Things to do in Alcudia: the ultimate guide to discovering the north of Mallorca

Why Alcudia is different from any other destination in Mallorca

There are destinations you visit… and destinations that pull you in. Alcudia belongs to the second group. Located on the north coast of Mallorca, this small town combines something that’s hard to find on the island: an old town with over 600 years of history enclosed by medieval walls, kilometre-long white-sand beaches, a charming fishing port, and a sheltered bay that is probably the best place in Mallorca to enjoy calm sea conditions. But Alcudia isn’t just a pretty postcard. It’s the perfect base to explore the entire north coast: from the wild cliffs of the Serra de Tramuntana to the family-friendly sands of Playa de Muro, passing through hidden coves you can only discover by boat. It’s a place where families looking for tranquillity, couples on a romantic escape, groups of friends craving adventure, and solo travellers wanting to truly switch off all coexist. This guide comes from years of living here and knowing every corner of the area. It’s not a generic “top 10 things to see” list. It’s what’s genuinely worth it, with practical tips so you can make the most of every day. Let’s go.

The old town: walls, history and the most authentic market on the island

If there’s one thing that makes Alcudia unique, it’s its walled old town. Unlike other tourist villages, the walls here aren’t decoration: they’re real, you can walk on them, and they enclose a maze of cobbled streets where time seems to stand still.

Alcudia’s walls date back to the 14th century and are the best preserved in Mallorca. You can stroll along the top and enjoy the contrast between the medieval interior and the mountains surrounding the town. The best time to do it is at sunset, when golden light warms the stone and temperatures drop — just like we explain in our guide about watching the sunset from the sea in Alcudia.

Inside the walls, the streets are filled with small craft shops, terrace cafés and restaurants where you can try Mallorcan cuisine without the bustle of the most touristy areas. Don’t miss the Church of Sant Jaume, the Town Hall with its clock tower, and the small Plaça de la Constitució, perfect for a coffee.

But if there’s one special day to visit the old town, it’s Tuesday or Sunday. Those days you’ll find the Alcudia market, one of the most authentic on the island. It’s not a tourist-only market: here you’ll find fruit and vegetables from Mallorcan farms, local cured meats, artisan cheeses, sobrasada, freshly baked ensaïmadas, and seasonal products that change throughout the year. Arrive early (before 10am) to avoid crowds and enjoy it at an easy pace.

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The 6 must-do plans you can’t miss in Alcudia

Beyond the old town, Alcudia is a destination where every day can feel completely different. Here are the plans that, after years here, we consider essential.

1Explore the bay by boat (and discover what you can’t see from land)

The Bay of Alcudia is one of the largest and most sheltered in the Mediterranean. From the beach it’s beautiful, but from the water it’s something else. Boat trips let you access hidden coves that are impossible to reach by land, swim in crystal-clear water away from the crowds, and see the coastline from a perspective few people know.

There are many options: from catamarans with music and a festive vibe to speedboats for the more adventurous. But if what you want is something authentic and peaceful, classic wooden boats offer a completely different experience. In our complete guide to boat trips in Mallorca we explain the differences so you can choose well.

2Playa de Alcudia and Playa de Muro: kilometres of sand for everyone

Playa de Alcudia, together with Playa de Muro (which is actually the same stretch of sand with a different name), is one of the longest beaches in Mallorca: over 10 kilometres of fine sand and shallow water that make it ideal for families with children. If you’re travelling with little ones, our guide to coves and beaches perfect for kids will be useful.

The area closest to the port is busier and has all services (sunbeds, beach bars, water sports). If you want more peace, walk south towards Playa de Muro, where the crowd density drops noticeably. And if you want the most unspoilt section, continue into the area by the S'Albufera Natural Park.

3Bike route to the Alcanada lighthouse

One of the most beautiful and easy routes in the area is the one from Port d’Alcudia to the beach and lighthouse of Alcanada. It’s around 5 km along a flat coastal path, perfect by bike (there are rentals at the port) or even on foot.

Alcanada is a small rocky-sandy beach with views of a tiny islet topped by a white lighthouse that looks straight out of a postcard. The water here is especially clear and it’s an excellent snorkelling spot. At midday there can be some people, but if you go early or at sunset, you’ll have it almost to yourself.

4S'Albufera: the most important natural park in the Balearics

Just behind Playa de Muro stretches S'Albufera, the largest wetland in the Balearic Islands and one of the most important natural areas in the western Mediterranean. It’s perfect if you enjoy gentle hiking, birdwatching, or simply switching off surrounded by nature.

There are several marked trails of different lengths (from 30-minute walks to 3–4 hour routes) crossing lagoons, reed beds and pine woods. You must register at the visitor centre (free) and swimming is not allowed, but the landscape is spectacular and very different from the rest of the island. Bring binoculars if you have them: it’s easy to spot herons, flamingos, ospreys and dozens of other species.

