The first archaeological remains which have been discovered in Alcúdia appear to be pre-Bronze Age ( 2000 to 1200 BC. ) Numerous talaiots, or monolithic structures, for which talaiotic culture ( 1200 to 123 BC ) is named , can still be found in the municipality, among which the Son Sim- talaiots is the most noteworthy.

The Roman consul Quintus Cecilius Metellus annexed Majorca to the Roman Republic in the year 123 BC and founded the cities of Pol.lèntia and Palma. Archaeological remains of the city of Pol.lèntia, siutaded next to Alcúdia, point to an economic prosperity which stimulated the growth of these cities, e.g. stately houses, a theatre, shops and other public and private buildings.

The village's walled enclosure served as refuge on a number of occasions , but it was during the popular 16th century popular revolt called "les Germanies" when Alcúdia proved to be crucially important. Majorcan nobility sought refuge inside its walls until the troops of Emperor Charles V put the rebellion down. Afterwards, the village's loyalty was repaid and it was elevated to the rank of "Faithful City" in 1523 which afforded other privileges.

The years after the Germanies rebellion were difficult ones for Majorca in general, Alcúdia included. Its coastal position, previously advantageous, became the cause of its ruin: the much-feared pirates arrived by sea and sacked the population over and over again, an example of which was the pillagin of Cap de Pinar in 1558.

Insecurity in the region and the flight of property owners to the city caused the population of Alcúdia to decline to such a extent that , in 1779 during Charles III's reign , an effort was made to rehabilitate the harbour for commercial use to stimulate economic activity and repopulate the city.

Tourists first began to visit Alcúdia at the beginning of the twentieth century, but as in the rest of Majorca, it was the 1970's that brought the big tourist boom. The great marshlands of the Albufera were drained and large hotel complexes built there. The 80's witnessed a new construction boom. At present, Alcúdia's economy is entirely devoted to the tourist trade and potential occupancy of more than 29.000 beds.

The commercial harbour of Alcúdia specialises in the production of electrical energy supplying both Majorca and Menorca. There is also a considerable volume of goods which arrive in Majorca via this harbour.

At present, the city of Alcúdia has more than 10.000 inhabitants and as a result of the important economic activity it generates ranks only after Palma as the second most active urban centre.

Alcúdia-Town and the archaeological zone of Pollèntia was monument listed by decree 21/41, 20th july 1963. Recently several projects have been carried out in order to conserve and protect the area.