Nothing quite compares to a childhood holiday by the beach. Building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and making new friends for a fortnight, these beautiful experiences stay with us for many years to come.
The only hard part for parents can be deciding where to go. After all, Europe is full of beautiful family-friendly beaches and seaside towns.
However, few destinations compare to the glorious sun-soaked landmass of Mallorca. This picturesque Balearic Island is brimming with family-friendly things to see and do. In this article, we share 6 reasons to go on a family holiday to Mallorca to help you decide where to go on your next getaway with the kids.
Why is Mallorca good for families? For starters, its location. Travelling with children can be difficult at the finest of times. The best thing we can do is make it as easy for ourselves as possible. After all, who wants to have to deal with the complications and technicalities of long layovers, especially considering the temper tantrums that undoubtedly follow?
A family holiday to Mallorca offers a quick, easy getaway that does not require you to compromise on quality. The plane ride is a child-safe two and a half hours from London airports and the beaches are breathtaking.
Visiting Mallorca with family is also a breeze because the island perfectly caters to those with children. The landmass has been an established travel destination for those of all ages for many years now. This means that the local businesses are very used to those visiting with kids and are wonderful at taking care of them.
Restaurants, for example, are often very good at dealing with little picky eaters. There are also so many fun activities for kids to tick off on a Mallorca family holiday. We’ll delve into this more later on. You can rest assured that your kids will be kept comfortable, well-fed and entertained during your time here, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself.
One of the top reasons to go on a family holiday to Mallorca is the island’s breathtaking shoreline. The edge of the landmass is lined with flawless golden sand and warm, electric-blue waters that are crying out to be explored.
Whether the little ones are looking to swim, snorkel, or are still at the paddling stage, those of all ages can enjoy Mallorca’s dazzling coastline. While you’ll find beautiful shores all over the island, some bays and coves stand out as being particularly well-suited for those visiting with children.
Ciudad Jardin is a fantastic beach to visit if you’re on a family holiday in Mallorca. The stunning golden-sand bay extends for miles and is lined by swaying palms. Along with offering stunning scenery, the crystal-clear waters remain extremely calm all year round, providing ideal conditions for young swimmers.
Cala Agulla is another fantastic beach to visit on a family holiday in Mallorca. It can be found in the northeast of the island and is a stunning sight, with verdant forests and striking mountains surrounding its golden shores.
Breathe in the fragrant smells of the nearby pines as you sunbathe on the gorgeous shores and the shallow turquoise waters lap nearby. The mellow waves are ideal for those here with little ones, while the huge size of the beach prevents it from feeling too busy, allowing you and the kids to completely switch off and enjoy your time here.
There are so many things to do on Mallorca family holidays. Check out some of the top kid-friendly things to get up to below.
Waterparks are a kid’s best friend and Mallorca just so happens to have plenty to choose from and the perfect climate for playing in the water for hours. The best one to go to depends on where you’re staying on the island.
In Magaluf, you can head to Western Water Park. It has tons of attractions for everyone, from the adventurous teens and parents in the family to the youngest travellers just learning to swim. If you’re staying in the Alcudía port, you can easily pay a visit to the colourful Hidropark.
It lies just a few metres outside of the town centre. Aqualand is another waterpark to go to for those on a family holiday in Mallorca and staying in El Arenal. The establishment is super popular among visitors to the south coast so make sure you get a FastPass for the day to get the most out of your visit.
One of the greatest joys of travelling with kids is seeing how much they grow through the new experiences they have abroad, and Mallorca offers ample opportunities for them to explore and branch out in different ways.
The kind of learning they do on an adventure in this Balearic island has nothing to do with hauling their maths homework with them to the beach, but rather broadening their horizons a bit more every day.
Perhaps they’ll learn to appreciate some local foods or even to speak a few words of the language, but a family holiday in Mallorca is especially great for picking up some new adventurer skills. The soft sands and warm seas make this Balearic Island the ideal place to take your first lessons in sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling or even scuba diving.
Head to the clear, shallow waters of Cala Varques Beach for easy snorkelling, or book into the sailing and surfing schools at Playa Esperanza. For the parents and grandparents on the trip – don’t forget that there’s no age limit on trying something you’ve never done before!
When planning a family holiday to Mallorca, you might not be aware of just how many fantastic things to see there are that appeal to adults and little ones alike. Discover some of the incredible family-friendly attractions on offer during your Balearic escape below.
