Where to Stay on Mallorca: The Island’s Loveliest Spots

In the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is perhaps the best-known of Spain’s sun-soaked Balearic Islands, brimming with natural beauty, rich history and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the rugged Tramuntana mountains to its pristine sandy beaches, it’s an ideal island getaway for kids of all ages — whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Alcudia, exploring the vibrant capital of Palma de Mallorca or simply building sandcastles on the soft sands of Cala d’Or.

With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Mallorca boasts a perfect climate for outdoor adventures and beach fun. With its hot, dry summers and its mild winters, the island is a year-round haven for families seeking sunshine, blue skies and lots of room to roam during summer vacays, spring breaks and warm-weather Christmases. But which part of the island is the best for a home base? Here’s a roundup of the island’s most charming cities, along with some vetted family-friendly resorts.

Where to Stay on Mallorca with Kids

Alcudia

Located on the northern coast of the island, Alcudia is renowned for its expansive, sandy, Blue Flag-certified beaches on Alcudia Bay, with shallow, crystal-clear waters ideal for young children. Equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and lifeguards, the beaches ensure worry-free days by the sea. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach promenade lined with ice cream shops and cafes, which means you don’t have to think about packing a picnic.

Beyond the beach, the historic Old Town, enclosed by medieval walls, is full of narrow, cobbled streets lined with local markets and appealing shops. Alcudia’s history is showcased in the Roman ruins of Pollentia, where kids can learn about ancient civilizations amid the open-air museum experience. Plus, the nearby Hidropark is a popular water park filled with slides, wave pools and mini golf that will add a bit of excitement to lazy days.

Where to Stay: Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro Village

Iberostar’s collection of all-inclusive beach resorts is always a win for families, with kids’ clubs and offerings that keep kids entertained and allow mom and dad some one-on-one time. There are actually a few Iberostars scattered about the island, as it is a Spanish hotel company, and this location along Muro Beach is a bit more secluded as it is bordered by the bay and a wetland reserve. The property features family suites with sofa beds to provide living space during the day and sleeping spaces at night.

TIP: Our Family Travel Advisors can book just the right accommodations for your needs, sometimes with exclusive perks and amenities to pass. Reach out for more information or to start the process.

Port de Pollenca

Located just a few miles north of Alcudia, Port de Pollenca sits on a smaller bay, and you can easily get between the two cities and enjoy what both have to offer. The town’s main beach also features a long stretch of golden sand along calm, shallow waters, with lifeguards and shaded loungers. Its Pine Walk promenade, aptly named as it is shaded by pine trees, offers a scenic path with views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.

When not digging your toes in the sand, embark on boat excursions to explore hidden coves and nearby islands or try water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The town is also the gateway to the northern Tramuntana Mountains, where families can hike and cycle through scenic trails, as well as Cap de Formentor, the northernmost spot on the island. Because the rugged terrain makes this rustic area difficult to build upon, it’s filled with trails and private beaches, and if you make it to the very end, you can see its famous lighthouse (accessible by car).

Where to Stay: Hotel Miramar

Located right on the bay, this family-owned, historical property has been a mainstay of Port de Pollenca for more than 100 years. Reminiscent of South Beach properties in Miami, Hotel Miramar features a spa, swimming pool and restaurants overlooking the bay. It’s a boutique hotel, so you won’t have a kids’ club, but it does offer babysitting service so parents can relax over a dinner in town.

Families may prefer to book one of the hotel’s 40 apartments. Housed in different buildings, each equipped with a swimming pool, the apartments provide two -bedrooms, two-bath accommodations with a separate living and dining area, kitchen and private terrace. If you have young ones, choose the Maricel 1 building, which has an elevator for its three stories. Maricel 2 is only two stories but doesn’t have an elevator, which can be troublesome when carrying loads of luggage and strollers.

Santa Ponsa

Across the island yet still close to the mountains on the southwest coast, Santa Ponsa is a lively resort town filled with family-friendly amenities. The main beach is also home to shallow waters and a wide expanse of golden sand. This beach, too, has lifeguards on duty and plenty of loungers and umbrellas, while cafes and restaurants are just steps away.

Families can explore Santa Ponsa’s Jungle Parc adventure park, where children and adults alike can burn off energy with ziplining and rope courses in the forest. The town boasts a bustling marina, where visitors can rent boats or join tours to explore the coastline and pop over to Malgrats island, just off the coast and home to a nature preserve. For those interested in history, Santa Ponsa also has Roman ruins in the form of an ancient villa.

Where to Stay: H10 Casa del Mar

Although it’s not right on the beach, H10 Casa del Mar is just across the street and offers an expansive terrace pool that affords beautiful views of the bay and plenty of room for kids to splash. A modern hotel, it’s decidedly European, so families will find triple rooms that can provide one king and one twin or three twin beds. The property also features children’s programming during busier seasons and onsite dining that overlooks the bay.

Cala d’Or

For a more remote getaway, Cala d’Or on the southeastern coast is a picture-perfect marina town filled with charming whitewashed homes, sailboats and turquoise coves. Pick a beach like Cala Gran, Cala Esmeralda or Cala Ferrera and spend a day enjoying the amazing views. Most of the beaches here have nearby restaurants and cafes, lifeguards and lounge chairs, and you’ll find many boat operators renting small boats for exploration (no license required). You can also join boat tours that explore hidden coves and nearby islands.

Where to Stay: Alua Suites Las Rocas

Alua Suites is a family-friendly resort overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and although it isn’t located on a beach, it features an expansive pool that seems to stretch right to the sea. Two additional pools feature kids’ areas and families can rent bikes or water sports equipment and play games on the sports court. Kids can also have fun in the Mini Club and the hotel features special programs, tailored to different age groups, for children and teens. You’ll find one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes and sofa beds able to accommodate up to six, some with bathtubs.

Palma de Mallorca

The largest city on Mallorca, and the island’s capital, can provide a more exciting destination base if you’re seeking more variety than beaches. At the heart of Palma lies La Seu Cathedral, a stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows. Your family can wander the narrow streets of the Old Town and discover hidden courtyards, cozy cafes and boutique shopping.

Palma offers a plethora of activities tailored for families. Passeig Maritim, the city’s waterfront promenade, is great for a leisurely bike ride with views of the marina and the Mediterranean, while the Palma Aquarium is a must-visit with its impressive displays of marine life, interactive exhibits and the largest shark tank in Europe. Plus, the city includes a gorgeous beach to round out a fun-filled stay.

Where to Stay: Nixe Palace

For a taste of luxury, Nixe Palace, a Preferred Hotel, is perched elegantly above the Mediterranean Sea. This 5-star resort has direct access to Cala Major beach, where families can spend the day soaking up the sun, but also features an outdoor pool with a separate children’s pool. Its spacious accommodations include Family Suites that can sleep up to five in two bedrooms with two bathrooms and a kitchenette. And the hotel has a number of onsite dining options so you don’t have to travel far for snacks and drinks, even at the pool and beach.

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.