Mallorca is the best island in the Balearic Islands for a family holiday. Not only because of its many direct flights, making it quick to get there with your children, but it also has the most things to see, do and experience for families, from shows to water and amusement parks.
Menorca is also good for those families who want a less touristy and more laid-back atmosphere. Ibiza is better for families with teenagers, and Formentera, because it is hard to get to and has few things to do on the small island, is the least interesting holiday destination for families in the Balearic Islands.
Best family holiday hotels in the Balearic Islands
If you don’t have much time to read, here is a quick summary. After living in the Balearic Islands for many years and travelling and working all over them, this is my selection of the 5 best hotels that are also in a great family-friendly location on the islands:
- Zafiro Palace Alcudia for a luxury family holiday
- Iberostar Playa de Muro for a family holiday next to the beach
- Sol Katmandu for an active family holiday
- Protur Bonaire for a family holiday in a small and relaxed holiday destination
- Viva Cala Mesquida Resort & Spa for an all-inclusive family holiday
Best family holiday destinations in the Balearic Islands
Playa de Muro in Mallorca – For families who love the beach
Playa de Muro is great for families who love a beach holiday in a not too busy holiday destination. The beach here is among the best in Mallorca and is especially suitable for families because of the protective bay that ensures waves remain small and the water is not very deep near the beach. The more you go towards the South of the resort, the more natural and untouched the beach. The more towards the North of Playa de Muro, the more developed and family-friendly. Also, great for families, Playa de Muro is one of the only places in Mallorca where the hotels in the front have direct access to the beach without a road or promenade in between. This gives families direct and safe access to the beach.
While this area is not as busy and bustling as Puerto de Alcudia, a few kilometres away, it still has plenty to offer, like plenty of themed restaurants to enjoy a family-friendly dinner and a few attractions like a little funfair, bouncy castles and trampolines. Nightlife in Playa de Muro is somewhat limited, and most places close before midnight, but a few places stay open till late.
Best family holiday hotels in Playa de Muro
Iberostar Playa de Muro has multiple pools for kids and adults and is located directly near the beach. For those who like all-inclusive holidays, this is also an option. They offer activities all day round for all age groups from 4 years old and up. In the evening there are children’s shows, mini-disco and lots of different shows. This hotel is in one of the better locations, next to the quiet part of the beach here and close to shops, bars and restaurants.
If you want an even more secluded, natural and relaxing location in Playa de Muro, you will find Zafiro Bahia further to the South of the resort. This is an excellent option for a family holiday with similar facilities and services to Iberostar Playa de Muro but, in my opinion, even better pools. Just remember that the town is a bit further away if you like to eat out or explore. So you might need to take a taxi or bus with small children.
Puerto de Alcudia in Mallorca – Bustling family resort
Puerto de Alcudia is great for families with older children in Mallorca. It is a busier and bigger version of Playa de Muro with more bars, restaurants, funfairs and things to see and do for families. Also, for those looking for a more active and bubbling nightlife, this area is better than Playa de Muro, with many family-friendly and karaoke pubs. The beach here is very similar to that of Playa de Muro, with shallow waters and small waves on most days.
While there are many things to see and do in Puerto de Alcudia, some things that stand out are the waterpark, karting and horse ranch. While the waterpark is not as big as the ones near Palma, it is still great for a day of fun without all the travelling.
Puerto de Alcudia is a huge resort consisting of two very different areas. The more budget Pere Mas y Reus (“Greasy Mile”) and the more upscale marina area. Also important to know is that because this area is so large, if you book a hotel in the wrong location, it can involve quite a lot of walking around to get to restaurants or the beach.
Best family holiday hotels in Puerto de Alcudia
Zafiro Palace Alcudia is a luxurious family hotel with everything you can wish for close to the marina area of Alcudia. There is nothing bad that I can say about this hotel, because it offers so many excellent services, facilities and pools, except that it is a bit far from the beach. But then, most people choosing this hotel will want to remain in the hotel most of the time, at least during the daytime, as there is so much to see and do. The nearby marina has some of the best restaurants for those who like to eat out.
If you want to be closer to a nicer part of the beach, then Zafiro Tropic is a better choice. Alcudia Garden Aparthotel is in this same area, closer to the beach and more for a more budget-friendly hotel.
