Beat the winter blues in Alcúdia

When people think about holidays to Spain, most tend to imagine warm temperatures, clean beaches and crystalline seas forming the backdrop to a relaxing week or two in the sun. While Spain certainly provides many opportunities to enjoy holidays of this type, the country also offers a great deal more than guaranteed summer sun. If you are looking for a break from the colder British weather, and would like to explore a little more of this fascinating country, then a winter holiday in Spain is a wise choice.

A major benefit of a winter escape is that many of the hotels in Spain will be free from the crowds so typical of the summer season, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your chosen hotel's facilities in perfect peace.

So, with warmer weather and top hotels guaranteed, the question is where should you head to beat the winter blues? While mainland Spain offers many top destinations for the traveller and their family, there is a place that, although synonymous with the summer holidays, has equal charm and plenty of attractions to keep people entertained during the winter months: the island of Mallorca and, in particular, the northern coastal resort of Alcúdia.

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful shallow bay, it is easy to see why so many people opt to go on their summer or winter holidays to Alcúdia. A 14 km long beach is one of the major attractions of the area during the summer, but in the winter the city exudes a different charm and cooler temperatures mean that it's an ideal time for visitors and their families to explore a little more around this fascinating part of Spain.

One of the great ways to see the area is by bicycle, and winter is a perfect time to do this as weather conditions, and fewer tourists, mean it's much quieter on the roads and the daytime temperatures are far more conducive to cycling. A ride down to the superb S'Albufera Park is well worth the trip as the wetlands are a home for many different species of birds and animals. Entry is free and with the park covering almost 32 km, a bicycle is the ideal way to see this unspoilt, natural part of the island.

The local market in Alcúdia is held twice-weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Stalls tend to open at 08:00, closing at 13:00, so heading to the market early to haggle yourself a bargain on the numerous food, clothes and craft items on sale is a great way to spend the morning.

Visitors in January are fortunate in that Alcúdians celebrate two important fiestas during the month. 17th January sees the celebration of Saint Antoni Abat, the patron saint of animals, which sees small bonfires lit around the area, locals singing traditional songs and roasting ‘botifarrons' (locally made blood sausages). Three days later is the fiesta of Saint Sebastia, where a statue of the saint is decorated with orange blossom and then carried high through the town.

Families with children are particularly well catered for in Alcúdia during the winter. The pleasant temperatures make days out at El Laberinto Maze Fun Park hugely enjoyable, while slightly older children will enjoy a day at Racing Passion Karting. Families who love excitement will also enjoy Jungle Parc, situated in Santa Ponsa close to Alcúdia, where visitors get to clamber amongst the treetops using zip wires, ropes, bridges and vines to traverse the arboreal terrain.

In such a historic city, with a wealth of attractions both inland and on the seafront, Alcúdia is the perfect winter destination for a memorable family break.

24 November 2011

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