Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide

Alcudia Mallorca sailing guide. Port d’Alcúdia is the main harbour on Mallorca’s north coast and the logical second harbour page after Palma in a Mallorca cruising sequence. It lies inside Bahía de Alcúdia, on the north-eastern side of the island, and functions as a mixed commercial, ferry, fishing and yacht harbour. For yachts, it is a practical staging port for passages between Mallorca and Menorca, for cruising the north and north-east coast of Mallorca, and for moving between Bahía de Pollença, Cap de Formentor, Cala Rajada and the east coast.

The harbour is operationally different from Palma. Palma is the island’s principal service and refit centre; Port d’Alcúdia is a north-coast passage harbour with marina berthing, fuel, water, haul-out, provisioning and regional ferry traffic. The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands describes Alcúdia as having two different areas: a commercial dock and a small-craft dock made up of a fishing quay and marina. It also has energy-related cargo facilities, including coal unloading and butane/propane terminals, so yachts must treat the commercial side as a working port, not as a yacht basin.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - History

Alcúdia has long been important because of its position between Bahía de Alcúdia and Bahía de Pollença, with sheltered water on the north side of Mallorca and routes toward Menorca and mainland Spain. The old town of Alcúdia developed inland behind defensive walls, while the modern port grew around fishing, coastal trade, ferry operations, cargo handling and later yacht traffic. For cruising yachts, the historic pattern remains practical: the harbour sits where the north coast gives workable shelter, beach access, fishing activity, provisioning routes and a natural staging position before rounding Cap de Formentor or crossing to Menorca.

Chart Disclaimer. This chart is a schematic representation for illustrative purposes only and must not be used for navigation. Refer to official hydrographic charts for safe navigation. Be aware ENC charts may differ from official hydrographic charts. Both should be corrected and updated regularly.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Currents and Tidal Flow

Tidal range at Port d’Alcúdia is small and normally has limited effect on yacht navigation. As elsewhere in Mallorca, tidal streams are weak compared with Atlantic harbours. The more important effects are wind-driven surface set, bay circulation, residual drift, ferry wash and short sea-state development across Bahía de Alcúdia.

In settled weather, water movement inside the bay is usually weak. In northerly, north-easterly or easterly weather, the wide open shape of the bay allows sea and swell to build, and the approach to the harbour can become uncomfortable. Local set may also occur around the marina entrance, the commercial dock, Alcanada and the shoal margins of the bay. The skipper should use the depth sounder continuously in the final approach because the harbour and marina area are relatively shallow compared with Palma, and parts of the wider area are prone to silting.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Weather

Port d’Alcúdia is exposed to weather that affects the north and north-east of Mallorca. It is more vulnerable than Palma to tramontana, northerlies and north-easterlies, and the bay can develop short steep seas when wind blows into the open water. In settled summer weather, the harbour is straightforward, but afternoon sea breeze and bay chop can still affect manoeuvring and anchoring outside the port.

In spring and autumn, stronger systems require caution because Bahía de Alcúdia gives long fetch across the bay. Northerly and easterly weather can make the outer approaches uncomfortable, while south and south-westerly conditions may leave the harbour more sheltered. Thunderstorms can produce sudden wind shifts and squalls. A yacht entering Port d’Alcúdia in marginal weather should have a confirmed berth or anchoring fallback and should avoid arriving in poor light if unfamiliar with the bay.

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible has a complete list of Spanish VHF Radio Channel information and weather forecast times along with NAVTEX UK and Europe and NAVTEX Mediterranean for 490kHz and 518kHz.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Local Winds

The regular summer pattern is lighter morning wind followed by sea-breeze development through the day. In Bahía de Alcúdia, afternoon breeze can create local chop, especially where wind opposes residual surface movement or reflects from the shore. The open bay means that even moderate wind can produce a short, wet sea in the approach.

The tramontana and northerly systems are the main operational wind concern. These can affect the harbour entrance, nearby anchorages and the north coast toward Cap de Formentor. North-easterly and easterly weather can also create uncomfortable conditions across the bay. In settled northerlies, the inner harbour gives marina shelter, but exposed anchorages and beach roadsteads should not be treated as secure.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Approaches

The approach to Port d’Alcúdia is made through Bahía de Alcúdia, a broad bay on Mallorca’s north-east coast. From the north-west, yachts may arrive after rounding Cap de Formentor or passing from Bahía de Pollença. From the east, yachts approach from Cala Rajada, Cap des Pinar and the north-east coast. From Menorca, Port d’Alcúdia is one of the main Mallorca landfalls because it lies on the logical west-south-west track from Ciutadella and the Menorca channel.

