Bay of Alcúdia, view from the Talaia d'Alcúdia

Region · North

Northern Mallorca: Alcúdia, Pollença, Can Picafort

Last checked: October 2026

Miles of gently shelving sandy bays with a promenade – Mallorca's classic family region, easy to combine with cycling and nature trips.

The shallow entry into the water makes the northern bays the island's family region.

View on map Start route

The short answer

Who is northern Mallorca ideal for?

For families and cyclists: the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença are long, sandy and shelve gently. The region includes Alcúdia, Port de Pollença, Pollença, Can Picafort and Platja de Muro. From the airport, the Aerotib line A33 runs directly to the north; there is also the s'Albufera nature park and the Formentor peninsula.

Why families end up here

The beach shelves only slowly over many metres, so the water stays shallow and calm for a long way. On top of that there are wide promenades, short distances between hotel, supermarket and restaurant, and resorts designed around family rooms.

More than beaches

Behind the coast lies the s'Albufera wetland with bird-watching hides, and to the north of it the Formentor peninsula with viewpoints and a pine-fringed beach. The flat plain and the Tramuntana mountain roads within reach make the north a popular cycling region.

Where it gets quieter

Port de Pollença is somewhat smaller in scale and quieter than Alcúdia; Pollença's old town lies inland and lives from its weekly market and Calvary hill. Can Picafort is the most pragmatic base price-wise, with direct beach access.

Formentor: access by car (2026 season)

From 15 May to 18 October 2026, the road to the Formentor peninsula is restricted for private cars every day from 10 am to 10 pm. You may drive as far as the car park at Formentor beach as long as there are spaces free; after that, the barrier near Pollença only lets authorised vehicles through. During this period the section to the lighthouse is only open to authorised vehicles.

Without a car: TIB bus line 334 runs from Alcúdia via Port de Pollença to the lighthouse, with stops including the Mirador des Colomer and Formentor beach. In 2026 the Alcúdia–Formentor bus line ran seasonally from 15 May to 15 October. Bicycles are allowed through. Outside the restricted hours and the season, access is unrestricted.

Source: Spanish traffic authority DGT.

Cap de Formentor: getting there & stops →

Transfer from Palma Airport
around 50 to 70 minutes
Without a hire car
good – promenades, buses, short distances
Coastline
long, gently shelving sandy bays
Season
April to October, cycling season from February

Good for

Families with children Cycling and the spring season Wildlife watching Holidays without a hire car

Less suitable for

  • City breaks
  • Peace and quiet right on the main beach in high summer

Towns in this region

Where exactly should you stay?

Transfer time from Palma Airport and suitability without a car matter more in everyday life than the hotel category.

Location of the resorts in the North region.

Beaches

Beaches in the North region

Surface, entry into the water and parking are listed in each beach profile.

Active

Activities & experiences in the North region

  • Son Serra de Marina

    Rancho Grande

    Horse riding and nature experiences near Son Serra de Marina.

    Carretera Alcúdia–Artà, Km 13,7, 07459 Son Serra de Marina

    Open in Google Maps

Food & drink

Restaurants in the North region

View all restaurants in this region →

Next steps

Frequently asked questions about the North region

Which beach in northern Mallorca is the shallowest?

Playa de Muro and Playa de Alcúdia shelve particularly slowly – ideal for small children. Both belong to the same continuous bay.

Is the north doable without a car?

Yes. In Alcúdia, Port de Pollença and Can Picafort, the beach, shops and restaurants are within walking distance; regional buses connect the towns with each other and with Palma.

When is the best time to go cycling?

February to May, and September and October. Temperatures are moderate and many hotels offer bike hire and workshop services during this time.

Can you drive to Formentor?

In the 2026 season (15 May to 18 October), only with restrictions every day from 10 am to 10 pm: as far as the beach car park while spaces are free; only authorised vehicles to the lighthouse. The alternative is bus 334 from Alcúdia and Port de Pollença. In 2026 the Alcúdia–Formentor bus line ran seasonally from 15 May to 15 October.

How do you get from the airport to the north?

With the Aerotib line A33 directly to Port d'Alcúdia, continuing to Can Picafort in summer; by taxi or transfer around 50 to 70 minutes.

Other regions

Keep comparing

Back to Places & Regions →