Majorca with Children: A Family Holiday Guide
Majorca (Mallorca in Spanish) is one of the most popular family destinations for UK holidaymakers, and with good reason. A short flight leads to sandy bays, shallow water, reliable summer sunshine and a huge range of days out, from caves and waterparks to mountain railways. The key is choosing the right part of the island for your family.
Why Majorca suits families
- A short flight. Around two to two and a half hours from most UK airports.
- Family beaches. Many resorts have wide, sandy beaches with gently shelving water.
- Plenty to do. The island has far more to offer than the beach, so it works well for mixed ages.
- Variety. You can choose a busy resort with everything on hand or a quieter bay with a slower pace.
Where to stay
Alcudia
On the north-east coast, Alcudia has one of the island's longest beaches, a long curve of soft sand where the water stays shallow for a good distance. It is a classic family choice, with a walled old town to explore and the S'Albufera wetland nature park close by. The airport transfer is roughly an hour.
Puerto Pollensa
Just north of Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa sits on a calm, sheltered bay with a pine-lined seafront path that is perfect for scooters, bikes and buggies. It has a relaxed, slightly more grown-up feel, with the Serra de Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop.
Cala d'Or
On the south-east coast, Cala d'Or is built around a string of small, pretty coves and a marina. The beaches are smaller than in the north, but the water in the coves is often calm and clear. It is a good base for visiting the caves of the east coast.
Santa Ponsa
In the south-west, Santa Ponsa has a sheltered, sandy bay and is one of the closest family resorts to Palma and the airport, which keeps transfers short. It is handy for the waterparks and attractions around Palma Bay.
Beaches
- North-coast bays such as Alcudia and Pollensa are wide and shallow, ideal for toddlers and paddling.
- East and south-east coves are smaller and very pretty, but can get crowded, so arrive early in high summer.
- South-west bays around Santa Ponsa and Palma Bay are sheltered and convenient, though busier.
Most resort beaches have sunbeds, toilets and cafés nearby. For more beach-day advice, read our guide to beach holidays with children.
Family activities
There is plenty to fill the days when everyone needs a change from the pool, including:
- Palma Aquarium, near the city, with a large shark tank.
- The caves of the east coast, such as the Coves del Drach at Porto Cristo, with its underground lake, and the Coves d'Artà.
- The vintage train from Palma to Sóller through the mountains, followed by a tram ride down to the port.
- Waterparks near Palma and in the north, open in the summer season.
- Gentle cycling and birdwatching in S'Albufera Natural Park near Alcudia.
- Palma's old town and its huge Gothic cathedral, for an easy half-day of sightseeing.
We cover the best of these in more detail in our 5 family-friendly activities in Majorca.
Getting there
All flights land at Palma de Mallorca airport, just outside the capital on the south coast. Flight times from the UK are about two to two and a half hours, and there are flights from a wide range of UK airports in the summer, with fewer in winter. Transfers range from under half an hour to the south-west resorts to around an hour to the north and east. Our tips for flying with young children will help with the journey.
When to go
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April to June | Warm, sunny and green, with quieter beaches. The sea is still cool in spring. Great for pre-school children and walking. |
| July and August | Hot, often above 30 °C, with a warm sea. The busiest and most expensive weeks of the year. |
| September and October | Still warm, with the sea at its warmest in September. Occasional storms later in the season. |
| November to March | Mild and quieter, with many resort hotels closed. Better suited to city breaks and walking than beach holidays. |
Practical tips
- Choose your resort carefully. A few resorts, such as parts of Magaluf, are known for nightlife rather than families, so read up before you book.
- Money: Majorca is part of Spain and uses the euro.
- Health: UK residents should take a GHIC as well as travel insurance. See our family travel health checklist.
- Driving: traffic drives on the right, and mountain roads in the north-west are narrow and twisting. Check hire car seats carefully or bring your own.
- Sun: plan outings for the morning and late afternoon in high summer and rest in the shade at midday.
- Travel advice: check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Spain before you travel.
Pick a resort that suits your children's ages, mix beach days with a couple of trips out, and Majorca makes an easy, sunny family holiday that works for toddlers and teenagers alike.