Cheap Alcudia Holidays from £329pp

Why go to Alcudia

Set between two bays on the northeast coast of Majorca, Alcudia blends historic treasures with stunning natural surrounds. And when you're ready for the beach, some of the island’s most spectacular stretches of sand await.

Alcudia’s old town is a maze of narrow streets where you can wander peacefully past honey-coloured buildings from the 13th century before stumbling on a plaza buzzing with cafés. Walk upon the medieval walls that wrap around the town and admire impressive remnants of its time under Roman rule.

Outside Alcudia’s walls, step back in time at the Roman city of Pollèntia, founded around 70 BC. You can stroll past preserved houses, a forum and a theatre, before picnicking with a view of the ruins beneath the shade of a fig tree.

Want to explore the local countryside? S'Albufera Natural Park is south of Alcudia and considered the most important wetland on the Balearic Islands. Cycle there from Alcudia then explore via the flat bike paths. The peaceful park draws plenty of birdwatchers and walkers looking for a quiet stroll.

For natural beauty of a different kind, Alcudia’s beaches are regarded as some of the best in Majorca – no mean feat for an island blessed with such a pristine coastline. Stretching along the bay from Port d'Alcudia, Alcudia Beach is more than four miles of fine white sand overlooking calm, clear waters. And, Alcudia’s Mediterranean climate means mild winters and hot, sunny summers with cooling ocean breezes.

With cuisine combining hearty traditional fare and island produce, Majorcan food has a unique flavour. For breakfast, sample a sugary ensaïmada – the Majorcan version of a croissant. Then for lunch or dinner, try tumbet – a dish of lightly fried vegetables, often topped with as much fresh seafood as you can manage.

When to go to Alcudia

Sun worshippers will enjoy July and August holidays to Alcudia, when the town basks in temperatures around 30C. July is also the driest month, with cloudless skies the norm. Crowds flock to the beach during the height of summer – when prices reach their peak – but the sand and sea is pleasant in the months either side.

Between December and February, holidays to Alcudia are unlikely to involve much swimming – sea temperatures are a chilly 15C – but are likely to be markedly cheaper. Expect average highs of 15C and around six hours of daily sunshine.

If you fancy a party, June and July are when Alcudia celebrates its most important festivals. The Fiestas de Sant Jaume is a festival at the end of July dedicated to the town’s patron saint. The week-long celebration includes concerts, expositions and religious ceremonies, but accommodation is at a premium so book well in advance if you want to join in.

What to do in Alcudia

Although the sandy beaches and fun-filled waterpark are clearly big draws, especially for families, a holiday in Alcudia is much more than just a beach break. You can also walk the walls of the charming medieval centre, discover fascinating Roman ruins, and spot birds in wetlands, all interspersed with pit-stops to try fresh Majorcan food.

Medieval wall

The imposing walls are the defining feature of Alcudia’s attractive old town. Originally built in the 14th century by King Jaume II, the walls provided protection from pirate attacks.

Now restored to its former glory, the walls are one of Alcudia’s defining landmarks. Standing at around six metres (20ft), with 26 towers, it’s an impressive sight. You can walk the entire wall within an hour, or climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Beaches

Majorca is known for its beaches and Alcudia’s stand up with the best of them. Alcudia Beach, between the port and S’Albufera Natural Park, is a palm tree-lined, white-sand stretch. The calm surf and water activities, such as snorkelling, make this a popular spot for families.

There are other fine-sand beaches to discover, such as the family-friendly Playa de Muro, as well as coves and pebble beaches. North of Alcudia Beach, Playa de S’Illot is a cove with a pebble beach and picnic area that’s ideal for scuba diving and canoeing.

Pollèntia

You don’t have to be a history buff to be impressed by the ruins of Roman town, Pollèntia. Lying a short distance outside Alcudia’s walls, this archaeological site was once Majorca’s main Roman city.

The main sights include the Casa dels Dos Tresors (House of the Two Treasures), which has its original floor layout, and the Roman Theatre that could once seat around 1,000 spectators.

HidroPark

For a day of family thrills and fun, HidroPark – a sprawling waterpark filled with rides for all ages – is around a ten-minute drive of Alcudia.

Between the six pools – one of which is a wave pool – and head-spinning waterslides, you’ll also find a children’s park and infant zone. If you want to keep your feet dry, the park, open from May until October, also has a 54-hole mini-golf course.

S'Albufera Natural Park

It might not get your pulse racing like the HidroPark, but S'Albufera Natural Park is well worth a visit.

A protected nature reserve, the park is free to enter and has four birdwatching points where you can spot some of the more than 200 species in the park. It’s easily reached by car or public bus, and can be navigated on footpaths or by bike via the cycle trails.

Where to stay in Alcudia

For families

Starting near the marina, Port d'Alcudia is dotted with all-inclusive resorts, with family-friendly facilities such as pools and kids’ clubs. The port is also walking distance to the old town and the beach.

If you want to stay closer to the shoreline, the main promenade along Alcudia Beach has aparthotels with pools and many restaurants serving up Spanish fare and international favourites. The beach itself has calm, shallow waters ideal for splashing about and, if you haven’t brought your own umbrella, you can hire a sunbed and shade.

For travellers on a budget

It may come as a surprise, but you can find budget, one-star accommodation right on the marina waterfront at Port d'Alcudia. Many even offer balconies with waterfront views, and you’ll be in the heart of the area’s restaurants and bars.

Don’t expect to find the same opportunities on the beachfront, though, particularly during the summer season. That said, you can still soak up the sunshine from your hotel pool, a few streets back from the ocean and benefit from cheaper holiday deals. This area is close to the nightlife hub “The Strip” and also a short walk from the old town and port.

For food and drink

The twice-weekly Alcudia market is held within the walls of the old town on Sunday and Tuesday mornings from 8am to 1pm. Here you can pick up leather goods, fresh produce and local delicacies including wine, sobrassada (raw, cured sausage) and olives.

Naturally, you’ll also find a wide range of restaurants in the old town, and serving up everything from Majorcan to Mediterranean plates. Down by the marina, you can dine with waterfront view, where your hardest choice is between a light bite of tapas or a serving of steak or seafood.

For nightlife

The old town has a good range of bars to hop between but for a more lively night out, look to the area around Avenue Pere Mas i Reus. Crossing the Gran Canal, there are plenty of drinking options, from beach bars to Irish pubs, along this street.

You’ll find three-star hotels with pools in the neighbourhood, a short walk from the port’s upmarket cocktail bars. For a really late night, so-called ‘party bus’ services are available to the island’s party capital Magaluf. The sun will be up by the time you return.

For culture

The preserved and pedestrianised old town has boutique hotels and apartments converted from manor houses. Some have rustic features such as wrought-iron balconies and original exposed stone walls. Roof terraces are a lovely spot for enjoying a peaceful sunset away from the beach resort crowds, while internal courtyards are ideal for sheltering from the summer sunshine.

Staying in the old town means you’re close to cultural hotspots such as the walls and towers, museums and churches. Just be prepared to put up with the church bells chiming through the night.