Mallorca is made for summer family beach days. Clear water, soft sand and generally calm, predictable conditions make it easy to spend long hours by the sea, whether that’s paddling with toddlers, snorkelling with older kids or stretching a beach day until almost bedtime.
With over 200 beaches to choose from, it’s easy to find a playa perfect for a paddle and picnic, but a few stand out for their calm coves, easy access, and that just-right mix of local flavour and family-friendly charm. These are our all time favourites, the beaches we come back to again and again, and the ones we as locals drive across the island for. From expansive sandy shores to turquoise coves made for cliff jumping, here are our tried-and-tested Top 10 family beaches in Mallorca, starting close to Palma and looping around the island via our favourite seaside stops.
1.
Illetes
Clear water, calm coves and beach-club comfort close to Palma
Family Friendly Vibe
Turquoise water, soft sand and a series of sheltered coves make Illetes (the Islands) a great choice for beach days (or dashes) close to Palma. The main beach at Illetes is backed by two beach clubs overlooking the bay. Just around the corner (by road), Cala Comtessa and Cala Xinxell offer smaller, more natural coves, though they fill quickly in summer thanks to the direct bus route from Palma.
Beach Basics
Seasonal lifeguards, toilets, outdoor showers and limited sunbeds on all three beaches.
Pushchair Friendly?
Access to the main beach of Illetes via Balneario Beach Club is your best bet to avoid steps and rocks.
Family Fun
Swimming, paddling and snorkelling around the rocks from Cala Comtessa, pedalo boats are available on Illetes.
Where to Eat
Chiringuito Beewi overlooking Cala Comtessa works well for snacks and light meals. On Illetes Balneario Beach Club, offers full table service, a children’s menu, and comfy (bookable) loungers if you’re settling in for the day. Nanai Beach at the tip of Cala Xinxell’s peninsula is where to head for sundowners.
Access & Parking
The small paid car park at Cala Comtessa fills quickly. EMT buses from Palma stop nearby, making public transport a good option in peak season.
Good to Know
Don’t underestimate how busy these beaches get in peak season. In July and August, aim for around 9h or come back for a swim and sundowners from 17h to see them at their best.
2.
Playa Portals Nous
A perfectly formed neighbourhood beach
Family Friendly Vibe
Just ten minutes from Palma, this 250-metre beach sits below Portals Nous village with cliffs on one side and Puerto Portals marina on the other. Calm water, manageable size and a neighbourhood vibes make it a favourite with local & visitors alike.
Beach Basics
Sunloungers with umbrellas and lock boxes, plus toilets and showers just behind the sand. Everything is close at hand.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, via the flat route from Puerto Portals marina.
Family Fun
Easy swimming and shoreline play. Older kids enjoy swimming or pedalo rides to the offshore island. There’s also a sailing and watersports club at the end of the beach offering SUP & kayaks rent plus handy holiday courses if you want to fill the mornings.
Where to Eat
Beewi Beach runs from morning to sunset with sandwiches, salads and and ice creams. Puerto Portals marina is a three-minute walk for plenty of more polished dining options.
Access & Parking
There’s a very small free public car park above the steps near the beach, but it fills fast and has steep steps to the beach. You’ll also find both free and paid ‘blue line’ parking spots in the surrounding streets below the village. If you’re travelling with a pushchair or small children, it’s easiest to park in Puerto Portals and take the flat path that leads to the beach.
Good to Know
There’s a little El Corte Ingles supermarket hidden behind the restaurants in Puerto Portals – in case you need to stock up on any basics during the day.
3.
Port de Sóller
Picturesque sheltered bay with tram rides, seaside shops and delicious dining
Family Friendly Vibe
One of the few sandy beaches on the northwest coast, Port de Sóller is loved by locals and visitors alike. Backed by the Tramuntana mountains, its sheltered horseshoe bay keeps the sea calm for paddling and play. The promenade just behind the beach is lined with cafés, family-friendly restaurants and excellent ice-cream stops. With minimal road traffic and the vintage tram rattling past, it’s an easy place to spend a relaxed day with kids of all ages.
Beach Basics
Platja d’en Repic, on the southwest side, has sunbeds with umbrellas and lock boxes, toilets, showers and lifeguards in season. Platja de Través, by the tram terminal and harbour, is smaller and much busier.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, easy access across the beach with ramps dotted along the bay.
