What to do in Alcudia when it rains: real alternatives in northern Mallorca
March 20, 202510-15 min readCoral Boats Team
Raining in Alcudia? Discover real plans for bad-weather days in northern Mallorca: old town, gastronomy, cultural excursions and more.
Rain in Alcudia is not the end of your holiday. In fact, many travellers discover that some of the best moments of their stay in Mallorca come precisely when the sky turns grey. The island has far more to offer than beaches and sunshine, and the north — with Alcudia at its heart — has alternatives well worth exploring, umbrella or not. If you're planning your trip, take a look at our complete guide to what to do in Alcudia for the full picture.
Mallorca averages 50–60 rainy days per year, mostly concentrated between October and March. But even in the height of summer, a DANA weather system or a summer storm can surprise you with a couple of grey days. Rather than sitting in the hotel staring at the ceiling, this guide gives you real, tried-and-tested options that don't need sunshine to be enjoyed.
- We won't promise you water activities in the rain — we suggest what actually works
- From wandering medieval alleyways to tasting Mallorcan wines or doing a tapas crawl
- Plans ranging from free to experiences worth every penny — for couples, families and groups
- If you need to know how to get around the island, we have a full transport guide
Rain clouds over Playa de Muro transform the northern Mallorca coast into a melancholy, photogenic landscape — Alcudia Bay has a different kind of charm on grey days
Stroll through Alcudia's old town: history at every turn
Alcudia's old town is one of the best preserved in Mallorca and, paradoxically, is best enjoyed when the heat isn't overwhelming. The narrow cobblestone streets, medieval archways and 14th-century walls take on a special atmosphere under grey skies. For a detailed route, we have a full itinerary through the old town and the harbour.
What you shouldn't miss:
The medieval walls — Alcudia is the only town in Mallorca that still has its entire walled perimeter intact. You can walk along the top and see the village from above. Entry is free.
The church of Sant Jaume — Neo-Gothic in style, its interior is austere yet impressive. Open every day, it's a perfect refuge when the rain sets in.
Porta del Moll — The main gate of the 14th-century walls is the most photographed spot in town. With clouds as a backdrop, the photos have a dramatic quality that blue skies simply can't match.
The Roman ruins of Pollentia — Just beside the old town, the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pollentia and its small monographic museum will keep you entertained for an interesting hour. It is the most important Roman site in the Balearic Islands.
Tip: if your visit falls on a Tuesday or Sunday, the weekly Alcudia market takes place in and around the walls — the perfect complement to your stroll.
The alleyways of Alcudia's old town invite a leisurely stroll — the stone, medieval arches and sandstone facades make the perfect setting for an unhurried day
The church of Sant Jaume, in the heart of Alcudia's old town, offers both shelter and neo-Gothic beauty — its austere interior impresses even non-believers
When clouds roll over Alcudia Bay, a different Mallorca begins
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Mallorcan gastronomy: tapas trails, pastries and local flavours
If there's one thing that improves with cold and rain, it's sitting down to a good meal. Alcudia and its surroundings have a food scene that goes far beyond the standard tourist menu. If you're interested in local cuisine, you'll also enjoy our guide to Mediterranean flavours by boat for when the sun returns.
1Pa amb oli: the tapa that defines Mallorca
Pa amb oli (bread with oil) is far more than its name suggests. Dark peasant bread rubbed with ramallet tomato, Serra de Tramuntana extra-virgin olive oil and, on top, whatever you fancy: sobrasada, serrano ham, Mahón cheese, trencadas olives... It's the dish Mallorcans order when they go out for a proper dinner.
Look for it in the taverns of Alcudia's old town — steer clear of the seafront terraces
Guide price: €8–14 for a full pa amb oli with a drink
Pa amb oli with sobrasada, Mahón cheese and trencadas olives — the perfect dinner for a rainy day in any tavern in Alcudia
2Bullit de peix: the northern fisherman's stew
If the day calls for something hearty, bullit de peix is the answer. It's a fresh-fish stew (usually ray, monkfish or comber) with potatoes, served in two courses: first the broth with rice or noodles, then the fish with potatoes and alioli. It's the dish the fishermen of Alcudia Bay used to eat.
Ask at restaurants in the Port of Alcudia or at Can Cuarassa — not all of them have it, but those that do, nail it
Price: €18–25 per person
Bullit de peix is the quintessential fisherman's stew of Alcudia Bay — fresh fish, potatoes and alioli served in two courses as tradition demands
3Tapas crawl around the Port of Alcudia
The Port of Alcudia has a restaurant strip along the promenade that lends itself perfectly to an impromptu tapas crawl. The idea is simple: instead of settling into one spot, graze from bar to bar.
