We love our corner of Mallorca, and regular visitors to Club MAC Alcudia will be familiar with the fabulous environment. From the sandy beaches to the interesting canals surrounding Club MAC, there is plenty to see and do. But how much do you know about the history of Alcudia itself? Here’s a very brief rundown of the best part of Mallorca – at least we think so!
Tourists love Alcudia
Alcudia is one of the most visited parts of the island and is the main tourist centre in the north of Mallorca. We are on the east coast of Mallorca and are happy to be part of a large community of hotels, resorts and guest houses that welcome millions of visitors every year.
Most of the hotels are resorts are in Port d’Alcudia, and along the beach which stretches 14km along the coast to Can Picafort. The Old Town is well preserved and has dwellings that go back to the 13th century. Surrounded by a medieval wall, the old town of Alcudia is well worth a visit when you’re staying at Club MAC.
History of Alcudia
The region that we now call Alcudia has had people living here since the Bronze Age. When the Romans arrived, the city started to appear in history books. They used the beaches at Playa d’Acludia to capture Mallorca in 123BC. A bit later they founded the capital town of Palma and the city of Pollentia. You can see the remains of the city today.
After the fall of Rome, the Vandals attacked Pollentia several times, eventually forcing its abandonment. The few remaining inhabitants built a new town called Pollença, leaving the original city in ruins. When the Moors invaded Mallorca in the 8th century, they built a farmstead near Pollentia’s ancient ruins. They named it Alcúdia, meaning ‘on the hill’ in Arabic.
Founding the town
In 1229, the King of Aragon, James 1, defeated the Moors and took over Mallorca. Several decades later in 1298, King James II bought the farm called Alcudia and turned it into the town. A church, a square and some houses were built the same year, as were the walls which were finally finished in 1362. The original town plans are the same as the old town you can see today.
In the 16th century, pirates attacked Alcúdia, causing such a decline in population that abandonment seemed inevitable. In 1779, officials decided to support and revitalize the town, leading to the construction of the harbor.
Alcudia in the 20th century
The first tourists started to visit Alcudia and Mallorca in the 1920s, although this didn’t do much to prop up the weakening economy. By the 1970s, people recognized that Alcúdia’s future depended on tourism. By the late 1980s, the old harbor at Puerto de Alcúdia had become a major destination for European tourists.
Throughout the 90s construction continued, before measures were put in place to preserve the natural integrity of the region. It’s now all about relaxation and peaceful holidays, and the old town remains preserved and intact. Alcudia is now one of the most visited areas in Mallorca. If you’ve never been, make sure you book direct with us online for the best prices. We can’t wait to show you around!