5Snorkelling and water activities in the bay

The waters of the Bay of Alcudia are ideal for water sports thanks to their calmness and clarity. Beyond the classic swim and sunbathing, you can rent paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis, or join sailing lessons.

But if there’s one thing we especially recommend, it’s snorkelling. The marine life in the bay is surprisingly rich: posidonia seagrass meadows, schools of seabream, octopus, starfish, and with luck even a turtle. The best snorkel spots aren’t on the main beach, but in rocky areas like Alcanada or coves only accessible by boat. In our snorkelling guide in Mallorca we detail the best locations.

6Local gastronomy: where to eat really well

Alcudia has everything: from Michelin-star restaurants to beach bars serving fresh fish of the day. But what’s truly worth it is finding the places where locals actually eat.

In the old town you’ll find charming terraces to try traditional Mallorcan dishes: tumbet, frit mallorquí, pa amb oli with sobrasada, and arròs brut. At the port, waterfront restaurants offer good fish and seafood, though prices are higher. And if you want something special, try booking a boat excursion with gastronomy included: eating local products while floating over turquoise water is an experience you won’t forget.

According to your traveller profile: which plan suits you best

Not all of us look for the same thing on holiday. Here are recommendations depending on who you are:

If you’re travelling as a family with young children: Playa de Alcudia is perfect thanks to its shallow waters. Combine it with a visit to S'Albufera (they’ll love seeing animals) and a calm boat trip where they can swim and snorkel. Avoid speedboats and choose stable boats. We have a complete guide to plans with kids in Mallorca.

If you’re coming as a couple looking for romance: Sunset from the walls, dinner in the old town, and a sunset boat trip are musts. Consider a private tour if you want total intimacy.

If you’re travelling with friends and want fun: Port d’Alcudia has bars and nightlife. During the day, water sports, beach time and a catamaran with music can be your best bet.

If you’re a solo traveller or want to disconnect: Alcanada early in the morning, walking routes through S'Albufera, and a classic boat with few passengers. Seek calm and you’ll find it.

If you’re staying only a few days and want to see a lot: Prioritise old town + beach one day, a boat trip the next, and a day trip to the prettiest villages in Mallorca on the third. If you need itinerary ideas, check our guide on what to see in Mallorca in 3 days.

Practical tips for your visit to Alcudia

After years here, these are the tips we give to everyone who asks:

About transport: Alcudia is about 55 km from Palma airport (50 minutes by car). If you don’t rent a car, there are direct buses, although having a vehicle gives you much more freedom to explore. See our guide on how to get around Mallorca.

When to go: High season (July–August) has the best weather but also more people and higher prices. June and September are ideal: great weather, warm sea and less crowding. May and October are perfect if you prioritise tranquillity over water temperature.

About accommodation: Port d’Alcudia has more atmosphere and is close to the beach. The old town is quieter and more charming. Playa de Muro is the go-to option for families wanting an all-inclusive resort. More details in our guide on where to stay in Mallorca.

What to bring: Sunscreen (the sun hits hard), comfortable shoes for the old town, a swimsuit at all times, and some cash for markets. If you plan to snorkel, your own gear is always better than rental.

What tourist guides don’t tell you: local secrets

After living here, there are things you only learn over time:

The best ice cream isn’t on the seafront, but in a small ice cream shop inside the old town. Ask any local.

The most beautiful sunsets aren’t from the beach, but from the walls — or better yet, from a boat in the middle of the bay watching the sun drop behind the Tramuntana.

The market has two sides: Sundays are more touristy and bigger; Tuesdays are more local and authentic. Both are worth it, but they’re different experiences.

To escape the crowds, always go early. At 8am the beach is empty, boat coves at first light are magical, and the old town at that hour smells like fresh coffee and bread from the oven.

Wind can change your day: The Bay of Alcudia is sheltered from the north, but when the Levante blows the sea gets choppy. Check the forecast before booking any water activity. We have a guide on weather and navigation to help you choose the best day.

Alcudia deserves more than a day: why it’s worth staying

Many people visit Alcudia as a day trip from Palma or from their resort. And yes, you can see the old town and go for a swim in a few hours. But you don’t understand Alcudia in a rush.

This is a place to wake up slowly, have breakfast on a terrace facing the sea, cycle to Alcanada, spend the afternoon floating in a hidden cove, have fresh fish for dinner at the port, and walk the walls as the sun goes down. It’s a destination best enjoyed at a different pace.

If you’re looking for a place in Mallorca that combines history, nature, spectacular beaches and that feeling of being somewhere authentic (but with everything you need for a comfortable holiday), Alcudia is probably your best choice.

And if you want to add an experience you’ll always remember, set aside a day to go sailing. The bay from the water, swimming in coves that don’t appear on maps, and the sense of freedom you get out in the middle of the Mediterranean… no resort can give you that.

See you at sea. See you in Alcudia.