Start in the fishing-harbour area (more authentic) and work your way up towards the promenade
Order tumbet (Mallorcan ratatouille with potatoes, aubergines and peppers), frito mallorquín (offal sautéed with vegetables) or sobrasada croquettes
Finish with a homemade sangría or a glass of herbas (Mallorcan herbal liqueur — the sweet version to start, the dry one for the brave)
Budget for a tapas crawl for two: €30–50 including drinks
A well-made sangría and a few local tapas — the bar crawl around the Port of Alcudia is the perfect plan for a cloudy afternoon in Mallorca
4Ensaimadas, ice-cream parlours and local treats
The Mallorcan ensaimada is one of the few things worth getting up early for — or staying until teatime. The Alcudia version is more rustic and less sweet than Palma's.
Panadería Ca'n Segura in the old town is locally famous for its artisan ensaimadas — the best ones are baked early, and if you arrive after 11 am they may well have sold out
Also try the gató de almendra, a dense, moist almond cake that is a quintessential Balearic treat
For artisan ice cream, Gelats Artesans in the Port of Alcudia and Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo (if you head to Palma, it's the oldest café on the island — open since 1700) are essential stops
In Pollença, the Amorino ice-cream shop serves rose-shaped gelato that children love
The Mallorcan ensaimada, flaky and light, is the obligatory companion to any afternoon snack in Alcudia — the artisan ones sell out before midday
Wine tasting and bodegas: the most sophisticated rainy-day plan
Mallorca has a winemaking tradition that surprises those who haven't come across it. The Binissalem denomination of origin and the Vi de la Terra Mallorca geographical indication produce reds, whites and rosés of international standard. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to discover them.
Manto Negro red wine with coca de trempó — the perfect pairing for a Mallorcan wine tasting on a rainy day in the Serra de Tramuntana
1Bodega Mortitx: wine among the mountains
About 30 minutes from Alcudia, deep in the Serra de Tramuntana, Bodega Mortitx produces organic wines in a spectacular setting. The tasting includes a tour of the winery, an explanation of the process and a tasting of 3–4 wines accompanied by cheese, sobrasada and bread.
Price: from €15 per person. Booking essential
The drive to the winery along the mountain road is an experience in itself — in light rain and mist, the landscape looks like Scotland
They make a Manto Negro red (an indigenous Mallorcan grape) that is a real discovery
2Wine route through Binissalem and Santa Maria
If you want more, the Binissalem area (40 min from Alcudia) is home to several bodegas open to visitors. José L. Ferrer, Macià Batle and Bodegas Ribas (Mallorca's oldest winery, founded in 1711) all offer guided visits with tastings.
Many bodegas are open Monday to Friday without reservation for informal tastings in their shop
Combine the visit with a stop in Santa Maria del Camí, a quiet village with a good selection of restaurants
Tasting prices: €10–25 depending on the bodega and number of wines
3Set up your own tasting at your accommodation
If you prefer something more relaxed, pick up a selection of Mallorcan wines at the Alcudia market or any well-stocked supermarket and pair them with local produce.
A good Binissalem red (Manto Negro or Callet) + cured Mahón cheese + Mallorcan sobrasada + trencadas olives + coca de trempó (savoury flatbread with vegetables) = a top-notch Balearic aperitif
Budget: €20–30 for two people, wine included
It's the perfect plan for a rainy afternoon without leaving the house — put some music on, open the window to the sound of the rain and raise a glass to Mallorca
Road trip through the Serra de Tramuntana: the Mallorca that shines in the rain
The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is probably the place in Mallorca that benefits most from bad weather. Mist threading through the mountains, damp stone and picture-postcard villages take on an almost cinematic quality. If you have a hire car, dedicate the day to driving the Ma-10 from Andratx to Pollença — it's one of the most beautiful roads in Europe and in the rain it has a special magic. More on the prettiest villages in Mallorca in our dedicated guide.
Port de Sóller, nestled within the Serra de Tramuntana, is the destination of the iconic 1912 wooden train — a village that tastes of authentic Mallorca
Pollença and its Calvari staircase — 365 stone steps climbing to a chapel with panoramic views of northern Mallorca
1Sóller and the wooden train
The Sóller train is one of Mallorca's most iconic experiences: a wooden train dating from 1912 that links Palma with Sóller, passing through the Serra de Tramuntana via tunnels and viaducts. The journey takes an hour and the rain on the windows adds a special charm.
Price: €25 return from Palma
In Sóller, take the time to wander the village square, visit the modernist church and ride the historic tram down to Port de Sóller (€8)
Eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour — the rice dishes at Sa Llotja come highly recommended
2Pollença: the Calvari steps and streets full of character
Pollença is the village with the most personality in northern Mallorca. Its Calvari staircase (365 steps), the Plaça Major lined with cafés and the art gallery in the Claustre de Sant Domingo are worth an entire morning. There's a market on Sundays.
