Mallorca
Travel, through a family lens: picturesque sun-soaked coasts and cobbled villages.
Mallorca surprised me in the best possible way. I expected incredible beaches (and we definitely got them), but what stayed with me were the slow breakfasts of fresh-squeezed Sóller orange juice, cured meats, cheese, and eggs; winding drives through the mountains spotting wild goats; and the charm of the old-town villages.
Each beach felt like a new adventure — from the calm, shallow waters in the north and south to the wilder, cliff-lined coves in the east. One of my favorite memories was spending a day on a boat, seeing the island from the water, diving in for swims, and letting the sun force us to truly slow down.
We traveled with three families (a baby, a toddler, and an eight-year-old in tow) and loved how family-friendly the island felt. Long lunches of grilled seafood and local wine, cobblestone streets lined with ceramic shops, daily gelato stops. Every day held a small discovery. Mallorca is the kind of place you could return to again and again, always finding something new.
-Kristin, Cofounder
Family Travel Journal
Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: Travelers seeking a mix of Mediterranean beaches, charming villages, scenic drives, and a laid-back island vibe.
Ages: All. Mallorca is extremely family-friendly, with calm beaches, car-free old towns, and plenty of outdoor space, but it’s also perfect for couples’ getaways and friend trips.
When to Visit: Late spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Peak summer (July and August) is busy tourist season.
Trip Length: 4 night minimum. 7+ nights is recommended to fully explore the island’s highlights, including Palma’s culture and nightlife, the mountain villages and coves of the Serra de Tramuntana, and the beaches that surround the coast.
Combine with: Barcelona, Ibiza, or mainland Spain road trips.
Destination Fit
At a glance
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, set in the sparkling Mediterranean just off the country’s east coast. It’s surprisingly easy to reach, with most travelers flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which offers direct connections to many major European cities. For those already in Spain, a scenic ferry ride from Barcelona or Valencia is also an option.
While the island has a reputation for nightlife in certain areas, much of it is quiet, sophisticated, and incredibly family-friendly. You can easily avoid the party-centric pockets and instead spend your time cycling mountain routes, hiking cliffside coastal trails, or discovering hidden coves only reachable by boat. Mallorca’s geography is part of its magic, with each corner of the island offering something different: family-friendly beaches in the north with shallow waters ideal for young kids; the east, with its quiet coves (calas) and slower-paced towns, perfect for a more low-key, nature-centered stay; and the west, home to the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountains and postcard-perfect towns nestled in the hills. Palma, the island’s capital in the center, blends Gothic architecture, boutique shopping, and a thriving food scene — ideal for families looking to combine beach days with a bit of city culture.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
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Mallorca offers a wide range of accommodations from boutique hotels and agroturismos, luxury villas that Mallorca is known for, to big and small city hotels in bustling Palma. A few we liked for our family:
Concepcio (Palma) - a beautiful hotel with a terrace, pool, and delicious breakfast nestled between the ancient walls of Palma.
Agroturismo Son Viscos (Serra de Tramuntana mountains) - this charming historic family home turned agroturismo offers a rural farm stay where kids can roam gardens, see animals, and enjoy a more immersive, quiet experience.
Hotel Espléndido (Port de Sóller) - laid-back yet stylish boutique stay in a quiet port town, with family rooms that include separate bedrooms. Just steps from the beach and ideal for boat days, town strolls, or taking the vintage train to Palma.
Hotel Corazón (between Deià and Sóller) - unique and renovated historic finca (farm), restaurant, art space, and shop.
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Mallorca’s cuisine is rustic, seasonal, and deeply Mediterranean. You’ll find everything from casual tapas bars to stylish restaurants serving modern spins on traditional dishes. A few of our favorites that the whole family enjoyed.
Bar La Sang (Palma) - large selection of natural wines and delicious seasonal sharing plates. The best way is to order one of everything!
Casa Manolo -Bodega Barahona (Santanyi) - this seafood restaurant has been open for generations in Mallorca. Some of our favorite dishes are the fried artichoke, salt-encrusted baked fish, the squid prepared table-side, and their clams. Everything was delicious!
Ses Coves, Coves de Campanet (Serra de Tramuntana) - family-run restaurant focused on sustainable food and cooked over fire. We enjoyed a wonderfully long, slow meal overlooking beautiful vineyards here.
Mister McCoy's Island Ices (Soller) - traditional gelateria, natural wine shop, and bar.
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Mallorca isn’t just about lying on the beach; it’s an island bursting with adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Each region has its own personality and landscape, from long stretches of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters to pebbly coves framed by dramatic cliffs (perfect for a little cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave!). A few activities you shouldn’t miss are below.
