Alcúdia, with about 22,000 inhabitants, lies in north-east Majorca, on an isthmus between the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. It combines a fine old town, important Roman remains and a long beach, and is a family favourite.
History
In 123 BC the Romans founded Pollentia here, the island's most important city in Roman times. Destroyed by the Vandals in the fifth century, it revived under the Moors as Al-Kudia, "the hill". After the Catalan conquest of 1229, King James II had the walls built in the fourteenth century, strengthened in the sixteenth against pirates.
What to see
- The old town, enclosed by medieval walls partly walkable, with the Moll and Sant Sebastià gates, stone lanes, mansions and the church of Sant Jaume.
- The ruins of Pollentia, with the forum, houses and a small rock-cut Roman theatre, and the Monographic Museum.
- The Tuesday and Sunday market, one of the island's largest, with local produce, crafts and clothing.
- The Victòria sanctuary and Cap des Pinar, with trails and views, and Coll Baix cove.
Port d'Alcúdia and beaches
Port d'Alcúdia is the resort on the bay, with a marina, fishing port and ferries to Menorca. Alcúdia beach, continuing as Muro beach to Can Picafort, is about 15 km of white sand with shallow, calm water, perfect for children. Sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are popular (see beaches and entertainment).
Nearby
A few kilometres away is S'Albufera natural park, the large wetland for birdwatching, and to the north-west the town of Pollença and the Formentor peninsula (see nature). Palma is about 55 km away, linked by motorway and bus.