My first ever journey overseas, the one beginning this lifelong love affair with journey, was to Mallorca – and with so many implausible issues to do in Mallorca with youngsters, the one shock is that I haven’t been again with my daughter prior to now.
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I nonetheless bear in mind the seaside and the thrill of ingesting chocolate milk, apparently the world’s greatest deal with to a small woman. However I even have vivid reminiscences of exploring among the island’s caves, the superb buildings within the capital Palma (and the palm timber dotted round them) and having fun with the sunshine.
4 many years on and Mallorca (or Majorca when you favor) has as a lot to tempt a teen as youthful youngsters, with some fascinating historical past, a lot of child-friendly points of interest, extra stunning seashores than you possibly can shake a bucket at and some quirky choices as nicely. Right here’s my decide of the 16 greatest issues to do in Mallorca with youngsters to show it.
Hit the seaside
Mallorca isn’t a tiny island – it’s round 10 occasions the dimensions of the Isle of Wight, virtually half the dimensions of Cyprus – so that you’re spoiled for selection with regards to seashores.
In complete, there are greater than 260 dotted round, from tiny secluded coves to lengthy sweeping stretches of golden sand, so that you’ll by no means be too removed from the seaside. However listed here are just a few of one of the best seashores in Mallorca for households.
Playa de Alcudia
There’s 10km of sand stretching from Can Picafort to Port d’Alcudia, with Playa de Alcudia within the center – the largest seaside in all of the Balearic Islands.
It does get very busy, and getting there early is an efficient plan, however you’ve obtained shallow water for little ones, plus loads of services (from seaside eating places to sunbeds, umbrellas, parking, bathrooms, showers, and watersports). The northern finish tends to be just a little quieter, with extra of the services on the south when you’ve obtained older youngsters.
Port de Pollenca close by is one other good possibility, with an even bigger seaside by the promenade and one other smaller cove to discover
Playa de Muro
This Blue Flag magnificence close to Can Picafort persistently tops the lists of Mallorca’s greatest household seashores, and for good purpose. Shallow, clear turquoise waters with smooth, high quality pale sand make it good whether or not you fancy a swim or wish to construct just a few sandcastles.
You’ll discover loungers and parasols, plus child-friendly locations to eat right here as nicely, and there are watersports to strive too. Ticks all of the bins for households.
Es Trenc
One other of Mallorca’s lengthy seashores, Es Trenc stretches for 7km within the south of the island and it’s additionally one of many few large seashores which has stayed extra unspoiled. There are bathrooms, lounger rent and locations to get meals/drinks close by so it’s not fully off the crushed observe, however extra peaceable than among the busier seashores.
There’s parking (for a price) and a few shallow water to get pleasure from as nicely. It’s value figuring out that the realm is well-liked with nudists, though the primary stretch of seaside is clothed.
Cala Mondragó
This Blue Flag seaside within the south-east of the island is tucked away within the Mondragó Pure Park, with two beautiful sandy seashores surrounded by pine forests. The waters of the protected cove are fantastically calm for teenagers to swim and it tends to be quieter than the resort seashores, particularly when you’re visiting in peak season.
When you’ve had sufficient of the seaside, it’s simple to take a look at among the strolling trails close by as nicely when you fancy one other style of Mallorca’s surroundings.
Canyamel Seaside
In Mallorca’s east, this seaside additionally stretches for over a mile and there are some good corners for snorkelling within the clear waters. There are some services too, together with bathrooms and showers, plus a lifeguard in peak season and parking.
You may rent loungers, there are some eating places close by and watersports right here as nicely – plus a small play space for youthful youngsters.
Take a ship journey
With a lot coast to discover, you shouldn’t miss the possibility for a minimum of one boat journey, whether or not you’re searching for a fast journey out to sea, pirate-themed escapes, dolphin-spotting, snorkelling or a full-day journey
Alcudia Pirate Cave & Parc Pure
My prime decide when you’re staying round Alcudia or Port d’Alcudia, this three-hour boat tour took us throughout the bay to the pure park, into pirate caves with astonishing blue water, then to a quiet bay for some snorkelling. E book tickets with free cancellation right here.