The harbour and port are located in the north-western part of Bahía de Alcúdia. The commercial port and ferry facilities are separate from the yacht marina area. Keep clear of ferry manoeuvring, cargo berths and commercial traffic. Approaching yachts should identify the correct marina entrance and avoid cutting across commercial operating water. In strong onshore conditions, seas can build across the bay and the final approach becomes less comfortable than the charted distances suggest.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Entry Formalities

Spain and the Balearic Islands are within the Schengen Area and the EU customs territory, so yachts arriving from another Spanish or Schengen/EU port normally do not complete full border clearance again. Yachts arriving from a non-Schengen port must clear through an authorised port of entry, for practical yacht clearance, the main Balearic entry ports include Palma, Alcudia, Ibiza, Mahon and La Savina. The usual formalities include crew passports handled by the Frontier Police and vessel/customs formalities handled through the appropriate Spanish authorities. Since 10 April 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System records non-EU short-stay entries and exits electronically rather than by passport stamping. Non-EU visitors remain subject to Schengen short-stay limits, normally 90 days in any 180-day period, unless they hold a visa or residence status allowing longer stay. Non-EU flagged yachts may also need to consider Temporary Admission rules for EU waters, commonly allowing private non-EU yachts used by non-EU residents to remain in EU customs territory for up to 18 months without VAT/import duty being due, provided the conditions are met.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Chart Accuracy

Navigation should be based on current official hydrographic charts, updated electronic charts, local notices to mariners, harbour instructions and the vessel’s own depth sounder. Electronic charting is useful for route planning and position awareness, but it should not be treated as exact at harbour, quay, reef, marina or anchorage scale.

Port d’Alcúdia requires particular caution because the marina and approach area are relatively shallow and may be affected by silting. Marina depths, fuel-dock access, berth depths, dredging, temporary works, ferry movements and buoyage changes should be checked locally. In Bahía de Alcúdia anchorages, charts may show general depths but not the precise edge of sand, weed, rock or protected Posidonia seagrass.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Navigation

Navigation into Port d’Alcúdia is generally straightforward in settled weather but requires more depth awareness than Palma. The outer bay carries deeper water, but the harbour and marina approach shoal toward the yacht basin. One cruising source notes that depths outside the marina are just under 4 m and that the area around the marina tends to silt up, which makes current depth confirmation important.

For visiting yachts, the practical working depths are around 3–4 m in the immediate marina approach and yacht basin, with berth-specific limits depending on allocation. Alcudiamar is often described as a shallow but well-equipped marina, with a maximum draught of about 4.0 m in one current marina guide. Another older cruising guide gives a maximum depth up to 6 m, but the more conservative modern approach is to confirm draught and berth depth directly before arrival.

The commercial basin is deeper and used by ferries and cargo traffic, but yachts should not enter commercial areas unless instructed. At night, use official harbour lights, marina guidance and current charts; do not rely on shoreline lights or resort lighting. In strong northerly or easterly wind, allow for crosswind, chop and wash near the entrance.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Anchorages

Port d’Alcúdia should be treated primarily as a marina and harbour stop. The wider bay provides fair-weather anchoring options, but the bay is open and anchorages are not all-weather refuges. Local restrictions, swimming zones, Posidonia protection and commercial traffic must be respected.

• Bahía de Alcúdia roadstead. This can be used in settled weather outside harbour traffic and swimming zones. Depths are commonly around 4–8 m over sand and weed, depending on distance from shore. Holding is best where clean sand is found. It is exposed to northerly, north-easterly and easterly weather and should not be used as a heavy-weather anchorage.
• Platja d’Alcúdia/Playa de Muro sector. This offers fair-weather anchoring off the long beach, clear of swimmers and marked bathing areas. Depths are typically 3–7 m, shoaling gradually toward the beach. The seabed is sand with weed patches. This is only suitable in settled conditions and is untenable in onshore swell.
• Alcanada anchorage.This lies east of the harbour near the Alcanada side of the bay. It may be used in moderate settled conditions in about 4–8 m, with sand, weed and rock patches. It is closer to the harbour but still exposed to swell entering the bay. Good light is required to choose clear sand and avoid weed.
• Coll Baix/Cap des Pinar sector. This is outside the immediate harbour area and is better treated as a north-east Mallorca fair-weather anchorage. Depths can be deeper and anchoring space more constrained, with exposure depending on wind direction. It is not a practical fallback if Port d’Alcúdia is untenable in northerly weather.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Marina and Berthing Facilities

The principal yacht facility is Port Alcudiamar, located at Passeig Marítim 1. Alcudiamar gives its reception hours as Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00, with Saturday reception from 09:00–13:00 between 1 April and 27 October, and Sunday reception from 09:00–13:00 in July and August. 

