THE CHARM OF ALCÚDIA: A HAVEN FOR FITNESS LOVERS AND FAMILIES

6 min readJun 17, 2023

Nestled in the heart of Mallorca, Alcúdía offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet it’s not as remote as a rural finca. This perfect blend of tranquility and convenience is what makes Alcúdía so appealing. The real estate market here is diverse, offering everything from historic townhouses to modern seaside villas and vacation apartments in the port.

Alcúdía is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting some of the best cycling and hiking trails on the island. The trails start right at your doorstep at S’Albufera Natural Park, the largest marshland in the Balearics, teeming with diverse plant life, lagoons, and wild streams. These marked cycling and hiking paths are a hit among locals and tourists, especially during the cooler months.

Alcúdía seems to have been tailor-made for family life. It’s a safe, welcoming community that encourages outdoor activities. It’s the kind of place where residents feel comfortable leaving their doors open while kids play outside.

The town is also a gateway to stunning countryside and beaches. Venture deeper into the La Victoria peninsula for some of the island’s most challenging cycling routes. Nearby Cala San Vicente offers three hidden bays, perfect for snorkeling and canoeing adventures with friends.

A TYPICAL DAY IN ALCÚDIA

Morning joggers will find Alcúdía a dream come true. Start your day with a run along the coastal paths that border the Bays of Pollensa and Alcúdía, taking in the fresh air and mountain views. Late morning coffee is a ritual here, but don’t rush it. Settle into a café like Fonda LLabres in the main square and unwind, as your commute to work is likely just minutes away. Most Alcúdía residents either work from home or in the tourism industry. While a 45-minute drive to Palma isn’t the norm, it’s not unheard of.

Being close to the sea means evening swims are a common pastime. Especially during the summer heat, locals flock to the beach in the late afternoon for a refreshing dip. For those who’ve spent the day behind a computer, the sea is the perfect antidote.

As the weekend approaches, consider heading to 5 Oceanos bar for a chilled cocktail in the early evening. If you’re in the mood for a DJ, Ponderosa Beach lounge is the place to be.

EMBRACING THE ALCÚDIA LIFESTYLE

Mallorca’s history of invasions has fostered a tight-knit community, particularly evident in Alcúdía. At its core, you’ll find a traditional center, maintained by generations of local families. However, this close-knit community is also welcoming of diverse cultures. Given the area’s dependence on tourism, locals are open to newcomers and appreciate those who contribute to the local economy.

Summer is a busy season for those in the tourism industry. From May to September, the population swells as people from other parts of the island move to their second homes in Alcúdía. Expect crowded bars and restaurants in the summer, with the town working together to cater to holidaymakers. Come autumn, the locals let loose with numerous celebrations and fiestas.

Another standout aspect of life in Alcúdía is the proactive local council. They regularly organize community events and courses for learning new languages and hobbies. However, many residents already have their hobbies covered, thanks to the numerous cycling and hiking trails in the vicinity.

FINDING YOUR DREAM HOME IN ALCÚDIA

Alcúdía and its suburbs offer a broad spectrum of properties for sale. In the old town, you’ll discover numerous townhouses with original features, high ceilings, and traditional green shutters. If you prefer a more modern aesthetic, Port d’Alcúdía boasts an array of luxury penthouses with sea views. The beachfront extending down to Playa de Muro also features beautiful apartments with direct access to the white sands — a rarity in Mallorca, where the beach is usually separated by a road.

RENOVATING & BUILDING IN ALCÚDIA

Many newcomers to Alcúdía embark on a renovation project. There’s a growing trend of expats buying old properties to renovate for holiday rentals or primary residences. Keep in mind that properties with original features are protected, and you’ll need town hall permission before starting renovations.

Strict regulations also apply in the suburbs of Alcúdía. Don’t assume that property rules only apply in the center. Given its compact size, Alcúdía officials are vigilant, and not having the correct paperwork can negatively impact future sales.

HOME STYLING IN ALCÚDIA

Alcúdía offers a limited selection of furniture stores, and prices can be steep. You’ll find boutique stores in the old town, offering unique pieces for those seeking something different for their homes. For more variety, head to Poligono Ca na Lloreta on the outskirts of Alcúdía, where you’ll find Duran. Here, you’ll find everything from ceramics to plumbing and furniture. Duran is a one-stop shop for all your home decorating or renovation needs.

For the widest variety of furniture stores on Mallorca, it’s worth making the trip to Palma or Son Bugadelles on the outskirts of Santa Ponsa.

EDUCATION IN ALCÚDIA

While Alcúdía doesn’t have any international schools, the Mallorca International School, MySchool, is just a ten-minute drive towards Palma. This relatively new school, opened in 2016, follows the British Curriculum. It caters to children from 3 to 8 years old, with homemade lunches often made from organic vegetables grown by the students in the school’s garden.

In Alcúdía’s old town, there’s a public primary school for children aged 3–12 years, CEIP Porta des Mol. Classes here follow the Spanish curriculum and are taught in Catalan. From here, students move on to IES Alcúdía secondary school, where they can complete their studies until university.

STARTING A BUSINESS IN ALCÚDIA

Tourism is the economic cornerstone in Alcúdía, but it’s not limited to restaurants, hotels, and bars. Over the years, businesses related to outdoor activities like kite-surfing and sailing have emerged. The regular winds sweeping Alcúdía bay have made it a hotspot for surfboard and yacht rentals. Therefore, watersports businesses have found a solid market in Alcúdía, especially during the summer months.

Alongside watersports, bike rental and other cycling-related businesses have also found their niche. The world-renowned Ironman and Mallorca 312 have put Alcúdía on the map for fitness, attracting thousands of runners, cyclists, and swimmers annually. If you’re considering starting a fitness business on Mallorca, Alcúdía is a good place to start your market research.

However, remember to conduct your market research during both the summer and winter months. Like most places in Mallorca, Alcúdía is not a year-round destination. While the weather is mild, and most sports enthusiasts willtrain even in the winter months, there is an economic dip around December and January. Businesses reliant on tourism should expect this quieter time.

LOCAL GEMS IN ALCÚDIA

To truly appreciate Alcúdía’s unique character, get to know its local businesses. By visiting a few of these recommended enterprises, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of life in the village and the offerings of the local community.

THE FINAL TAKE

Alcúdía and its suburbs are blessed with stunning beaches, majestic mountain views, and beautiful countryside. The old town and Port d’Alcúdía offer a slower pace of life but with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. The area is safe and home to a friendly community that welcomes expats. It’s an ideal location to raise children and provide them with an active lifestyle. Life in Alcúdía is a celebration of the great outdoors and is the perfect place to settle for a life near the sea and mountains. Now, all that’s left is to find your dream home in Alcúdía!