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A resort town in the north of Mallorca, Alcúdia is a very popular place to stay on the island. It’s a historic location situated on a peninsula that is close to both beaches and more rural countryside, and despite its relatively small size has a lot to offer visitors who come to explore the area.
Whether you’re visiting Alcúdia for the day or are making a list of everything you want to see in the town during your holiday, here’s our guide to some of the best places to go.
One of the most famous attractions in Alcúdia and definitely one of the best places to go is the remains of the Roman city that was known as Pollentia. Situated between the bays of Pollenca and Alcúdia, it was once the main position of power in the Balearic Islands and was thought to be a very large settlement spanning up to 20 hectares.
Nowadays, the town lies in ruins. The remains of Pollentia were first discovered in the 1600s but excavation work only began in the last century, so there is likely still more of the city to discover. At present, the ruins of a theatre, a forum and a residential area that is referred to as ‘La Portella’ are open to the public, allowing you to explore the shell of what was once a very busy part of the island.
Pollentia is open throughout the year between 09:30 and 20:30 during the week and 09:30 and 14:30 at the weekends. A ticket to the ruins also grants you access to the museum that is on-site and explains more about the history of the city.
The Old Town in Alcúdia is most famous for its city walls, which are still partially accessible and provide wonderful views over the surrounding area if you climb to the top. There are many small shops and eateries within this area of Alcúdia that make it a great place to spend a couple of hours wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.
Old Town Alcúdia was thought to have first been established at the same time as the Roman settlement of Pollentia, with the city walls finally being completed in 1362. You can see examples of Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture around the streets, with buildings from across the ages and plenty of places you can step inside and explore further.
The Mirador de La Victoria is a viewpoint located on the Alcúdia peninsula, 150 metres above sea level. If you’re a keen hiker then this is an essential spot to visit if you’re staying in the town, promising incredible views of the coastline and the ocean as well as other nearby towns.
If you make the trek up to the viewpoint, you can also reward yourself with a visit to the Restaurant Mirador de La Victoria which has an outdoor terrace that lets you continue admiring the views whilst you eat. It’s an especially beautiful place to dine as the sun is setting, but we recommend booking in advance to ensure that you bag one of the best tables.
If you’re visiting Alcúdia with a family then the Hidropark should be high on your list of the best places to go. It’s the only water park on the north side of the island and is an incredibly popular place to visit in the summer months, with numerous water slides, rides and pools of different sizes and depths both indoors and outdoors.
Hidropark also has a mini-golf course, trampoline park and an electric car track for children, so there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained for the day. There are also several restaurants and bars, so you don’t need to worry about packing food along with your swimming costumes when you visit.
The parish Church of Saint James is one of the best known religious buildings in Alcúdia, located within the Old Town. Originally built in the 14th century, the church was named after King James II who originally ordered the famous town walls to be built.
In 1870 the original church building collapsed, leading to a rebuild that was finished in 1893 in a Neo-Gothic style. It’s a beautiful building that is well worth a visit to admire the architecture and features such as the altarpiece and main entrance tympanum.
If culture is on your to-do list when it comes to places to go in Alcúdia, the Museo Sa Bassa Blanca is somewhere you should definitely visit. Originally established by collectors Ben Jakober, Yannick Vu and philanthropist Georges Coulon Karlweis, the museum is run by a foundation displaying their collection of artworks and cultural objects of significance on the Sa Bassa Blanca property.
The museum is located an eight-minute drive from Alcúdia in a protected natural area, with the collections housed in a beautiful contemporary building that overlooks the coast and has several gardens attached and open to visitors. There is a wide range of art, sculpture and photography on display, with the overall aim of the museum to preserve the ‘heritage of Spanish Historic Patrimony’.
Situated in the countryside near Alcúdia, Son Marroig is a grand house and estate that once belonged to the Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria. Dating back to the early 17th century, the building has undergone several renovations over the centuries and remains an incredibly beautiful place to visit with spectacular views, and is often chosen as a wedding venue for couples getting married in the area.
Son Marroig was turned into a museum dedicated to the Archduke’s life and the whole estate is open to the public where you can see how some of the house’s decor has been preserved to reflect what it would have looked like when Ludwig Salvator lived there. The entrance fee is only €4, and it’s a lovely place to visit on an afternoon to admire the scenery and learn more about the history of the area.
There’s a brilliant range of places to go in Alcúdia, from ancient, historic sites to modern cultural attractions and beautiful natural spaces. If you’d like more recommendations of how to spend your time whilst in the area, why not check out our post on the best things to do in Alcúdia?
If you’re planning a visit to Alcúdia and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our selection here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
Best Things To Do To In Alcúdia