Robinson Pirate Boat, Port de Pollensa
What’s higher than a ship journey? A pirate boat journey, clearly. And this longer journey has lunch included, as you set off from Puerto Pollensa on a five-hour journey which stops for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding, plus lunch aboard the wood boat.
Palma Bay crusing journey
In case you’re staying in Palma, you needn’t head half-way throughout the island to search out an awesome boat journey, with SeaBarcelona journeys departing from the capital.
There’s a beautiful sundown possibility when you’ve obtained older youngsters, but in addition a noon departure when you’re seeking to get out on the water through the daytime. Add in an open bar, snacks, snorkelling and SUP, plus it’s a small boat so there received’t be big crowds aboard.
Catamaran tour
In case you favor an even bigger boat to a smaller one, there are some a lot bigger catamarans to take you out on longer cruises, with five-hour journeys from Palma and Port d’Alcudia.
The Palma catamaran tour features a morning or afternoon departure, with time to cease and swim and snorkel plus BBQ meals, whereas the Alcudia journey is comparable with kayaks and paddleboards to borrow too.
Glass-Backside Boat Excursions, Sa Coma
Good for teenagers who wish to discover underwater life with out truly getting moist, there’s a complete string of glass-bottomed boat excursions from Sa Coma alongside Mallorca’s stunning east coast – the proper strategy to spot the fish as you journey via some gloriously turquoise bays and previous sea caves. There are alternatives from Moonfish Catamaran and Mallorca Sea Paradise.
Dolphin Watching boat journeys
There are wild dolphins dwelling round Mallorca, so that you’ll discover a string of excursions taking you out to see them, though most go from the north coast round Port d’Alcudia and Can Picafort.
Select from this three-hour dolphin-spotting tour from Alcudia Sea Journeys, or a dawn boat tour when you’ve obtained early risers. However you’ll discover loads of selection when you’re hoping to spy a pod.
Barcos Azules from Port Soller
In case you’d wish to see extra of Mallorca’s unspoiled coast, Barcos Azules has a number of totally different boat journeys from Port Soller, together with to the gorgeous turquoise waters of Sa Calobra and Cala Tuent, or to view the rugged Serra de Tramuntana and rock formations like Sa Foradada.
Palma Aquarium
That is simply one in every of Mallorca’s hottest household points of interest, and you’ll see why the second you stroll in. Housing over 8,000 marine creatures throughout 55 tanks, it’s good for teenagers who love animals and the spectacular underwater worlds from throughout the planet.
There are tropical reefs, hands-on contact swimming pools and shark tunnels, plus indoor and out of doors play areas, Mediterranean gardens and even a tropical jungle on the roof. This actually is someplace you possibly can spend hours – enable round half a day, particularly when you’re hoping to see feeding time or take heed to any of the talks.
Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here, together with elective entry into the 3D cinema.
Mallorca can be house to Marineland, the oldest dolphinarium in Spain, which additionally has an aquarium, zoo and sea lion exhibits however with captive dolphins, it’s not one thing I’m comfortable to advocate
Safari Zoo
In case you’ve obtained youngsters who love animals, you’re not restricted to marine creatures, with this little drive-through safari park close to Sa Coma. You’ll want a rent automobile to get round, however you possibly can spot zebras, giraffes and rhinos as you go, plus there’s just a little safari practice serving to you discover the Savanna.
The small zoo can be house to a small strolling space with extra animals, exhibits all through the day and play areas.
There was a whole lot of controversy in regards to the zoo previously, together with the lone elephant and outdated enclosures, however Safari Mallorca is now beneath new administration and there are enhancements being made.
In case you’re searching for a rent automobile to discover Mallorca, websites like Uncover Vehicles can examine costs, whereas Zest automobile rent is one in every of my go-to choices (and the one I used for our newest Mallorca journey)
Go to a water park
There are additionally a number of water parks scattered throughout the island, so in case your youngsters are followers, there are loads to select from. Aqualand El Arenal isn’t removed from Palma, round 20 minutes’ drive south-east of the capital and is the largest water park in Mallorca, with a mixture of choices for all ages, together with themed areas for teenagers equivalent to Polynesia and Dragonland.
