In the event you’re spending any time in Mallorca, you must save at the least a day to discover the island’s capital – and with so many issues to do in Palma with youngsters, you could possibly simply spend a couple of discovering the historic websites and different household points of interest.
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Add in seashores and waterparks close by, the possibility to discover a palace, fortress and cathedral, and the chance to style one in all Mallorca’s conventional pastries, and also you would possibly effectively determined to remain longer because it’s additionally an excellent base for a household vacation in Mallorca.
However whether or not you may have in the future in Palma de Mallorca with youngsters or a number of, right here’s my decide of one of the best issues for households to get pleasure from.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
You may not assume Mallorca’s Gothic cathedral needs to be prime of your checklist whenever you’re travelling with kids, however don’t even take into consideration skipping it.
The jaw-dropping structure, sheer measurement of the cathedral and lovely colored mild filtering by that well-known rose window create an virtually magical ambiance that genuinely captivates guests of all ages – virtually 14m throughout, the rose window is likely one of the largest in Europe.
Early morning or late afternoon has a few of the greatest results nevertheless it’s fabulous at any time.
You may spend some time trying out the tombs of Mallorcan kings, see the treasures on show within the outdated chapter home, or marvel on the baldachin above the altar designed by Gaudi and the quirky fish within the partitions of the small chapel designed by Miquel Barcelo.
Visits are usually fast sufficient that no-one will get bored, whereas Parc de la Mar is shut by if anybody must burn off some vitality afterwards.
In the event you’re visiting with youngsters aged 9+, you can too get tickets to climb as much as the ‘terrazas’, the roof of the cathedral – 138 steps up, there are unimaginable views.
It’s effectively price reserving tickets prematurely though you may solely get roof entry by the official web site.
The Turbopass Palma de Mallorca contains entry to the cathedral, Bellver Citadel, Palma Aquarium and varied different sights and excursions – get a reduction if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing the code MUMMYTRAVELS6
La Almudaina Palace
This former Moorish fortress turned royal palace sits proper subsequent to the cathedral, making it straightforward to mix each in a single go to to Palma with youngsters.
Nonetheless utilized by Spain’s royal household, you may wander by the royal flats of La Almudaina, previous fountains in historical courtyards, outdated Arab baths and defensive towers, as you be taught concerning the island’s Arab and Christian heritage.
There’s some ornate ornament within the royal flats, in addition to portraits of Mallorca’s early Christian kings and a few quirky artefacts on show too. Absorb the views from the terrace whilst you’re there, and look out for the common momentary exhibitions. As a bonus on sizzling days, these have aircon!
The audio information has some extra background, however there are data boards in every room, so it’s not important. Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here.
Save a while to discover the palace gardens whilst 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 Citadel
Considered one of only some round castles in Europe, Bellver Citadel sits on the hilltop overlooking Palma and Palma Bay, with some incredible views to the ocean and town.
There’s somewhat museum inside protecting the island’s historical past too, with a barely eclectic mixture of artefacts, weapons, sculptures and extra, nevertheless it’s effectively price a glance.
Then climb as much as the roof of the principle tower at Bellver Citadel 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 town, nevertheless it’s fairly steep and a sizzling climb throughout the summer time, so it’s higher to take a taxi if you happen to don’t have your personal automobile. The hop-on hop-off bus additionally stops right here.
Palma Aquarium
That is simply Mallorca’s largest household attraction, and you may see why the second you stroll in. Dwelling to greater than 8,000 marine creatures throughout 55 tanks, it’s excellent for teenagers who love animals and the spectacular underwater worlds from throughout the planet.
And the Large Blue is one in all Europe’s deepest shark tanks, the place you may stroll by the 8.5m tunnel previous a wide range of sharks in addition to rays.
There are tropical reefs too, a Mediterranean part to find out about native marine life and hands-on contact swimming pools. In order for you a break from the fish, the aquarium has indoor and out of doors play areas too, together with Mediterranean gardens and even a tropical jungle on the roof.
This actually is someplace you may spend hours – permit round half a day, particularly if you happen to’re hoping to see feeding time or hearken to any of the talks. Purchase tickets with free cancellation right here, together with optionally available entry into the 3D cinema.
