Alcúdia is one of those rare places that seems to have a little bit of everything — beautiful beaches, rich history, great food, and a relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay just a few days longer. I first visited Alcúdia on a trip to Mallorca that was meant to be a quiet escape, but I quickly realised that this town is anything but ordinary.
Whether you're wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town or soaking up the sun on the long, golden beach, there's a kind of magic to Alcúdia that really stays with you. It's the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking through ancient ruins and the afternoon sipping a cool drink by the sea — all without ever needing to rush.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together the 7 best things to do in Alcúdia based on personal experience, local recommendations, and the kind of must-see spots that truly showcase what makes this part of Mallorca so special. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these highlights will help you make the most of your time in one of my favourite towns on the island.
One of the very first things I did in Alcúdia — and easily one of the most memorable — was get lost in the narrow, honey-coloured streets of the Old Town. This beautifully preserved medieval centre feels like stepping back in time, with ancient stone buildings, quiet plazas, and winding alleys that always seem to lead somewhere worth discovering.
What really stood out for me was the walk along the old city walls. You can climb up and circle much of the Old Town from above, with sweeping views of both the rustic rooftops and the rolling countryside beyond. It’s a peaceful and photogenic experience, and a great way to get a feel for the town’s history — especially if you’re travelling with kids who love a bit of adventure.
Two weekly markets take place in Alcúdia, If you're in Alcúdia on a Tuesday or Sunday, you’re in luck. These are market days — and they’re absolutely worth making time for. I didn’t go with any specific shopping list, but ended up leaving with local cheese, handmade pottery, and a colourful scarf I didn’t know I needed.
The market takes over the Old Town, with stalls spilling out onto the streets around Paseo Mare de Déu de la Victòria. In the summer it’s huge, bustling with locals and tourists alike. In the winter, it’s smaller but has a more relaxed, authentic feel. Whether you’re after fresh produce, souvenirs, or just want to soak up the atmosphere, the market is one of the best ways to experience everyday life in Alcúdia.
One of the unexpected highlights of my trip was the food — and I don’t just mean the sangria. Alcúdia is full of restaurants serving everything from classic tapas to hearty, home-style traditional ‘Mallorquin’ dishes. One evening, I tried “arroz brut”, a rich, brothy rice dish packed with flavour, and followed it up with a traditional ensaimada (a sweet, spiral pastry that’s ridiculously moreish). Alcudia has a fantastic range of tapas bars and restaurants to endulge your desires.
If you’re new to Mallorcan cuisine, start with a coca Mallorquina — imagine a flatbread meets veggie tart — or sample sobrassada, the local cured sausage that’s spreadable and often paired with honey. Many of the best meals I had were in small, family-run spots off the main streets — the kind of places where the menu’s only in Spanish and the portions are generous.
Beyond the markets, Alcúdia is a great place to shop — especially if you enjoy browsing small boutiques and local artisan stores. I found everything from handwoven bags to delicate silver jewellery in the Old Town, much of it made right here on the island.
Puerto Alcúdia has a small shopping centre too, with more familiar brands and bigger shops if that’s more your style. But for me, the charm lies in the locally owned places — you’re much more likely to find something special that actually reminds you of Mallorca, not just another fridge magnet.
Alcúdia is packed with sights — some ancient, some artistic, and all within easy reach. Aside from the Old Town, one of the standout spots I visited was the Roman ruins of Pollentia, just outside the centre. Walking through the remains of temples, homes, and an amphitheatre felt surreal — like I’d stumbled into a slice of Roman history surrounded by palm trees.
Other cultural stops include Museo Sa Bassa Blanca, an eclectic art and sculpture museum tucked away in the hills, and local gems like the Parish Museum and Casa Museo. The town’s churches are also beautiful and worth popping into — Església de Sant Jaume is particularly striking, especially when lit up in the late afternoon sun.
Whilst the town of Alcúdia itself is in the middle of a peninsula in the north of Mallorca, it’s located pretty close to a range of beaches which means planning a trip to the coast is very easy if you’re staying nearby.
No visit to Alcúdia is complete without a beach day — or three. I spent most of mine on Playa de Alcúdia in Port d’Alcúdia; a huge, family-friendly stretch of white sand and calm, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming. Even when it was busy, there was always space to roll out a towel and relax.
If you’re up for exploring, Playa de Muro is just down the coast and has a more resort-like feel, with lots of beach bars and loungers. On the other side of the peninsula, I discovered quieter coves like Platja Es Morer Vermell, which felt more like secret escapes — fewer crowds, fewer umbrellas, and uninterrupted views of the sea.
For a change of pace, I took a morning to visit the S’Albufera Nature Reserve, just a short drive (or bike ride) from Alcúdia. It’s the largest wetland in the Balearics, and home to hundreds of bird species — I spotted herons, kestrels and even a few flamingos during my walk.
There’s a visitor centre with info on the wildlife and walking routes, and the trails are well-marked, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. It’s especially lovely on a cooler day when you want some fresh air and quiet time in nature — and it makes for a great family outing if you’re travelling with kids who love animals and the outdoors.
We’ve only really scratched the surface of what there is to do in Alcúdia on this list. Not only is there more to discover in the town, but its location means that trips to places like Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa are also really easy to plan and allow you to see more of Mallorca and its beautiful little towns and villages.
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 Places To Visit In Alcúdia
