What to See and Do in Alcúdia

The Roman Remains of Pollentia (Ruines Romanes de Pollentia) is one of the major historical sites on the island of Mallorca. Pollentia was a Roman city founded by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus. In its heyday, it was the most important city in the Balearics. Today, its ruins sit within the resort of Alcúdia.

Pollentia was most likely to have been a military camp initially, probably until about 70 BC. People eventually settled there later, as archaeological finds suggest, and it thrived for several centuries. Excavations have uncovered evidence of housing in a district the Romans called La Portella, as wel as what would have been an impressive forum and theatre.

Pollentia Monographic Museum displays some of the finds recovered from the ruins on the edge of town. It forms part of the Museum of Mallorca. Opened in 1987, this small but fascinating collection is housed in a 14^th-century building that used to be a hospital.

Exhibits at the museum fall into 2 categories: public life and private life. Together, these artefacts tell the story of what life would have been like in the Roman city in the 1^st and 2^nd centuries AD. You can learn more about the past through the exhibited objects recovered from the forum and theatre as well as household utensils.

The Church of St. Jaume (Església de Sant Jaume d'Alcúdia) is an imposing historical landmark in Alcúdia that dates back to 1893. It was built after the previous church on the site partially collapsed and had to be torn down. That too wasn’t the original, itself preceded by a 14^th-century place of worship.

Today’s church features a beautiful Gothic-style vaulted ceiling. The altar, created by local sculptor Llorenç Ferrer Martí, is dedicated to Sant Jaume – you can find a statue of the town’s patron saint above the main entrance. Beside the church, there’s a parish museum containing exhibits about the church and religious art.

The Medieval Wall of Alcúdia (Murada Medieval d'Alcúdia) is the set of fortifications that enclose the old town of Alcúdia. At the turn of the 14^th century, King Jaume II of Mallorca wanted to improve defence as the island often came under attack from pirates. He ordered the construction of 6-metre-tall walls connecting 26 watchtowers, surrounded by a moat.

There were also 3 gates: Porta del Moll/Porta de Xara was the entrance from the port, Porta de Mallorca/Porta de Sant Sebastià, which could be closed by a portcullis, connected Alcúdia to Palma, and Porta de la Vila Roja led to the centre of the town. You can still walk these ancient walls today. Inside, the old town has plenty of shops where you can browse and bargain.

Alcúdia Market (Mercadillo De Alcúdia) is part-farmers’ market, part-flea market and part-souvenir market. This twice-weekly event brings together artists, growers and artisans from the local area. Freshly caught fish, sobrasada (Mallorcan raw cured peppery sausage), seasonal fruit and vegetables, local wine, flowers, leather goods, textiles and handicrafts inject colour and local flavour.

In summer, when visitors bolster the resident population, the market spills out into the surrounding streets. You can also find a craft market beside the marina in peak season.

Flamallorca is a flamenco company in Alcúdia that showcases the traditional, energetic Spanish dance. Most closely associated with Andalusia over on the mainland, flamenco is characterised by clapping, singing, castanets and the sound of the Spanish guitar.

Regular shows in Alcúdia (and Palma) enable you to watch talented dancers perform in the town’s Plaza de Toros – the bullfighting ring. Grab a glass of sangria and some bar snacks and settle into your seat to watch this rhythmic dance in an atmospheric open-air setting.

Alcúdia Beach (Platja d'Alcúdia) is the main beach in town and the longest and largest in Mallorca. This 7-km-long stretch of sand lines the Bahía de Alcudia, extending from the marina of Puerto de Alcudia to Canpicafort. The beach shelves gradually into the bay, making the seabed shallow and sandy. It’s ideal for families as it is safe for children.

There’s a range of facilities at the beach including showers, umbrellas, hammocks and outlets renting water sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards and Hobie cats. It also has lifeguards on duty. When you get peckish, simply grab a snack from one of several beach bars.

Albufera Natural Park (Parc Natural de s'Albufera) is an area featuring dunes and saltwater lagoons on the edge of Alcúdia. It is the largest wetland on the island, with observation platforms and a visitor centre to help you enjoy the scenery. Many migrating birds call in on their way south while others live here year-round.

From the bird hides, you might spot peregrine falcons, herons, avocets, black vultures, egrets, and kingfishers. The 4 marked trails help you to explore either on foot or by bicycle. A different way to experience Albufera is to eat the local pies called espinagades, made with eels caught here.

Hidropark Alcúdia is a popular water park on the outskirts of the resort town. It features a wave pool and a shallow splash pool among its main highlights. Foam slides and spirals will thrill teens and older kids while animal-themed chutes will delight the little ones. Waterfalls and fountains are ideal for cooling off, if you’re baking under a hot Mallorcan summer sun.

Alongside the pools, you’ll find a mini-golf course. Refuel at the park’s fast-food restaurants and bars before chilling out on one of the park’s sun loungers.

Dollar Street is the nickname given to Avenida Pedro Mas i Reus, a street that runs perpendicular to the port in Alcúdia. The strip is best known for its high concentration of bars. Legends and Linekers are 2 of the most established bars there, but you’ll also find an Irish bar and numerous other places to drink, sing karaoke as well as watch football.

Dollar Street is bold, brash and buzzing, but that’s the point. There are plenty of eateries for when you need to refuel, with everything from pizza to sushi available nearby.