Banys Arabs (Arab baths)
Relationship again to the tenth and eleventh centuries, the Arab baths are one of many few remnants of Moorish Mallorca, from the time earlier than Jaume I conquered the island and Mallorca started its journey to turning into a part of Spain.
Some elements are even older, with Roman columns used contained in the baths, in addition to conventional Muslim structure just like the dome over the tepidarium which has 25 shafts for solar to flood in. In addition to wanting on the two surviving rooms, you can too wander by the outdated courtyard.
Higher for main faculty age youngsters than toddlers, it’s only some euros to enter, and a captivating glimpse into the island’s historical past.
Palma’s Seashores
Playa de Can Pere Antoni
Positioned round 20 minutes’ stroll from the cathedral, this city seashore is the closest to the centre of Palma so it’s perfect if you happen to’re searching for a straightforward break on the sand.
Stretching for 750m, with loungers to hire and seashore golf equipment if you happen to’re visiting with teenagers, it’s not often too busy both.
Cala Main
A brief bus journey from the centre or about quarter-hour by automobile, there’s room to unfold out at this family-friendly seashore and loads of amenities.
The shallow, clear waters are excellent for youthful swimmers too, and there’s a extra laid-back really feel too.
Go to a water park
In the event you fancy a change from the ocean, there are two water parks close to Palma to select from. Aqualand El Arenal is the largest water park in Mallorca, round 20 minutes’ drive south-east of the capital, with a mixture of choices for all ages, together with themed areas for teenagers comparable 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 exterior Magaluf. There are some smaller slide and shallow swimming pools for youthful youngsters together with some adrenaline thrills for teenagers, comparable to The Beast, one of many highest slides in Europe
Take a ship journey
In the event you’re staying in Palma, you needn’t head half-way throughout the island to seek out an excellent boat journey, with SeaBarcelona journeys departing from the capital.
There’s a stunning sundown choice if you happen to’ve received older youngsters, but in addition a noon departure if you happen to’re seeking to get out on the water throughout the daytime. Add in an open bar, snacks, snorkelling and SUP, plus it’s a small boat so there gained’t be large crowds aboard.
In the event you favor an even bigger boat to a smaller one, there are some a lot bigger catamarans to take you out on longer cruises from Palma.
The Palma catamaran tour features a daytime departure, with time to cease and swim and snorkel plus BBQ meals, or a shorter night departure to benefit from the sundown. Or spot dolphins – this three-hour afternoon journey departs from Santa Ponsa, round a half-hour drive from Palma.
Hop-on hop-off bus
An effective way to save lots of little legs or to get round Palma with out as a lot effort throughout the hottest months, town’s hop-on hop-off bus stops at 16 completely different areas across the capita.
Whereas a lot of town centre is pedestrianised, it does additionally take you to Bellver Citadel, in addition to driving alongside the coast (and previous the cruise port), plus stops close to the market and Plaza de Espana too.
Parc de la Mar
This waterfront park sits proper under the cathedral and royal palace, with a lake and a few shady spots to loosen up after sightseeing.
In the event you head right down to the far finish, there’s additionally a playground for teenagers to burn off any leftover vitality, in addition to loads of area for video games.
Stroll Passeig des Born
This elegant tree-lined avenue is one other beautiful place for a stroll, and also you’ll discover loads of native households doing the identical.
You’ll typically spot road performers alongside the pedestrianised road, whereas there are many cafes and benches if you wish to cease for a relaxation whereas your youngsters make new mates.
Discover Santa Catalina
As soon as a fishing village, the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina has saved plenty of its conventional allure from the times when fishermen, rope makers and millers lived right here.
In addition to a stunning park, there’s the Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma’s oldest meals market the place you may seize one thing to eat earlier than absorbing the sights of outdated homes with their painted exteriors and outdated wood shutters.
Eat an ensaimada
You gained’t be wanting ice cream (and tapas) whilst you’re in Mallorca however avoid wasting abdomen area for a standard ensaimada. These scrumptious pastries come plain, in addition to stuffed 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 remains to be probably the most fashionable locations to eat them – even higher, it comes with out the worth tag you would possibly count on of someplace oozing with heritage.
