Posted on Wednesday, 1 August 2018

No matter what kind of beach you and you're family are dreaming of, you'll find it in Mallorca. From tranquil, seldom-visited stretches, to beaches filled with sun- and fun-seekers, your perfect seaside spot awaits. The picture-postcard hinterland is perfect for hiking or cycling with the children, peppered as it is with charming old villages where annual festivals deliver delights for the palate, eyes and ears. And then there's the amazing hotels facilities, truly gob-smacking water-parks - and sublime cuisine that blends old and new to perfection.

The best time to visit

For families with children, there is little option but to travel during holidays, for which reason such periods can be very busy. For a quieter, cheaper trip, avoid August and July. The cooler months of spring and autumn are perfect if you're planning a lot of outdoor activities.

Travelling from the airport and getting around

It takes between 1.5 and several hours to get from the airport to your hotel, depending on where you're staying.

Taxi

Estimated fares are shown at the airport, but these might be higher if you encounter traffic jams.

Buses

You can also take a bus from the airport, but they only go to Palma (No 1) or S'Arenal (No 21). You will have to take another bus to reach your resort. This could be a stressful start to your holiday, particularly if you have a lot of luggage to transfer.

Resort shuttle

This is the cheapest and most direct method. Be sure to book before you arrive at the airport. Many booking websites offer shuttle services.

Once you've checked in, local buses and taxis are an option for getting around - but renting your own car could be an affordable and highly convenient choice.

Choosing the right resort for your family

Mallorca offers numerous resorts, each with their own character and target audience. As a family, it's important to choose a resort with plenty to do for your children, while it could pay to avoid party resorts like Magaluf, where noise and drunken behaviour might not appeal.

You might find it cheaper to book your hotel once you arrive. You can then change accommodation if you want to try a different part of the island, or if your room is not up to scratch. However, this may add to the challenges of family travel.

Great hotels for families

Sea Club - Puerto Alcudia

Ideal for families with children, this accommodation takes the form of small houses spread across the hotel grounds. Many houses are near the large pool, so it's easy to start a long day of relaxation. Alcudia itself boasts many family-friendly restaurants and a great beach, just five minutes' walk from the hotel. Sea Club is perfect for those on a budget.

Gruphotel, Can Picaforte

A family-centric four-star with great facilities, including a kids paddling pool, adult pool, sports courts, mini golf and a superb entertainment program. Compared to some hotels, the Gruphotel is a little further away from the main resort of Can Picaforte, but is still just a five minute walk from the beach. Costlier than some hotels.

Viva Bahia - Playa del Muro

Located near a fantastic beach, so you can enjoy this hotel's superb facilities as well as a stretch of golden sand. Despite being large, the hotel has a quiet atmosphere, and you won't find much else but more hotels nearby. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your hotel, Viva Bahia could be the perfect option.

Food

Mallorca's well-developed tourism industry naturally offers a vast range of dining options. It's a good idea to sample the local dishes, which come in traditional form, such as suckling pig spit roast, or more contemporary catch-of-the-day dishes, kept simple. And of course, with such a large British contingent, you'll find your traditional fry-up - with HP Sauce on-hand - easy to find.

Things to do for families

Excursions

Be informed

A lot of information regarding excursions and hotels is geared towards selling you something, so it's worth investing time in researching your days out. Avoid booking excursions from flyers you are given in the street or offered by anyone you meet. Many excursions involve a presentation with a view to selling you something.

Groups of four or more

As a family, you may spend less by buying entry tickets (to waterparks etc.) yourself, and then renting a car. Mallorca is a small, easily-navigated island. Be sure to load relevant maps on to your smart phone. Leave early and you'll beat the queues.

Cabrera Island

This former prison camp is the largest island in the archipelago to the south of Mallorca. Take a boat across and spend the day hiking up to the 14th century castle, where you can take in magnificent views of Mallorca. Kids are sure to love the falcons, kestrels, shearwaters and shags - not to mention the blue lizards. Later, enjoy snorkelling in Sa Plageta. Remember to take a picnic as dining options are limited. Around 40 euros for adults, 25 for under-12s.

Artà Caves

Explore this mysterious subterranean realm, deep beneath Cap Vermell's limestone cliffs. This labyrinth of strange formations has taken thousands of years to form. Some caverns are as large as castles and feature stalactites, stalagmites and dripstones - with many of the latter taking on the appearance of monsters and ghouls. The kids are sure to be enthralled by this rather unique and spooky world. Afterwards, recount your adventures on the ravishing Canyamel beach. 14 euros for adults; 7 for 7-12s; free for 6 and under.

Katmandu Park

This activity-laden theme park, located in the Sol Kathmandu hotel, is sure to delight. The upside-down house is a must, as are the wonderful slides and the five-floor soft play area, from which your younger offspring may never emerge again! The K3 climbing frame is usually a big hit with older kids, as are the Zombies and Asylum interactive experiences, which, in all honesty, are terrifying at any age. 27.90 euros for adults; 21.90 for under-12s. Under-threes get in free.

Palma Aquarium

Located east of Palma, this superbly laid-out marine park delivers interactive action aplenty, with tunnels that take you deep underwater. No less than 55 fish and sea-creature-filled tanks are home to about 700 different species. You can even dive with sharks if you have an up-to-date scuba diving licence.

Cycling in the Sóller Valley

If you yearn for tranquillity, cycling presents some of the best options. The island boasts an amazing network of cycle paths, some of which line the coast or pass by verdant mountains. July and August are a tad hot for a full day's cycling - especially for children - but a visit in spring or autumn will provide the perfect conditions for a two-wheeled adventure on what is, you'll soon realise, one of the most beautiful islands in the Med.

Paddle-boarding in the Bay of Alcudia

While stand-up paddle-boarding may sound challenging, it is actually easy to pick up for the young - and the not-so-young. It's one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the sapphire seas around Mallorca. Explore caves and immerse yourself in the warm waters whenever you please. Be sure to take along hats, shirts - and plenty of sunblock.

Get a Quote