OUR TOUR OF ALCUDIA

Alcudia, bestowed with the title of most faithful city in the times of the Christian conquest, has an Arabic name and a Roman footprint.  Its past has been shaped by different peoples in a wonderful natural enclave in the north of Mallorca.  A mere stone´s throw from the Sierra de Tramontana, Alcudia lies with its back to the rural Mallorcan countryside, while in front it descends towards the bays of Pollenca in the North and Alcudia in the East.  It is the centre of an area of intense contrasts.  Alcudia is nestled between the rocky walls of the Sierra and sandy coves of the bay of Alcudia, and between the north wind, the sea, and the island´s interior. 

In spite of its historic heritage, Alcudia remains an unknown place to many Mallorcans and residents.  Yet some are surprised at how well it is known internationally.  It is unusual to find such an authentic village situated so close to the main tourist centres.  This town has successfully retained its Mediterranean village spirit, where life goes on at a different pace, and where everything is savoured and enjoyed.  In some ways, life within the sheltered medieval walls of Alcudia (whose construction commenced in 1300) has changed little since those bygone days.  “Sa Plaça” is the nerve centre of Alcudia – everyone and everything passes through the square that is naturally the favourite meeting place.  Around it you will find terraces and bars where you can sit and enjoy this pleasant spot and combine your visit with a tasty morsel.

Narrow streets lead from both sides of the square and wind in various directions until they reach the Wall. Whether at the gates of Xara and Sant Sebastian or the church of Sant Juame, opposite the old Roman city of Pollentia the culture and historical importance is evident by Alcudia’s famous structures.  A little further beyond the wall is the Roman theatre, which is exceptional in that it was dug out of the rock rather that built.

A string of orange trees marks the route of the main street, the Carrer del Moll, and the Carrer Major.  Here and in the adjacent street, you will find tiny shops selling jewellery, shoemakers, clothes shops, bars and restaurants set between big old family houses built many centuries ago, and small, enchanting squares.  Alcudia is one of those places where it is worth spending time getting lost in its streets and discovering a new delight, a new sensation on every corner.

The market is held every Tuesday and Sunday morning and brings a livelier rhythm to the town.  All around—inside and outside the medieval wall—the village is filled with the bustle and colour of farmers, traders, artisans and artists.

Barely 2 km away lays Port d’Alcudia—a tiny fishing harbour transformed today into a small village by the sea. Port d’Alcudia boasts a seaside promenade, which has won prizes in a number of architectural and urban design competitions.  Crossing the two genres, the propmenade provides a pleasant walk with the scent of the sea breeze on the sea side, with its traditional llauts, fishing boats and modern sports harbour of Alcudiamar, and on the other side you can find the best restaurants, ice-cream parlours and clothes boutiques; and in front the beach, kilometres of fine sand which form the semi circle of Alcudia bay.  The beach at Port d’Alcudia is the most popular beach with all kinds of services from beach bars to boat hire and sailing courses.

It is not the only beach, however.  With nearly twenty in the local area, beach fans are spoilt for choice.  From beaches with sandy earth to beaches that are only accessible from the sea, this area of Mallorca has a beach for everyone.  Among the quieter beaches are the Alcanada, S’Illot and Coll Baix.  This last one is a true prodigy of which can only be accessed by boat or after a pleasant stroll through pine trees and rocks.
For trekking and nature fans, a number of very interesting walks start from Coll Baix, such as that which goes up to the Talaia—an old defensive fort situated at the highest point in the area.  From the top you can see the two bays: the side of Alcudia, the Pla de Mallorca, and on a clear day you can see the coast of Menorca.

If there is one place, however, that nature lovers must see is S’Albufera and S’Albufereta, which are two of the most ecologically important wetlands in the Balearics.  These wetlands are situated in Alcudia and the surrounding area and combine a wealth of interesting flora and fauna.

Fittingly, we shall end this tour of Alcudia with a visit to the Plaça, the place that inspired Alexander Cuellar’s book Café de Plaça.  In the book, he wrote of Alcudia “Many more things could be said of this extraordinary village, many tributes could still be made because, truly, it deserves them.  Every year we uncover new qualities here, every year we sink a little more into its history every year we love it more.”