Cala Bona in Mallorca – Quiet and relaxed family holiday
Cala Bona is an ideal place for those looking for a quiet and relaxing family holiday, as this holiday destination has remained pretty authentic for years with not too many hotels. For those days you want a more bustling holiday experience, the nearby Cala Millor is just a short walk or taxi ride away with many more restaurants, shops, and things to see and do for families and children. Giving you the best of both worlds.
Best family holiday hotels in Cala Bona
Protur Bonaire Aparthotel is an excellent hotel for a family holiday, especially with younger children, as the mini club is open from 3 years old, unlike 4 years old in most other hotels in Mallorca. Also, if you come early in the year, they have a heated indoor pool open from March on. It is ideal for colder or rainy days, sometimes during these months.
Hipotel Cala Bona Club and Mallorca Mar are good options for family holiday hotels in Cala Bona.
Cala Mesquida in Mallorca – All-inclusive and beach family holiday
Cala Mesquida is ideal for an all-inclusive family holiday with a lovely beach nearby. This area is just 3 hotels and the beach. While that does not sound very attractive to some, it is an excellent place for families looking for an all-inclusive holiday as the hotels are huge and have everything they could want. Multiple pools, children’s pools, mini clubs and teeny clubs, playgrounds, great all day and night entertainment and activities, numerous themed restaurants and much more.
For those who love the beach, there is still a very natural beach just a short walk away. If you want a change of scenery, a short taxi ride or a half-hour hike over the mountain trail will take you to nearby bustling Cala Ratjada.
Best family holiday hotels in Cala Mesquida
Viva Cala Mesquida Resort & Spa is an excellent hotel for family fun. Not only for the kids with a pirate-themed pool and lots of fun in the mini club but also for the parents. There are many activities and facilities, like jacuzzis and a spa for adults. Since this hotel is pretty big, there are also all kinds of different restaurants and cuisines to try in the hotel. The all-inclusive definitely does not disappoint here! You will also find a unique natural beach just down the stairs from the hotel.
Palma Nova in Mallorca – Bustling area ideal for teenagers and older children
Palma Nova is great for families with older children and teenagers looking for an active holiday. In and near this resort are many amusement parks, waterparks, shows, and things to see, do and experience. These include Katmandu Park, Pirates Adventure, Minigolf, karting and Western Water Park. Also, the beaches here are lovely with lots of water sports.
The nightlife here is lively, bustling and active, especially with Magaluf nearby. While it might not be advisable for small children and babies as it can get a bit loud, it will be interesting with older children and teenagers. For parents with picky eaters, know this is also one of the only places on the islands with all the major fast-food chains, lots of different themed restaurants, all-you-can-eat places and buffet-style restaurants. So, for dining out, there is something for everyone.
Best family holiday hotels in Palma Nova
Sol Katmandu, located on the border of Magaluf and Palma Nova, is great for families who want to do and experience many unique things during their holiday. When staying in the hotel, you also get unlimited access to a selection of attractions in the park. While this hotel might technically be located just outside Palma Nova, it is just a short walk to Palma Nova and the beach.
Zafiro Palmanova is an excellent choice for a family holiday if you want to be more in the actual Palma Nova.
Cala en Blanes in Menorca – A change of scenery every day
Cala en Blanes offers a lot of variety for a family holiday in Menorca. In the resort, you find 4 different and unique places and beaches to swim in the sea and a waterpark to spend the day. These are located in a long inland cove, ensuring the waves stay small and safe for families. Every evening, there is a different family-friendly live show in the town square to enjoy. Also, all the restaurants in this area are located on or next to this town square, making it easy to explore and find your way around without having to do too much walking.
Best family holiday hotels in Cala en Blanes
Globales Los Delfines is an excellent hotel for a family holiday in Cala en Blanes, not only for the hotel but also because of its central location in the resort. Just in front of the hotel, you have the Aqua Center Menorca waterpark and less than 100 meters away, the town centre with all bars, restaurants and shows. Multiple beaches can also be reached in a few minutes. The hotel also has very fair prices on all-inclusive and can be booked often at very budget-friendly prices.
Cala en Bosch in Menorca – For young families
Cala en Bosch in Menorca is great for families with babies, toddlers and young children. There is plenty to do here, with most restaurants, bars and nightlife surrounding the marina area. It is also here that there are family-friendly shows and performances each night, but any street away from the marina stays peaceful and quiet in the evenings. This makes it ideal for families with kids and babies who have early bedtimes.
