ALCUDIA - Mallorca - Balearic Islands
Location: North Eastern corner of the Balearic Island of Mallorca.
Moving south from Port de Pollença, it's just 10km round the bay to the pint-sized town of ALCUDIA , whose main claim to fame is its imitation medieval wall. Indeed, the whole place is possibly overly spick and span, which is not a good reflection of the town's historical importance. Situated on a neck of land separating two large, sheltered bays, the site's strategic value was first recognized by the Phoenicians, and later by the Romans, who built their island capital, Pollentia, here in the first century AD, on top of the earlier settlement. In 426, the place was destroyed by the Vandals and lay neglected until the Moors built a fortress in about 800, naming it Al Kudia (On the Hill). After the Reconquest, Alcúdia prospered as a major trading centre, a role it performed well into the nineteenth century, when the town slipped into a long and gentle decline - until tourism refloated its economy.
It only takes an hour or so to walk around the antique lanes of Alcudia's compact centre, and to explore the town walls and their fortified gates. This pleasant stroll can be extended by a visit to the meagre remains of Roman Pollentia ( April-Sept Tues-Fri 10am-1.30pm & 5-7pm, Sat & Sun 10.30am-1pm; Oct-March Tues-Fri 10am-1.30pm & 3.30-5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10.30am-1pm ) whose broken pillars and mashed-up walls lie just outside the walls.
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As a holiday resort Alcudia is an immensely popular destination and caters for travelers of all ages and tastes. It has a fantastic 5 km seafront most of which lays within a sheltered bay, safe for children to wave and swim in the warm waters. Boat trips are also available to the nearby and stunning island of Formentor, home to some of the most stunning and
best beaches in Spain .
The seafront is home to every kind of water sports activity from scuba diving to Banana rides. For a less energetic pastime a nice stroll to soak up the historic charm of the old town is a must.
The resort offers a good amount of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets with typically Spanish, Indian, Chinese and other International fare on offer.
The local dishes are mostly fish and pork based, and of course where olive oil , garlic and fresh
tomatoes play a big part in the ingredients. Some dishes to look out for are include
Tumbet made from fried eggplant, peppers, tomato and potato. Fideua is a popular
Paella dish made with pasta instead of rice. Excellent traditional Paella is also available although it is not typically Mallorcan and fresh sea base oven baked in salt is a firm favorite.
Trips to some of the nearby towns are well worth it and include, Pollenca , Alcudia (old town) and the picturesque mountain village of Lluc . If you take a trip a trip over the mountainous western side of the Mallorca you will be rewarded with some amazing views over the Mediterranean, hidden bays and luxury yachts anchored in secluded coves make for a some great holiday snaps.
Buses to Alcudia halt beside the town walls on Placa Carles V; there's no tourist office.
Accommodation in and and Alcudia.
You are really spoilt for choice regarding accommodation in the area , much of the establishements make the most of the beautiful and picturesque
port area and huddle around the protetected and calm waters of the cove area.
A great value and popular hotel resort would have to be the Sea Club
This apartment complex is set a short walk from the beach in Alcudia Bay, Mallorca. The Sea Club has 3 design swimming pools and a full family entertainment programme.
There is free public parking available nearby. All apartments offer a balcony, and a kitchen with utensils and a kettle. Satellite TV and air conditioning are also included.
The Aucunada Club
Three swimming pools, a gym, a jacuzzi and free parking are available at this complex. Aucunada Club offers apartments with a terrace in Alcanada, 56 km from Palma de Mallorca. Each apartment at the Aucunada Club is air conditioned and heated. The bedroom opens onto a small balcony and there is a terrace off the living room.
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