Family Fun
Pedalo boats and paddle boards are available to rent by the hour. There’s also a water sports centre at the port end of the beach. No jet skis keeps things quieter.
Where to Eat
Patiki Beach serves fresh, seasonal dishes right by the water. Ses Oliveres, Es Canyis and Es Reco cover seafood and tapas with child-friendly options. For ice cream, Fet a Sóller is the local favourite. Follow the tram line towards the harbour for a scenic lunch or early dinner near the playground and shops at La Sal.
Access & Parking
Around 40 minutes by car from Palma, though summer traffic slows things down. Easy by tram from Sóller town or TIB bus from Palma. Two paid car parks near Platja d’en Repic fill early in summer.
Good to Know
Not ideal for snorkelling. In busy summer months, the water can appear murkier than other island beaches, mostly due to the deeply horseshoe shaped bay.
4.
Playa de Formentor
A pine-fringed slice of paradise at the island’s northern tip
Family Friendly Vibe
Set against pine forest and mountain views, Playa de Formentor is one of the north’s most iconic beaches. This long, narrow stretch of pale sand and calm, shallow sea suits families with children of all ages. There’s space to settle under the trees, plenty of natural shade and all the basics you need nearby for a long lazy beach day.
Beach Basics
The water is calm, clear and shallow, ideal for paddling and swimming. You’ll find a limited number of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, toilets, outdoor showers and a couple of cafés and kiosks dotted behind the sand. Natural shade under the pines is a big bonus.
Pushchair Friendly?
Partly. Naturally flat over purposefully accessible.
Family Fun
This isn’t a beach for inflatables and big water sports. Formentor is about slow swims, sandy games and nature. The shallow water suits younger children, while older kids enjoy exploring the pine-shaded edges and rocky corners. Pack a snorkel for spotting fish, or head to the watersports centre (near the Four Seasons Hotel) at the far end of the beach to rent paddleboards or kayaks.
Where to Eat
Two casual seaside restaurants, L’Espigó and Veranda, serve sandwiches, salads and pizzas, with mixed reviews. For something more refined, Llum i Sal at the Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor serves grilled seafood and Mediterranean favourites with sea views. Picnics also work well here, with plenty of shady spots under the trees just behind the sand.
Access & Parking
Although it’s close to the Pollença’s port, the scenic coast road from Port de Pollença takes around 25 minutes by car. In summer, vehicle access is usually regulated from 10h and once the paid parking lot fills, the road access closes entirely. Arrive early! A popular alternative is arriving by boat from Port de Pollença, with regular ferries in summer. The 25-minute ride is scenic and drops you directly at the beach, sidestepping mountain roads and parking queues.
Good to Know
Because of the parking restrictions, you’ll always find a spot on the sand. But if you are planning to drive, it’s worth waking early to be sure you’ll have access to beach.
5.
Playa de Muro
6km of Blue Flag beach with soft white sand and a calm, shallow sea
Family Friendly Vibe
A continuation of Alcúdia’s sweeping bay, Playa de Muro offers the same soft sand and shallow turquoise water but feels a world away from the busier port-side stretch. Backed by pine trees and low-rise hotels, it’s a beach where families can spread out and settle in for a long lazy day. Running for over 6km alongside S’Albufera Natural Park, it combines reliable facilities with plenty of breathing room. On flat days it’s ideal for paddling and SUP, and breezy days bring just enough wave action to keep kids happily occupied for hours. It’s one of those rare beaches that feels both accessible and escapist.
Beach Basics
Everything you need for an easy beach day: sunbeds and umbrellas, lifeguards, toilets, showers and changing areas. The beach is split into four sectors, with Sector 1 closest to Alcúdia and Sector 4 nearer Can Picafort. Sector 1 has the most accessible entrances, with ramps down to the sand.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, especially around Sector 1 where ramps make access straightforward.
Family Fun
Watersports Mallorca, based near Hotel Playa Esperanza, offers paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and adaptive water sports, with lessons for all ages. Further along the beach near Ponderosa, smaller pop-up stands rent SUP boards, kayaks and pedalos by the hour. On breezier days, Playa de Muro is ideal for wave jumping and gentle boogie boarding, splashy fun without the crowds.
