Known for its sheltered coves and clear, turquoise water, the South Coast is one of Mallorca’s most reliable regions for beach-loving families. Days here tend to revolve around cove-hopping, rock jumping, snorkelling and pottering between small harbours by boat.
The area stretches from the buzz of white-washed Cala d’Or to the charming inland village vibes of Santanyí, Ses Salines, and the pretty harbours of Portopetro and Portocolom. It’s a region that works well for families in search of sun-soaked beach days, swimming straight from the rocks, and discovering a new cala each morning.
The South Coast at a glance
Rather than one main base, the south coast is a collection of small towns, villages and coves, each with a slightly different feel.
Cala d’Or is the most developed base on the south coast, with generally attractive whitewashed, low-rise buildings and a classic holiday-resort layout. The main centre sits slightly back from the beaches and mixes some genuinely good eating out with more traditional resort bars. There are plenty of tourist trinket shops to keep teens browsing, plus outdoor funfair-style activities that suit younger children too.
Along the coast, Portopetro and Portocolom are working harbours with calm water, seafront walks, a handful of genuinely good restaurants and a quieter, more lived-in feel that suits families looking to ride bikes, kayak and enjoy slow seaside days.
Inland, Santanyí and Ses Salines offer a slightly less seasonal, more local scene. Weekly markets, Santanyí’s on Wednesdays and Saturdays is particularly popular, sit alongside stone townhouses, well-curated boutiques and easy access to a choice of beaches by car.
Colònia de Sant Jordi has a more open, seaside feel, and is more functional than fashionable, with a mix of larger seaside hotels, aparthotels and all-inclusive stays that attract a broad crowd, particularly German families. It’s less about design-led hotels and buzzy nightlife, but there are reliable places to eat, standout sunset views, excellent family beaches, and regular boat trips to Cabrera for easy day trips.
Best Beaches
This stretch of coast is packed with sheltered coves that work well with children, particularly slightly older kids who will love launching themselves off rocky ledges and climbing out on the metal ladders fixed into the rock.
Cala d’Or is known for its cluster of small, sandy coves, all within walking distance of the centre, and each sheltered, calm and easy with kids, though they can feel very busy in peak summer.
Dotted along the coast, Portocolom has easy paddling spots close to the harbour, plus two good-sized, family-friendly beaches at either end of town – Cala Marçal and S’Arenal. Best by bike or car rather than on foot in the heat with kids.
Several of the south-east’s standout beaches are best reached by car. Cala Mondragó, set within a nature reserve, is a firm family favourite with soft sand, shallow water and space to combine swimming with walking or cycling. Cala Llombards suits older children thanks to its clear water and small rock ledges for jumping, while Cala Santanyí works well for pedalo boats and easy seaside days.
Some of the island’s most photographed Instagram spots sit nearby. Caló des Moro and Cala s’Almunia are undeniably dramatic, but they’re not a good idea with children in high season due to difficult access and heavy overcrowding. For a more family-friendly escapist vibe, set off early and drive east to Cala Sa Nau, a small, sheltered cove with the basics for an easy beach day.
Away from the calas (small beaches) and calós (tiny coves), Es Trenc on the south coast offers a completely different beach experience. One of the island’s best beaches for babies and toddlers, it has wide sands and shallow, aquamarine water, though there’s limited shade and fewer facilities, so an umbrella is essential.
Parent Perks
One of the main advantages of the south coast is how easy it is to combine calm, sheltered beaches with market towns, harbours and short boat trips, all within a small area.
- Sheltered swimming across most beaches, with calm crystal-clear water on most days
- Easy exploring, from market towns and harbours to a different cala each morning
- Design-led browsing, particularly in Santanyí and Ses Salines, with small boutiques and local finds rather than big-brand shopping
Family Fun
Much of the fun here happens right at the water’s edge.
Many coves are fitted with metal ladders, making it easy for kids to climb back up after launching themselves into the sea, again and again. Boat hire is popular from harbours such as Portocolom and Cala d’Or, with smaller boats available if you don’t hold a licence, or the option to join small-group snorkelling, scuba or sea-caving trips along the coast.
For something different, Artestruz offers a hands-on farm visit that works well with younger children. The famous Drac Caves and Dinosaurland near Portocolom are also easy to reach by car or TIB bus.
Eating Out
Across the south coast, dining is a mix of straightforward, tourist-friendly spots and a handful of genuinely good places worth seeking out.
Cala d’Or has the widest choice and the most resort-style dining. Alongside familiar holiday menus in multiple languages, there are a few standout places with food worth driving for. It suits families who like busy evenings and on-the-doorstep entertainment for kids, though it’s seasonal and starts to wind down by mid-October.
Portopetro and Portocolom offer fewer choices but a pretty seaside setting, with good seafood restaurants along the harbour and beach plus space nearby for kids to play.
For sundowners and sunset views over dinner, Colònia de Sant Jordi is your best bet. For a change of scene, head inland to Santanyí or Ses Salines, where you’ll find a few excellent, family-friendly restaurants, a more local feel, and village streets that suit a wander after eating.
You’ll also find some excellent beach restaurants dotted along this stretch of coast, ideal for long lunches with sandy feet and easy afternoons, see our Best Beach Eats in Mallorca guide for the standout spots.
Where to Stay
Accommodation across the south coast ranges from mid-range resort-style hotels, particularly around Colònia de Sant Jordi, to low-key aparthotels and villa stays. There are also a handful of top-end resorts with kids’ clubs and all the perks, alongside some of the island’s most impressive villas for families who want space and privacy.
Cala d’Or suits families who want everything close at hand, while Santanyí, Ses Salines and the harbour towns appeal to those looking for quieter evenings and a more local feel. With beaches spread out along the coast, choosing the right base often comes down to how much driving you’re happy to do each day.
Practical Information
Best time to visit
Spring and summer right though until October are ideal for swimming and beach days. Winter is quiet, with most hotels and restaurants closed until April.
Getting there
Allow around 40 minutes from Palma airport to Es Trenc, and up to an hour to Portopetro or Portocolom.
Getting around
A car is essential if you want to explore multiple beaches or stay outside Cala d’Or.
Final Thoughts
Best For: Families who love beach-first holidays, calm water, snorkelling and exploring small towns and harbours at a relaxed pace.
Not Ideal For: It’s not the best fit if your kids aren’t into the beach, sand, or you’re after water parks and big-ticket attractions. While much of the region feels peaceful and low-key, Cala d’Or has a livelier, resort-style feel that can feel a little commercial but will certainly keep the teens entertained.
