Updated May 2026
Mallorca is best known for its beaches, and fair enough, they are fabulous. But take the kids away from the coast for a day and the island reveals a completely different side: hilltop fortresses with views to Menorca, coastal watchtowers built to spot pirate ships, medieval walled towns, and ancient burial sites by the sea.
The island’s defensive story goes back a long way, from Talayotic remains dating to around 1000 BCE through to the castles and forts of the 13th and 14th centuries, built to hold off invasions, pirates, and rival kingdoms. The results are scattered across the island – crumbling hilltop fortresses, walled medieval towns, and coastal watchtowers.
If you’re visiting in May, two events are worth building a trip around. Early in the month, pirates storm the shores of Sóller for the re-enactment of the 1561 Es Firó battle. Shortly after, Capdepera transforms into a medieval town for a weekend of jousting, juggling, knights, and falconry displays. The Medieval Fair fills the cobbled streets with music, crafts, and costumed performers.
Here are ten castles, forts, and historic outdoor sites worth visiting with kids.
North & Northeast Coast
1.
Capdepera Castle
CASTLES, COSTUMES & COBBLESTONE ADVENTURES
An impressive walled fortress in the northeast, full of staircases, towers, and views across to Menorca on a clear day. Castell de Capdepera is one of Mallorca’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, sitting on a hilltop above the town with views across the coast and, on a clear day, all the way to Menorca. Construction began in 1310 on the orders of King Jaume II, built to protect the locals from the pirate raids that regularly hit this stretch of coastline.
At its peak, over 125 houses sat within the walls. The Gothic ramparts, completed in 1386, are still fully walkable, and the site includes several towers, a 14th-century chapel, a cistern, a governor’s house and an archaeological excavation area. It’s one of those places that actually rewards a slow wander rather than a quick loop.
Every third weekend of May, the castle and surrounding cobbled streets host the Mercat Medieval de Capdepera – one of the island’s biggest and best-attended medieval fairs. The event commemorates the Treaty of Capdepera, signed in 1231, when King James I had bonfires lit along the coast to trick the Menorcans into believing a large army had gathered – and it worked. Knights, falconry, jousting, fire shows, giants, big heads, live music and traditional craft demonstrations including llata weaving and basket work fill the streets across three days. It draws crowds from across the island, and is best enjoyed early in the day before the streets get too busy.
- Location: Capdepera (parking in the town below)
- Best for: 5yrs+ (no pushchairs, baby carriers only)
- Opening Hours: 10h-20h (May-Sep) / 10h-19h (Apr) / 10h-17h (Oct-Mar), daily
- Entry: €4 adults, €2 kids 8–12, free under 8
- Facilities: Toilets, very small indoor museum, NO cafe.
Top Tip: There’s a short stepped climb uphill to reach the castle from town, so aim for early morning or late afternoon, and bring hats and water in sunshine – there’s not much shade.
2.
Castell de Sant Salvador (Arta)
COUNT THE STEPS UP TO A FORTRESS & CAFÉ AT THE TOP
Climb the 180 steps from Artà’s old town up to this 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 has Moorish origins – a stronghold and mosque known as Almudaina stood here before the Catalan conquest of 1229, after which it became a Christian sanctuary. The defensive walls were built in the 14th century and have been reconstructed several times since. Inside, you’ll find the church (Santuari) of Sant Salvador and a small café with outdoor tables – good for a cold drink or ice cream before heading back down.
- Location: Artà (town centre parking)
- Best for: All ages (no pushchairs)
- Opening Hours: Daily 8h-18h
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: Small café, toilets
3.
Punta de n’Amer Watchtower (Cala Millor)
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 watchtower was built between 1693 and 1696 to defend the stretch of coast between Porto Cristo and Cap Roig. Kids can climb the spiral stairs, clamber on cannons, explore the mini museum inside, and head up to the rooftop for wide-open sea views – supervision required for young children on stairs and roof.
The walk to the castle is an easy, flat trail through pine woods and coastal dunes – around 30 minutes from either resort, and manageable with a pushchair if it has chunky wheels.
Top Tip: Check out the aquarium at the watchtower café.
- Location: Access from Cala Millor or Sa Coma (plenty of parking in either resort)
- Best for: All ages (off-road pushchairs only)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10h-18h30
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: Restaurant & café with toilets for clients
4.
Alcúdia Old Town
RAMPARTS, GATES, AND MEDIEVAL STROLLS
alk the medieval walls and towers of Alcúdia’s old town. Built in the 14th century, these well-preserved walls are good to walk along – and fast to scoot alongside. You can enter via the old gates and climb the towers for great views. For something older, the ruins of ancient Pollentia are just next door.
