Written by Sarah Bancroft
Wondering what to do in Mallorca? We’ve got you covered with five family-friendly day trips.
The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands isn’t just about beach clubs and celebrity spotting (but hey, isn’t that Claudia Schiffer over there buying espadrilles?) Mallorca is also known as the most family-friendly of the islands, which might explain why Jamie Oliver and Gwyneth Paltrow are regular vacationers here. Then again, it might be the lobster. Here, discover our top five Mallorcan adventures for a family vacation.
Richard Hall
1. Arta
The Tuesday market in Arta, sprawling around the town’s hilltop fortress, is not to be missed. Pick up kid-sized versions of the famous straw baskets with leather handles and stop for vegan ice cream and stylish jars of local Marcona almonds at Ametlla.
David Crookes for Condé Nast Traveller
2. Torta Beach
The remote Torta Beach in northeast Mallorca’s Albarca hills is the locals’ best-kept secret. Walk down the path from your car and a gorgeous crescent-shaped white sand beach suddenly appears. It can get rough, but if the red flags are hoisted, watch the waves from Bar Cala Torta, an open-air beach hut that serves seafood platters piled high with just-caught crayfish, razor clams and prawns.
Courtesy of Cala Millor
3. Son Servera
Head to Son Servera and you’ll never be left wondering what to do in Mallorca. After gobbling down warm cocarrios (a local breakfast pastry filled with sweet onions) and buying white sundresses at Son Servera’s Friday market (photoshoot time!), explore the traditional finca landscapes (think sprawling Spanish estates), almond groves, and stunning sunsets by hot air balloon, a favourite sport here.
Courtesy of Son Gener Hotel
David Crookes for Condé Nast Traveller
4. Manacor
A day trip to Manacor, tennis star Rafael Nadal’s birthplace, is a must. Check out his new state-of-the-art sports centre and buy all your Mallorcan souvenirs (straw hats, hammocks, leather sandals, baskets, and mats) at the bohemian décor mecca Ca’n Garanya. Insider tip: chic eco-resort Son Gener (pictured) stocks up here.
5. Palma
Back in capital city Palma, deciding what to do in Mallorca is as easy as touring the historic district and cueing the Chopin — he once lived here and wrote one of his famous preludes nearby. Now that you are tanned and relaxed, take photos at the cathedral and look out for Spain’s royal family, whose holiday palace is right next door — this is Mallorca after all.
