34 kilometers have a lot of potential, a lot! Especially if they run by the Mediterranean Sea . Together with Palma and Pollença, the Bay of Alcudia is one of the 3 major bays of Mallorca. Its beaches are its main treasure and make it one of the most popular destinations on the island; but the Bay of Alcudia is much more than sun and beach. Do you want to thoroughly discover it?
Of history and culture
Between the capes of Es Pinar and Farrutx there are four municipalities: Alcudia, Muro, Artá and Santa Margalida, the first of them being the main urban nucleus of the area.
Alcudia has a historical legacy that few Balearic municipalities can match. Conquests, battles and other hauls have left their mark on a spectacular historical centre where its walls rise majestically, drawing one of the most typical pictures of the city. To enjoy walking among the many manor houses that populate it, the visitor will have to access through one of its three entrance doors: Moll, Mallorca or Vila Roja. Once there, you should definitely take some time off at one of its bars or terraces.
If there is a history lover amongst our dear readers, don´t forget to visit the Roman site of the old Pollenti, outside the city walls; a settlement founded 123 BC which counts as one of the oldest cities in the entire Mediterranean.
And to get the best of memories, every Tuesday and Sunday the streets of the historic quarter of Alcudia are filled with stalls after stalls, inviting locals and tourists to visit the Traditional Market. Clothing, crafts and the most diverse souvenirs are mixed among flowers, fruit and typical products from the island.
Of beaches and seas
The largest of the beaches is the one that is named after the bay itself, perfect for families due to its shallow depth and the tranquilityof its waters. Playa de Muro, with almost 6 km in length, has more waves and some years has even entered the ranking of the 10 best beaches in Spain thanks to TripAdvisor users. But if what you’re looking for is to flee from the crowds, extending your towel on the beach of Alcanada (with a beautiful pine forest nearby that becomes an oasis on the hottest days) should be your main goal.
To get to some of the hidden coves and most spectacular bays of the coast, the best way is to approach it by boat. To sail the seas in a classic sailboat, in a catamaran or -for more tight budgets- in a motor boat, is another one of the essential activities, since in addition to reaching points that are inaccessible by road, during the tour you can practice snorkeling, kayaking or just have a pleasant and refreshing bath in the Mediterranean Sea. Hidden bays like Es Coll Baix, Es Caló or Na Clara (these last two are located in Artá), are of wild nature and seem to be the closest you can get to paradise, resulting in a haven of peace outside the more crowded beaches mentioned above.
Nature and gardens
Natural Park S’Albufera (the most important of the whole island and one of the most important wetlands on this Mediterranean island) is a must for all those who like destinations that combine flip-flops with mountain boots. With signposted routes and huts for bird watching, it is separated from the sea by a cordon of dunes nad is an ideal place to get away from the madding crowd.
The protected natural area of Victoria, with rugged peaks like Puig de la Victoria or Puig del Romaní, is the perfect place for hiking-lovers, mountain biking and climbing, and is located on the peninsula that separates the Bay of Alcudia from Pollença. Climbing up to its highest point (Talaia de Alcudia, 446m) from the chapel is mandatory in order to enjoy spectacular views at the end of the ascent.
The Sa Bassa Blanca Museum is a wonderfut house-museum with gardens in which to feel like the protagonist of a story; this artistic centre´s mission is to help appreciate creativity by providing each person with a holistic experience of art, nature and architecture.
Leisure and gastronomy
We return to the water, but this time we do not cool off in the sea, but in the Hydropark of Alcúdia: a water park of more than 40,000 square feet full of slides, wave pools, spirals, kamikaze and attractions designed to enjoy in good company. Something more peacefulis the Alcanada Golf, overlooking the lighthouse where the logo of the golf club finds its inspiration from most of its holes. It is one of the best places to play golf in the Bay of Alcudia and has been designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
And since in the summer a good paella is a must on the menu, the Ponderosa Beach will set the bar very high on your list of the “best rices of your life”. On the other hand, Mar y Paz (and its varied gastronomic offer) will be waiting for you to regain strenght with your feet in the sand of Can Picafort, while in the port of Alcúdia the gastronomic experience will be outstanding if you give the menus of Sa Roqueta, La Terraza, Casa or Maca de Castro (Awarded a few years ago with 1 Michelin Star) a try.
The combination of pristine beaches, Roman & medieval remains and leisure &delicious gastronomy makes the Bay of Alcudia one of the best destinations around Mallorca.
