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The first major settlement recorded here was founded by the Romans around 70 BC. It was known as Pollentia, and was the capital of the Roman province of Balearica. Some remains from this time can be visited today, including a small amphitheatre and the foundations of various buildings.
The town of Alcudia itself dates back to the end of the 13th century, when Jaume II established a town on the site of an old Moorish farmstead called al-kudja, Arabic for ‘on the hill’. The medieval town is encircled by huge and beautifully restored city walls, along which you can take a walk to enjoy the views over the town and the surrounding countryside. Look out for the two formidable city gates in the walls – Porta des Moll and Porta de Mallorca – that have been declared protected national monuments.
Built into the walls is one of the town’s main sights, the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of Saint Jaume, with its dome, rose window and a spectacular Baroque altarpiece.
The charming narrow streets of the old town offer lots of bijou fashion boutiques, art galleries, and a wide range of cafes, tapas bars and restaurants. A market takes place every Tuesday morning where you can find locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables as well as clothing, handbags and Mallorcan goods.
Beaches
The main beach, Playa de Alcudia, is 3.4km long with white sand and shallow waters along its entire length, and good amenities on hand, making it a popular choice for families with children.
Just to the north of Alcudia, in the area of Bonaire, there are a couple of lovely small sandy coves called Playa de Sant Joan and Playa de Sant Pere. A little further eastwards along the coast is a beautiful pebbly beach called S’Illot, the start of an area called La Victòria which is great for walks and bike rides.
Things to do nearby
Water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, jetskiing and parasailing are on offer in Alcudia bay as well as banana boats which will please the youngsters!
For a day of family fun head to the water park at Port d’Alcudia and perhaps finish the day with a round of mini golf.
Birdwatchers should head to the Albufera natural park just south of Alcudia.
Walkers and cyclists will have plenty of opportunity in the surrounding region. But one nearby option is La Victòria, an area towards the tip of the peninsula at whose gateway Alcudia sits. You can take in the 13th century La Victòria Hermitage on its hilltop as well as other viewpoints affording wonderful sea views.
Just 15 minutes’ drive from the town is the highly regarded 18-hole Alcanada Golf Club, said to be a challenging course, with marvellous views across the bay.
Festivals and events
Alcudia is the often the venue for traditional festivals, concerts and other performances. But the principal festival in the town’s calendar takes place over 9 days at the beginning of July. Dedicated to Saint Jaume, the celebrations encompass a host of events and traditions, including outdoor theatre, exhibitions, tournaments, a bullfight, and the Night of the Romans where the locals throng the streets dressed as ancient Romans. The fiesta culminates on La Noche de Sant Jaume, with fireworks and a philharmonic concert beside the old walls.
Other events held in Alcudia during the summer months include the gastronomic festival in honour of the cuttlefish (sípia), theatre productions in the old Roman amphitheatre, and the Alcúdia Jazz Festival which starts at the end of August and runs for a month.
