is good, but the real standouts are the local dishes and fresh seafood, best paired with a glass of local wine. Great value, great flavor, and great ambiance. They are closed on Mondays.