For families exploring Mallorca with kids, miradors are one of the island’s better-kept secrets. They put some of the most impressive island views within reach without requiring anyone to climb a mountain to get there. A few of them also make a handy breather if you’re day-tripping around the island with the kids in the back seat. Some are drive-up and done in five, others involve a mini-adventure with steep drops that call for close supervision; here’s our pick of eight look-outs worth the stop-off.
- Castell de Bellver, Palma
- Mirador de la Torre del Verger, Banyalbufar
- Sa Foradada, Deià
- Cap de Gros Lighthouse, Port de Sóller
- Mirador de Santa Catalina, Port de Sóller
- Mirador de Ses Barques, Port de Sóller
- Mirador de la Victòria, Alcúdia Peninsula
- Mirador Del Colomer, Formentor Peninsula
- A note before you go
1.
Castell de Bellver, Palma
Drive up, park for free, and you already have big views across the bay of Palma and out to sea. If the children are up for it, pay the small entry fee to explore the circular 14th-century castle – it’s one of the only round castles in Europe and houses a small city museum. If there’s energy to burn, follow the trail downhill through the pine forest of Parc de Bellver to one of the best playgrounds in Palma, with a zip line, slides, and picnic benches. It’s around 15 minutes on foot downhill from the castle car park.
Facilities: Entry to the castle approx. €4 (free Sundays and for under-14s). Café at the visitor reception centre
2.
Mirador de la Torre del Verger, Banyalbufar
Also called Torre de Ses Ànimes, this is one of the most photographed spots on the west coast – a 16th-century watchtower perched above the terraced hillsides between Banyalbufar and Estellencs. You park roadside on the Ma-10 and it’s a few minutes’ walk (again, roadside) along to the Mirador entrance. Access is well laid out with some benches, shady spots and the highlight; climbing up through the middle of the tower for full explorer thrills. Best for older children.
Facilities: None.
3.
Sa Foradada, Deià
The rock with a hole through it is one of Mallorca’s most iconic images, and the best family viewpoint is from Son Marroig – the clifftop estate that belonged to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, and the Restaurant–Bar Miradores Sa Foradada just outside. There is a decent sized car park, but it fills quickly in the morning with hikers, and stays full right through sunset. With older kids, the hike down to the Sa Foradada seaside restaurant below is well signposted and worth the uphill return.
Facilities: Son Marroig museum entry is €4 (under-12s free) but entry to the Restaurant outside is free.
4.
Cap de Gros Lighthouse, Port de Sóller
Built in 1859 and still operating, the Cap de Gros lighthouse sits on the headland directly across the bay from the port’s bustling centre. You can drive to the headland if you’re confident navigating winding roads with little passing room, or instead walk up from the port – around 30 minutes (1.6km) and road-side throughout. The view takes in the full horseshoe of Sóller Bay looking north. It works best as an add-on to time already spent in the port rather than a standalone trip, but the walk out is a good one with older kids who need to stretch their legs. Follow signs for Refugi de Muleta, from the top you can join the coastal hiking trail and head off into the hills and eventually Deià. Best for older children.
Facilities: none
5.
Mirador de Santa Catalina, Port de Sóller
From the port, the narrow cobbled streets of the Santa Catalina fishing quarter wind steeply uphill to a viewpoint looking north along the coast with the Tramuntana behind it – apparently the spot where fishermen used to read the weather. Leave the pushchair at the bottom if you can; the streets are steep and a few are cobbled with wide steps. The 13th-century oratory at the top houses the newly opened Museu Maritim, which is free and welcomes kids for a cool-down wander.
Facilities: At the Museu Maritim next door.
6.
Mirador de Ses Barques, Port de Sóller
Threre’s no shortage of glorious views in the Sóller Valley but this mirador is still worth a stop. You can drive right up, parking is plentiful, and the terrace looks straight down over the horseshoe of Port de Sóller’s harbour with the Serra de Tramuntana stacked behind you. Go for the views and a drink rather than a serious lunch and you won’t be disappointed. Best for older children.
Facilities: Restaurant and bar.
7.
Mirador de la Victòria, Alcúdia Peninsula
A scenic road trip from Alcudia, drive up through pine forest, park, and follow short paths to the mirador, 14th-century church (Ermita), or the seasonal restaurant. From all three you look out over Pollença Bay and the Formentor peninsula, with forest rather than cliff edges around you. Picnic tables, a cafe and restaurant make it a proper stop rather than a quick pull-in, but on weekdays it’s often quiet enough to feel like you’ve found something.
Facilities: Seasonal café, restaurant, picnic tables and toilets
8.
Mirador Del Colomer, Formentor Peninsula
This is the most famous viewpoint on the island and it earns it. The platform sits 232 metres above the sea with a paved path, different viewing levels, and plenty railings. From here you’re looking across the Formentor peninsula, the Es Colomer islet directly below, and open sea in every direction. It gets busy, especially in summer, so go early or late in the day. From the viewpoint, a smaller road continues up to the Talaia d’Albercutx watchtower for even wider views across both Pollença Bay and the north coast – a winding but worthwhile 2km drive with older kids.
In peak summer (roughly June to September), once the beach car park fills, private vehicles are turned back at the Formentor beach turn-off. Go early either way
Facilities: small seasonal cafe hut.
A note before you go
There are plenty of miradors on the island that haven’t made the cut – ones with difficult access, limited parking, or edges that make a family visit more stressful than it’s worth. The picks above work for many families, but that doesn’t mean they’re without hazard or suitable for a 3-year old who loves to climb. Heights, exposed drops, and uneven ground are part of what makes a mirador a mirador. Adult supervision is required at all of them, at all times.
Travelling with a baby or pushchair? Castell de Bellver, Sa Foradada, and Ermita de la Victòria are the most manageable.
