Mallorca has been coveted since Roman times for its natural harbors and fertile plains; later the Moors irrigated its orchards, and the Crown of Aragon crowned it with Gothic grandeur. Today the island blends a vibrant capital, the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and crystalline coves made for family beach days.

Expect a Mediterranean diet writ delicious: flaky ensaïmadas, sobrasada on rustic bread, grilled sea bream, and almond cake. Palma rewards wanderers with honey-stone lanes and a showstopping cathedral; the north offers long, shallow beaches ideal for kids and bike paths threading wetlands teeming with birds.

Practical notes: summer sun is strong—pack reef-safe sunscreen and hats. Book popular restaurants and boat trips in advance, especially July–September. Driving is straightforward, but buses cover most highlights; card payments are widely accepted, and tap water is potable in most places though many prefer bottled.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma is Mallorca’s lively capital: think Gothic spires reflecting in the sea, Arab Baths whispering of the 10th century, and café-lined plazas made for slow mornings. Family-friendly beaches (Can Pere Antoni, Cala Major) sit minutes from the old town, and the waterfront promenade is perfect for stroller-friendly sunset walks.

• Top sights: La Seu Cathedral’s soaring nave, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), Santa Catalina market, Parc de la Mar.
• Fun for families: E-bike rides along the bay, gentle sailing cruises, chocolate and ensaïmada stop at Can Joan de s’Aigo, shaded playgrounds at Parc de la Mar.
• Where to eat: Tapas at Bar España, vermouth and anchovies at La Rosa, seafood at Casa Maruka, brunch at La Molienda or Rosevelvet Bakery, fresh stalls at Mercat de l’Olivar.

Getting to Palma: Fly into PMI. From Europe, compare fares and schedules on Omio (flights) and, if coming by sea, Omio (ferries in Europe)—Barcelona–Palma ferries are ~6–8 hours, often overnight. From outside Europe, check Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). Taxi to the center is ~€20–25; public bus A1 is ~20 minutes.

Where to stay (Palma): For value-in-the-center, Hostal Pons (character-filled, walkable to everything). For a beachy resort with kid-friendly pools and games, Iberostar Playa de Palma. For an exceptional splurge in a former fortress, Cap Rocat. Or browse family apartments and hotels: VRBO Palma | Hotels.com Palma.

Day 1: Arrive in Palma, Golden-Stone Old Town

Afternoon: Land in Palma and check in. Stretch your legs with a gentle loop: Parc de la Mar’s lake mirrors La Seu Cathedral beautifully. Duck into the Banys Àrabs (small, atmospheric, ~€3) to show the kids star-shaped ceiling vents from the 10th century.

Evening: Early dinner at Bar España for tortilla, croquettes, and garlicky prawns (go early with kids to avoid queues). Grab gelato and a classic ensaïmada at Can Joan de s’Aigo, then stroll the pedestrian Passeig del Born as street musicians start up.

Day 2: Palma Highlights + Family E-Bike Ride

Morning: Visit La Seu Cathedral when doors open (about €10 adults; children discounted). The light through Gaudí-influenced windows is magic. Continue to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina next door, then juice and toasts at La Molienda (excellent coffee; kid-friendly).

Afternoon: Ride the palm-fringed seafront on an easy e-bike tour—fun for teens and tweens; child seats/trailers are often available on request. Book:

Exclusive Fat Tire E-Bike Tour in Palma

Break for lunch at Mercat de l’Olivar: try Bar del Peix for grilled fish of the day, oysters at Ostras, and empanadas from a bakery stall for the kids.

Evening: Head to Santa Catalina. Try Patron Lunares (seafood rice, kids’ portions available) or El Aquanauta for casual Mexican. Sunset promenade along the marina—great for scooters and strollers.

Day 3: Beach Morning + Sailing the Bay

Morning: Slow start at Can Pere Antoni beach (lifeguards in season; shallow entry). Coffee and pastries at Rosevelvet Bakery or Fibonacci, then sandcastle time.

Afternoon: Take a family-friendly sailing cruise with snacks and an open bar for adults; there’s usually time to swim and snorkel. Book:

Mallorca Midday or Sunset Sailing with Light Snacks and Open Bar

Evening: Tapas crawl near Plaça Major: La Rosa Vermutería (boquerones, meatballs), then Ombu for modern bites. For dessert, chocolate a la taza at Can Joan de s’Aigo.

Day 4: Tramuntana Villages—Valldemossa, Deià & Sóller (Day Trip)

Let a small-group tour handle the mountain roads while you enjoy dramatic viewpoints, honey-stone lanes, and a swim stop in summer. This is a full day; wear comfy shoes and bring water.

Mallorca Full-Day VIP Tour: Valldemossa, Deià & Sóller Experience

Back in Palma, casual dinner at Mercat 1930 (food hall with multiple stalls—easy for picky eaters).

