North Mallorca's best holiday resorts
The following North Coast destinations offer some of the most scenic holiday resorts on the island - they are popular for families, couples and younger holidaymakers.
- 01 Alcudia
- 02 Port d'Alcudia
- 03 Pollencia
- 04 Port de Pollenca
- 05 Cala San Vincente
The northeast coast of Mallorca comprises two massive sandy bays, Port de Pollenca and Badia d'Alcudia (Alcudia Bay). Mallorca's two dramatic mountain ranges, the Tramuntana and the slightly less dramatic Serra de Llevant both end here, to form a spectacular changing coastline of rugged cliffs, miles of beautiful sandy beaches and two of Mallorca's top resort destinations.
The two massive bays provide shelter from the wind and rainfall; they also have the warmest temperatures on the island, with highs reaching around 40c (105f). Unfortunately, there is little cloud and not much of a sea breeze during the mid-summer months, so be prepared for a hot stay during this time.
For an alternative or livelier resort choice - check out the Best Mallorca West Coast Resorts review.
1. Alcudia
Like most of Mallorca's coastal towns, Alcudia's split in two, with the main 'historic old town' located a short distance inland from its port - the renowned holiday resort of Port d'Alcudia.
Alcudia is an old Roman settlement with centuries-old ruins that are still visible around the town. Traces of Roman villas can be seen near the old town walls, with a small and well preserved Roman amphitheatre located near the port. The old town is a delight to discover, with its narrow cobbled streets, bustling squares filled with pavement cafés, trendy boutiques and plenty of old and interesting buildings to admire. Close by, is Alcudia's busy port area which forms the northern end of the holiday resort that encircles Alcudia Bay.
2. Port d'Alcudia (good for families)
Popular Alcudia is a relaxing and family-friendly resort that attracts visitors of all ages, which is reflected in the wide variety of hotels and apartments the resort has to offer. The port area is where you'll find most of the action; here you'll find plenty of shops, relaxing bars, live music and a marina backed by excellent (but pricey) restaurants specialising in seafood dishes.
The resort has a perfect setting, located where three beaches merge into one 9km-long (5mile) stretch, an ideal location for pleasure-seeking tourists and sun worshipers. Alcudia's two main and busy beaches Platja d’Alcúdia and Platja de Muro, consist of soft white sand and clear blue waters, along with an excellent selection of beach amenities and watersport options.
Alcudia is ideal for all types of holidaymakers and is perfect for both families and couples. There's an excellent choice of accommodation ranging from budget grades to luxury properties. If you need a break from the beach, head for the old town to discover its ancient past. A good time to visit is during the local Alcudia markets, which are held on Tuesdays and Sundays; they include numerous stalls offering food, textiles and handicrafts. The markets can be found around the historic walled old town and square (approx 1.2 miles from the beach). Top Tip: During the summer evenings, you'll find a 'Hippy Market' located in the Port area.
3. Pollencia
Pretty Pollencia is a colourful medieval valley town that attracts many visitors, both tourists and Mallorcans. Pollenca sits below the Serra de Tramuntana and a fourteenth-century watchtower, the 'Puig de Pollenca' (located on top of a hill, 330m above sea level). The Puig de Pollenca is a fascinating medieval watchtower and chapel that majestically 'keeps guard' over the town below. The walk up to the top is relatively easy but steep in parts - it's well worth the effort as the views over the Bays of Pollença are simply stunning.
The town's name comes from the Latin word Pollentia, meaning Powerful. It's thought that the Romans named the region Pollencia due to its Powerful natural beauty and the area's natural protection properties.
Pollenca is well known for its August fiesta, which commemorates, the battles held between the Christians and Moors - the fiesta includes vibrant reenactments of battles, that take place through the town's streets. Other festivals include the International Pollenca Classical Music Festival (which started in 1961) - the festival takes place in Pollencia during July & August, attracting renowned vocalists and musicians from around the world and is regarded as one of Europe's top cultural events.
Top Tip: For spectacular sea and coastal views, head up to the nearby viewing point at Mirador d'es Colomer - it's perfect for viewing the peninsula, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Alcudia makes a perfect base from which to explore the northern end of the Tramuntana mountains; it also has excellent road links to Palma and Palma airport (approx. 60km away).
- Alcudia is perfect for wandering around, especially the medieval old town.
- The best time to visit is spring and early autumn when it's not too hot or crowded.
- The best way to see the north coast is to hire a car - the main coastal road MA12 follows the northern peninsula route.
