Destination Guides

Palmanova and the Southwest Coast; The Family Friendly Guide

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 Playa Illetes to the big beach resort buzz of Palmanova, and the calm charm of Camp de Mar, there’s something here for every kind of family holiday — with easy access to Palma just up the road.

Portals Nous brings an upscale feel, with its yacht-filled marina, smart restaurants and sandy beach loved by locals, all just 10 minutes from the capital — this is a great spot for families who want to mix seaside chic with city exploring.

Palmanova is a long-time family favourite, particularly with Brits. The beaches are wide and well-kept, the hotels are geared for families, and there’s no shortage of entertainment. It’s not the prettiest resort, but it is practical, accessible, and built for family ease. Nearby Santa Ponsa has a smaller beach, though fewer high-end dining or hotel options.

Driving away from Palma along the coast, Peguera and Cala Fornells have brilliant beaches (the first long and sandy, the second charming and rocky), are a great base for hiking adventures, and are a clear favourite with German families. Onward still and Camp de Mar has a beautiful sheltered beach, and the kids will love Restaurante Illeta perched on its rocky island.

Continue along the coast and you’ll reach Port d’Andratx — no sandy beach, but plenty of rocky coves, luxury villas and a chic little marina that’s a favourite with second-home owners, particularly German. Finally, as the mountains rise around you, the road winds into Sant Elm — a sleepy seaside village with crystal-clear water and excellent snorkelling. It’s remote, which makes day-tripping trickier, but also means you’ll dodge some of the crowds, even in high summer.

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1. Best Beaches 2. Parent Perks 3. Family Fun 4. Eating Out 5. Where to Stay 6. Practical Information

Best Beaches

This stretch of coast is home to some of Mallorca’s most family-friendly beaches. Palmanova Beach is a reliable go-to for families with younger kids, thanks to its wide sandy shore, shallow water, and easy access to cafés, shops and ice cream. Portals Nous 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 soft sand, gentle seas, and sensational sunsets. 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 small, scenic beach has brilliant snorkelling and rocky edges made for older kids to explore.

Parent Perks

Smiles all round: From the white tablecloth 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.

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

Family Fun

There is no shortage of things to do beyond the beach. A few family favourites include:

Snorkelling at Malgrats Island: A short boat ride from Palmanova or nearby Santa Ponsa takes you to this protected marine reserve, perfect for mornings discovering the underwater world (the trip is arranged by local dive schools).

Western Water Park (Magaluf): A Wild West-themed water park with rides and splash zones for all ages.

Sa Dragonera Island: Accessible by boat from Sant Elm, this uninhabited island is perfect for short hikes, spotting lizards, and enjoying spectacular views.

Katmandu Park (Magaluf): A hit with kids for its quirky attractions, including Europe’s largest soft play, mini-golf, splash-play and laser tag.

Eating Out

The South West Coast is has something for every taste in the dining out department. In Palmanova, try Siso Beach for chic beachfront meals (kids will love the swing seats), or Olive Tree for a relaxed al fresco dinner. Camp de Mar’s Restaurante Illeta is a memorable choice for lunch on a tiny island. For a more upscale dining experience, Portals Nous offers stylish marina-side restaurants with fresh seafood and welcoming service for families.

Where to Stay

The South West Coast is packed with family-friendly places to stay, from affordable hotels to high-end resorts. Many are right by the beach, offering effortless access to the sand and sea. For families seeking something a little more luxurious, newer options like the Zafiro Palace Palmanova and Zafiro Palace Camp de Mar bring a touch of indulgence to your holiday.

Zafiro Palace Palmanova: A firm family favourite, this resort offers splash pools, kids’ clubs, and spacious suites, giving parents the perfect balance of fun and relaxation.
Zafiro Palace Camp de Mar: Combining modern luxury with family-friendly touches, this resort features a range of pools, activities for all ages, and a serene setting close to the beach.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: All year round, although many hotels close between November and March, along with the water parks and some family attractions. Spring and summer are ideal, with warm weather and lots of activities for families.

Distance from Palma Airport: 23km (about 20 minutes by car) from Portals Nous to 47km (45mins) from Sant Elm.

Transport: A car isn’t essential unless you plan to explore Sant Elm or other remote spots (or are staying in a villa outside of the main resort), and keep in mind that beach parking will be busy in peak summer. Public buses (TIB) connect most resorts to Palma and nearby attractions, but the routes do get busy – read more about Public Transport options here. If you want to visit Soller, Alcudia and other island destinations, car hire is recommended.

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.