The attractive old town of Alcudia is situated between two large bays in the north of Mallorca. Its compact centre of winding streets, renaissance mansions, cafes and restaurants makes this a pleasant place for a relaxing stroll. The town is very popular with day trippers, but is usually fairly quiet in the evening time. A couple of kilometres from the town is the busy coastal resort of Puerto Alcudia.

Phoenician traders established an early settlement in this strategic location during the 7th century BC. The Romans took over several centuries later and it was they who established Alcudia (then known as Pollentia) as the island's capital. Mallorca was raided by the Vandals after the end of the Roman Empire, and they lived up to their fierce some reputation by destroying the town. Alcudia was later rebuilt by the Moors who re-named it 'Al-cudia' meaning 'on a hill'. Eventually the Moors were driven out of Mallorca in the 14th century by King Jaume. It was his son, Jaume II, who constructed the town's walls, complete with 26 defensive towers and three gateways. The walls were rebuilt during the 20th century after falling into disrepair.

Sights in Alcudia include the church of Sant Jaume with its 13th century chapel of Sant Crist and an organ which dates from 1559. To the south are the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, Teatre Roma, in which the stage has been cut into the rock. The theatre is still used for occasional concerts today. If you want to discover more about the town's long history, the Museu Monografic de Pollentia has a collection of coins and other artifacts excavated from the area during the 1920's.

To the east of Alcudia is the Fundacion Yannick y Ben Jakober. This collection of sculptures and paintings, including around 140 portraits of children, has been put together by a husband and wife team. In the Karlewis Wing is a selection of modern art by well-known contemporary artists. This area of the Formentor peninsula boasts some lovely scenery, particularly around the Talaia d'Alcudia mountain which rises to 444 metres above sea level. There are outstanding views from the mountain's summit.

To the south of the town, occupying the upper part of the bay is the resort of Puerto Alcudia which mostly caters for package tourists. The main beach, Platja d'Alcudia, is regarded as one of the finest on the island. It stretches for about 6 miles in total, from the marina to the Platja de Muro beach at Can Picafort. There are a range of water sports available, including water-skiing, scuba diving and windsurfing. Between Puerto Alcudia and Can Picafort is the natural park of S'Albufera de Mallorca. This large area of wetlands is home to a diversity of animals and plants, including moths, warblers, bats, fish and over 60 types of fungi.

Puerto Alcudia has a large, modern marina and a promenade lined with hotels, bars and restaurants. British-style pubs are especially common. The resort has a lively nightlife; the Roman-themed 'Menta' nightclub, which even has its own swimming pool, is one of the most popular venues.

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For more advice and tourist information about Alcudia please see Alcudia