From Alcudia, it's only a 15-minute drive
The Calvari steps can be climbed even in the rain — the views from the top are worth the effort
On the Plaça Major, Café Espanyol is an institution — coffee and an ensaimada are non-negotiable
3Deià, Valldemossa and the Ma-10 road
A bit further afield (45–60 min from Alcudia), but absolutely worth the trip if the rain is light and steady. Valldemossa is home to the Charterhouse where Chopin and George Sand once lived, and the village is pure golden stone. Deià is smaller and more bohemian, with a spectacular cove at the bottom of a steep path.
The Valldemossa Charterhouse: €9.50 entry. Includes Chopin's cells, the original piano and the gardens
In Valldemossa, try the coca de patata — a local pastry made only here
Recommended driving route: Alcudia → Pollença → Lluc (monastery) → Sóller (lunch) → Deià → Valldemossa → return via the motorway. Allow 4–5 hours with stops. The road is winding but well signposted — drive steadily and enjoy the views
If you're interested in the Formentor Lighthouse, it's on the way from Pollença (but note: in heavy rain the road may be closed)
Deià, perched on the Serra de Tramuntana, is one of the prettiest villages in Mallorca — in the rain, its stone streets and copper-toned rooftops look as though they belong in a painting
Day trip to Palma: culture, museums and indoor shopping
If the rain is persistent and you have a car, Palma is just 55 minutes from Alcudia and makes the perfect excursion on a grey day. The Balearic capital has a cultural offering that justifies the journey. Check our guide on how to get from Alcudia to Palma for transport options.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu) is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe — its interior, with interventions by Gaudí and Barceló, justifies a whole day in Palma
Bellver Castle commands Palma from a pine-clad hill — its circular layout is unique in Spain and the 360° views make the climb worthwhile even in the rain
1Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
Palma's Gothic cathedral is spectacular from the outside, but the interior is where it truly impresses. The rose windows, the interventions by Gaudí and Miquel Barceló, and the sheer scale of the space deserve at least an hour. On a cloudy day the interior light makes even more sense.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–17:15 (varies by season)
Entry: €9 adults. Includes audio guide
Tip: go first thing to avoid tour groups
2Es Baluard: contemporary art museum
Es Baluard is Palma's modern and contemporary art museum, housed in a 16th-century military bastion. It holds works by Miró, Picasso, Barceló and contemporary Balearic artists. The terrace with views over the harbour and the bay is free to access.
Entry: €6 (free on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00)
Rotating temporary exhibitions of high quality — check their website before you go
3Bellver Castle and shopping in the centre
Bellver Castle is one of the few circular castles in Europe and commands Palma from a forested hilltop. The city history museum is housed inside, and the 360° views over Palma, the bay and the Serra de Tramuntana are impressive even on overcast days.
Entry: €4 (free on Sundays). Closed Mondays
For shopping, Palma's historic centre has local Mallorcan-design boutiques, artisan shoe shops (Camper hails from Mallorca) and Carrer de Sant Miquel with a mix of high-street chains and independent shops
If you stay into the afternoon, pop into Mercat de l'Olivar — Palma's most important food market, with an oyster bar, fresh fish and stalls where you can eat in
Indoor markets and local shopping
Weekly markets are a deeply rooted tradition in Mallorca and they run come rain or shine (barring extreme storms). They're the perfect excuse to buy local produce, handicrafts and soak up the real atmosphere of the island. We have a complete guide to Mallorca's weekly markets with times, directions and tips.
Alcudia Market (Tuesdays and Sundays): the largest in the north. Inside and outside the medieval walls. Sobrasada, cheeses, olive oil, Mallorcan llengües fabrics, artisan ceramics... Arrive before 10:00 to beat the tourist rush.
Pollença Market (Sundays): smaller and more authentic. On the village's Plaça Major, surrounded by cafés with covered terraces.
Inca Market (Thursdays): the biggest on the entire island. This is the place to buy leather goods (shoes, bags, belts) straight from the factory at market prices. Worth the 30-minute drive from Alcudia.
Practical tip: markets generally run from 08:00 to 13:30. If it's raining hard, the outdoor stalls thin out but the ones inside the walls (Alcudia) or under the arcades (Pollença) stay open.
The weekly Alcudia market takes place inside and outside the medieval walls — sobrasada, cheeses, olive oil and local crafts all within arm's reach
The Mallorcan llengües fabrics are one of the artisan treasures of the Alcudia markets — an authentic souvenir with centuries of textile tradition
Caves and underground experiences
Mallorca is riddled with underground caverns. Caves are the quintessential rainy-day plan because you won't even notice what's happening outside.