Alcúdia is pedestrian-friendly, so you can pair the history with an ice cream, a meal, or a 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 to yourselves.
- Location: Alcudia Old Town (parking lots around the outside of the gates)
- Best for: All ages
- Opening Hours: Always open
- Entry: Free (Pollentia entrance is €4)
- Facilities: Cafes, toilets and shady spots a-plenty.
5.
Son Real Necropolis (Can Picafort)
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 a small but charming museum, toilets, shaded picnic areas, and signed walking trails. The route to the necropolis from here is slightly longer – around 4.5 km return – but 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 2.3 km round trip from Son Bauló, mostly flat and pushchair-manageable with chunky wheels.
- Location:Son Bauló, near Can Picafort (roadside or lot parking in Son Bauló)
- Best for: All ages
- Opening Hours: Always open
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: none
Tramuntana & Northwest Coast
6.
Alaró Castle
A CLIFFTOP STRONGHOLD WITH A HIKE TO MATCH
One of the most scenic hikes on the island leads to this clifftop fortress. First documented in 902, it was built by the Moors and later taken by Jaume I in the 13th century, going on to play a part in many battles against invading forces. The castle ruins are mostly rubble but quite dramatic, and the views across the Tramuntana are extraordinary. It’s a serious climb with some scary drops from the top – best suited to ages 8 and up.
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 walk.
- Location: Alaro, park at the bottom for a longer hike or brave the narrow bumpy road to Es Verger’s parking for a slightly shorter climb.
- Best for: Ages 8+
- Opening Hours: Always open (hike required)
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: No facilities at the top; restaurant at Es Verger below
7.
Torre del Verger (Banyalbufar)
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 worth every step. This is a quick stop rather than a full outing, but it 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.
- Location: Ma-10 road near Banyalbufar (small roadside parking area)
- Best for: Adventurous kids 7+ (not suitable for pushchairs)
- Opening Hours: Always open
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: None
South & South Coast
8.
Santueri Castle (Felanitx)
WILD RUINS WITH SWEEPING SEA VIEWS
Dating back to Roman times, later expanded by the Moors and rebuilt 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. 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 (45 mins) 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.
- Location: Felanitx (the hike is approx. 45mins uphill from the small parking lot)
- Best for: Adventurous kids 7+ (not suitable for pushchairs)
- Opening Hours: Daily 10.30h–18h (closed on Sundays, seasonal)
- Entry: €4 adults, kids free
- Facilities: None
Palma
9.
Castell De Bellver (Palma)
A ROYAL FORTRESS IN THE FOREST, WITH VIEWS, PRISON TALES AND AN IMPRESSIVE PLAYGROUND
A circular Gothic castle with turrets, drawbridges, and views for miles. Kids can roam the well-preserved ramparts, explore the inner courtyard, and enjoy shaded walks through the pine forest below. Built in the 14th century for King Jaume II of Mallorca, the castle later served for several hundred 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, or stock up from the café at the castle.
- Location: Palma (small parking lot at the castle itself)
- Best for: All ages (some pushchair access in castle, limited off road access in forest but you can walk up to the castle with a pushchair following the road)
- Opening Hours: Tues–Sat 10h–19h, Sun 10h–15h, closed Mondays
- Entry: €4 adults, free for under 14s (resident discount available, free on Sundays)
- Facilities: A cafe with views just outside the castle, Toilets
10.
Castillo San Carlos Military Museum (Palma)
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 great, and the museum is small enough to manage in under an hour, with shaded areas and a seafront promenade just outside. Spot the resident donkeys in the gardens as you stroll.
Top Tip: Continue your cultural adventures at the nearby colourful world of one of Mallorca’s most famous painters Fundació Miró Mallorca. Or pop to neighbouring Porto Pi for an air conditioned lunch and a spot of big brand retail therapy.
- Location: Palma
- Best for: All ages
- Opening Hours: Tues–Sun 10h–14h, closed Mondays
- Entry: Free
- Facilities: Toilets, small cafe
Mallorca’s history stretches well beyond this list but these ten sites are a solid starting point – spread across the island, mostly free, all are outdoors, and a fair few involve a climb that earns an ice cream afterwards. Once you start looking, you’ll find there’s a watchtower, a ruin, or a walled town around almost every corner.
Planning a trip to Mallorca? I create personalised itineraries and experiences for families who want to go beyond the beach and experience the best of the island. Get in touch.
Info correct as of May 2026. Check official sites for up-to-date hours and ticket prices.