There is also a karting and waterpark. The waterpark is ideal for toddlers and small children as there are no trilling slides or attractions, and the karting track also has double and children’s karts.
Best family holiday hotels in Cala en Bosch
Zafiro Menorca is an excellent hotel for a family holiday with babies, toddlers and young children. The hotel is not huge and is split into small, compact feeling areas, each with its own pool, making it a very personal and safe holiday. Like this, it does not get that overly crowded feel you sometimes experience in hotels with one big pool. Also, your accommodation will always be close by as they are all laid out very near or next to the pools. Of course, there is also a dedicated children’s pool with slides, a mini club for all ages, a mini disco and shows.
Es Canar in Ibiza – For a family beach holiday
If you want to go on a beach holiday in Ibiza with your family, Es Canar is one of the best places in Ibiza. While some other areas in Ibiza have loud and active nightlife and clubbing scenes, Es Canar offers a more family-friendly holiday destination with family pubs, shows and karaoke places for the entire family, or you can enjoy a relaxing cocktail on the beach. Only a few bars in this area are open till early morning, and most close before midnight.
The beach is excellent for families with small waves and shallow waters. You can also visit many other beaches nearby, and the tourist boats can take you to many more beaches nearby if you need a change of scenery. For things to do, there is also the famous Hippy Market here, a funfair all day until the evening and plenty of watersports, both thrilling, exciting motorized ones as well as more relaxed water activities for families with younger children.
Best family holiday hotels in Es Canar
Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza is excellent for a family holiday next to the beach in Es Canar. The hotel offers everything you want for a family holiday, like a dedicated kids’ pool, arcade, mini club and indoor play areas when it is too hot outside.
If you are travelling with a baby, a 1 or 2-year-old and want a more smallscale, luxurious and relaxing setting, the Anfora Ibiza is worth considering. This hotel is more focused on couples but allows children of all ages and has some small play areas for them. This could be a good choice if you are a young family needing a relaxing holiday with your young children or babies.
Cala de Bou in Ibiza – For a family holiday with older children and teenagers
Cala de Bou is best for families wanting to go to Ibiza with older children and teenagers. Why? Well, to get the most out of this area on your holiday, it takes a bit of being active. Plenty of beaches are nearby to explore by taxi boat and many activities nearby. These include thrilling motorized watersports like jet skiing, parasailing and banana boats. But also the nearby Sirenis Watergames waterpark is great fun for the older children but might be a bit too small for older teenagers. For those looking for more thrills, the karting track is located just a few kilometres away.
Best family holiday hotels in Cala de Bou
Cala de Bou does not have many hotels focused on families. One that does, and is a good choice in this area, is the Marvell Club, especially if you want to be close to the town and everything there is to see and do.
If you don’t mind being a bit further away but still within easy walking distance, Tui Blau Aura has even more child and family-focused services and facilities and a large waterpark. The all-inclusive in this hotel also makes it a great place for people who like to stay in the hotel most of the time.
Best all-inclusive family holiday hotels in the Balearic Islands
If you are looking for a great all-inclusive hotel, stay most of the time in the hotel and want everything in the hotel for a great family holiday, here are some good choices for you:
- Mallorca: Protur Safari Park
- Menorca: Occidental Menorca
- Ibiza: Tui Magic Life Cala Pada
Is Formentera suitable for a family holiday in the Balearic Islands?
While Formentera has family-friendly hotels and beaches, I did not include any holiday destinations in Formentera in this list of best holiday destinations for families in the Balearic Islands, as it is not easy to get to Formentera as there is no airport on it. Also, the island has few things to do on it for families. If you have been to all the other islands already and want a unique new experience, Formentera might be a good destination for you. But in general, the other islands are more enjoyable for most families.
When to visit the Balearic Islands for the best family holiday
Unlike what most people think, it is not always sunny and hot beach and pool weather in the Balearic Islands. And since being able to swim is essential for most children on holiday, it is best to visit from May to October. Also, in winter, most restaurants, hotels, bars and attractions on the islands close down. People still visit the Balearic Islands during these winter months but more for sports or city holidays, not family holidays.
Some hotels and restaurants open up again in March and April for the school holidays that fall in these months. While the water and temperatures will still be chilly, the water is already warm enough for most children to swim in the pools during these months. Also, some hotels have indoor or heated pools for these months.
If you have children who don’t have to go to school yet, it is best to plan your holiday outside of the school holidays, as holidays in the Balearic Islands are much cheaper during these times.
