Alcúdia Old Town & North Mallorca Coast

Alcúdia occupies the neck of Mallorca's largest peninsula in the north of the island, 55km from Palma, and combines a remarkably intact medieval walled town with some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Balearics. The drive from Palma via the Ma-13 motorway takes around 50 minutes; TIB bus services also run from Palma's Plaça d'Espanya to Alcúdia in approximately 75–90 minutes for those without a car. The old town of Alcúdia is enclosed by largely original 14th-century limestone walls, now restored and walkable for most of their circuit. Within the walls, narrow streets lead to the church of Sant Jaume, several Baroque palaces, and the entrance to the Roman settlement of Pollentia a short walk south of the south gate. Pollentia, founded around 70 BC, was one of Rome's most significant Balearic cities; the excavated site preserves a residential quarter and theatre ruins, and the small Museu Monogràfic de Pollentia in the old town displays coins, ceramics, and sculpture from the excavations. On Tuesday and Sunday mornings a large outdoor market fills the area around the walls, selling local produce, leather goods, ceramics, and textiles — one of the most authentic markets on the island. North of Alcúdia, the Cap de Formentor road (Ma-2210) is one of the most photographed coastal drives in Europe. The narrow road climbs along limestone cliffs with alternating views of the Badia de Pollença and the open Mediterranean, threading through pine forest around dramatic hairpin bends. From May to October, the road to Cap de Formentor lighthouse is restricted to private vehicles; visitors park at the Platja de Formentor car park and take a paid shuttle bus (approximately €6–8 return) to the lighthouse. Platja de Formentor is a long, sheltered beach of fine white sand in a pine-backed bay with calm Blue Flag water — one of Mallorca's most celebrated beaches. The lighthouse at the peninsula's tip stands 210 metres above the sea; on clear days the islands of Menorca and Cabrera are visible from the viewpoint. The combination of medieval walls, Roman ruins, a weekly market, a spectacular coastal drive, and a world-class beach makes the Alcúdia circuit one of the most varied day trips from Palma.