Is Port d'Alcúdia a good place for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Port d'Alcúdia is widely considered an excellent destination for family beach holidays. The main beach, Playa d'Alcúdia, features fine white sand and remarkably shallow, calm waters, making it very safe for children to play and swim. The resort area offers numerous shops, activities, playgrounds, and family-friendly accommodations. Many hotels specialize in kids' entertainment. Additionally, there are attractions like a nearby waterpark (Hidropark) that add to its family appeal.
What is the water like at Port d'Alcúdia beach?
The water at Port d'Alcúdia beach is known for being clear, turquoise, and very shallow for a considerable distance from the shore. This makes it ideal for swimming, especially for families with young children. The sea is generally calm, though occasionally waves can pick up, so it's always good to check the water conditions.
How busy does Port d'Alcúdia beach get?
Playa d'Alcúdia can get very busy, especially during the peak summer months (July and August), as it's a popular, large resort. However, because the beach is so long and wide (around 7 kilometers in total, including the adjoining Playa de Muro, and up to 80-100 meters wide in places), it rarely feels overly crowded. The busiest section is typically near the Port d'Alcúdia marina and the Ciudad Blanca area where most amenities are concentrated. For quieter spots, you can head further south towards Playa de Muro.
Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at Port d'Alcúdia beach, and what do they cost?
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent at many sections along Playa d'Alcúdia. While prices can change, historically a sunbed has cost around €4.50 for a day's hire (10 am-6 pm), with a parasol costing slightly more. Some reports in early 2024 indicated potential price increases for sunbeds to around €9.10 due to beach improvements and updated service costs. There are also large areas of the beach where you can set up your own towels and equipment if you prefer.
Is it easy to find accommodation with direct beach access in Port d'Alcúdia?
Yes, there are many hotels and apartment buildings situated directly along the beachfront of Playa d'Alcúdia or very close to it, offering easy access to the sand and sea. These range from family-focused resorts to more luxurious options. The area along the beach from the port down towards Playa de Muro has a high concentration of such accommodations.
What's the difference between Port d'Alcúdia beach and Playa de Muro?
Playa d'Alcúdia and Playa de Muro are essentially a continuous stretch of the same long bay. Playa d'Alcúdia is the section starting from the Port d'Alcúdia marina and heading south. This part is generally busier, with more hotels, restaurants, and amenities directly accessible. As you move further south, the beach transitions into Playa de Muro. Playa de Muro is also very long and popular, especially with families, and is divided into sectors. Some sectors of Playa de Muro, particularly those further from the main access points or bordering the S'Albufera Natural Park (like Sa Comu), can be quieter and feel more natural with sand dunes and pine trees. Both offer fine white sand and shallow, clear waters.
Are there many restaurants and bars directly on or near Port d'Alcúdia beach?
Yes, there is an excellent selection of beach cafes (chiringuitos), bars, and restaurants located directly along the beachfront promenade of Playa d'Alcúdia and in the streets immediately behind it. You can find a wide variety of options, from casual spots for snacks and drinks to more formal dining, covering both local Mallorcan cuisine and international dishes.
What kind of water sports can I do at Port d'Alcúdia beach?
Port d'Alcúdia beach offers a wide range of water sports. You can find vendors for pedalo hire, banana boat rides, ringo rides, parasailing, water-skiing, and jet skiing. Diving expeditions and various boat trips, from gentle cruises to dolphin watching tours, also depart from the area. Kayaking, paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing are also popular.
Is Port d'Alcúdia beach suitable for people with mobility issues or pushchairs?
Yes, Playa d'Alcúdia is generally accessible. There are wooden walkways at the back of the beach in some areas, which facilitate access for disabled visitors and pushchairs. The beach itself is very wide, and the promenade area is flat, making it easier to navigate.
Are there quieter, less crowded beaches near Port d'Alcúdia?
Yes, while Playa d'Alcúdia is the main, large beach, there are smaller, potentially quieter coves and beaches nearby. For instance, heading north of Port d'Alcúdia, you can find coves like Es Barcarés. Beaches like Platja de Sant Joan and Platja de Sant Pere in the Mal Pas area (a short drive or cycle from Alcúdia old town) are popular with locals and can be less crowded than the main strip. Platja des Coll Baix is a remote beach accessible by boat or a hike, offering a more secluded experience. Further south along the Bay of Alcúdia, some sections of Playa de Muro, especially near the S'Albufera Natural Park, are also quieter.
How do I get to Port d'Alcúdia beach from other parts of Mallorca or the airport?
Port d'Alcúdia is well-connected. If driving from Palma airport (approx. 60km), it's about an hour's drive, mostly via motorway. Several public bus lines (such as 351, 352, 353, A32) connect Port d'Alcúdia with Palma, the airport, and other towns like Can Picafort, Pollença, and Port de Pollença. There are numerous public car parks and street parking available near the beach, though it can get busy in peak season.
Is Port d'Alcúdia just for beach holidays, or is there other stuff to do?
While famous for its beaches, Port d'Alcúdia and the surrounding Alcúdia area offer more than just sunbathing. You can explore the historic Alcúdia Old Town with its medieval walls, visit the local markets, enjoy boat trips (including to Menorca or dolphin watching), or visit the S'Albufera Natural Park for hiking and birdwatching. There's also a waterpark (Hidropark), golf courses like Golf Alcanada nearby, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
What is the best time of year to visit Port d'Alcúdia for a beach holiday?
The main beach season in Port d'Alcúdia runs from late spring (May) through early autumn (October). July and August are the hottest and busiest months with the warmest sea temperatures. May, June, September, and early October offer pleasant weather, warm enough for swimming and sunbathing, but with fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Sunbeds and beach facilities are typically fully operational from June to October.
Are there public toilets and showers at Port d'Alcúdia beach?
Yes, Playa d'Alcúdia is well-equipped with public facilities, including toilets and showers, to make a day at the beach more comfortable. Many beach bars also offer toilet facilities.
Is Port d'Alcúdia known for nightlife or is it more of a quiet resort?
Port d'Alcúdia offers a variety of nightlife, but it's generally more family-oriented and less intense than some other Mallorcan resorts. Around the marina and along parts of the beach promenade, you'll find numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants with live music and outdoor seating that are lively in the evenings. There are some nightclubs and discos for later festivities, but it's not primarily known as a hardcore party destination. It strikes a balance, offering evening entertainment without being overly boisterous.
