The South West Coast is where Mallorca does family holidays in all shapes and sizes — beachy, buzzy, laid-back or a little bit luxe. From the pine-shaded sands of Illetes to the big-beach resort energy of Palmanova, and the calm charm of Camp de Mar, this stretch of coast offers one of the island’s most flexible bases for families.
With Palma just up the road, it’s particularly well suited to families who want easy logistics, reliable beaches, and the option to mix seaside days with city exploring, boat trips, and the occasional mountain detour.
The South West at a glance
Rather than a single resort, the southwest is a patchwork of very different places, each appealing to a slightly different kind of family holiday.
Portals Nous has an upscale feel, with a yacht-filled marina, smart restaurants and a sandy beach popular with locals. Just ten minutes from Palma, it suits families who want seaside polish with quick access to the capital.
Palmanova is a long-time family favourite, particularly with British families. The beaches are wide and well-kept, hotels are geared for children, and everything is designed for ease. It’s not the prettiest resort, but it is practical and predictable. Nearby Santa Ponsa has a smaller beach and a quieter feel, though fewer standout dining or hotel options.
Further along the coast, Peguera and Cala Fornells are a clear favourite with German families. One offers a long sandy beach, the other a smaller, rocky cove, and both work well for families who enjoy walking, hiking and a calmer pace.
Camp de Mar has a beautiful, sheltered beach and a relaxed feel. It’s compact, scenic and easy with children, and the tiny island restaurant just offshore is a reliable hit.
Beyond that, the coast becomes quieter and more villa-led. Port d’Andratx has no sandy beach but plenty of rocky coves, luxury villas and a chic marina atmosphere. Finally, Sant Elm is a sleepy seaside village with crystal-clear water and excellent snorkelling. It’s more remote, which limits day-tripping, but also means fewer crowds, even in high summer.
Best Beaches for families
The southwest is home to some of Mallorca’s most consistently family-friendly beaches, with calm conditions and easy access from resorts and hotels.
Palmanova’s beaches are a reliable go-to for families with younger children, thanks to wide sandy shores, shallow water and plenty of nearby cafés and facilities. Portals Nous’s main beach is smaller but wins points for just that – it has just enough space and adventure for the big kids but is small and secure for the little one- plus you can pop for lunch and yacht spotting at the marina next door.
For a guaranteed kid-pleaser, Camp de Mar delivers, the beach is deep and the sand a little harder but there’s also a little playground on the beach and kids will love spotting fish on the wooden walkway to the much photographed island restaurant., And for a bit of adventure, Sant Elm’s scenic beaches have brilliant snorkelling and rocky edges with rock pools to explore.
Parent Perks
One of the biggest advantages of the southwest is how much variety it packs into a relatively small area.
- Brilliant boat days: The coastline is stunning, and one of the best ways to explore it is by hopping on a private or semi-private boat for the morning. Glide past cliffs and coves, stop for swims in turquoise bays, and if you fancy, tuck into fresh paella on board
- Something for everyone, people-watching of Puerto Portals to the teen-pleasing vacay vibes of Palmanova, there’s something nearby to keep everyone happy.
- Proximity to Palma: Foodie families will love popping into Palma for evening strolls and delicious dining.
Family Fun beyond the beach
There’s no shortage of things to do here once you step off the sand.
Snorkelling trips run regularly from Palmanova and Santa Ponsa to the protected waters around the Malgrats Islands, while Sa Dragonera island, reached by boat from Sant Elm or Andratx, is perfect for short hikes, lizard spotting and wide-open views.
For classic holiday resort fun, Western Water Park in Magaluf has rides and splash areas for all ages, and Katmandu Park is a hit for its quirky attractions, Europe’s largest soft play, mini-golf and laser tag.
Eating out with kids
The South West Coast is has something for every taste in the dining out department.
Palmanova’s dining scene is mixed, with everything from seaside British pubs and classic holiday menus to a growing number of cooler, contemporary spots. Camp de Mar is more about location than variety, with a handful of laid back, sunny-day favourites set around the beach, including the well known Restaurante Illeta, perched on a tiny island just offshore. Portals Nous has a sleek marina feel, with stylish, high-end restaurants and prices to match, but families still gravitate here for the setting, location and room for the kids to roam.
Many families also choose to eat locally during the day then head into Palma for a wander and dinner, easy to do from most bases along the coast.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the southwest ranges from affordable all-inclusive family hotels to five star resorts and high-end villa stays, often within a short walk of the beach.
Resort-style hotels dominate Palmanova, Santa Ponsa and Camp de Mar, offering easy beach access and family-focused facilities. Portals Nous and Port d’Andratx are more villa-led, appealing to families looking for space, views and a quieter base.
Practical Information
Best time to visit:
The southwest works well from spring through autumn. Many hotels and attractions close between November and March, though Palma and Portals Nous stay lively year-round.
Getting there:
Driving times from Palma airport range from around 20 minutes to Portals Nous to 45 minutes to Sant Elm.
Getting around:
A car isn’t essential if you’re staying in a main resort, but it’s helpful for exploring quieter spots like Sant Elm or hillside villas. Public buses connect most towns to Palma, though routes can be busy in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Best suited for: There really is something for every kind of family holiday in the southwest. That being said, its particularly well suited to families looking for proximity to the sights, sounds and delicious dining in Palma, as well as those who want to mix up their beach days from big n sandy to quint little coves and brilliant boat days.
Not ideal for: If you’re after something design-led, or hoping to avoid the classic British holiday scene, Palmanova and Santa Ponsa may not be your best fit. Head instead for the quieter charm of Sant Elm, the local feel of Illetes, or the polished beachside vibe of Portals Nous. It’s also worth noting that if you’re after flat walks or easy bike rides for the kids, this might not be the best fit — while the resorts have flat promenades, many villas and some hotels are tucked into the mountainside, which can mean a bit of an uphill stroll on the way home.
