Port d’Alcúdia: A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present

7 min readJun 17, 2023

Nestled at the northern edge of the sweeping 8.5km Bay of Alcúdia, you’ll find the captivating Port d’Alcúdia. This port, rich in history since Roman times, once served as a crucial gateway to Spain, France, and neighboring islands. It was also a hub for distributing goods to inland towns, including the ancient Roman town of Alcúdia, situated just under 2km away. However, the tourism boom of the 1960s transformed this port into a hotspot for visitors, particularly the British, who now own a significant portion of the property in Port d’Alcúdia.

From Fishing Port to Tourist Hub: The Evolution of Port d’Alcúdia

The once modest fishing port has evolved into a bustling marina and pedestrian-friendly promenade, teeming with bars, restaurants, and shops. While summer sees a flurry of activity, winter ushers in a serene tranquility, making it an ideal retreat for both international and local residents. The s’Albufera Natural Park, with its stunning hiking and biking trails, and the prominent beach life make Port d’Alcúdia a paradise for families. With a top-notch international school nearby and an abundance of outdoor activities, it’s a place where cherished family memories are made all year round.

Golf de Alcanada: A Golfer’s Paradise Amidst the Mediterranean

Golf de Alcanada, located on the peninsula adjacent to Port d’Alcúdia, is a golfer’s dream come true. This 6,499m course, designed by Hans-Peter Porsche of the Porsche family, boasts breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and the iconic lighthouse from which it derives its name. The course’s design is a harmonious blend of beauty and quality, with immaculate fairways, greens, and contours. It seamlessly integrates with the typical Mallorcan landscape of fragrant pines and olive groves. Thanks to Mallorca’s warm climate, golfers can enjoy the course all year round, and it frequently hosts tournaments.

Experience the Charm of Port d’Alcúdia

Port d’Alcúdia is more than just a place to visit; it’s a place to be experienced. With a year-round warm climate, one of the island’s best and largest beaches, a natural park, and a stunning mountain range, it’s all about embracing the great outdoors. Start your day with a morning walk or jog along the famous blue path that stretches 5km along the beach, before retreating to your home office. If golf is your game, make the most of your Golf de Alcanada membership, followed by a leisurely lunch on the Clubhouse terrace, taking in the panoramic views of the vast greens and cobalt blues.

A Calendar Full of Events in Port d’Alcúdia

Port d’Alcúdia is a hub of cultural and sporting events. The Nautical & Sepia Fair, held in early April, is a culinary celebration of sepia, a popular type of cuttlefish. Over 30 restaurants showcase their culinary prowess with special menus, and another 20 set up cuttlefish stalls in the marquee. Live music performances from bands and DJs add to the festive atmosphere. The Festival de Sant Pere is a beloved event that honors the port’s patron saint. The week-long festival features concerts, children’s entertainment, dancing, and live music, culminating in a grand celebration on June 29th. A statue of Sant Pere is paraded on land and sea, and a midnight fireworks displaymarks the end of the fiesta.

For sports enthusiasts, the iconic Mallorca 312 event attracts cyclists from all over Europe each spring. This challenging event features a 312km route and a climb of over 5,000m. The start and finish lines are conveniently located near the Port. The legendary IronMan 70.3 Mallorca event also takes place in Port d’Alcúdia. This significant sporting event sees thousands of athletes from around the world compete in grueling swimming, cycling, and running challenges each May.

Weekly markets are held every Friday in the square next to Tabarca Street. During the summer, an additional evening market is set up from Wednesday to Saturday on the Paseo Marítimo, offering a variety of local goods and produce.

A Culinary Journey in Port d’Alcúdia

Port d’Alcúdia is a food lover’s paradise. For fresh seafood with a view of the yachts, Restaurante Miramar and Las Sirenas are long-standing favorites. Their menus feature seafood delicacies like Salt Crusted Sea Bass, Majorcan Langost Casserole, and Lobster Paella. Meat lovers will appreciate Restaurant Sa Lenya, where high-quality cuts are expertly grilled by the owner. For a relaxed atmosphere, The Wine Side offers tapas, wine, and seafood dishes like red tuna, octopus, and baby squid in ink sauce.

