Panoramic aerial photograph of the islet of Alcanada with its lighthouse, the golf course and the coast of Alcúdia in the background over turquoise waters.

Alcanada Beach, Mallorca: the quietest beach in the Bay of Alcúdia

Alcanada Beach is not the best-known beach in northern Mallorca, and that is exactly what makes it so interesting. It is located three kilometres from the port of Alcúdia, facing a small islet with its own lighthouse, with pine trees reaching almost down to the shore and offering shade when many other beaches in the area are in full sun. It is a popular beach among local residents and families who are looking for a peaceful swim without going too far from Alcúdia. For us, one of the best ways to experience Alcanada is from the sea: the lighthouse, the pine trees and the colour of the water take on a completely different perspective.

The lighthouse islet, around 150 metres from the shore, is the feature that most defines this beach. On calm sea days, you can reach it by swimming or by kayak. Seen from the sea, the perspective changes completely: most of our boat trips pass through this area, and the one that makes the most of this stretch is the glass bottom boat, which explores the seabed of the bay in front of Alcanada without the need for snorkelling equipment and includes a swimming stop opposite the beach.

Where is Alcanada Beach?

Alcanada is on the north coast of Mallorca, east of the port of Alcúdia, inside the bay of the same name. It is around 3.5 km from the centre of Port d’Alcúdia along the seafront promenade.

How to get there

By car

From Port d’Alcúdia, take the Ma-3460 road towards the commercial port and continue to the end. The road follows the coastline and offers free parking along the roadside. In summer, spaces fill up quickly, especially at weekends, but there are usually options in the residential streets of the urbanisation. In our experience, it is worth arriving before 10 am, especially in July and August.
The TIB line 356 connects Alcúdia with the Alcanada area several times a day. The stop is about a 10-minute walk from the beach. Frequency is limited, so it is advisable to check the timetable before setting off.

There is a pedestrian and cycle path that runs along the entire Alcúdia coastline to Alcanada. It is approximately 3 km from the port, flat and right by the sea.

Alcanada has a sheltered anchorage opposite the lighthouse islet. Boats can anchor nearby, always outside the posidonia seagrass meadows.

All our boat trips pass by Alcanada Beach and the lighthouse islet, except for the Coves and Caves trip, which heads in the opposite direction towards the northeast. The Sailing Catamaran, the Formentor trip, the glass bottom boat, the dolphin watching trip and the private tours all cover this stretch. When conditions allow, we make a swimming stop opposite the beach. The islet protects it from the embat sea breeze and the swell, so the water is usually calm even when there is already some movement at other beaches in the bay.

Catamaran trip with tourists anchored next to the islet of Alcanada, with the lighthouse in the background.

What is the beach like?

The beach is around 700 metres long and about 20 metres wide. The ground is made up of pebbles and sand, with dry posidonia seagrass in some areas. The seabed is sandy and shallow close to the shore. A few metres out, there are rocky areas, so we recommend wearing water shoes, especially if you are visiting with children.

A line of pine trees and tamarisks runs along the beach, providing natural shade, something that is very welcome in summer. Near the entrance, there are picnic tables and benches.

The islet with the lighthouse is around 150 metres from the shore. When the sea is calm, you can swim across or go by kayak. From land it looks close, but the distance and the change in seabed conditions should be taken into account.

The combination of natural shade, calm water and a relaxed atmosphere is what makes many locals prefer it over other busier beaches in the bay.

How to enjoy Alcanada Beach

Swimming is the main activity here. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for an easy swim and for children to play close to the shore.

For snorkelling, the most interesting area is around the islet and the rocks that surround it, especially early in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer. The water is clear, and you can often see fish, sea urchins and starfish. Many visitors arrive by kayak from the port to the lighthouse and explore the islet from the water.

Crossing to the islet on foot is possible when the sea is very calm and the tide allows it. Wear water shoes and avoid doing it when there is any swell.

