Mallorca is a first-class family destination: shallow beaches, a century-old wooden train, aquariums and caves with a lake, all close together. The key is to stay in the north (Alcúdia) and not try to see the whole island.
The best plans with kids
| Plan | Activity | From |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy day | Palma Aquarium, 4.5★ (3,744) | €31 |
| Sóller train from the north | Sóller train and tram, half day, 4.4★ (381) | €56 |
| Train, tram and boat | Island tour with the Sóller train, 4.4★ (4,540) | €103 |
| Caves with a boat concert | Drach Caves from Alcúdia, 4.4★ (616) | €54 |
| Caves from Palma | Drach Caves with concert and boat ride, 4.4★ (1,489) | €54 |
| Wild dolphins | Glass-bottom boat from Paguera, 4.6★ (3,852) | €40 |
| Treetop adventure | Forestal Park, 4.8★ (277) | €26 |
| Water park | Western Water Park, 4.3★ (582) | €38 |
| Animal shows | Marineland, 4.5★ (786) | €32 |
Best beaches for kids
| Beach | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Playa de Muro / Alcúdia | North | Fine sand and shallow water |
| Cala Mondragó | Southeast | Natural park, calm water |
| Cala Agulla | Northeast | Wide, with pine woods and clear water |
| Port de Sóller | Tramuntana | Sheltered bay |
| Es Trenc | South | Wild, but no facilities |
A family week (north base)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Playa de Muro and Alcúdia |
| 2 | Sóller train and tram to the port |
| 3 | Drach Caves and Porto Cristo |
| 4 | Palma: Cathedral, Bellver and Palma Aquarium |
| 5 | Water park, Forestal Park or Marineland |
| 6 | Cala Mondragó or Cala Agulla |
Mistakes to avoid
- Staying in Magaluf or s'Arenal: they're party areas.
- Not booking the Drach Caves: concert tickets sell out.
- Driving to Sa Calobra with kids who get car sick: extreme bends.
- Forgetting shade and water on beaches without facilities like Es Trenc.
For the rest of the island, see what to see in Mallorca.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best area to stay in Mallorca with kids?
The north, around Alcúdia, beats the party-oriented south-west. It has calm, shallow beaches like Playa de Muro and is a better family base than the small, fashionable coves, which have no shade or parking.
What's special about the Sóller train with kids?
It's a wooden train built in 1912 that crosses the Tramuntana mountains from Palma, connecting with a vintage tram down to the port. Kids love it — it's an experience in itself, not just transport.
Do you need to book the Drach Caves in advance?
Yes. The caves have one of the largest underground lakes in Europe, with a classical music concert performed from boats on the lake — and those concert tickets sell out, so book ahead.
What's the best Mallorca beach for young kids?
Playa de Muro, near Alcúdia, in the north: fine sand, shallow water and plenty of space. Cala Mondragó, in a natural park in the south-east, is another calm option.
Is Sa Calobra a good drive to do with kids?
Not if they get carsick — the road has extreme hairpin bends. It's one of the drives specifically flagged as one to avoid with young children.
