Wondering where to stay in Mallorca with family?
Mallorca is one of those destinations that ticks all the boxes for a family vacation.
Gorgeous beaches? Check. Crystal-clear waters? Absolutely. Lots of fun activities for kids of all ages? You bet.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands is packed with things to see and do, making it a stress-free choice for parents who want to keep everyone happy.
One of Mallorca’s biggest attractions for families is its variety. You’ll find low, quiet beaches perfect for little ones, charming towns full of history and culture, and plenty of outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and even water parks.
Plus, the island has a great mix of lively resorts with family-friendly amenities and quieter, more local areas where you can soak up the laid-back Mediterranean vibe.
But with so many great places to stay, choosing the right one can be difficult. Do you go for a resort full of entertainment and kids’ clubs, or a quieter coastal town where the whole family can relax?
All of this will be covered in this article.
Each area has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be summarised at the end of the section.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all of our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Ibiza, along with the town’s main attractions.
Let’s start with an overview, so you can quickly see which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top tips!
The best areas to stay in Mallorca with family are Palma, Port de Pollença, Alcudia, Cala Millor, Soller, Santa Ponsa, Andratx and Port de Soller.
Mallorca has several great areas for families, each with its own charm. Palma offers a mix of city life and beaches, while Port de Pollença and Alcudia are known for their shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
Cala Millor and Santa Ponsa offer lively resorts with plenty of activities, while Sóller, Port de Sóller and Andratx offer a more scenic and relaxed experience.
Below, we’ll look at each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which one is best for your family.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the area name to jump straight to that section of the article for more information!
Palma: The tourist epicentre and capital of Mallorca, Palma is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city offering a mix of history, culture and entertainment and great access to many top attractions.
Port de Pollençe: picturesque resort town offering a wide range of family-friendly activities, including beaches, hiking trails, cycling paths and water sports.
Alcudia: Known for its beautiful beaches and historic centre, Alcudia is among Mallorca’s most popular destinations for families.
Cala Millor: lively tourist resort offering a range of family-friendly amenities, including beaches, water parks, minigolf and a pedestrian promenade.
Soller: charming town offering a quiet retreat for families seeking a more relaxed holiday, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and swimming.
Santa Ponsa: A popular tourist resort located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, Santa Ponsa offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including beaches, water parks and a variety of restaurants and shops.
Andratx: quaint town offering a mix of culture, history and natural beauty. It is home to numerous art galleries and artisan shops, as well as scenic hiking trails and beaches.
Port de Soller: offers stunning views of the Tramuntana mountains and a picturesque harbour, home to numerous restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a sandy beach and a scenic tram ride that connects it to Soller.
Palma is probably the best area to stay in Mallorca for families.
It is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore with your family.
The old town is full of narrow streets and hidden squares that are perfect for wandering around, while the Cathedral of Santa Maria is a stunning example of Gothic architecture that is sure to impress everyone.
It is also home to some of the best beaches on the island.
Playa de Palma is a long, wide stretch of sand that is perfect for families, while Cala Major is a smaller, quieter beach that is perfect for kids who want to splash around in the sea.
There are many attractions in Palma that are perfect for families, including the Palma Aquarium, the Pueblo Español and the Castell de Bellver.
All of these attractions offer something for both children and adults and are a great way to spend a day out with the family.
As a tourist destination, Palma has a great food scene for the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine or something a little more international, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants in Palma.
And with many of them offering children’s menus, you won’t have to worry about finding something your little ones will enjoy.
But there’s one thing you need to keep in mind.
While it’s an incredibly convenient part of Mallorca, it also attracts young party-goers.
Especially in this part of the island, many young Europeans congregate and explore the city’s nightlife scene, so make sure you book a hotel that caters exclusively to families.
Generally speaking, hotels in the slightly higher price range attract far fewer young party-goers.
But don’t worry, if you want to choose a quieter area, there are plenty of alternatives in Mallorca.
