Destination Guides

Pollença, Alcúdia, and the North Coast; The Family Friendly Guide

The North Coast is a brilliant spot for family holidays, with a mix of history, great food, and fantastic beaches. Alcúdia stands out for its charming old town, with cobbled streets and Roman ruins. Down by the water, the Port of Alcúdia is a hub for boat trips and watersports. Over in Pollença, you’ll find a more traditional Mallorcan vibe, with a fantastic weekly market and excellent restaurants. Nearby, Port de Pollença’s Pine Walk is a family favourite for laid-back waterfront strolls. For a classic family resort holdiay, Playa de Muro wins top spot for its soft sand, shallow waters, and a fantastic choice of hotels with splash-tastic pools and action-packed kids’ clubs.

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1. Best Beaches 2. Parent Perks 3. Family Fun 4. Eating Out with Kids 5. Where to Stay 6. Practical Information

Best Beaches

Playa de Muro is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Mallorca, with its shallow, calm waters, soft sand and escapist vibes. For something a little different, hop on a boat from Alcúdia or Port de Pollença and head to Formentor Beach, a stunning spot with crystal-clear water and incredible views.

Parent Perks

The Pine Walk: Stroll along Pollença’s Pine Walk —flat, scenic, and shaded, with plenty of café stops and play spots, perfect for morning or evening strolls.

Historic Towns: Get lost in the charming streets of Alcúdia Old Town or soak up the laid-back vibe in Pollença Old Town. Both are perfect for an evening wander and a relaxed family dinner.

Stress-Free Beach Days: Playa de Muro has everything you need for a relaxing day with kids—plus some excellent beachfront restaurants for long paella lunches or sundowner drinks.

Family Fun

Boat Trips and Water Sports: Try paddleboarding, kayaking and coasteering, or take a boat trip to explore hidden coves from Alcúdia or Port de Pollença.

Cycling in Albufera Park: Flat trails through wetlands teeming with wildlife, even flamingos, make a great break from the beach.

Horse Riding: Local ranchos offer family-friendly rides through scenic beach and countryside trails.

Eating Out with Kids

The North Coast is packed with family-friendly restaurants. Playa de Muro is a top spot for laid-back beachfront dining, with places like Ponderosa Beach serving fresh seafood alongside a relaxed vibe. In the evenings, head to Alcúdia Old Town or Pollença Old Town, where you’ll find everything from traditional Mallorcan dishes to pizza and pasta for younger diners.

Where to Stay

The North Coast is a haven for family-friendly stays, especially in Playa de Muro and Alcúdia, where many hotels cater specifically to families with children. For those who prefer a more traditional vibe, Pollença Old Town offers boutique hotels and charming villa rentals with plenty of character.

Iberostar Albufera Park: This beachfront hotel is a hit with families, featuring great family rooms, kids’ splash pools, all inclusive options and a wide range of activities, all just steps from Playa de Muro’s sandy shore.
Hotel Apartment Illa d’Or: A timeless option in Port de Pollença, this hotel-apartment hybrid combines modern family-friendly amenities with a peaceful location by the gorgeous pine walk, perfectly placed for easy evening strolls to dinner in the port.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: Many hotels and some restaurants close in the winter months, so the area can feel a bit quiet before April, especially near the coast in Muro and Port de Pollenca. That said, the towns of Alcúdia, Port d’Alcudia and Pollença make a brilliant base for off-season hiking and cycling adventures, and deliver firey fiestas from January through the spring. Alcudia Old Town in particular makes for excellent adventures on scooter before the crowds arrive!

Distance from Palma Airport: Around 60km (50 minutes by car).

Transport: A car is useful for exploring, but buses connect Alcúdia, Pollença, and Playa de Muro with ease.

Best For:

Not Ideal For: Alcúdia might not be the best fit for families seeking a boutique or a more traditional Mallorcan experience – it’s home to large resort hotels and can feel busy during peak season. Nearby Pollença and inland villages do offer alternatives however if you rent your own car.