Things to do in  Alcudia

Burrowed into Mallorca’s northern coastline, Coll Baix Beach (Platja des Coll Baix) is one of its few undeveloped beaches. Cradled by cliffs and turquoise waters and only easily accessible by boat—the secret to its seclusion—the cove is a gorgeous bolthole far from the madding crowds.

Dating back to around 70 BC, Alcudia Old Town is a historical highlight of north Mallorca. This charming enclave—which feels a world away from the modern holiday resorts of the island’s south—features Roman ruins, ancient city walls that you can walk atop, a bullring, churches, and a smattering of tapas restaurants serving Mallorcan specialties.

Perched on Mallorca’s northern coast—a quieter alternative to the blaring bars and high-rise hotels of the west—the Blue Flag–awarded Playa de Alcudia stuns with its white sand and turquoise water. It’s a family favorite thanks to its kids’ play area and water-sport options, and often appears on lists of Mallorca’s best beaches, keeping it a popular pick.

Far from the crowds of Alcudia, Alcanada Beach (sometimes spelled Aucanada Beach) is a rugged stretch of coastline lapped by clear, turquoise water. It’s the natural highlight of the tiny town of Alcanada and features pebbles and stones rather than sand. Shallow water means it's great for swimming, while a lack of commercial development makes it a perfect spot to leave behind the bustle of daily life.

Founded in 123 BC, the Roman City of Pollentia is a collection of three partially excavated archeological sites: La Portella, a residential area where you can see the remains of three homes of former nobility; the Forum, once the Capitolino Temple dedicated to Roman gods; and the Theatre, featuring the ruins of a stage and seating area.

Nestled among the pine trees of northern Mallorca’s rugged coast, Museo Sa Bassa Blanca integrates art and culture with nature. Exhibits are artfully scattered across indoor galleries and outdoor gardens, and feature pieces ranging from 16th-century portraits to contemporary artworks and a “Zoological Park” sculpture garden featuring huge animals in the style of archeological excavations.

The horseshoe-shaped Playa de Sant Joan is renowned for its pristine beauty. It leads out onto calm, sheltered waters that glimmer aquamarine in the sun, and is ringed by green forests and rolling hills. As it only measures 650 feet (200 meters) across, it can get crowded, but that doesn’t detract from the beach’s natural charm.

One of only two surviving gates in the historic Old Town of Alcúdia, Porta del Moll is a striking sight with its crenelated towers and the distinctive palm trees that sit before it. It serves as the poster child for this town in northern Mallorca, hailed as one of the island’s most beautiful places.