Compared to other tourist areas of the island, Port de Pollença offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, which makes it one of the best options for visiting Mallorca with the family.
In addition, the area has beautiful beaches.
Platja de Formetnor and S’Espartar are two beaches that you should definitely visit when staying here.
In terms of accommodation, you can choose from a wide range of family-friendly apartments and hotels with spacious family rooms and amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds.
There are also numerous supermarkets and shops available to stock up on basic necessities. The accessibility of the area is also important. Port de Pollença is well connected to other parts of Mallorca by road and public transport.
Palme de Mallorca Airport is not far from this area.
In the evening, you can enjoy the nice restaurants that often offer sea views.
One of the characteristics of this area is its natural beauty, including mountains and lots of greenery, ideal for outdoor activities.
However, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Despite being a relatively quiet area, it is still very popular during the high season. This often results in crowded beaches, restaurants, and parking issues.
During the winter months, many restaurants are closed.
Additionally, this area feels touristy.
If you are looking for something more authentic, there are better options. Finally, if you are looking for something lively for an evening with your family, Port de Pollença is probably not the best option. The beaches can be crowded during the day, but there is not much to do in the evening.
When you add all of these elements together, Port de Pollença is a great area in Mallorca for families looking for a quiet holiday with good access to the beaches and mountains and who want to return to their hotel room or apartment early in the evening.
Alcudia is located near Port de Pollença in the northern part of Mallorca.
This means that there are many similarities between these two popular family destinations.
For example, both areas have a fantastic beach, both areas have good access to mountains and nature and both areas are relatively quiet.
The biggest difference between the two is that Alcudia is known for its old town.
The old town is well preserved and it is great to discover the town through the narrow streets.
Near Alcudia, you will also find a nice water park, namely Hidropark Alcudia.
This water park is a must-see and is open to all ages. Alcudia is also the base for various day trips.
A popular hike is Cap Formentor, a hiking trail with wonderful views.
You can also easily take family-friendly boat trips from here, some of which offer glass-bottom boat trips to explore the underwater world.
Keep in mind that Alcudia is a very popular destination for families, so it will be very crowded during the high season.
Also, there is very little shade on the beaches.
And although it is livelier in the evenings than Port de Pollença, it is still a very quiet place.
If you are looking for something more lively with your family, I recommend staying closer to Palma de Mallorca.
Cala Millor is another great place to stay in Mallorca with kids.
Firstly, the beach here is a dream: long, wide and lined with soft golden sand that slopes gently into crystal-clear water.
It’s perfect for little ones to splash around in safety while you soak up the sun. There’s even a tree-lined promenade right along the beach, perfect for strollers or bike rides.
As for food, there’s a good mix of family-friendly restaurants, ranging from casual pizzerias to fresh seafood spots (because you have to try the local catch while you’re here).
You’ll also find plenty of ice cream parlors and bars for mid-afternoon breaks. For a little extra fun, the area has mini golf, playgrounds and even nearby attractions like the Zoo Safari, which kids will love.
Getting around is a breeze too. Cala Millor is well connected by bus to other parts of the island and there are plenty of car rental options if you want to explore places like Alcudia or the Drach Caves.
It’s close to other charming towns, so you’ll never be short of day trips.
Bottom line? Cala Millor is the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and family-friendly conveniences, making it an obvious choice for parents looking for an easy, fun getaway.
Sóller is a real gem for families who want a mix of nature, charm and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Although it’s not a traditional ‘beach town’, it’s perfect for families who like a bit of variety. The nearby beach of Port de Sóller is a short tram ride away – calm, sandy and sheltered, perfect for children to swim and play in safety.
Plus, taking the vintage wooden tram to get there is an attraction in itself – your kids will love it!
The centre of Sóller has a lovely old-world feel with its narrow streets, charming square and beautiful mountain views.
There are lots of small family-run restaurants and bars where you can try local specialities such as pa amb oli or a fresh orange juice (Sóller is famous for its oranges!).