Alcudiamar has a large marina layout, with published sources giving 744–745 moorings. A Mallorca marina guide describes it as a large but shallow marina with 744 moorings and maximum draught of 4.0 m. Marinas de Baleares gives 745 moorings from 6 m to 30 m, dry dock and a 150-tonne travelift.

Services include water and electricity at the berth, showers, toilets, 24-hour fuel, bilge water and sewage disposal, radio station, multilingual support, weather station, recycling, dry dock, 150-tonne travelift, 16-tonne mobile crane and forklift. Alcudiamar states that water and electricity are supplied through smart turrets with 220/380 V and up to 125 amps, and that it provides 24-hour fuel with self-service, plus refuelling at the mooring for berths 649 to 745.

The commercial port is not a yacht marina. It handles ferry and cargo operations and should be kept clear unless directed by port authority or harbour control. Ferry services from Alcúdia connect with Menorca, mainland Spain and France; one ferry booking source lists routes from Alcúdia to Barcelona, Ciutadella, Toulon and Sète, with the Ciutadella crossing taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. This traffic is relevant to yacht movements in and out of the port.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets.  Mercadona has stores serving the Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia area and is one of the practical options for yacht provisioning. Standard Mercadona hours in Spain are commonly Monday to Saturday about 09:00–21:30, with Sunday closure common, although local seasonal hours should be checked. Eroski and smaller Eroski City-type stores are also common in Mallorca and useful for routine supplies. Lidl and Aldi are normally better for bulk dry stores but may require taxi or car depending on berth position.  Smaller local supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, greengrocers and resort shops operate around Port d’Alcúdia and the beach area. These are practical for top-ups, but less efficient for a full passage stock-up. For yacht provisioning before a Menorca crossing or north-coast passage, use the larger supermarkets early in the day and avoid relying on late Sunday opening unless confirmed.

Markets. Alcúdia Old Town Market is the main produce market for the area. It operates on Tuesdays and Sundays, with hours of 08:00/08:30–13:30, around the old town and Plaça de la Constitució area. The old town is several kilometres from Port d’Alcúdia marina, so it is best reached by taxi, bus, bicycle or a long walk with light loads only. The market supplies fruit, vegetables, local produce, olives, cheese, cured meats, bread, nuts, herbs and seasonal goods. Practical local items for a yacht include tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, citrus, figs, melons, almonds, olives, Mallorcan olive oil, sobrasada, cheeses and bread. Some stalls are produce-focused and others are clothing, craft or visitor-market stalls, so early arrival is best for food provisioning.  Port d’Alcúdia Market is Fridays, generally in the morning, market hours around 08:00–13:00. Treat this as useful for top-ups rather than the main provisioning market unless confirmed locally.

For a yacht galley, the most useful local supplies are the excellent quality single origin Mallorcan olive oil, really good tomatoes, excellent bread, and great olives, cheese, sobrasada, almonds, citrus, fresh fish and market vegetables. 

Fish Markets. The port has a fishing quay within the small-craft area, but for yacht provisioning the practical fish sources are local fishmongers, restaurants, supermarket fish counters and any direct harbour supply available from local boats.  Common local seafood includes lluç/hake, rap /monkfish, orada/gilthead sea bream, llobarro or lubina/sea bass, moll/red mullet, gerret/picarel, sardina/sardine, seitó or boquerón/anchovy, calamar/squid, sípia or sepia/cuttlefish, pop or pulpo/octopus, gamba/prawn and escamarla/langoustine. Weather, landings and day of week affect availability. Monday supply may be weaker after weekend patterns.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Local Cuisine

Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia eateries serve standard Mallorcan coastal food with strong seafood availability. Local dishes include pa amb oli, tumbet, frito mallorquin, sopas mallorquinas, arròs brut, grilled fish, seafood rice, calamari, octopus, prawns, cuttlefish and seasonal fish. Sobrasada and ensaimada are widely available across Mallorca and are practical items to carry aboard.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Local Beverages

