Alcúdia, Pollença and Formentor: the north of Mallorca

What defines the north of Mallorca

The north-east coast of Mallorca is shaped by two bays: the Badia de Pollença and the larger Badia d'Alcúdia. The town of Alcúdia lies between them, and the Formentor peninsula follows to the north. Pollença is already one of the municipalities of the Serra de Tramuntana. According to Wikidata the municipality of Alcúdia has 21,907 residents and Pollença 17,807 (both 2025).

The region combines long, wide sandy beaches with mountains in view. Most hotels are in Port d'Alcúdia and along Platja d'Alcúdia. To the south the beach continues without a break into Platja de Muro, which belongs to the municipality of Muro.

Towns and places in the north

• Alcúdia old town: The old town is well preserved and surrounded by a medieval wall. King James II founded the town in 1298, the wall was begun the same year and finished in 1362. The name comes from Arabic and means "on the hill".
• Pollentia: After the Roman conquest of 123 BC the city of Pollentia was founded here. Its excavated remains lie in the municipality of Alcúdia, although the name later passed to Pollença.
• Pollença: The town lies about six kilometres west of its harbour. Its landmark is the stairway of 365 steps up to the chapel on Calvary hill. The Plaça Major and the Roman Bridge are also among the most visited spots.
• Port de Pollença: This harbour town lies on the Bay of Pollença. It is known for the Pine Walk along the shore. The Bóquer valley starts north-east of the town.
• Cap de Formentor: The northernmost point of Mallorca. The 13.5 kilometre road from Port de Pollença was built by the engineer Antonio Parietti, and the lighthouse came into service in 1863. The Mirador des Colomer viewpoint is on the way.
• S'Albufera de Mallorca: The reserve behind the dunes of the Bay of Alcúdia covers about 1,650 hectares of wetland.

Getting there and getting around

In a straight line Alcúdia is about 51 kilometres from Palma and about 47 kilometres from the airport, and the drive is somewhat longer. According to Aena, airport bus line A32 runs between Palma airport and Can Picafort on the Bay of Alcúdia. The TIB transport network lists the A32 as a summer-only line and also lists line A33 between Port d'Alcúdia and the airport (checked on 2 October 2026). Stops, timetables and fares are published by the bus operator.

Allow time for Cap de Formentor: the road is narrow and winding. Before you drive, ask the local authorities whether seasonal access rules apply. More day destinations are listed under excursions.

By ferry to Menorca

The port of Alcúdia is the starting point for the crossing to the neighbouring island. The ferry company Baleària states that it links Alcúdia with Ciutadella on the west coast of Menorca, with several sailings a day and vehicles carried. For its fast ferry it gives a crossing time of about one hour to one hour and 15 minutes and a route of 61 kilometres (checked on 2 October 2026). Whether a side trip is worth it is covered in the comparison Mallorca or Menorca.

Who the north suits

The north suits families and anyone who wants long sandy beaches, plus an old town and nature close by. If you want to watch birds, S'Albufera is a large protected area right behind the beach. More under Mallorca with children and beaches.

The region is less suitable if you want to visit Palma often: the capital is at the other end of the island. For a short stay without car hire, Palma is the simpler base.