Majorca (Mallorca in Spanish) is a fascinating, diverse island off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. It’s the largest of the Balearic Islands, best known for great weather (even into mid-October), family-friendly beaches, resorts and villas as well as sheltered coves to explore and the many historical highlights including Roman and Moorish remains, cathedrals and stone-built villages.
With so much to explore on the island of Majorca, it’s understandably the glorious beaches that are the ...
...first stop for most people visiting for a holiday. These are the beaches that you don’t want to miss:
The spectacular beach at Formentor is not to be missed. It’s in the northeast of the island (a half hour drive from Puerto Pollensa). The beach is backed by pine trees and there’s a great view over the mountains and cliffs. In addition to shallow clear water, there are also all the facilities that you could need including showers and toilets, cafes, a gift shop as well as umbrellas and sunbed for rent.
There are a number of coves to explore just a short 15-minute drive from Palma, including Cala Comtesa, the best choice for kids. Park in the car park above the beach then take a walk down to this beautiful cove with turquoise water and pristine sand. The water stays shallow for quite a long way making it perfect for children to play in. And for older children there are rocks to jump of and great snorkelling opportunities. Hire a sunbed and an umbrella and start relaxing. And, if you haven’t packed a picnic, try out the café that overlooks the beach.
Playa de Muro is on the east side of the island and is popular with families with small children. It’s broad, and long with shallow water. It’s not as popular as the close by Alcúdia resort, but it still has everything you need including umbrellas and sunbeds available for hire, toilets and restaurants and lifeguards to help keep your family safe. For older children and adults there are a number of water sports available.
Ciudad Jardi is an urban beach quite close to Palma that is perfect for children, and very popular with local families. With soft sand and crystal-clear water, as well as a wide promenade at the back of the beach where kids can play, there’s enough to keep the whole family busy having fun. There is also a modern play park and café, and parking is available close to the beach.
If you’ve already started planning ahead and are looking for some family-friendly outings, these are highlights on Majorca that are not to be missed:
Catch a boat from the Colònia de Sant Jordi resort harbour and spend the day exploring the island. The island used to be home to a prison camp but is now a national park. You can hike up to the castle that was built in the 14th century and on the way up to keep an eye out for different birds, and the unmissable blue lizards. Then finish off with a well-deserved swim at Sa Plageta Beach.
Both children and adults quickly learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, making it a great way to enjoy the outdoors and beach from a different perspective. It’s best to start off with a lesson in Port d’Alcúdia where the calm, flat waters are perfect for beginners. Once you feel comfortable, you can paddle around the bay exploring the caves, snorkelling, and swimming (usually when you fall off!)
In Cap Vermell’s limestone cliffs, there is a whole world just waiting to be discovered. The caves are a labyrinth of caverns, stalagmites, stalactites and dripstones in a myriad of strange formations. The use of lights and music, and a little bit of imagination, turns the caves into a spooky world of monsters and ghosts.
If you’re based close to Port de Pollensa, you can learn as a family to sail. The calm bay makes it safe to learn, and the experienced instructors will give you hands-on experience in the basics of sailing along with the necessary theory.
The Palma Aquarium is a modern marine park close to the Playa de Palma resort. Immerse yourself in an underwater world as you walk through tunnels between and around 55 different tanks that recreate the oceans of the world, containing over 700 marine animals.
It doesn’t matter what time of the day you want to eat, on Majorca, there’s a local specialty for you to enjoy, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner time.
For breakfast in Majorca, try the ensaimada, a delicious bun dusted with icing sugar.
Here we’d suggest the local cocarrois, pastries with a variety of fillings, vegetable pizza slices (called trampos), or traditional-style Majorcan bread with olive oil, tomato, and garlic.
When it comes to tapas, the options are limitless, with meatballs in a spicy sauce, garlic mushrooms, Calamares (battered squid rings), croquets and more. If you’d like a selection of different tapas, but don’t know what to order, simply ask for ‘Tapas Vaiadas.’
If you’re ordering dinner in Majorca, the best choice is going to be seafood. Choose from fresh oysters, salted cod, Calimares, and more. And if you haven’t tried it before, Paella is a must. It’s a combination of seafood or meat (or both), rice, vegetables and herbs, and spices.
Our advice would be to try everything from the turron (handmade nougat made from local almonds) to the greixonera de brossat (a local cheesecake variation) and puding, (which is similar to crème caramel).
Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the activities or the food; there’s something for everyone on the island of Majorca.
Refine Your Search