For the environmentally conscious traveller, it can sometimes be difficult to find information on green holidays. For example: where should you go, eat, and stay in order to be truly eco-friendly? Fortunately, for those wanting to stay green, eco-holidays are possible in many places – even in the bustling tourism haven of Mallorca. If your travels bring you to Alcúdia, the main tourist centre in the north of the island, you’re in luck. The city is a designated Ecotourism Municipality with plenty to offer nature lovers, eco-tourists and those who like to stay active.
Blessed with a fantastic 30 kilometre coastline and a widely varying landscape, Alcúdia is an ideal location for a natural getaway – either solo or with a friend.
S’Albufera Natural Park
Get your blood pumping with a hike through S’Albufera Natural Park, the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearic Islands. The park consists of over 1,700 hectares of sand dunes, marshes, and lagoons. Thanks to its abundance of water and vegetation, it has outstanding biodiversity, making it an excellent place to see rare birds and butterflies. While other parts of Mallorca may be teeming with tourists, here you can savour solitude and tranquillity with a stunning natural backdrop.
To get to S’Albufera, simply follow the Ma-12 south along the coast for about 19 kilometres – approximately a 40-minute drive. You can access the park on foot or by bike only, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Admission is free, but you will need to pick up a visiting permit at the reception centre.
Alcúdiamar Port
This lively marina is located in a sheltered cove at the end of a long, sweeping white beach that’s perfect for a morning run. Here there’s space for over 700 boats, from tiny sailboats to imposing yachts. But Alcúdiamar is much more than just a marina. With its extensive accommodation, dining, shopping, and sporting options, it is popular with boaters, tourists, and residents alike.
Alcúdiamar is one of the many places in this town that has earned an Environmental Quality Label, a designation that is awarded to tourist destinations that demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment. Establishments earn the designation by reducing waste, using recycled products, cutting back on electricity use, and other similar initiatives.
Eating Out
For the ecologically conscious, there are several eateries in Alcúdia that are environmentally certified. We recommend the following restaurants, which have earned Environmental Quality Labels:
- Pizzeria Don Vito – This casual, relaxed restaurant serves much more than just pizza. Choose from a wide range of starters, salads, pastas, and meats for a satisfying meal.
Carretera d’Artà, 11, 07400 Puerto Alcúdia, Illes Balears +34 971 54 80 74
- Piero Rossi – Located near the Alcúdia mar Port, this restaurant has lovely sea views and top-notch steaks.
Puerto Deportivo, Paseo Marítimo, 1, 07400 Port de Alcúdia, Islas Baleares +34 971 54 86 11
- Can Costa – This little gem is tucked away just north of the Alcúdiamar port and is an excellent place for authentic tapas.
C/ Sant Vincens 14, 07400, Alcúdia, Majorca, Spain +34 971 54 53 94
How to Get There
The island of Mallorca is served by Palma Airport, located on the south-west coast. If you’re coming from London, nonstop flights are available with Norwegian Air, Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways, and typically take about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Once you land in Palma, you’ll have to make your way to Alcúdia, on the opposite side of the island. Not to worry – an airport transfer can get you from one coast to another in just under an hour! If you’d like to go for the environmentally friendly option, consider a shared Mallorca airport shuttle.
Alternatively, you may want to rent a car at Palma airport and make the drive yourself. The route is fairly straightforward – simply follow the Ma-13 north and east across the island to Alcúdia. Bus routes will also make the trip. Catch the Route 1 from the airport into central Palma, and then pick up Route 351, which can take you to Alcúdia for as little as five euros.
Where to Stay
The Environmental Quality Label also applies to hotels. Here are some of our top picks.
Hotel Ivory Playa Sports & Spa – This mid-budget aparthotel is located conveniently near the port and, true to its name, offers both extensive sporting and spa facilities. If you’re in an active mood, choose from tennis, beach volleyball, and biking, amongst others. On a more relaxed day, lounge by the pool or in the sauna, or treat yourself to a massage!
Bahia de Alcúdia – Just a stone’s throw from Alcúdia ’s 9-mile long beach, Bahia de Alcúdia is well-positioned for a leisurely holiday. Enjoy elegant dining in the hotel’s restaurant or outdoors in the beautiful gardens. If you’re looking to mingle with other guests, this four-star hotel offers nightly live entertainment.
Alcúdia Garden Aparthotel – If it’s amenities you’re searching for, the Alcúdia Garden Aparthotel has it all. This beachside complex boasts two swimming pools and 8,000 square metres of gardens, along with spa facilities and free-of-charge activities including archery, table tennis, and aerobics. Ideal for an active traveller like you!