Something fantastic about travelling to islands is that they tend to have some of the most unique wildlife around. We’re talking about stuff you really can’t see anywhere else and that kids love to explore. With so many unique creatures to see, there are lots of nature-filled adventures to be had on family holidays to Mallorca.
Just off the Mallorcan west coast is a little islet called Sa Dragonera, which translates to The Dragon Isle. It is one of the best places in Mallorca to visit for families. This little rock formation in the Balearic Sea is solely inhabited by friendly little wall lizards.
While it’s natural to assume that these critters are the island’s namesake, Sa Dragonera is actually named after the mountain range said to resemble a resting dragon. Beyond the reptiles, there are also lots of other wonderful wildlife species to investigate on a Mallorca family holiday.
Head north to S’Albufera nature reserve. Take the kids on a hike or bike ride along the trails in these wetlands and can catch a glimpse of some seriously rare species, like Montagu’s harriers and Eleanora’s falcons, mingling with the likes of moustached warblers and long-eared owls.
When planning a family holiday to Mallorca, you might not realise the wealth of historical and cultural sites waiting to be explored – or not think that they will be of interest to your kiddies. However, there is a wonderful range of interesting sites that capture the attention of those young and old.
Castell de Bellver is a sensational 14th-century citadel that looks straight out of a fairytale. It is located close to Palma, perched upon a wooded bay that overlooks the coastline below. You and the kids can stroll along the moat before venturing to the top of the roof to gaze down at the stunning arched courtyard below, and the glistening waters of the Mediterranean on the other.
The Drach Caves, otherwise known as Cuevas del Drach, lie on the eastern coast of the island and consist of four large caverns. The immense caves extend 4 kilometres and descend 25 metres underground.
You can take a guided tour of the enchanting site, some of which end with a classical performance amidst the fascinating natural surroundings. Another wonderful destination to visit on a family holiday to Mallorca is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.
The stunning medieval fortress is in Palma de Mallorca. Here, families can wander through grand halls, admire intricate architecture, and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, spanning from Moorish rule to Spanish royalty.
When it comes to holiday accommodation, pleasing everyone in the family can be a challenge, especially when catering to kids of different ages. However, there are so many family-friendly villas in Mallorca to choose from, so you’ll have no trouble finding an ideal place to stay for you and your little ones.
Opting for villas allows everyone to have their own space, peace and quiet, and recreational activities. Most luxury family villas in Mallorca come with private pools, spacious gardens and beautiful dining and living areas.
You can cook in your own kitchen or have a private chef service arranged, while a maid service keeps the place clean and tidy for you. These conveniences offer complete flexibility, allowing you to relax and enjoy your break without having to worry about working around hotel schedules for dining or cleaning.
You’ll find family villas scattered across the island, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect location for your family’s needs and preferences. Whether you prefer city centre convenience, beachfront charm, or a rural retreat, Mallorca has options to suit every preference.
There is a great range of places to eat on family holidays in Mallorca. From charming beachfront cafes serving up freshly caught seafood to quaint village tavernas dishing out traditional Mallorcan cuisine, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options.
Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and welcoming atmospheres, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether indulging in paella by the sea or savouring tapas in a historic town square, the culinary scene perfectly caters to those on family holidays to Mallorca.
As you can see, there are so many reasons to choose Mallorca for family holidays. From gorgeous shorelines to incredible wildlife, and sensational villas to magnificent waterparks, you cannot go wrong with a getaway to this idyllic island.
Thinking of booking a family holiday to Mallorca? Take a look at our exclusive collection of villas on the island and start planning an unforgettable holiday in this Balearic gem. Or, get in touch with our concierge team who can suggest destinations to suit your family’s unique needs and preferences, and help you plan the perfect trip together.
Christmas and New Year's Eve are over, it’s cold outside and winter blues have officially… Read More
Guest post by Dakota Murphey With Christmas celebrations and New Year holidays to look forward to,… Read More
Golden sand, turquoise sea and the sun beating down on you...is there anything better than… Read More
Welcoming a new addition to your family is a thrilling time—but before the sleepless nights… Read More
Whether you dream of unwinding in your very own castle, sipping wine in a chateau… Read More
The England Coast Path is due to be finished in 2020, and the biggest of… Read More