There is also a dog-friendly area at the far end of the beach.

Facilities and where to eat in Alcanada

Alcanada Beach has a fairly natural atmosphere, so facilities are limited. There are no sunbeds, showers, public toilets or lifeguard service. Free parking is available along the road and, near the entrance, several pine trees provide natural shade next to a few picnic tables.

For food, the nearest restaurants are in the residential area of Alcanada, just a few minutes’ walk away. Some of the best known are La Terraza, Alcanada 35 Restaurante and the restaurant at Club de Golf Alcanada. If you are planning to spend several hours at the beach, we recommend bringing water, some food and sun protection, as the beach keeps a very natural character and facilities are minimal.

Alcanada islet lighthouse lit at sunset, with the sun setting behind the clouds in the Bay of Alcúdia, Mallorca.

When is the best time to enjoy Alcanada Beach?

Although Alcanada never gets as crowded as other beaches in the Bay of Alcúdia, during weekends in July and August it attracts quite a few residents and visitors looking for shade and a peaceful atmosphere. On weekdays, however, it usually remains much quieter.

For us, the best times are early in the morning and at sunset, when the light is softer and the lighthouse islet offers some of the best coastal views for taking photos.

If you can choose the time of year, we recommend visiting in spring or early autumn: the water is still a good temperature, there are fewer people and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

Tips for enjoying Alcanada Beach

We recommend wearing water shoes, as the pebbles and posidonia seagrass can make getting into the water uncomfortable, especially for children or anyone with sensitive feet.

If you want to reach the lighthouse islet, it is important to do so only when the sea is completely calm. From the shore, it looks like a short distance, but the depth and currents can change depending on sea conditions. When in doubt, it is better to enjoy it from the coast or by kayak.

We also recommend respecting the posidonia seagrass meadows when swimming or anchoring boats. They are essential for maintaining the clarity and quality of the water throughout the bay.

Finally, it is a good idea to check public transport timetables in advance. Bus frequency to Alcanada is limited, especially outside the main season, so it is worth checking the time of the last return bus before you go.

Close-up of the lighthouse on the islet of Alcanada, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and blue sea on the coast of Mallorca.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get there and where can you park?

Alcanada is 3.5 km from the port of Alcúdia and is easy to reach by road. There is free parking along the roadside next to the beach and a small car park, but spaces fill up quickly in summer. It is best to arrive before 10 am. Bus line 356 also runs from Alcúdia, although the service is not very frequent.

It is made up of pebbles and sand, with some areas of posidonia seagrass and dry posidonia. It is not a completely fine sandy beach. Water shoes are recommended for getting into the sea.

The pine trees along the beach provide good natural shade, and there are picnic tables. There are no sunbeds, beach bar, showers or lifeguards. You should bring food and drinks with you or go to the restaurants in the residential area, just a few minutes’ walk away.

Yes. The slope is very gentle and the water is calm and shallow. With water shoes and supervision, it is a comfortable beach for younger children.

The clear water and rocky seabed with posidonia seagrass make it possible to see fish, starfish and sea urchins. It is one of the most popular beaches for snorkelling in the Bay of Alcúdia. Many visitors also go by kayak or paddleboard to the lighthouse islet.
Yes. You can reach it by swimming or by kayak when the sea is calm. The crossing is short, but you need to be careful with boats and avoid it when there is any swell. The islet has no facilities or shade.
On weekdays and outside July and August. Many locals visit at weekends in summer. In spring and September, there are far fewer people.
Yes, there is a dog-friendly area at the far end of the beach.
Alcanada is more natural and peaceful than the busy Playa de Alcúdia. It has no tourist facilities and the ground is pebbly, but it offers natural shade, clean water and a seabed that is ideal for snorkelling and kayaking.
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The Alcudia Sea Trips Blog
Ideas, guides and hidden gems to explore Mallorca’s northern coast.
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