Can Picafort – Beach holiday in the Bay of Alcúdia

Can Picafort is a tourist destination on the The North Coast of Mallorca - imposing cliffs and heavenly beaches. It is located about ten kilometres south of Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca in the centre of the 25 km long bay. Between the two resorts, the Nature Park S’Albufera in the north of Mallorca Nature Park covers a species-rich wetland that is criss-crossed by a network of Hiking Trails in Mallorca. Can Picafort emerged from a small fishing village and has developed with the expansion of tourism to a major holiday destination in Mallorca.

Historic buildings and attractions are not overly abundant in Can Picafort the place has an excellent tourist infrastructure. The selection of hotels, apartment complexes and holiday homes is huge. Its main focus is the beautiful sandy beach on the bay of Alcúdia. It falls gently into the shallow waters and smaller children can play safely at the water's edge. Although Can Picafort is strongly geared to tourism, the coastal town is not party central like El Arenal on the south coast of Mallorca or Magaluf. Instead the resort offers is more one targeting families looking for the perfect beach holiday.

History of Can Picafort

Before mass tourism descended on Mallorca, Can Picafort was a small, insignificant Fishing in Mallorca on the north coast of the island. Historical documents suggest that the village appeared on the map in the middle of the 19th century. However, necropolises from the Talaiot area suggest that there may have been settlements here since pre-Roman days along this stretch of coastline.

The necropolis of Son Real, which is located on the small promontory of Punta des Fenicis near Can Picafort, is a well preserved prehistoric burial ground. Human bones found at the site lead scientists to believe that the site was being used for burial rituals between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

The historic centre of the former fishing village stretches along the pier, which is now part of the Marinas in Mallorca. As recently as the 60s this coastal town had just 200 inhabitants. Can Picafort experienced a boom with the increase in package tourism from the 1970s. By the mid-1990s, the resort had more inhabitants than the main town in the municipality, Santa Margalida. Numerous hotel complexes and Holiday house and apartment in Mallorca complexes are located on the beach promenade and on other streets beyond.

Dream beaches on the bay of Alcúdia

The sandy beach of Can Picafort is a hive of tourist activity during the summer months. Since it is not very wide due to dense development, it can get crowded quickly in the main season. Wider beach sections are located at the north end of the resort.

South of the village is Son Baulo bay. This stretch of beach is quieter than the main beach. Towards Playa de Muro in the north of Mallorca, the beach becomes increasingly empty. The beach promenade ends at the front, but small beach bars provide you with chilled drinks and snacks.

The white sand on the beaches of Can Picafort shines brightly in the glaring sunlight in stunning contrast to the turquoise blue of the sea and the azure blue of the cloudless sky. Since all Top 10 Best Beaches in Mallorca in the area have very shallow and calm water families with small children feel really at home here. Lifeguards watch over the Events in Mallorca from May to October. Parasols and sunbeds can be rented from local providers. The only drawback is that it is not the best place for serious swimmers as you have to wade far out into the bay before the water is deep enough for a few strokes.

Activities in Can Picafort

Due to the character of Can Picafort and its location on the bay of Alcúdia, water sport Activities and Leisure in Mallorca are one of the main draws of the area. You can rent out pedal boats by the hour on the beach as well as banana boat riding. There are several beach volleyball courts are scattered along the beaches and the crystal-clear sea is perfect for Snorkelling in Mallorca.

To get a taster of the resort, we recommend a stroll along the beach promenade. There are countless possibilities to enjoy Mallorcan and international culinary delights in the many bars, restaurants and cafés, - many with a terrace - on the sea front. Although Can Picafort is not the first place the party set may think of, there are still some fun late night spots. Young people meet in two popular clubs: "Skau" and "La Pasion".

Speed demons and petrol heads should not miss a visit to Mallorca's biggest go-kart track, located in the industrial area of Can Picafort. It is 1,325 m long, although tourists only have the 825 m track available. The rest of the track is reserved for professional go-kart racing. If you want to improve your handicap in a Mediterranean environment, you can play a round of Golf in Mallorca at the Alcanada Golf Club. The 18-hole course is nestled in a green hilly landscape and offers many places to tee off with a magnificent view of the Bay of Alcúdia.

Day trips in the area

Among the most visited attractions in the Can Picafort area is the Nature Park S’Albufera in the north of Mallorca Natural Park. It is an approximately 1,600-hectare wetland area, fed from streams that originate in the Serra de Tramuntana in the north of Mallorca. More than 250 species of birds, including ospreys, flamingos and little egrets live in the conservation area. The entrance to the Natural Park is on the Alcúdia-Can Picafort road. Next to the nature reserve is the Son Real necropolis. The prehistoric burial site is located on a small headland and is an impressive testimony to the pre-historic human settlements of Mallorca.

Can Picafort is located in the north of the island and you should definitely plan in a trip to Cap Formentor in the north of Mallorca. The cliffs here at the northernmost tip of Mallorca rise to 200 m above sea levels. On the way, you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the rugged coastline from various vantage points. Mallorca Society & Culture holidaymakers should plan a trip to the small town of Pollença in the north of Mallorca. The picturesque old town is criss-crossed by a labyrinth of lanes, which is dominated by the Calvary Steps in the centre. If you visit the town on Sunday, you can stock up on the Markets in Mallorca with regional specialties.

Restaurants in Can Picafort

Numerous dining options in Can Picafort always keep holidaymakers happy. There are pubs with live music, karaoke bars, specialty restaurants as well as Tapas in Mallorca. With three oceanfront terraces and excellent international cuisine, Royal Beach Restaurant is an inviting eatery that serves up largely regional products and ingredients.

Boasting a cosy and convivial atmosphere and a fantastic location on a cliff, Mar y Paz is a splendid restaurant with a range of culinary delights ranging from seafood to burgers.

If you want to discover the diversity of Mallorcan cuisine, try a visit to Rapha's La Terracita restaurant. As inconspicuous as the restaurant appears at first glance from the outside, its interior is cosily decorated and serves traditional Mallorcan cuisine. In high season, a reservation is recommended as the restaurant is often fully booked due to the excellent quality of the food.

Alcanada restaurant is to be found right next to the golf course. From the large terrace you have a fantastic view of the sea and can order a range of Mediterranean fresh fish and seafood dishes among others.

We hope that this report has aroused your curiosity about the resort of Can Picafort. Possibly it may make you consider spending your next holiday in Mallorca in this lively coastal town in the Bay of Alcúdia.