Cuevas de Artà (30 min from Alcudia): the most spectacular in the north. Discovered in medieval times, they feature a chamber 25 metres high and stalactites that look like science fiction. The guided tour lasts 40 minutes. Price: €15 adults, €7 children.
Cuevas del Drach (1 hr from Alcudia, in Manacor): Mallorca's most famous caves. They include a classical-music concert performed on a boat on the subterranean Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Price: €16 adults. Book online to skip the queue. Children love the boat ride.
Cuevas de Campanet (20 min from Alcudia): less touristy and more intimate. Discovered by chance in 1945. Ideal if you're after something quieter and more authentic. Price: €15.
Important note: inside the caves the temperature sits at around 18–20 °C all year round. Bring a long-sleeved layer even if it's warm outside.
The Cuevas de Artà, just 30 minutes from Alcudia, are an underground spectacle with chambers up to 25 metres high — the perfect plan for when it rains in Mallorca
Plans with children: guaranteed fun, rain or shine
Katmandú Park (Magaluf, 1 hr from Alcudia): Mallorca's most popular theme park. It has the upside-down house, 3D mini-golf, virtual reality, escape rooms and interactive play areas. Children aged 4 to 14 won't want to leave. Entry from €24 (family packs available). It works rain or shine because most attractions are indoors.
Palma Aquarium (45 min from Alcudia): more than 8,000 marine animals — sharks, rays, jellyfish — plus a journey through Mediterranean and ocean ecosystems. It has an indoor play area and interactive activities for children. Entry: €24 adults, €14 children.
Cuevas del Drach with the boat concert — already mentioned, but for children it's a magical experience. The boat ride across the underground lake with live classical music leaves them speechless.
Sóller Train — children love the historic wooden train. The Port de Sóller tram is a guaranteed hit too.
Bowling: in the Alcudia area there are indoor bowling alleys (Bowling Center Alcudia) that are a quick fix for a rainy afternoon. They usually also have pool tables and table football.
Tip for families: if you're staying in the Port of Alcudia area, many family hotels have an indoor pool, games room and kids' club — ask at reception what indoor activities they offer.
Empty loungers and raindrops on the glass — when the beach isn't an option, Alcudia has plenty more to offer the curious traveller
Rain on the Mallorca coast is a passing affair — most storms last only a few hours and give way to clear skies and spectacular light
Spas, wellness and relaxation: turning rain into luxury
If you want to turn a rainy day into a self-care day, there are options for every budget.
Several 4- and 5-star hotels in the Port of Alcudia area offer spa access to non-guests (by reservation). Water circuit, sauna, hammam and massages. Guide price: €25–45 for the circuit, massages from €50.
Jardines de Alfàbia (near Sóller, 40 min): historic Arab gardens with fountains, pergolas and a stately house open to visitors. In light rain they're especially lovely — the sound of water multiplies the experience. Entry: €7.50.
Or simply: buy some good cheese, sobrasada, peasant bread and a bottle of Mallorcan wine at the market, head back to your accommodation and put together your own Balearic aperitif. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all.
Dark clouds over the seaside boardwalk signal an approaching storm — in Mallorca, storms are fierce but brief, leaving a clean, renewed atmosphere behind
What if the rain clears? Head for the sea
Mallorca's weather is fickle, especially in spring and autumn. It's not uncommon for it to rain in the morning and for glorious sunshine to break through by the afternoon. When that happens, you have a golden opportunity: Alcudia Bay after the rain is a sight to behold — the water is cleaner, the light is different and the coast is all yours.
At Coral Boats we run boat trips departing from the Port of Alcudia every day (subject to sea conditions). If the sea allows, a boat trip after a storm is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in Mallorca.
Our morning tour includes snorkelling, paddle boarding and stops at hidden coves. The sunset cruise is perfect if the skies clear in the afternoon — the post-storm colours are spectacular. And if you're a group, our private charter gives you complete flexibility.
The decision to sail always comes down to safety: if there's a sea storm, we don't go out. But if it has simply rained and the sea is calm, the experience is magical.
A rainbow over the Serra de Tramuntana after the rain — nature's reward for those who don't flee from bad weather in Mallorca
A rainy day in Alcudia isn't a wasted day — it's a different one. The Mallorca you discover beneath the clouds has a depth that beach tourism doesn't always reveal: history, food with deep roots, villages with soul, surprising wines and a landscape that transforms with the water. So if the weather forecast brings bad news, save this guide and head out to discover the other side of northern Mallorca. If you need more inspiration, here's our 3-day Mallorca itinerary and the definitive guide on whether Mallorca is worth visiting (spoiler: yes, even when it rains). And if the sun comes out tomorrow, you know where to find us.
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