Updated May 2026
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. Summer works too, but it needs planning – the heat builds fast and by late morning in July and August the old town is better enjoyed from a shaded café terrace than on foot. Early starts and a sensible retreat plan make all the difference.
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 at Parc de la Mar. 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, with easy access to Bellver Castle’s park and wooden adventure playground – a highlight for kids of most ages.
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. A favourite for scooters, balance bikes and pre-dinner strolls along the water. Continue towards Playa de Palma and Arenal 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. Flat, sandy and backed by a long promenade that works well for pushchairs, scooters and bike rides straight from the city.
Playa Ciutat Jardí is a solid choice for a beach day with a relaxed café scene just behind the sand. A short cycle or taxi ride from the centre along the Portixol promenade.
Cala Estància, close to the airport, is a sheltered, calm bay that works especially well for toddlers and young children. One of the most reliable city-adjacent beaches on the island for very young children.
Cala Major, a short bus or taxi ride west of the centre, is sheltered and family-friendly. Gets busy in summer so earlier visits work best.
Illetes, around 15 minutes by bus or taxi on the southwest coast, has clearer water and a more scenic feel – fits neatly into a half-day beach plan but be warned, its small and gets very busy. Arrive before 11am or after 17h.
Parent Perks
Old town wandering: Palma’s historic centre is compact and pushchair-friendly in the central areas, with shaded squares, small shops, markets and 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. The foodie scene here is the best on the island and runs year-round.
Playgrounds at every turn: Palma has a surprisingly good spread of playgrounds, many of them well located alongside the main sights and eating spots. Let the kids run wild at Parc de la Mar below the Cathedral, Sa Feixina in Santa Catalina, or the adventure playground below Bellver Castle while you catch your breath, relax with a coffee, or pause along the shopping spree.
Simple logistics: Beaches, playgrounds, transport links and attractions all sit close together, making Palma an easy, walkable base without relying on a car. Public buses connect the city with nearby beaches and towns efficiently and taxis are relatively easy to find if you don’t mind tracking down the nearest taxi rank.
Shopping – El Corte Inglés, the Spanish department store, has two central branches – one of which (Jaime III) opens on Sundays and has a great view from the top floor café. Jaime III is the main shopping street for higher-end brands and Spanish favourites like Zara and Oysho. Head into the old town for smaller boutiques, independent fashion and footwear.
Family Fun
Palma Cathedral – La Seu
Don’t skip it, even with young children. The sheer scale of the Gothic architecture and the famous rose window – one of the largest in Europe – is impressive. Early morning or late afternoon is best for less crowds. Climb to the roof terrace if the kids are over nine – the views across the bay and the old town are hard to beat. Book tickets online to skip the queue, particularly in summer.
Book tickets for Palma Cathedral →
Parc de la Mar Playground
Directly below the Cathedral, Parc de la Mar has a lake, open space, and a playground with shady spots around. It’s flat and entirely pushchair-friendly – a easy run around after the Cathedral or old town wander. Ask the kids to spot the Drac de na Coca – a floating crocodile sculpture in the lake that brings to life one of Palma’s best legends: a real crocodile that escaped from a ship in the 17th century, terrorised the city from the sewers, and was eventually slain by a brave knight. The embalmed original is still on display at the Diocesan Museum, just beside the Cathedral, if anyone wants to see it up close.
Pick up an ice cream from Riva Reno on the way down for the walk along the waterfront.
Bellver Castle and the Adventure Playground
Palma’s circular 14th-century castle sits in a pine forest above the city with sweeping views across the bay, parking just outside, and a little cafe on sit. The castle itself is easy to explore with kids – and won’t take long. The real highlight is the wooden adventure playground in the public park below. Well-equipped, shaded by pines, and a favourite for local families.
Entry to the castle is free for under-14s (minimal for others); the park and playground are free for all.
Plan your visit to Bellver Castle →
Palma Aquarium
A reliable half-day whatever the weather. Palma Aquarium is air-conditioned, well laid out, and just the right size for short attention spans. Highlights include the large shark tank, the jellyfish tunnel, and the touch pools where you can touch the starfish and sea cucumbers. Book tickets online to avoid queuing.