Alcúdia (Port d’Alcúdia & Old Town)

Base yourself in the north for broad, shallow beaches, a walled medieval town, and access to S’Albufera Natural Park. Port d’Alcúdia’s promenade is made for evening strolls with gelato, while nearby Pollença tempts with a stone staircase to a hilltop chapel and lively Sunday market.

• Top sights: Alcúdia Old Town walls, Platja d’Alcúdia, S’Albufera wetlands, Cap de Formentor viewpoints, Pollença’s Calvari Steps.
• Family perks: Gentle surf, playgrounds along the beach, bike lanes to nature reserves, easy catamaran cruises to turquoise coves.
• Where to eat: Bodega d’es Port (fresh fish), El Posit (paella), Can Costa Celler (Mallorcan classics), heladerías along the marina.

Getting from Palma to Alcúdia: Depart this morning. Drive via Ma-13 in ~50–60 minutes (toll-free). Without a car, TIB bus 302/301 from Estació Intermodal to Port d’Alcúdia takes ~1h15; expect ~€8–10 per adult (pay by card or contactless onboard). Trains don’t reach Alcúdia; a train to Inca plus bus is possible but slower.

Where to stay (Alcúdia): Families love apartment-style stays with pools walking distance to the sand. Search options on VRBO Alcúdia and Hotels.com Alcúdia.

Day 5: Transfer North, Beach Time & Walled Town

Morning: Travel to Alcúdia and check in. If you’re driving, stop in Inca for coffee and an ensaïmada to-go.

Afternoon: Head to Platja d’Alcúdia—wide, shallow, and often with lifeguards in season. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, or set up near a playground. Lunch beachside with grilled squid and kids’ pasta at Bodega d’es Port by the marina.

Evening: Explore Alcúdia Old Town’s medieval walls and narrow lanes (great at golden hour). Dinner at Can Costa Celler for hearty Mallorcan fare—try tumbet (layered vegetables) and roast lamb; kids can split a paella. Gelato on Carrer Major before bedtime.

Day 6: North Coast Catamaran + S’Albufera Nature

Morning (or Afternoon): Sail the north coast from Port d’Alcúdia on a catamaran with BBQ lunch; expect coves, swim stops, and calm seas most of the year. Book:

Mallorca Catamaran Cruise with Scenic Views and BBQ Lunch

Opposite half of the day: Rent bikes and pedal the flat path into S’Albufera Natural Park (free entry pass at the gatehouse; bring ID). Spot herons and egrets from bird hides; pack water and a light snack.

Evening: Dinner in Port d’Alcúdia at El Posit for seafood paella or fideuà (noodle paella). Sunset walk on the pier; younger kids love watching the boats.

Day 7: Formentor Views or Easy Adventure, Fly Home

Morning: Two great options before your afternoon departure: 1) Drive the scenic road to Cap de Formentor for viewpoints and a quick paddle at Platja de Formentor (arrive early for parking), or 2) Keep it active with a short, family-friendly coastal kayak and snorkel (many local outfitters offer 2–3 hour sessions suitable for kids who can swim).

Afternoon: Return to Palma Airport (PMI). By car it’s ~50–60 minutes; TIB bus A32 from Port d’Alcúdia to the airport is ~1h15 (check schedules in advance). For flights within Europe, compare on Omio (flights); for long-haul connections, see Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons (If You Have Extra Time)

• Spanish cooking class in Palma: Hands-on paella and tapas workshop—great teen activity: Spanish Cooking Class Palma.
• Tapas tasting evening: Sample local bites at multiple stops: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour.

Estimated Costs (Family-Friendly, Mid-Range)

• Meals: Breakfast €5–10 pp; lunch €12–20 pp; dinner €18–30 pp (kids often share). Menú del día on weekdays can be great value.
• Transport: Palma–Alcúdia bus ~€8–10 pp each way; fuel for a week’s modest driving ~€50–80.
• Activities: Cathedral ~€10 adult; e-bike tour from ~€40–60 pp; sailing/catamaran from ~€60–80 pp (often discounts for children).

At-a-Glance Daily Plan

• Day 1: Arrive Palma, Parc de la Mar, Old Town tapas.
• Day 2: Cathedral & Almudaina, e-bike tour, Santa Catalina eats.
• Day 3: Beach morning, sailing cruise, tapas crawl.
• Day 4: Valldemossa–Deià–Sóller day trip.
• Day 5: Transfer to Alcúdia, beach, medieval walls.
• Day 6: North coast catamaran, S’Albufera bikes.
• Day 7: Formentor viewpoints or easy kayak, depart.

With two perfectly placed bases, this Mallorca itinerary threads culture, coastline, and kid-friendly adventure without rushing. Expect long beach days, breezy boat rides, and village wanders capped with tapas and almond cake—memories that linger like a Tramuntana sunset.