Where to Eat
Ponderosa Beach is a long-time favourite with families and locals, serving Spanish rice dishes, grilled fish and excellent cocktails right on the sand. It’s lively, laid-back and usually booked solid. Nearby, Can Gavella is another top choice with a sandy-toes beachfront setting that works well for bigger groups. Still on the beach but closer to Alcudia, Milano Beach is an easy option for casual lunches, or try Nu Mallorca for a beach-club feel with Ibiza-vibes, sundowner beats and a children’s menu.
Access & Parking
One of Playa de Muro’s big strengths is accessibility. It’s well connected by TIB bus, with small car parks and roadside parking dotted along the beachfront and streets behind. Several roundabouts have designated disabled bays right by the beach entrances, useful for quick drop-offs with children and beach gear.
Good to Know
Parking options are limited in the central stretch of the beach near Ponderosa Beach Arrive early in high season, or park at either of the beach and walk along the sand.
6.
Cala Agulla
Golden sand, shallow turquoise water and pine forest setting on Mallorca’s northeast coast
Family Friendly Vibe
Set against a backdrop of pine forest and low hills, Cala Agulla is one of the most scenic family beaches in northeast Mallorca. The wide sweep of soft sand, easy access and gently sloping shoreline make it a favourite for paddling, beach games and long lazy family days. Keep in mind, occasional strong winds from the north can bring waves and less family-friendly conditions. Check the weather, particularly in the shoulder-season.
Beach Basics
Sunbeds with umbrellas and lockers for rent, seasonal lifeguards, toilets and showers. Sunbeds only take up a small section of the beach, so it’s best to bring your own shade if you’re not arriving early.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, but best for off-roaders. There is ramp access from one end but sandy tracks and a single wooden boardwalk along the back of the beach are best suited for big wheels.
Family Fun
The clear sandy bay works well for swimmers of all ages and there’s usually space for beach ball games or sandcastle competitions. Paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent during peak season and on windy days, it’s a great spot for body boards and wave jumping.
Where to Eat
Two casual beach bars on the sand cover snacks and cold drinks, with one restaurant just behind the beach near the parking. For more variety, Cala Ratjada is five minutes away by car, or pack a picnic and settle in for the day.
Access & Parking
Around 1h15 from Palma by car. A large paid car park sits right behind the beach but fills quickly in summer. A TIB bus runs from Palma, stopping around a ten-minute walk from the sand.
Good to Know
The wind can pick up in the afternoon. Check the forecast before heading out with younger children and keep a close eye on conditions.
7.
Calas Mondragó & S’Amarador
Two turquoise coves inside a protected natural park
Family Friendly Vibe
Mondragó Natural Park is home to two of Mallorca’s most beautiful family-friendly coves. Cala Mondragó and Cala S’Amarador both offer soft white sand, clear turquoise water and a peaceful setting framed by pine forest and rocky cliffs. Cala Mondragó is busier with more facilities, while S’Amarador feels wider and calmer. A flat, scenic path links the two, making it easy to drift between them throughout the day.
Beach Basics
Cala Mondragó has sunbeds with umbrellas, toilets, outdoor showers and lifeguards in season, plus two beachfront restaurants and kiosks. Cala S’Amarador is simpler, with one beach bar and no showers, but it still has lifeguards, toilets and a broader stretch of sand.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, via flat paved paths from the car parks and between coves, though there are steps down onto the sand at S’Amarador.
Family Fun
Both bays are sheltered with calm, clear water ideal for paddling, swimming and snorkelling. There are no noisy water sports, which keeps things peaceful. In cooler weather, the forest trails between the coves work well for short walks.
Where to Eat
Cala Mondragó’s chiringuito and hotel restaurant handle snacks and simple lunches. S’Amarador has a small bar behind the sand. A well-packed picnic works particularly well here.
Access & Parking
Located about one hour from Palma. Separate paid car parks serve each beach, followed by a 5–10 minute walk through the trees. A TIB bus runs to Cala Mondragó from Portopetro.
Good to Know
Car parks fill early in summer and once full, you have no choice but to sit in your car and wait for one to free up (or head for another beach). Aim for 10h or earlier during high season.
8.
Cala Santanyi
Just big enough southeast cove, perfect for family beach days
Family Friendly Vibe
This sheltered south-east favourite lies about 10 km from Santanyí town and has all the ingredients for a great family beach day – calm, shallow water, soft sand, and everything you need within flip-flop distance. The cove’s rocky sides keep the sea calm and clear, perfect for paddling, swimming, and first-time snorkellers. Behind the beach, a small cluster of hotels and apartments give it a laid-back, holiday-village feel without losing its local charm.
Beach Basics
Sunbeds with umbrellas and lockers line the beach, seasonal lifeguards, toilets and showers.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes, but best for off-roaders. There is ramp access from one end but sandy tracks and a single wooden boardwalk along the back of the beach are best suited for big wheels.
Family Fun
Pedalos with slides are a hit here – see if you can make it out to the top of the cove to watch the daredevils cliff jump, of head to the rocks in front of the dive centre for a slight more family friendly jumping experience.
Where to Eat
Cafe Drac is an instagram favourite for its pretty coast path setting and great food – it works well for small groups but you’ll be lucky to find a spot for bigger family gatherings. They do however serve up wonderful breakfasts too for the early risers. There are plenty of other options behind the sand for lunch stops, sandwiches and snacks.
Access & Parking
A 50-minute drive from Palma and just 10 minutes from Santanyí town. There’s a decent-sized paid car park right behind the beach, but it fills fast in summer – otherwise you’ll have to search along the access lane.
Good to Know
The coves of the south are brilliant for all day sunshine, less so for sunsets. If you want to see the sun hit the sea, head to Es Trenc beach instead, or nearby Colonia de Sant Jordi for sundowners and the last of the days rays.
9.
Cala Llombards
Scenic southern cove with turquoise water and rocks to jump off
Family Friendly Vibe
Cala Llombards is one of the southeast’s most photogenic coves, with soft white sand, bright turquoise water, colourful fishing huts and rocky edges that feel like a natural swimming pool. Local families love it, particularly those with adventurous kids who enjoy scrambling over rocks and jumping into the sea. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, but it gets packed in summer. This one’s no secret.
Beach Basics
Sunbeds with umbrellas, seasonal lifeguards, toilets, outdoor showers and a simple beach bar. A wooden boardwalk leads onto the sand from the car park.
Pushchair Friendly?
Yes. Flat access and a boardwalk make it manageable.
Family Fun
The water is generally calm and crystal clear, great for swimming, paddling, and snorkelling close to shore. Braver kids will love jumping from the flat rocks along the edges of the cove. It’s just enough of a thrill to keep them entertained, with no big drops or waves to worry about.
Where to Eat
A good seasonal pop-up beach restaurant Chiringuito Cala Llombards runs July–September with lunches, ice creams and drinks. Outside of these months, make sure to stock up on your picnic and snacks in nearby Santanyí or Llombards.
Access & Parking
Just over an hour from Palma. The free-to-park dirt car park behind the beach fills fast, after which cars line the small lanes down to the beach. No direct bus, but TIB buses run to Llombards village, around a 20-minute walk away.
Good to Know
It’s relatively small and very popular with families and tourists. Arrive early if you want a spot close to the water, it will be packed by 11am in high season.
10.
Es Trenc
Powder-soft sand and shallow water without the resort backdrop
Family Friendly Vibe
Es Trenc is one of Mallorca’s most iconic beaches, with 2km of fine white sand and shallow, Caribbean-blue water. Despite its popularity, it retains a wild feel thanks to protected dunes, pine trees and salt flats behind the beach. There’s no promenade or resort in sight anywhere along the beach, just sand, sea, and a myriad of blues. It’s a place for long walks along the shoreline, easy shallow paddling, and afternoon naps under the umbrella.
Beach Basics
Facilities are basic but cover the essentials. There are seasonal lifeguards, toilets, and a couple of beach bars for drinks and snacks, including one near the Ses Covetes entrance. You’ll find a handful of sunbeds with umbrellas nearby, but they’re limited, so it’s best to bring your own shade, beach toys, and plenty of water.
If you’re after those same Caribbean-blue views as Es Trenc but with facilities close at hand and easier pushchair access, head instead to Platja dels Estanys near Colònia de Sant Jordi. It’s a direct extension of Es Trenc, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a lifeguard, and a big family friendly restaurant just behind the beach.
Pushchair Friendly?