Alternatively, Western Water Park is – because the identify suggests – a Wild West-themed water park that’s round 25 minutes from Palma, simply outdoors Magaluf. There are some smaller slide and shallow swimming pools for youthful youngsters together with some adrenaline thrills for teenagers, equivalent to The Beast, one of many highest slides in Europe
There’s additionally Hidropark Alcudia within the north of the island, which has toddler play areas and wave swimming pools in addition to some high-speed slides.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
You won’t suppose Mallorca’s Gothic cathedral ought to be prime of your listing whenever you’re travelling with youngsters, however don’t even take into consideration skipping it.
The jaw-dropping structure, sheer dimension of the cathedral and beautiful colored gentle filtering via that well-known rose window create an virtually magical ambiance that genuinely captivates guests of all ages.
The go to is often fast sufficient to carry youngsters’s consideration, and the Parc de la Mar is good if they should burn off any power afterwards.
In case you’re visiting with youngsters aged 11+, you may as well get tickets to climb as much as the ‘terrazas’, the roof of the cathedral – 138 steps up, there are unbelievable views.
It’s nicely value reserving tickets prematurely though you possibly can solely get roof entry via the official website.
The Turbopass Palma de Mallorca contains entry to the cathedral, Bellver Fort, Palma Aquarium and varied different sights and excursions – get a reduction when you ebook via my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6
La Almudaina Palace
Positioned proper subsequent to the cathedral (so it couldn’t be simpler to mix each visits), this former Moorish fortress turned royal palace provides you an enchanting glimpse into Mallorca’s uncommon historical past.
Nonetheless utilized by Spain’s royal household, you possibly can wander via the royal flats of La Almudaina, previous fountains in historical courtyards, previous Arab baths and defensive towers, as you study in regards to the island’s Arab and Christian heritage.
The audio information has some extra background, however there are info boards in every room, so it’s not important. Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
TRAVEL TIP: Save a while to discover the palace gardens when you’re on this a part of Palma – they’re free to wander into, on the backside of the steps under the palace, with extra shady water options.
Bellver Fort
Simply outdoors central Palma, this round fortress has some implausible views down over Palma Bay, and there’s just a little museum inside protecting the island’s historical past. It’s a barely eclectic mixture of artefacts, weapons, sculptures and extra, however it’s nicely value a glance.
You may also climb as much as the roof of the primary tower at Bellver Fort to look out throughout the waves for invading forces (or ferries from Menorca).
Youngsters beneath 14 go free and it’s potential to stroll up from the town, however it’s fairly steep and a scorching climb through the summer season, so it’s higher to take a taxi when you don’t have your individual automobile, or the hop-on hop-off bus additionally stops right here.
Stroll the Medieval Partitions in Alcudia
Constructed to guard Alcudia’s previous city from pirate raids, you possibly can nonetheless stroll components of the medieval partitions at this time and journey again via the centuries as you stand by one of many guard posts.
There are solely a few methods up onto the partitions, so I’d counsel strolling alongside the Cami de Ronda from the Porta de Mallorca and climbing the steps at this finish. You may stroll again down in the direction of the primary gate, then retrace your steps and observe the wall alongside to Porta de Vila Roja to the second set of steps main down again into the city.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll see just a few guardposts and smaller towers to look out from. It’s fully free to discover and never often too busy, even on market day.
Head up for golden hour and the stones appear to glow, or go to earlier within the day throughout summer season as there’s no shade – there may be loads of ice cream within the streets under although.
Browse one in every of Mallorca’s markets
Visiting a correct native market is an effective way to get a style of Mallorcan life with youngsters, in addition to choosing up just a few souvenirs.
The weekly markets in cities like Sineu, Alcudia, and Pollensa are among the greatest, with an opportunity to take a look at native jewelry, and decide up some contemporary fruit (we even noticed dragon fruit).
Be ready for it to get very busy, so arrive early when you can – we obtained to Alcudia’s market at round 10am, and the automobile parks had been already heaving and it solely obtained busier from there, though the streets of the previous city nonetheless had some quiet corners (and a few very tempting jewelry and ceramics for me, plus just a few souvenirs for my daughter).