Village Hopping - exploring mountain villages like Deià, Valldemossa, and Fornalutx is a must in Mallorca. Stop for coffee, pastries, and photos of cobblestone streets lined with flower-filled stone houses, and browse the artisan shops and galleries along the way. For views, drive the dramatic road to Cap de Formentor, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Boat Trip - charter a boat for a day of swimming in hidden coves, snorkeling, and jumping off cliffs, with the option to add on kayaking, paddleboarding, or other water activities.
Palma - wander the historic town, explore the Gothic Cathedral La Seu, visit the Arab Baths, and shop at boutiques and markets.
Serra de Tramuntana mountains - hike or cycle in these UNESCO-listed mountains with trails for all levels, from stroller-friendly walks to challenging summit hikes.
Tip: Choose tour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.
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Mallorca is rich with distinctive, locally made creations, and the old town villages hold weekly markets with local produce and crafts.
Cortana (Palma) - local clothing brand made with natural fabrics.
De Haan Gallery Studio (Deia) - art gallery and ceramic studio.
Obsolete Mallorca (Deia) - jewelry, dresses, and a selection of home goods.
Sonmo (near Deia) - estate with experiences and workshops on land and sea. Their beautiful shops sell local produce, their own olive oils, jams, Mallorcan wool blankets, soaps, and accessories.
Flor de Sal d’Es Trenc (mulitple locations) - artisanal local salt shop.
There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.
Tips
Language surprises to anticipate
Spanish (Castellano) is widely spoken, but you’ll also see and hear Catalan, specifically the Mallorquí dialect used in signage and menus. Don’t be surprised if towns have two names (e.g., Sóller / Soller). Most people in the tourism industry speak English so you’ll have no trouble communicating and getting around.
Where to stay on the island
If your trip is short (4–5 days), base yourself in one area (like Alcúdia for beach time or Palma for a city-meets-beach vibe) and do day trips to explore. With more time, consider splitting your stay between two regions, such as a few days near the beach and a few days in the mountains for hiking and village life. We’re happy to help you craft an itinerary that makes sense for your family.
How to book an agroturismo
Mallorca has a wealth of rural fincas (farmhouses) converted into guesthouses, perfect for families who want space and a quiet setting. Many are on booking platforms, but some of the best finds are smaller, family-run spots that require booking directly by email or their website. Book well in advance for summer because these properties fill quickly.
Meal planning
Meals follow the relaxed Mediterranean rhythm: late lunches (often 1–3 PM) and late dinners (8 PM onward). Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, so plan snacks or a siesta during that time. Grocery stores are excellent for stocking up on fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and picnic supplies which are perfect for beach or hiking days.
Getting Around
Renting a car is essential for families, as it gives you freedom to explore beaches, markets, and small towns on your own schedule (and avoid crowded buses).
How to pack for summer
Summer is hot, especially July and August. In addition to the obvious (light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, sun hats, and strong sunscreen), its also a good idea to bring a light sweater for breezy nights or boat trips. Sturdy sandals or sneakers are a must if you’ll be hiking or exploring cobblestone towns. Watershoes are recommended for both hiking on rocky cliffs and allowing you to get your feet wet when you hike to your beach destination.
Preparing for peak summer travel
Mallorca is busiest in July and August, so plan ahead, or if you can, visit in shoulder season (May–June or September–October). If summer is your only option, expect higher rates (especially for beachfront properties) and book hotels, rental cars, and popular activities well in advance. Once there, start your days early to claim a spot at the most popular calas, and save village visits for the morning or late afternoon when crowds thin.
Optimizing your beach day
With nearly 300 beaches, you’ll find everything from wide, family-friendly stretches perfect for a full day with snack shacks, loungers, and umbrella rentals available to hidden coves that require a hike but reward you with stunning views once you reach the shore. We suggest one beach per day: arrive early, settle in, and enjoy.
Trusted Family Voices…
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Everett, Age 8
“I went snorkeling everywhere and saw so many cool creatures - fish, crabs, jellyfish, shrimp, even an octopus! That was so awesome — and we dove for sea urchins which everyone was excited to eat but it looked too slimy for me.”
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Watch on Instagram
“If your soul craves sun, sea, mountains, and unforgettable adventures, Mallorca is calling.”
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Watch on Tik Tok
“Exploring the sunny shores of Mallorca with our little sunshine!”
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Watch on Instagram
“It is a place where kids can play freely, create, and most importantly, imagine and enjoy in a natural setting, away from technology ✨.”
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