Or Forn des Teatre (Fornet de la Soca) has an impressively ornate store entrance and is simply a brief stroll from the cathedral too.
Go to Mercat de l’Olivar
Save a while to browse and eat at Palma’s market as effectively – Mercat de l’Olivar is town’s largest indoor market, not removed from Plaza de Espana.
Inside, you’ll discover stalls promoting recent fish, cheese, bread, fruit, greens and extra, in addition to plenty of little locations to eat – some with only a few stools round a counter, others somewhat greater, however with substances provided recent from the market itself which makes it a incredible place to cease and seize a chew to eat.
There’s additionally a separate part with souvenirs, crafts and different objects like jams on sale – we picked up a reasonably fan which was massively helpful within the warmth alongside the way in which.
Es Baluard Museum of Trendy Artwork
Trendy artwork museums may not appear the obvious selection for households however Es Baluard comes with a enjoyable location in a historic fortress, plus some nice actions for teenagers.
Households are inspired to observe treasure hunts, whereas there are typically workshops, plus nice views from the rooftop in addition to the common exhibitions of latest artwork. Go to on Fridays and you may pay what you need.
For an additional cultural expertise, the Juan March Basis has its personal assortment of latest Spanish artwork set inside a historic mansion, with extra treasure hunts for teenagers and a peaceable sculpture backyard.
Museu de Mallorca
The town museum is housed in a seventeenth century mansion on Carrer de la Portella, with two smaller branches elsewhere on the island, one in Alcudia, generally known as the Museum Monografic de Pollenca, and one other in Muro.
Telling the historical past of the island, it’s higher with older youngsters because it’s not notably interactive; the archaeology part is most attention-grabbing for households who love historical past, though there’s additionally a nice arts assortment.
Look out for Arab ceramics and a few lovely gold jewelry, plus artefacts from older civilisations together with Talayotic bronzes courting from across the 2nd millennium BCE.
It solely prices a few Euros for adults, so it’s not too pricy in case your youngsters will solely put up with a brief go to (or helpful if you happen to’re unfortunate sufficient to be spending a wet day in Palma with youngsters).
Caves of Genova
The Caves of Drach could be the best-known caverns on the island, however you needn’t journey that far for a style of Mallorca’s caves
The Caves of Genova are round a 10-minute drive from Bellver Citadel and never rather more from Palma metropolis centre, and whereas they’re the smallest of the cave programs on Mallorca which you could go to, they’re nonetheless effectively price a cease.
Teams are allowed in each half-hour, with an opportunity to see illuminated stalactites and stalagmites as you enterprise 36m down underground.
In the event you do fancy a day journey to the Caves of Drach, you will get tickets together with a switch from Palma if you happen to don’t have your personal automobile.
Take the toy practice to Soller
There’s a lot to tempt you to go to Soller itself, however the scenic journey aboard the classic Prepare de Soller from Palma is effectively price it only for the journey, and undoubtedly probably the most enjoyable option to journey between the 2.
The historic narrow-gauge practice winds by the mountains alongside the way in which, passing by 13 tunnels earlier than twisting its method right down to Soller.
As soon as there, you may proceed to Port de Soller through classic tram, making it a full day of correct railway pleasure. It does get exceptionally busy throughout the summer time months although.
Getting round Palma with youngsters
Most of Palma’s predominant points of interest are inside straightforward strolling distance of one another, and the outdated city is generally pedestrianised which makes it much more household pleasant (though if you happen to’ve received little ones in a buggy, be ready for cobbles in some areas).
In the event you’re planning to discover a few of the sights simply exterior town centre, the hop-on hop-off bus takes you to areas together with Bellver Citadel, or there’s a superb community of public buses too, with youngsters beneath 5 travelling free, and tickets out there on board (priced from 2 Euros for a single journey)
In any other case you’ll want a rental automobile – there’s parking on the outskirts of Palma, however count on to pay handsomely for the privilege.
For extra of one of the best issues to do in Mallorca with youngsters, try my prime picks
Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee
Photographs: aquarium/seashore/Soller practice courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
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