Palma is a great base for families who want culture, convenience and the sea within easy reach. It’s compact and walkable, with historic streets, playgrounds, city beaches and plenty of places to eat well without over-planning the day. You can wander, stop, swim, eat and repeat, all without needing a car.
Outside peak summer is best with kids. It’s cooler, less tourist-heavy and full of life, with a festive buzz over Christmas and plenty going on in spring and autumn, making it an easy, flexible base for families throughout the year.
Palma at a Glance
Palma centres around a walkable historic old town, with the impressive gothic cathedral right on the water, and a large playground shaded by palms just beneath it. Cobbled streets, shady squares and plenty of places to stop for ice cream, snacks or a wander make it easy to explore without a car.
Santa Catalina feels slightly more residential, with a strong café scene, a food market worth a wander, and the excellent Sa Feixina playground close by.
Bellver and El Terreno sit a little further along the coast past Santa Catalina, still reachable on foot, and with easy (but uphill) access to Bellver Castle’s park and wooden playground – a highlight for kids.
Heading in the other direction, Portixol and Molinar are seaside suburbs with a long, flat promenade, small beaches and cycle lanes that run all the way back into the city. It’s a favourite for scooters, balance bikes and pre-dinner strolls along the water. Continue towards Playa de Palma and you reach Palma Aquarium, one of the city’s most popular family attractions and open year-round.
Best Beaches
Palma makes it surprisingly easy to mix city time with proper beach days.
Can Pere Antoni sits right by the Old Town. It’s flat, sandy and backed by a long promenade that works well for pushchairs, scooters and bike rides straight from the city.
Cycle or hop in a taxi past Portixol and you’ll reach Playa Ciutat Jardí, a solid choice for beach days with a relaxed café scene just behind the sand. Continue a little further and you arrive at Cala Estància, close to the airport, with a sheltered, clean and calm bay that works especially well for toddlers.
Cala Major, a short bus or taxi ride west of the centre, is sheltered and family-friendly, though it gets busy in summer so earlier visits tend to work best.
For clearer water and a more scenic feel, Illetes on the southwest coast is around 15 minutes away by bus or taxi and fits neatly into a half-day beach plan.
Parent Perks
Old Town wandering: Palma’s historic centre is compact and pushchair-friendly, with shaded squares, small shops, markets and plenty of ice-cream stops along the way.
Easy eating: Family-friendly cafés and restaurants are everywhere, many with outdoor tables, early openings and space for kids to sit, snack or roam without stress.
Simple logistics: Beaches, playgrounds, transport links and attractions all sit close together, making Palma an easy, walkable base without relying on a car.
Family Fun
Palma offers plenty to do beyond wandering the streets and playgrounds.
Palma Aquarium is a reliable hit, with large tanks, interactive exhibits and indoor play areas.
Bellver Castle makes a good half-day outing. The circular castle is easy to explore, the views stretch across the bay, and the playground below is fun for everyone.
Seafront cycling along the Paseo Marítimo is flat and straightforward. Bike hire is easy, and there are plenty of places to stop for ice cream or lunch along the way.
For big-kid thrills, Western Water Park in Magaluf or Aqualand in Arenal are around 20 minutes away by car.
Eating Out with Kids
Palma is one of the best places on the island to eat, with a strong foodie scene that runs year-round. From bakeries and market counters to neighbourhood favourites and beachfront spots, there’s a huge amount of choice and very little seasonal drop-off.
It’s not a city designed around children’s menus or early dining, but families eat extremely well here if they know where to go. International cuisines are easy to find, with particularly good Mediterranean, Italian and Japanese options, alongside poke bowls and casual lunch spots that work well between sightseeing and beach stops. Jamón sandwiches, pastry-filled Mallorcan or Swedish bakeries and coffee bars are everywhere, making it easy to eat well without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Most restaurants are relaxed with children, even if they’re not overtly family-focused. You can always ask for a kids’ option, and there’s usually a high chair hidden away. Keep in mind Spanish dinner time is later, so many restaurants don’t open until 20h. There are, however, a number of good all-day kitchens in the centre of town that come in useful if you need to stick to earlier eating hours.
It’s also worth noting that Palma’s popular spots book up quickly, for lunch as well as dinner. If you’re travelling as a larger family, or hoping to eat at peak times, booking ahead is sensible, particularly in summer and during school holidays.
Where to Stay
Most families gravitate towards either serviced boutique hotels and aparthotels with space to spread out, or central four and five-star hotels offering interconnecting rooms. A few also have small rooftop pools, which can be a real bonus in the hotter months.
Staying in or close to the Old Town or along the seafront works particularly well with kids. You can walk or cycle almost everywhere, dip in and out of playgrounds, beaches and cafés, and avoid relying on taxis or a car.
For longer stays, apartments in the Old Town, Portixol or Santa Catalina are popular for the extra space and flexibility. If you do go down the apartment route, always check that the property has a valid tourist licence. In Mallorca, all short-term holiday lets (under 30 days) must be licensed. Ask for the ETV number – unlicensed Airbnb listings can cause problems on arrival.
Practical Information
Best time to visit – Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Christmas is also a great time to visit with kids; there’s plenty of festive spirit and things to do. Summer can work, but it’s very hot, so choosing your accommodation carefully is key.
Getting there – Palma airport is just 10–15 minutes away by taxi or EMT bus.
Getting around – Walking and cycling are easiest. Public buses connect the city with nearby beaches and towns. A car isn’t essential for a city stay.
Final Thoughts
Best for – Families who want a flexible base with culture, food, parks and beaches all within easy reach. Palma works well for short breaks, shoulder-season trips and families with older kids or teens.
Not ideal for – Families planning to spend most days on the beach. If beach-first living matters more than city convenience, staying along the southwest coast may be a better fit.
