Alcudia is one of the most complete destinations in Mallorca. Perched on the northern tip of the island, this town blends medieval history, spectacular beaches, protected natural areas and an ever-growing food and entertainment scene. If you are wondering what to do in Alcudia, here are 15 essential plans that cover everything from early morning to late at night.
1. Walk the medieval walled old town
Alcudia's old town boasts some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Mallorca. The 14th-century fortifications encircle a maze of cobblestone streets lined with stately homes, Gothic churches and hidden corners. Do not miss the Porta de Mallorca, the Porta del Moll, the church of Sant Jaume and the Town Hall. Walking along the top of the wall rewards you with panoramic views across the harbour, the bay and the Tramuntana mountains.
Local tip: Arrive early in the morning or at sunset to beat the heat and catch the best light for photos. A full circuit along the ramparts takes around 30 minutes.
2. Relax at Platja d'Alcudia
Stretching over 7 kilometres of fine white sand with shallow turquoise waters, Alcudia beach ranks among the finest on the island. It is ideal for families thanks to the gentle slope into the sea and full facilities including sunbeds, parasols, beach bars and water-sport stations. The northern end near Ciudad Blanca is the quietest stretch.
How to get there: From central Port d'Alcudia the beach is less than a five-minute walk. Public car parks line the main avenue, but during peak season aim to arrive before 10:00.
3. Visit the Roman ruins of Pollentia
Just outside the old-town walls lie the remains of Pollentia, the most important Roman settlement in Mallorca, founded in 123 BC. You can explore the forum, patrician houses and a small Roman theatre. The Museu Monografic de Pollentia inside the historic centre complements the visit with artefacts unearthed during excavations.
Practical info: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:00 in high season. A combined ticket for the ruins and the museum costs around 4 EUR.
4. Browse the Tuesday and Sunday markets
Alcudia's weekly market takes over the old-town streets every Tuesday and Sunday morning. It is one of the largest on the island and a riot of colour: local fruit and vegetables, Mallorcan charcuterie (sobrasada, botifarron), Mahon cheese, olives, freshly baked ensaimadas, handmade ceramics, clothing and accessories. It is the perfect place to pick up authentic local produce and soak up the culture.
Local tip: Arrive between 08:30 and 10:00 to enjoy the market without the crowds. The Sunday edition is smaller but far less touristy.
5. Try water sports in the bay
The Bay of Alcudia is a paradise for water sports. Calm waters and steady wind make it an ideal spot for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several schools along the beach offer beginner lessons and equipment hire. For an extra adrenaline hit, parasailing, jet-skiing and banana-boat rides are also on the menu.
Best time: Mornings tend to be calmer for paddleboarding and kayaking. The afternoon breeze picks up nicely for windsurfing and kiting.
6. Take a boat trip to Formentor and sea caves
Boat excursions depart from Alcudia harbour and head for the dramatic Formentor peninsula, with its sheer cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear water. Some routes include swimming stops at coves only reachable by sea and visits to marine caves. It is one of the most memorable experiences in northern Mallorca.
Options: You can choose anything from large catamarans to private speedboats for a more exclusive outing. Departures are usually around 10:00 and last between three and six hours. Book ahead in high season.
7. Cycling on the northern routes
Alcudia is the cycling capital of Mallorca. Thousands of professional and amateur riders choose the area as a training base every year. Routes range from flat bay-side spins and laps through the s'Albufera nature reserve to epic climbs such as Cap de Formentor, Coll de Sa Batalla and Puig Major. Road-bike, gravel-bike and mountain-bike hire shops are plentiful throughout the area.
Recommended beginner route: Alcudia to Can Picafort on the coastal greenway (30 km round trip, completely flat, sea views the whole way).
8. Hike on the Victoria peninsula
The Victoria peninsula east of Alcudia is a gem for hikers. The most popular route climbs to the Talaia d'Alcudia (444 metres), offering 360-degree views across the bay, the Formentor peninsula and, on clear days, as far as Menorca. You can also walk down to Cala des Coll Baix, one of the most beautiful and wild beaches in Mallorca, accessible only on foot or by boat.
