A visit to Alcudia on the north coast of Mallorca

To be honest if you came to Mallorca to party at BCM and lie on the beach then a trip to the very north of the island to visit Alcudia is probably quite unnecessary. But if you came here excited about seeing Palma Cathedral or enjoying some of the better restaurants that the island has to offer then a day trip north might be a highlight of your holiday.

The town of Alcudia, like many on the island, is separated from the port and lies two miles in land to make defence from invading pirates easier. Alcudia is an old Roman settlement and unlike most other towns on the island it is surrounded by high defensive walls. This creates a very unique setting and an interesting spectacle as you can freely climb onto the old walls and view the passers by below from the crenels.

Nearby lies the site of some Roman ruins (Pollentia) complete with what was a small amphitheatre, making Alcudia a good destination if you are a fan of ancient history.

If the history of Roman life on the island sounds interesting but not enough to hold your attention for an entire day then why not visit the town on Tuesday or Sunday, when the weekly market is on?

The market stalls line the outer walls and continue into the centre of the town itself. The outer stalls sell a selection of clothes and leather goods; belts, bags and wallets. All the stalls here are very similar and you get the impression that the owners all work together or at least have the same boss who supplies them with their goods, some of which have some rather dyslexic spellings on their designer labels.

Inside the walls and near the centre of town itself the stalls become more unique and individual. There are more hand made crafts on offer here with art, pottery, jewellery and hand made soaps on display.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the town where you can enjoy a snack or a full meal when wandering around the stalls and haggling over prices takes its toll. Alternatively just outside the walls there's the Genestar restaurant where a five course set menu will tickle your taste-buds with Mallorcan flair.

There are regular buses from near by Pollenca and a bus from Palma; the 351 that runs frequently. If you are staying in Port d'Alcudia then you can hire a bike and cycle to the old town to visit the market.

The market takes place every Tuesday & Sunday and it makes a visit to Alcudia, which is already pretty spectacular a little bit more interesting. Who knows you may even pick up a bargain.

Read more about Alcudia in our Guide to Alcudia.