Afterwards, Can Pastilla beach is right in front of the Aquarium – shallow, calm and ideal for a nap in the pushchair while you power walk the waterfront back towards Palma.
Palma Old Town: Markets and Food Halls
Worth a wander with children of most ages – not necessarily to eat but to look. The fish counter at Mercat de l’Olivar is fun for all ages, the olives and jamón are everywhere, and curious toddlers will likely find it more culturally engaging than many a museum. Mercat de Santa Catalina in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood has a similar atmosphere and a great playground at Sa Feixina nearby.
Seafront Cycling
The cycle path along the Paseo Marítimo is flat and well-maintained, running from the old town all the way out towards Portixol and beyond. Hire bikes in Palma on the seafront or old town, or Arenal – there are options for kids bikes, e-bikes and child seats. A fun morning activity for active families, with plenty of café stops and sea views along the way.
Tren de Sóller
The vintage wooden train from Palma’s central stations is a fun way to visit Sóller. The journey passes through mountain tunnels and citrus groves before arriving in Sóller, where a heritage tram runs down to the port for lunch. A full day but a good one.
Eating Out with Kids
Palma is one of the best places on the island to eat, with a foodie scene that runs year-round. From market counters and neighbourhood bakeries to seafront restaurants and old town institutions, there’s a huge amount of choice. It’s not a city designed around kid’s menus or early dining, but families eat extremely well here if they know where and when to go.
Most restaurants are relaxed about children even if they’re not overtly family-focused. Outdoor tables are the norm in summer, which helps. Keep in mind that Spanish dinner time is late – most restaurants don’t open until 20h – but all-day kitchens and early-opening spots exist if you need them.
Our top ten picks for easy dinners out in Palma →
Popular spots book up in summer and during school holidays. Book ahead for lunch as well as dinner if you’re eating as a larger group, or try one of the casual lunch dining spots below:
Café Poupette – A pretty brasserie-style café right next to Parc de la Mar playground, good for all day dining options from eggs to burgers. There’s no kids menu but plenty they’ll enjoy. Relaxed atmosphere and outdoor tables.
Mar i Luz at Es Baluard – The terrace café at Es Baluard museum sits on top of Palma’s 16th-century city wall with space for the kids to play and one of the best views in the city – the bay, the Cathedral and Bellver Castle all in one sweep. Good for a coffee stop, a sundowner, or lunch after a museum visit. You don’t need to visit the museum to use the café.
Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo – An institution. Palma’s oldest café, with three locations in the city, serving traditional Mallorcan sweets, almond ice cream, thick hot chocolate and ensaïmada since 1700. All indoors but visit for the old-fashioned atmosphere and legendary almond ice cream.
Born 8 – Lunch on the Passeig des Born, Palma’s elegant boulevard with plenty of people watching and often a ‘bubble man’ to keep the kids entertained. Good all day dining in a convenient central location.
Ice cream: Ca’n Miquel – Serving all-natural, locally sourced gelat since 1979. Traditional ice cream cups for the children, innovative savoury flavours like for parents who can be persuaded to try something other than chocolate. Cool indoor seating with hidden just off Jaime III.
Ice cream: Riva Reno – Famous for good reason. The chocolate fountain cone dip is a guaranteed hit with children, and the old town locations are plentiful enough that you’re never too far from a happy child.
Where to Stay
Most families gravitate towards boutique hotels and aparthotels with space to spread out, or central four and five-star hotels with interconnecting rooms. Staying in or close to the old town or along the seafront works particularly well with children – you can walk or cycle almost everywhere.
For longer stays, apartments in the old town, Portixol or Santa Catalina offer extra space and flexibility. If you go the apartment route elsewhere online, always check the property has a valid tourist licence – all short-term lets under 30 days must be licensed in Mallorca. Ask for the ETV number to be sure.
