Platja d'Alcúdia beach

Decision guide · Family

Mallorca with children

Region, resort, hotel, beach, hire car and travel time – the family decisions in the right order.

In brief

Where to go on Mallorca with children?

For families, the Bay of Alcúdia in the north is the first choice: Playa de Muro and Playa de Alcúdia shelve very gently, the promenades are pushchair-friendly and the transfer from Palma airport takes approx. 55 to 70 minutes. Alternatives with a similar profile are Can Picafort in the north and Sa Coma and Cala Millor in the east.

Family key facts

Best region
North – Bay of Alcúdia
Alternatives
East (Sa Coma, Cala Millor), south (Colònia de Sant Jordi)
Transfer time
North approx. 55–70 min from PMI
Beach type
Gently shelving sand, no rocky access
Best time to travel
June and September; July/August hot and busy
Hire car
Optional in the north; child seats are compulsory, so book in advance

Step 1: region and resort

First choice North region Shallow bay, family hotels, short distances to the water. Read more → Resort Alcúdia Old town, market and long sandy beach in one place. Read more → Resort Can Picafort Cheaper hotels right on the same bay. Read more → Resort Port de Pollença Quieter, with a shallow shoreline and promenade. Read more → Resort Colònia de Sant Jordi Small resort in the south with quiet sandy beaches. Read more → Resort Peguera Short transfer from Palma, three beaches, car-free promenade. Read more →

Step 2: beach

For families, what counts is getting into the water, not the postcard look.

Very shallow Platja de Muro The classic family beach: fine sand, kilometres long. Read more → Full facilities Playa de Alcúdia Sunloungers, play facilities, lifeguards in season. Read more → Cove Cala Gran Sheltered sandy cove near Cala d'Or, easy to keep an eye on. Read more →

Step 3: hotel and board

  • Family hotel or regular beach hotel?

    A family hotel is worthwhile mainly because of the room layout, a shallow pool and early mealtimes – not because of the kids’ club. Details on our family hotels page.

  • All inclusive – when does it make sense?

    It makes sense with small children and a hotel away from the town centre. In a resort with a promenade and lots of restaurants, you often waste money and experiences with it.

  • Half board as a middle way

    Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch on the beach or in town: usually the best mix of predictability and variety.

  • Apartment with kitchen

    Often more relaxed with babies and toddlers: your own mealtimes, bottles and naps without having to work around buffet times.

Hotel type Family hotels on Mallorca Selection criteria, best regions and the limits of all inclusive. Read more → Hotel type All-inclusive hotels When the package pays off – and when it doesn’t. Read more → Overview All hotel types Families, adults only, all inclusive and luxury at a glance. Read more →

Step 4: getting around, activities and food

  • Hire car: yes or no?

    In the north you can manage well for a week without a car. For trips into the Tramuntana, to the caves or into the centre of the island, a car is much more convenient than the bus with children.

  • Child seats

    Child seats are compulsory and should be reserved when you book; if you bring your own seat, you often save on fees.

  • Activities

    Caves, boat trips, the train to Sóller and weekly markets work well with children and can be combined with a beach day.

  • Eating out with children

    On Mallorca people eat late; many kitchens only open at around 19:30. Promenade restaurants serve earlier – our food pages filter by place and occasion.

Getting around Mallorca without a hire car Resorts and excursions that work entirely without a car. Read more → Getting around Car hire on Mallorca Rental stations, insurance and handover at the airport. Read more → Things to do Activities & excursions Boat trips, caves and nature destinations by category. Read more →

Briefly, by age

  • Baby

    Apartment or family room with kitchen, short walk to the beach, shade, and avoid the midday heat. Travel preferably in May, June or September.

  • Toddler

    Shallow water is the main criterion: Bay of Alcúdia or Colònia de Sant Jordi. A pool area with a splash zone matters more than slides.

  • School-age child

    Now programme and variety count: boat trip, caves, cycling, snorkelling in a cove with rocky edges.

  • Teenager

    Wi-Fi, water sports and a resort with life in the evening – Cala Ratjada, Alcúdia or Peguera suit better than a secluded cove.

Frequently asked questions

Which resort on Mallorca is best for families?

Alcúdia and Playa de Muro are considered the most family-friendly destinations: very gently shelving sandy beach, wide promenade, lots of family hotels and a historic town centre for rainy days.

Do you need a hire car on Mallorca with children?

Not necessarily. In the north and in Palma, buses and walking are enough for a week. For flexible trips into the mountains or the interior, however, a car is much more relaxed with children.

When is the best time to travel to Mallorca with children?

June and September offer warm water with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, but they fit in with the school holidays.

Is all inclusive worthwhile with children?

Above all if the hotel is away from the town centre or the children are small. If the hotel is on a lively promenade, half board usually offers better value for money and experience.

Next steps

Image credits: Platja d'Alcúdia beach: Photo paul foster, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons