May is the perfect time for a living history lesson in Mallorca. Last weekend, pirates stormed the shores of Sóller for the re-enactment of the 1561 Es Firó battle; this weekend, Capdepera transforms for its three-day Medieval Fair, complete with jousting, juggling, knights, and falconry displays.
The Medieval fair runs over three days, filling Capdepera’s cobbled streets with music, medieval crafts, and costumed performers. It’s a fun one for families — especially with little ones who’ll enjoy the buzz, the colours, and all the action.
Discover the 2025 Program here.
If you miss the May festivities, or are keen for the family to explore more of Mallorca’s historical castles and forts, there’s plenty to discover. The island’s defensive story goes way back—with remains from the Talayotic period (around 1000 BCE) to the more recognisable castles of the 13th and 14th centuries, built to defend against invasions, pirates, and rival kingdoms. From crumbling towers to hilltop fortresses with sweeping sea views, here are 10 brilliant castles, forts, and historic outdoor spots to visit with kids.
1
A proper walled fortress in the northeast, this castle is full of staircases, towers and views across to Menorca on a clear day. Built in 1300 by King Jaume II to control the coast and protect against pirate raids, it’s beautifully preserved with walkable ramparts and all the fairytale feels.
Top Tip: There’s a 10min climb uphill (steps) to reach the castle from town so aim for early morning or late afternoon, and best to bring hats and water—there’s not much shade. Visit during Capdepera’s Medieval Festival in May for costumed duels and court jugglers.
2
Count the steps up to a fortress & café at the top
Climb the 180 steps from Artà’s old town up to this 14th-century hilltop fortress. The path is shaded and manageable with kids, and once you’re at the top, there’s plenty of space to explore the ramparts, run along the walls, and take in the big views across the Llevant hills to the sea.
The site was originally a Muslim fortress in the 10th century and later became a Christian sanctuary after the Catalan conquest. Most of what you see today dates from the 14th century, though the defensive walls were rebuilt in the 20th. Inside, you’ll find the church of Sant Salvador and a small café with outdoor tables — good for a cold drink or ice cream before heading back down.
3
Drawbridges, cannons and castle play for all ages
At the tip of a flat(ish) coastal nature reserve between Cala Millor and Sa Coma, this 17th-century watchtower once defended the island from pirates. Today, its a great spot for kids to play pirate attack as they can climb the spiral stairs, climb on cannons, explore the mini museum inside, and head up to the rooftop for wide-open sea views (supervision required for young kids on stairs and roof).
The walk to the castle is an easy, flat trail through pine woods and coastal dunes — about 30 minutes from either resort, and manageable with a pushchair if it has chunky wheels.
Top Tip: Make sure to check out the epic aquarium at the watchtower cafe
4
RAMPARTS, GATES, AND MEDIEVAL STROLLS
Walk the medieval walls and towers of Alcúdia’s charming old town. Built in the 14th century, these well-preserved walls are fun to walk along — and fast to scoot alongside of! You can enter via the old gates and climb the towers for great views. If you’re after something a little older (think Roman), the ruins of ancient Pollentia are just next door.
Alcúdia is pedestrian-friendly, so you can combine a bit of history with an ice cream, meal out or market day visit (Tuesday or Sunday mornings).
Top tip: Go early or later in the day to skip the crowds. It’s especially atmospheric in winter — you might just have the walls (and the view) all to yourself
5
ANCIENT TOMBS BY THE SEA ON A FAMILY BEACH WALK
Known as the “Cemetery of the Phoenicians,” this archaeological site near Son Bauló beach includes over 100 burial chambers carved into the rock, some dating to the 7th century BC. Kids can explore the rocky coastline and see photos of the skeletal remains uncovered inside the tombs.
You can also park and walk from the Finca Pública de Son Real, where there’s an interpretation centre, toilets, shaded picnic areas, and signed walking trails. The route to the necropolis from here is slightly longer — around 4.5 km return — but it’s a scenic and manageable path for families.
Top Tip: Pair the walk with a swim, picnic or lunch at Son Bauló beach — it’s about a 2.3km round trip from Son Bauló, mostly flat and buggy-manageable with chunky wheels.
6
One of the most scenic hikes on the island leads to this clifftop fortress. Built over 1000 years ago by the Moors but ‘refurbished’ by Jaume I in the 13th Century, this fortress was used successfully in many battles against invading forces. The castle ruins are mostly rubble but quite dramatic, and the views across the Tramuntana are breathtaking. It’s a bit of a climb (with some scary drops from the top), but older kids will love the adventure.
Top tip: Start early to beat the heat and book an outdoor table for a lamb lunch at Es Verger below. The restaurant also makes a cosy indoors after a winter’w walk.
7
A SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO PIRATE-SPOTTING VIEWS
This old watchtower was built in the 16th-century to guard against pirate attacks and looks like it belongs in a storybook. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top (with supervision), and the sea views are spectacular. This is a quick stop spot rather than a full outing, but a has all the fairytale feels and is a favourite for photos. Close supervision required at all times. Not recommended with young children.
Top tip: Rather remote so best planned as a stop-off on route to Banyalbufar for a swim or the family friendly ‘Camí de Sa Volta Des General’ coastal hike.
8
Dating back to Roman times, later rebuilt by the Moors and fortified again in the 14th century, this lesser-known castle has sweeping views and crumbling ruins to explore. Kids can climb, wander, and scan a QR code for a bit of history on the go. It’s one of Mallorca’s three rocky castles — along with Alaró and Castell del Rei in Pollença — wild, remote, and with views stretching from Cap de Formentor to Cabrera on a clear day.
Top tip: The hike is uphill (45mins) and best suited to older kids, the promise of lunch and an afternoon on the beach in Portocolom might be just the ticket! Book a table at one of our favourite beach restaurants here.
9
A ROYAL FORTRESS IN THE FOREST, WITH VIEWS, PRISON TALES AND AN IMPRESSIVE PLAYGROUND
A proper circular Gothic castle with turrets, drawbridges and views for miles. Kids can roam the impeccably preserved ramparts, explore the inner courtyard, and enjoy shaded walks through the pine forest below. The castle was built in the 14th-century for King Jaume II of Mallorca but later served for several hundred of years as a prison for enemies of the Crown, before becoming the historical site and small museum it is today.
Top tip: See the castle first then walk downhill (10-15 mins) through the forest to the impressive adventure playground. Bring a picnic lunch, there are no cafes.
10
CANNONS, SHIPS AND SEA VIEWS AT PALMA’S OLD HARBOUR FORT
Housed in a former 18th Century fortress overlooking the harbour, this museum traces Mallorca’s military history with cannons, uniforms, and weaponry—much of it outdoors. Kids will enjoy exploring the battlements, spotting ships in the bay, and checking out the enormous cannons. The views over the bay are brilliant, and the museum is small enough to manage in under an hour, with shaded areas and a seafront promenade just outside.
Top Tip: Pop to neighbouring Porto Pi for an air conditioned lunch and a spot of big brand retail therapy. Or continue your cultural adventures at the nearby colourful world of one of Mallorca’s most famous painters Fundació Miró Mallorca.
Of course, Mallorca has plenty more historical sites worth exploring with kids. This list brings together our outdoor favourites — places where a bit of learning, a dash of fairytale magic, and plenty of space to roam all come together.
Looking for more family-friendly island adventures? Explore our Top 10 Coastal Hikes here.
Info correct as of May 2025. Check official sites for up-to-date hours and ticket prices.
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