Our hotel picks across Palma
These are our recommendations across the city’s main neighbourhoods – from a central seafront five-star to a boutique aparthotel with room to spread out. For personalised advice on which property suits your family best, get in touch.
Meliá Palma Marina ★★★★★
Central, seafront and well set up for families. Family rooms and interconnecting options with views across the marina. The location puts you within walking distance of the Cathedral, Parc de la Mar and the seafront promenade. A practical five-star options in the city for families who want to be in the middle of everything.
Check availability on Booking.com
Hotel Portixol ★★★★
A boutique seaside hotel in the Portixol neighbourhood, a short flat walk or cycle ride along the seafront from the old town. Design-led, relaxed, and right on the water with a small pool and direct access to the promenade for strolls, cycle rides and seaside playgrounds. A good fit for families who want a calmer, more residential feel than a city centre hotel, with easy city access when you want it.
Check availability on Booking.com
Terreno Suites ★★★★
Boutique aparthotel in the El Terreno neighbourhood, between the marina and Bellver Castle Park. Stylish one and two-bedroom serviced apartments up to 100 square metres, each with a fully equipped kitchen, living area and private terrace or balcony. A small rooftop pool with sea views, concierge service and private parking. The extra space works well with young children – you can eat when you want, spread out, and treat the apartment as a proper base rather than just a place to sleep. Ten minutes on foot to Santa Catalina, another ten to the old town beyond.
Check availability on Booking.com
Portella ★★★★★
A 17th-century palace in the heart of the old town, restored into a 14-room boutique hotel with a courtyard, rooftop terrace, hammam and in-house chef. Suites and junior suites have kitchenettes; the two-bedroom apartment has a large terrace overlooking the Arab Baths. The atmosphere is intimate and design-led but works for families with slightly older (or quieter) kids.
Check availability on Booking.com
Sheraton Mallorca Arabella Golf Son Vida ★★★★★
The resort option for families who want space, facilities and easy access to the city without being in it. Set on a hillside 20 minutes from Palma with two golf courses, a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and a spa. Family rooms and interconnecting options available. A good fit for longer stays where you want the children to have room to roam, with sports on the side and day trips into Palma rather than a full city base.
Check availability on Booking.com
Practical Information
Best time to visit – Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Christmas is a great time to visit with children – festive atmosphere, good events programme and manageable temperatures. Summer works but requires planning; early starts and a midday retreat are essential in July and August.
Read our Seasonal Travel Guide →
Getting there – Palma airport is approx. 15 minutes by taxi (assuming no traffic), longer by EMT bus due to numerous stops.
Getting around – Walking and cycling are easiest for the central areas. Public buses connect the city with nearby beaches and towns. A car isn’t essential for a city stay, in fact may be more of a hindrance unless you have a confirmed parking spot. It is however useful if you’re combining city sightseeing with beach days further afield.
Pushchairs – The central old town areas are largely flat and paved. Cobbled side streets in the historic quarter can be bumpy – manageable but worth knowing. The Paseo Marítimo, Parc de la Mar and the Portixol promenade are all smooth and pushchair-friendly. Remember to stay clear of the bike lane though – they pass by at speed!
Parking – If arriving by car, the easiest option is to use the underground car parks on the main roads surrounding the old town – the Avenidas, Parc de la Mar, Sa Feixina and El Born. Street parking is possible if you can find it; blue lines require a ticket from the nearest meter. Note that only resident permit holders can drive into the old town streets themselves.
Read our guide to getting around Mallorca with kids →
Final Thoughts
Best for – Families who want a flexible base with culture, food, parks and beaches all within easy reach. Palma works particularly well for short breaks, shoulder-season trips and families with older children or teens. It also works well as a day trip from a beach base elsewhere on the island – the Cathedral, a market, lunch and an ice cream is a solid half-day from anywhere on the north coast.
Not ideal for – Families planning to spend most days on the beach, or those travelling with young babies and toddlers in July and August who need a simpler routine. If beach-first living matters more than city convenience, the north coast is a better base.
Read our guide to the best areas to stay in Mallorca with kids →
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.