For a creative culinary experience, there are several options. Michelin Star Head Chef Macarena de Castro, a Mallorcan native, offers ‘Free Mallorcan Cooking’ at Maca de Castro. Her tasting menu includes unique dishes like Sea Cucumber Millefeuille and Majorcan Cor de Bou (black pig). L’Esguard Restaurant, under the guidance of head chef Dr. Miguel Sánchez Romera, promises a memorable culinary experience with Mediterranean menus that engage all five senses. Fusion 19 serves fresh, light, and healthy Mediterranean dishes and delicious sushi in a beautifully decorated setting.

Nightlife in Port d’Alcúdía: Experience the Mediterranean After Dark

During the bustling summer tourist season, Port d’Alcúdía comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. The stretch from the marina to the beachfront is lined with bars, pubs, restaurants, and live music venues that cater to the influx of visitors. Even in the off-season, a few of these spots remain open for locals, offering a cozy atmosphere for socializing.

For sunset cocktails, Aqua Cocktail & Snack on the Paseo Maritimo in the marina is a great choice. Sip on a strawberry daiquiri while overlooking the glamorous yachts. Nearby, BARco Nina also offers live music. New Cacao, with its stunning interior design, provides a stylish setting for dinner or drinks. Mar Blanc is a popular spot for live music, where DJs, bands, and acoustic performers provide the perfect soundtrack to your cocktail experience. If you’re in the mood for dancing, head to 5 Glops in Bananas Disco, a fantastic Latin bar where you can dance the night away to the exotic beats of salsa and Latin music.

Luxury Accommodation in Port d’Alcúdía

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at Zafiro Palace Alcúdia. After a workout in the gym, unwind in their sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, and massage rooms, or choose from the many treatments on offer in the Zen, Spa & Wellness Centre. The hotel’s restaurants serve a variety of world flavors, including Italian, Japanese, and International cuisines. By the poolside, La Veranda restaurant serves freshly barbecued meats and burgers on the grill, providing the perfect dining spot towatch the sun set over Alcudia Bay. In the off-season, they transform their outdoor heated swimming pool into four lanes for those training for the Ironman competition.

The 5-star Caprice Alcúdia Port hotel combines luxury, authentic local tradition, and Nordic design to create a clean, modern, and elegant atmosphere. For pampering, head to their Spa and Wellbeing Centre, where you’ll find a pool, gym, sauna, and therapies such as relaxation with Himalayan Salt, hydromassage water treatments, and an aromatherapy shower. The hotel’s restaurant, ‘Elements,’ serves à la carte cuisine that is both delicious and beautifully presented.

Property in Port d’Alcúdía: Your Dream Home Awaits

Property in Port d’Alcúdia offers a fantastic lifestyle, spectacular views, and close proximity to a host of outdoor pursuits and amenities. Most of the properties in the port area were built between the 70s and today. They consist of luxury beachfront apartments, modern penthouses, and holiday lets, all lined along the vast turquoise bay from the marina to the end of Playa de Muro.

Business & Work in Port d’Alcúdía: A World of Opportunities

As the largest tourist destination in the north of the island, there are plenty of job opportunities in the tourism, leisure, and hospitality sector during the seasonal months. If you’re looking for an investment opportunity, the area is ripe for a holiday let business. Although many businesses close at the end of October until the following April, a sizable portion of the leisure industry continues to operate, catering to cyclists and hikers who prefer the cooler temperatures for exploring the stunning landscapes.

People of Port d’Alcúdía: A Blend of Locals and Celebrities

Port d’Alcúdia is a popular destination for celebrities, particularly sports stars who come to train in the off-season. The likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Team Sky, and other professional cycling teams have been spotted training on the island. The IronMan 70.3 Mallorca event also attracts a host of famous faces.

Port d’Alcúdia: A Place of Contrast and Diversity

Port d’Alcúdía offers a contrasting lifestyle, and its diversity is what most of its residents appreciate. In the summer months, the place comes alive and there is a real buzz from morning to night. In the quieter months, it’s a place to relish peace and tranquility, and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings, whether walking, cycling, or out on the water. For families, it offers safety and plenty of activities for a rich quality of life.

With access to Menorca and Barcelona via the ferry in the port, it’s a fantastic location to explore the wonders right on your doorstep, as well as further afield. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Port d’Alcúdia offers a unique blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty that’s sure to captivate you.