Practical info: The Talaia round trip takes about two hours. Carry water, sun protection and proper footwear. The trail to Coll Baix is more demanding (around 45 minutes downhill with rocky sections).
9. Explore the s'Albufera nature reserve
S'Albufera is the largest wetland in the Balearic Islands and one of the best birdwatching sites in Europe. More than 300 species have been recorded here, including osprey, flamingo, heron and numerous migratory birds. Trails are flat and accessible, with strategically placed hides. Entry is free and there is a visitors' centre with information on local wildlife and flora.
Tip: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching. Bring binoculars if you can.
10. Dine on charcoal-grilled local produce
After a day exploring Alcudia, nothing beats a proper sit-down dinner with fresh local ingredients cooked over charcoal. Hiru Food & Drinks, on Ctra. d'Arta 40 in Port d'Alcudia, has become the gastronomic benchmark of the area. The kitchen revolves around hand-selected aged meats, rice dishes prepared with fish and shellfish from the local market, and Mediterranean fish grilled to perfection over charcoal. The atmosphere is modern and relaxed, ideal for a long dinner with good company.
Hours: Open 12:00 to 23:30 (Friday and Saturday until 01:00). Closed Tuesdays. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends.
11. Sunset cocktails with a view
Alcudia enjoys some of the most stunning sunsets in Mallorca, and there is no better way to savour them than with a quality cocktail in hand. Enjoy Terrace, at Av. Tucan 1 in Port d'Alcudia, is where locals and visitors gather every evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The menu of signature cocktails, paired with premium shisha and a sophisticated ambiance, makes it easy to stay well into the night. Open daily from 17:00.
Tip: Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot. The bartenders are happy to recommend combinations based on your taste.
12. World-class nightlife
When it comes to after-dark action in Port d'Alcudia, Outxide Club is the undisputed reference. It is the top clubbing destination in northern Mallorca, with professional-grade sound, national and international DJs and spectacular visual production. Open Thursday to Saturday from 23:00, May through October. The location is perfect for combining a dinner at Hiru and cocktails at Enjoy Terrace before heading into the club.
Tickets: Available through FourVenues (the official platform) or at the door. Buying online usually means a better price.
13. Visit the Cave of Sant Marti
Near the Ermita de la Victoria, the Cave of Sant Marti is a natural grotto converted into a chapel that is well worth a visit. Two chambers carved into the rock house ancient altars and paintings. The setting is spectacular, surrounded by pine forest with sea views. Entry is free and the visit combines perfectly with the Talaia hiking route.
14. Rent a boat and explore the coastline
If you want total freedom to discover the northern Mallorcan coast, renting a boat without a licence is an increasingly popular option in Alcudia. Companies hire out small motorboats of up to 15 HP that require no licence, ideal for cruising the bay, anchoring in hidden coves and reaching beaches such as Coll Baix, Cala Morella and the Formentor coast. For larger vessels you will need a licence or a skipper included in the hire.
Where: Several charter companies operate from Alcudia marina. Prices vary depending on the boat type and the season.
15. Discover Alcudia by Segway or e-bike
For a more laid-back activity, Segway or electric-bike tours are a fun way to explore Port d'Alcudia, the seafront promenade and the s'Albufera surroundings without breaking a sweat. Several operators run guided routes with stops at viewpoints and historical landmarks.
Your perfect day in Alcudia
If you only had one day, here is our recommendation: start with the old town and the market (if it is Tuesday or Sunday), swim at Alcudia beach in the morning, have a seafood rice dish for lunch at Hiru Food & Drinks, spend the afternoon on a boat trip or hiking on the Victoria peninsula, enjoy sunset cocktails at Enjoy Terrace, and if it is Thursday, Friday or Saturday, close the night dancing at Outxide Club. Alcudia has it all, compact and within reach.