Local beverages include Mallorcan wines, hierbas mallorquinas, local spirits, vermouth, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water and island-brewed beers. Mallorcan beers that may be found in shops or bars include Rosa Blanca, Sullerica, Beer Lovers, Ralf, Toutatis, Cas Cerveser, 4 Alqueries and Forastera, depending on outlet and season.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Diesel Fuel Supplies

Diesel fuel is available at Alcudiamar. The marina lists a 24-hour fuel station with self-service fuel system and also states that refuelling at the mooring is available from berths 649 to 745. This makes Port d’Alcúdia a useful fuel stop before crossing to Menorca, rounding Cap de Formentor or moving down the east coast. Fuel access should still be confirmed before arrival, especially for larger yachts, deeper draught yachts, or vessels needing alongside space at a specific time. In strong wind or ferry wash, allow extra room when manoeuvring near the fuel dock.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Water Supplies

Water is available at marina berths through Alcudiamar’s smart service turrets. Alcudiamar states that boats in the marina have water and electricity connection at their mooring, with real-time consumption and billing through its smart-turret system. For visiting yachts, water supply should be confirmed with berth allocation. Anchorages in Bahía de Alcúdia should be treated as no-water stops. If cruising the north or east coast after leaving Alcúdia, fill tanks before departure.

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

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Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Marine Services

Port d’Alcúdia has useful local marine services, haul-out and routine repair capacity, but it is not as comprehensive as Palma. Alcudiamar lists professional services for sailors, a 150-tonne travelift, dry dock, 16-tonne mobile crane, forklift, fuel, waste extraction, water, electricity and service infrastructure. This supports routine maintenance, haul-out, antifouling, hull work, minor engineering and general yacht support.

For diesel engines, Motonautica Alcudia is listed by Yanmar as a recreational marine subdealer for sales, service and parts at Passeig Marítim 1, Alcudiamar Local 17, Port de Alcudia. For Volvo Penta, the strongest verified Mallorca support is Palma and island-wide rather than specifically Alcúdia. Mecanautica y Servicios Asensio S.L. states that it has been an official Volvo Penta service centre since 2000 in Mallorca, and Camber Marine states that it is a Volvo Penta Center in Mallorca and Menorca. These may be relevant for parts or mobile service but should be contacted before assuming they will come to Alcúdia.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Marine Electronics

For electronics, Palma remains the main support centre. Dahlberg S.A. represents brands including B&G, Simrad, Furuno, Sailor, C-MAP and TimeZero. Estay Electronics states that it works with Furuno, MaxSea, B&G, Simrad and Raymarine, and separately says it is an official distributor of B&G in Mallorca. Enaval lists navigation and communication brands including Raymarine, Furuno, Sailor, KVH, Simrad, B&G, ICOM and Airmar. For serious Raymarine, B&G, Simrad or autopilot work, plan either mobile attendance from Palma or a passage to Palma if the job is not urgent. The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition has a verified listing of service providers in the Med.

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Local Etiquette

Spanish and Catalan are both used locally; buenos días, bona dia, gracias and gràcies are appropriate. Keep communication with marina staff, ferry personnel, fishers, fuel-dock staff, market sellers and repair contractors clear and patient, especially in summer when the harbour is busy.  Dress is casual around the waterfront, but swimwear is not normal in supermarkets, markets, harbour offices, town streets or restaurants away from the beach. Do not treat fishing quays, ferry berths, commercial docks or local moorings as available yacht space. In the marina, avoid blocking fairways, fuel berths, service pontoons or haul-out areas. At anchor in Bahía de Alcúdia, keep noise down, avoid generator nuisance, leave proper swinging room, keep clear of swimming zones and follow Posidonia anchoring rules without argument. 

Alcudia Mallorca Sailing Guide - Summary

Port d’Alcúdia is Mallorca’s main north-coast harbour and a practical staging point for Menorca passages, Cap de Formentor routes and cruising Bahía de Alcúdia. It has marina berthing, fuel, water, haul-out, provisioning and local marine services, but the approach and marina depths require more attention than Palma. The harbour is also a working commercial and ferry port, so yachts should arrive with berth confirmation, keep clear of ferry and cargo traffic, and monitor depth closely. This page is the harbour-level guide for the Port d’Alcúdia Mallorca sailing guide for all you need to know,