In case you are visiting Alcudia’s market and driving, one of the best place to strive for parking is subsequent to the previous Roman ruins at Pollentia – there’s a giant lot, somebody directing automobiles, and it’s free (plus the market is simply throughout the highway)
Caves of Drach (Cuevas del Drach)
The Caves of Drach are one in every of my favorite reminiscences of visiting the island as a baby, the countless stalactites and stalagmites within the caverns, reflecting within the water and sending thrilling shivers down my again.
Heading again with my daughter, there’s no query it’s lots busier and extra touristy, however the caves themselves are as spectacular as ever, with their underground lakes and weirdly great shapes.
The spotlight continues to be the stay classical music live performance carried out on boats floating on the lake, the one issues illuminated within the darkness, earlier than taking a journey over the water your self. It genuinely is magical (not many issues have caught in my reminiscence for over 40 years!)
As a bonus, there’s a continuing cool temperature within the caves too, which may be very welcome on a scorching summer season’s day. I’ve nonetheless but to see a dragon although…
Reserving forward is an efficient plan, and ensure you get there in time in your slot – it’s all very nicely organised, with a whole lot of individuals entering into through the time interval, however when you miss it, you may find yourself lacking out totally. You may get entry together with a switch from Palma or a switch from Alcudia when you don’t have your individual automobile.
You may also go to the Caves of Hams close by, in addition to the Caves of Genova close to Palma
The Caves of Arta
The Caves of Drach is perhaps one of the best identified however they’re removed from the one caves on Mallorca. Head just a little method up the east coast and you’ll see the Caves of Arta – a lot quieter, the caverns listed here are huge, together with a 17m excessive stalagmite (at present round 50cm from the roof of the cavern, which ought to solely take one other 5,000 years or so to finish).
You get an actual sense of how previous the formations are right here, with the caves courting again round three million years, and there are some quirky shapes to search out, together with jellyfish and a barely melted elephant.
One other spotlight is visiting hell, the deepest a part of the caves the place there’s a brief sound and music present, and the a lot larger heaven, with its organ-like buildings.
Take the toy practice to Soller
There’s loads to tempt you to go to Soller itself, however the scenic journey aboard the classic Prepare de Soller from Palma is nicely value it only for the journey, and undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable strategy to journey between the 2.
The historic narrow-gauge practice winds via the mountains alongside the way in which, passing via 13 tunnels earlier than twisting its method all the way down to Soller.
As soon as there, you possibly can proceed to Port de Soller through classic tram, making it a full day of correct railway pleasure. It does get exceptionally busy through the summer season months although.
Go to Roman Pollentia
Subsequent to Alcudia’s Outdated City, you’ll discover a good older nook of Mallorca’s historical past at Roman Pollentia. Town was as soon as an important within the Balearic islands, inhabited for round six centuries from 123BCE.
You’ll see the ruins of the residential space as quickly as you enter, however don’t be fooled into believing that’s all there may be – the positioning goes on a lot additional than this, with the discussion board space together with the stays of a number of temples, retailers and a market.
There’s additionally the previous theatre which was later used as a necropolis, and varied boards alongside the paths about different excavations, together with a mosaic ground which is now within the little Pollentia Monographic Museum over the highway in previous city Alcudia. Free for teenagers beneath 14.
Go to Cap de Formentor
On the finish of the Formentor peninsula, there are among the most spectacular views on Mallorca from the Cap de Formentor lighthouse. On clear days, you possibly can see proper throughout to Menorca, and it’s simply among the best free issues to do in Mallorca with youngsters.
In case you are driving, it’s value figuring out that entry is restricted through the summer season months to guard the realm, however there’s a bus which takes you alongside the peninsula when you don’t fancy strolling.
Strive an ensaimada
You received’t be wanting ice cream (and tapas) when you’re in Mallorca however avoid wasting abdomen house for a conventional ensaimada. These scrumptious pastries come plain, in addition to crammed with cream, custard, or chocolate and are the native equal of a croissant, however much more indulgent.
C’an Joan de S’aigo in Palma has been perfecting these scrumptious treats since 1700 and continues to be one of the vital trendy locations to eat them – however with out the worth tag you may anticipate of someplace oozing with heritage.
*First printed 2016, final up to date 2025*
Photographs: Cala Agulla/Platja de Muro/Es Trenc/Canyamel seaside/catamaran/Palma Aquarium/waterslides/Soller practice/Soller tram/Cap Formentor courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
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