Alcudia lies on the north of the island and offers all you would expect from a Spanish holiday. The walled town of Alcudia itself offers Roman ruins and a wonderful Sunday market. its narrow streets are lined with interesting shops, packed with traditional goods. One of Alcúdia's main attractions however is the port area.

Alcudia was actually founded by the Phoenicians which makes it the oldest city in Mallorca. During the Roman occupation it was their capital. There are monuments all over Alcudia that are worthy of a visit and represent every civilisation that ever settled here.

Alcudia old town is surrounded by walls that date from the 14th century and consists of compact rows of narrow streets. The old town is best visited by parking on the south side and walking round the walls. Eventually you will come to the bullring, at least 100 years old. See a full feature on the history of Alcudia here.

Pictured right are the remains of the Roman city of Pollentia. They are close to the centre and can be visited for around 1.80 euros. You will clearly see the layout of several buildings along with some impressive columns. The Roman theatre, a short drive away is even more impressive and is the smallest amphitheatre in Spain.

Alcúdia is rightly proud of its 7Kms of curving white beach that shelves gently into the sea with its thatched beach huts and sun beds, palm trees, beach-side cafés and restaurants, and a wide variety of water sports. The bay has shallow water which makes it popular with families with small children. The nightlife centres around bars and pubs and night-clubs which are lively but not rowdy. The entertainment is family based until around midnight then the younger generation take priority.

Without any doubt, Alcúdia has adapted to cater for the mass British tourism industry. You can buy your daily British newspapers, drink pints of bitter, watch the football on satellite TV, and even sit down at a restaurant that serves genuine fish, chips and sausages.

Porte D'Alcudia is the old fishing village which lies at the northern end of the beach. There are restaurants and gift shops lining the sea front, with more traditional, Spanish style shops and cafés on the street behind. You will find some excellent sea food restaurants, well worth seeking out, hidden away in the back streets.

The sports marina has berths for all sizes of vessels.