Don’t miss stopping off at the ice cream parlours, some of the best on the island.
For active families, Sóller is a fantastic base. You can hike the Tramuntana Mountains, explore nearby villages like Fornalutx, or take a scenic train ride to Palma, which is an adventure in itself.
Although getting around is easiest by car, public transport options like buses and trams are suitable for short trips.
Sóller is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet, authentic Mallorca experience with access to both nature and kid-friendly activities.
It’s less about great beaches and more about creating unique family memories in a stunning setting.
Santa Ponsa is a great place for families looking for a laid-back beach holiday with a bit of everything on their doorstep.
The main beach, Playa Santa Ponsa, is wide and sandy with shallow, calm waters, making it perfect for children to splash around in safety.
There’s even a shaded playground nearby, so you can mix up your time on the beach with some play time.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, there are small coves like Cala Blanca just a short walk away.
The area is full of family-friendly restaurants, from casual burgers and pizzas to traditional Spanish dishes like tapas and paella.
You’ll also find plenty of ice cream parlors and bars along the seafront, perfect for a snack or coffee while you take in the views.
When it comes to activities, Santa Ponsa has plenty to offer.
You can try mini golf, rent bikes or even take a short boat trip.
If your kids are adventurous, Jungle Parc, an outdoor climbing park, is just minutes away.
For day trips, it’s easy to get around by car or bus.
You can visit nearby attractions like Western Water Park or Katmandu Park, both of which are great for a fun family day out.
Santa Ponsa is ideal if you want a classic beach holiday atmosphere with plenty of amenities and entertainment for the kids. It’s lively but not overwhelming, making it a great choice for families who want a little bit of everything.
Andratx is perfect for families who want a quieter, more scenic base in Mallorca, with a touch of sophistication.
Although it’s not directly on the coast, it’s a short drive from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, such as Camp de Mar and Sant Elm, both of which are quiet and family-friendly, with shallow waters and soft sand.
Nearby Port d’Andratx offers a beautiful marina where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on the waterfront.
What sets Andratx apart is its laid-back charm and proximity to nature.
The town itself is charming, with cobbled streets, local markets and a relaxed pace.
For a day out with the kids, you can explore the nearby hiking trails in the Tramuntana mountains or take a short boat trip from Sant Elm to the island of Sa Dragonera, a protected natural park perfect for a little family adventure.
As for food, Andratx and its surroundings have a more upscale dining scene, but you’ll still find casual, family-friendly options like Mediterranean bistros and cafes.
The port area has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood while the kids tuck into their favorite dishes.
Andratx is best suited to families who prefer a quieter, more authentic Mallorcan experience.
You’ll need a car to get around, but the upside is easy access to beaches, nature, and a quieter environment, perfect for a family getaway that feels a little off the beaten track.
The last area I recommend is Port de Sollér.
This is a dream spot for families who want a mix of beach days, beautiful scenery and a laid-back atmosphere.
The horseshoe-shaped bay is picture-perfect, with calm, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and playing with kids.
The beach is lined with soft sand and there are plenty of sun loungers and shade, making it super family-friendly.
What’s great about Port de Sóller is the pedestrian promenade that runs along the seafront. It’s perfect for strolling around with a pushchair or letting the kids ride scooters.
The promenade is lined with laid-back cafes, ice cream parlours and restaurants where you can enjoy everything from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizzas.
And don’t forget to try the orange juice – Sóller’s famous citrus is next level!
If you’re feeling adventurous, take the vintage tram to the town of Sóller, which is fun for all ages and a great way to explore the area.
For older kids, you can rent kayaks, go paddleboarding or even take a boat to see hidden coves and dramatic cliffs along the coast.
Although Port de Sóller isn’t as busy as some of Mallorca’s larger beach resorts, that’s part of its charm. It’s the perfect balance between relaxation and activity, with easy access to the Tramuntana mountains for hiking and nature walks.
If you want a quiet but lively base with everything within walking distance, Port de Sóller is a top choice for families.
