The north east of Mallorca works well for families who like wide beaches, straightforward days by the sea, and the option to dip inland for markets, castles and quieter evenings. It’s a practical, beach-first part of the island, with long sandy stretches, flat promenades and a mix of purpose-built resort towns and more traditional inland bases.
It’s also a region of contrast. Along the coast, resort towns keep life easy with kids. Just a short drive inland, places like Artà and Capdepera offer a more local pace with weekly markets, food and culture.
The North East at a Glance
The north east isn’t about one single base. Each area brings a slightly different rhythm to family holidays.
Artà sits inland and anchors the region culturally. It’s a lived-in town with a popular weekly market, historic streets and a strong sense of everyday Mallorcan life. It works well for families staying in villas or agroturismes, happy to drive to the coast for beach days and return inland for quieter evenings.
Cala Mesquida, set apart 15 minutes north of Arta, is dominated by a couple of large, international resort hotels and appeals to families who want an all-in-one stay rather than a village base or independent dining scene.
Capdepera sits between town and coast, known for its hilltop castle and compact centre. Nearby Cala Ratjada brings a more mixed feel, with beaches, a working harbour, seasonal buzz and a strong German influence. Together, they suit families who want beach access with town life close by.
Cala Millor is the most resort-led part of the region. It’s practical and popular, with a long promenade, a huge sandy beach and lots of large hotels. It isn’t subtle, but it does what it sets out to do, particularly with younger children.
Further south, Porto Cristo works well as either a base or a stop along the way. It has a working harbour, good fish restaurants and easy access to some of the island’s best-known family attractions.
Best Beaches
The north east is known for beaches that are generous in size and easy with children.
Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla are two of the area’s most appealing beaches. Both are wide and sandy, with clear water and space to spread out. Cala Mesquida feels more open and windswept, backed by dunes, while Cala Agulla sits closer to town amenities.
Cala Millor Beach is long, flat and gently shelving, backed by a promenade that suits pushchairs, scooters and bike rides. It’s busy in summer, but space is rarely an issue.
Near Porto Cristo, Cala Anguila is a smaller, sheltered cove with calm water that works well for younger children, particularly earlier in the day.
Parent Perks
One of the main advantages of the north east is how straightforward it is with kids.
- Simple logistics, with beaches, resorts and attractions clustered close together
- Wide sandy beaches, with space, shallow water and easy access
- Flat promenades in Cala Millor, Sa Coma and Cala Bona that suit pushchairs and bikes
- Market mornings, especially Artà’s Tuesday market, which is lively without feeling hectic
Family Fun
This part of the island lends itself well to discovery and adventure.
Coasteering, climbing and caving: The northeast coast is perfect for a bit of adventure, with dramatic coastal landscapes and rocky terrain made for exploring. There are plenty of experienced local operators offering family-friendly day trips for kids (and grown-ups) keen to scramble, swim or climb their way along the coast.
Flat Walks for Easy Exploring: The region’s flat promenades and gentle trails, especially in Cala Millor and Sa Coma, make it easy for families with younger kids or pushchairs to enjoy scenic strolls or enjoy cycle rides along designated bicycle paths.
The Caves of Drach, Hams and Artà are all within easy reach of Porto Cristo and Cala Millor, and remain popular with families for good reason.
Dinosaurland, also near Porto Cristo, works well with younger children, combining outdoor play with themed exhibits.
Inland, Capdepera Castle is a fun mini-adventure, with turrets to climb, space to explore and wide views across countryside and coast.
The seaside resorts from Sa Coma to Cala Ratjada largely cater to seasonal visitors and are undeniably touristy. If you’re after something a little more authentic, Cala Bona offers a quieter, more charming harbour setting that’s popular with locals — ideal for dinner while the kids play nearby.
For fresh seafood and a laid-back family lunch or dinner, head south to Porto Cristo. And if you’ve got a car, it’s well worth heading inland to Artà, Capdepera, or Son Servera, where you’ll find excellent Mallorcan food in more local settings — often open year-round, not just when the sun’s out.
Eating Out with Kids
Dining along the north east coast reflects its holiday-resort nature. In resort towns from Sa Coma to Cala Ratjada, restaurants largely cater to seasonal visitors, with familiar menus, early opening hours and family-friendly service. Quality varies, but convenience is high.
For a more scenic coastal setting, Cala Bona‘s small harbour, works well for dinner while children play nearby. Porto Cristo is also a good option for more atmospheric seafood lunches or early evening meals by the harbour.
Inland, Artà, Capdepera and Son Servera reward a short drive with more traditional Mallorcan cooking and restaurants that stay open year-round.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the north east ranges from package-led resort hotels to charming rural stays inland stays.
Cala Millor, Cala Bona, Sa Coma and Cala Ratjada suit families who want everything close at hand, with all-inclusive hotels, easy beach access and minimal planning once you arrive. They’re lively, practical and built for family holidays.
Inland, Artà and Capdepera offer a quieter base with a more traditional feel. Villas and agroturismes around the towns appeal to families who want space, views and calmer evenings, and are happy to drive to the beach during the day.
Best time to visit
April to October works best for beach stays, as many resort restaurants and attractions close over winter. Outside peak season, the coastline suits cycling and walking, while inland towns stay active with local fiestas from January through spring.
Getting there
Allow 60–90 minutes by car from Palma Airport, depending on your base.
Getting around
Buses connect Palma with the main resort towns, but inland transport is limited. A car is recommended if you are staying in a villa or agroturisme.
Best for
Families after easy beach days, wide sands, flat promenades and resort-style convenience, or in-land those looking for rural views, peace and quiet, with the option to dip inland for markets, culture and local cooking.
Not ideal for
The coast here is beautiful and undeniably family friendly, but the resorts are purpose built and may not appeal to those looking for scenic boutique seaside stays or cutting edge dining.
