Travel | Destinations
Legging it in Alcudia
Majorca, an island off the coast of Spain, is as much a favourite with families as with tourists looking for a spot of cycling and trekking
- Published: 20:32 November 20, 2009
- REGION
- Europe
- HOLIDAY TYPE
- City Breaks
- Image Credit: Supplied
- Majorca
Alcudia in northern Majorca is a cyclist’s delight — flat roads, gentle hills, great weather, low traffic and a great bike tour company. I spent four days on the saddle, each day with a different group, guide, distance and route. On Day 1, I logged 80 kilometres rather slowly; Day 2 found me riding 55 at a frustratingly slow pace; I switched to a faster group for an 80-kilometre ride on Day 3; I trailed along with cramps on a 100-kilometre ride on the last; and I also went hiking in between. Going up Atalya De Alcudia, our group started at the sanctuary of Ermita de la Victoria and reached the summit after an hour. But the revelatory moment came when our path cut along a wide ridge and took us to the point overlooking the bay of Platja Coll Baix — a small cove wrapped around a patch of aquamarine sea bordered by a white beach.
The bicycle rides took us to all parts of northern Majorca, sprinkled with towns and hamlets with quiet squares, cobbled streets and homely street-side cafés. There are many places from where you can rent bicycles, with the cost being just £4 (Dh25) per person for a day’s hire.
After the bike-hike combo, it was time to go sightseeing. Alcudia’s history goes back to the 7th century BC, when Phoenicians used Majorca as a trading base. The Romans made it the Majorcan capital in 123BC and after the Vandals destroyed the town in the 6th century, it was rebuilt by the Moors and given the name Alcudia, which means “on the hill”. The best way to see Alcudia is to sign up for the guided walking tour organised by the tourist office every Wednesday, starting at noon.
Alcudia is also popular with families. Though the Alcudia resort has a few nightclubs, it is not a loud resort. So if you want a holiday that combines parties, beaches, hiking, sightseeing and cycling, get on the next flight to Majorca.
Local transport
Majorca has an excellent public-transport system. Playa De Muro is 70 kilometres from Palma Airport.
You can get to Playa by cab for 70 euros (Dh384) or by bus for 10 euros (Dh55).
Where to stay
Hotel Iberostar Playa De Muro (www.iberostar.com), five kilometres from Alcudia town. Rooms from 65 euros (Dh356).
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