Mallorca · Spain · Things to do
5 things to do in Mallorca with kids
The five best things to do in Mallorca with kids are a swim in a calm cove, a visit to Palma cathedral and the old town, the vintage Sóller tram, the mountain village of Valldemossa and a boat trip along the coast. Most sit within an hour or so of Palma by road, so one base works for a week.
What to do, in order
- 1
Swim a hidden cove
Mallorca's calas are small coves of pale sand or pebble with shallow, clear water, and many are sheltered enough for young children. Cala Mondragó in the southeast is a good choice with facilities and pine shade, and many smaller coves lie along the same coast. Go early, because car parks fill by late morning in summer, and some tiny coves are reached by steep paths. Bring water shoes, as rocks are common. Take your own drinks and snacks, since the smallest coves have no cafes.
- 2
See Palma's cathedral
La Seu, Palma's Gothic cathedral, stands on the waterfront and is known for its enormous rose window and the sandstone walls that glow at sunset. Inside, Antoni Gaudí designed part of the interior, including the hanging canopy over the altar. Children usually enjoy the sheer size. Afterwards, wander the old town lanes behind it, with their courtyards, bakeries and shaded squares, and stop for an ensaimada, the local spiral pastry. The seafront promenade below the cathedral is flat and good for bikes and strollers.
- 3
Ride the Sóller tram
A vintage wooden tram runs from the town of Sóller down to Port de Sóller, a pretty bay with a beach and cafes. The ride takes about 25 minutes and children love it. To arrive in style, take the old train from Palma to Sóller, which passes through tunnels and orange groves. The port has a calm beach, boat rides and plenty of ice cream. Go early in summer, when the carriages can be full, and sit by an open window.
- 4
Visit Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a stone village high in the Serra de Tramuntana, the mountain range that runs along the island's northwest coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The composer Chopin and the writer George Sand spent a winter here in the 1830s, and the old monastery is open to visitors. The streets are lined with flower pots and tiny shops, and the local coca de patata pastry is a treat. Visit in the morning, before tour buses arrive, and drive carefully, as the mountain road is winding.
- 5
Take a coastal boat trip
The cliffs of Mallorca are best seen from the sea. Boat trips leave from several ports, including Port de Sóller and the south and east coasts, and many include swim stops and views of sea caves. Check the age rules and life jacket sizes before booking, and take a sun hat and a snack. A short two- or three-hour trip suits younger children better than a full day. Calm mornings are best, because afternoon winds can make the sea choppy and some children seasick.
Plan it
- Best time
- May to June and September to October are warm, with fewer crowds and lower prices. July and August are hottest and busiest. Winter is mild but many resorts close, and almond blossom appears in late January and February.
- How long
- A week covers these five with beach days in between. Four or five days is enough if you stay near Palma.
- Getting around
- A rental car is the easiest way to reach the coves, mountains and villages. Palma has buses, and a train and tram link Palma to Sóller. Mountain roads are winding and often used by cyclists.
Good to know
- Arrive at popular coves before ten in the morning, or choose a larger beach with parking.
- Book the car and child seats early in summer, when rental cars can run short.
- Drive the Tramuntana roads slowly and take breaks. Children can get car sick on the bends.
Frequently asked
Is Mallorca good for kids? +
Yes. It has calm sandy beaches, short distances, family-friendly resorts and food that children like. The mountain roads are winding, and the beaches fill up in July and August, so go early.
How many days do you need in Mallorca? +
A week suits most families. It gives you time for a few beach days, Palma, the Sóller valley and the mountains, without long drives every day.
Do you need a car in Mallorca? +
For the coves, villages and mountains, yes. A base in Palma, Alcúdia or Port de Sóller can be done without one, but a car gives much more freedom, and some places have little public transport.
When is the best time to visit Mallorca? +
May to June and September to October give warm weather and the sea at a comfortable temperature without peak crowds. July and August are busy and hot.