Access from all parking areas is flat, but without a wooden boardwalk it’s easiest to set up close to the beach entrance.
Family Fun
The water stays shallow for ages, which makes it great for little swimmers and beach games. There are no pedalo boats or watersports, so the atmosphere stays quiet and natural. Older kids might enjoy wandering along the shore towards Ses Covetes, where they’ll find some low rocks to jump from and a few village shops for ice creams, inflatables, and beach gear.
Where to Eat
There are a couple of family friendly eateries set just off the beach near the Ses Covetes access point, including Bar Esperanza and Noray, both serve drinks, snacks, and simple lunches with a relaxed, beachy vibe. The other end (towards Colònia de Sant Jordi), 5illes is popular with families, and a great spot for a sunset drink (but make sure to bring mosquito spray)
Access & Parking
Around 45 minutes from Palma. TIB buses run to Ses Covetes and Colònia de Sant Jordi in season. There are three main access points to the beach, each with a slightly different feel and level of facilities.
- Es Trenc Ses Salines is the central car park (paid), with direct access to the widest and most undeveloped stretch of sand. It’s the best option if you want easy access to the beach and are bringing your own shade, picnic and beach gear.
- Ses Covetes, at the western end, involves a 15–20 minute walk to the beach from the main (paid) car park. It’s often worth dropping the family closer before parking.
- Colònia de Sant Jordi, at the eastern end, is accessed via the resort town and is technically a separate beach called Platja dels Estanys. Parking is in town and may involve a walk through the resort.
Good to Know
As a natural beach, Es Trenc can have large seaweed banks at times (particularly at the beginning of the season), which may limit easy water access, or require a little wading through, in places. Keep in mind, some stretches of the beach are popular with nudists. Stick to either end or near the main access points if you prefer neighbours in swimsuits!
Family Friendly Tip: We often head to the beach for the late-afternoon stretch, arriving around 16h when parking starts to free up, then staying through to sunset at around 19h. The heat is more manageable, the light is at its best, and sundowners while the kids tuck into hot dogs and patatas bravas usually mean we only need to track down an ice cream later in the evening.
Which Beach is Best for Your Family Day Out?
- For soft sand and toddler-friendly shallows – Playa de Muro or Es Trenc normally promise calm, shallow water that stretches out to sea.
- For convenience and full facilities – Port de Sóller, Playa de Muro, or Playa Portals Nous. Lifeguards, cafés, sun beds, and parking options close enough to avoid a full-blown kit-lugging workout.
- For cove hopping and turquoise water – Base yourself in the southeast and flit between Cala Mondragó, Cala Santanyí, and Cala Llombards. Turquoise swims, pine-shaded picnics, and a different view each day.
- For nature and unspoilt beauty – Cala Agulla’s pine forest backdrop, Es Trenc’s salt flat’s or Cala Mondragó’s protected park feel a world away from the busier resort beaches.
- For cliff-jumping kids and rocky edges – Cala Llombards and Cala Santanyí have low ledges, clear water, and just enough thrill to keep confident swimmers happy.
- Close to Palma – Illetes or Playa Portals Nous. Calm water, sunbeds, lifeguards, beachside dining, and full beach club service at Balneario if you want to take it easy
- For beach breakfasts – Cala Santanyí is a winner for an early swim followed by a seaside cafe breakfast..
- For the late risers – Playa de Muro still has parking at either end (albeit with a bit of a hunt) and space on the sand at midday.
- For super sunsets – Playa de Muro, Es Trenc, and Port de Sóller promise magical sunsets and super sundowners spots on the sand.
Plan Your Family Beach Day
Timing
When we say arrive early, we mean before 9 or 10h in peak summer and before 11h outside school holidays. Parking is easier, the sea is calmer and there’s more space on the sand. Late afternoons from around 16h through sunset are another reliable window, particularly in July and August.
Lunch planning
For all beach restaurants or chiringuitos mentioned in our guides, booking lunch in advance is strongly recommended, especially from late June through August.
Seasonal services
Lifeguard services and most beach cafés and restaurants in Mallorca operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with reduced services or closures outside these months.
More family beaches
These are our family favourites, but Mallorca has so many more beaches that work brilliantly with children, from easy access city bays to quieter coves. Explore our favourite beaches by region for more ideas.
