The North Coast is one of Mallorca’s easiest and most reliable regions for family holidays. Long sandy beaches, shallow water and flat promenades make day-to-day logistics simple, while historic towns, good food and plenty of space mean it works just as well beyond the beach.
The North Coast at a Glance
The north is generally easy with kids, thanks to long sandy beaches, but each base has a very different feel.
Alcúdia is all about big beach resorts with a handsome medieval old town, Roman ruins and a lively port set up for boat trips and watersports. Together with Playa de Muro, it works particularly well with toddlers, thanks to soft sand, shallow water and a wide choice of hotels with splashtastic pools and kids’ clubs. In summer, the port and resort areas are busy and feel decidedly touristy, or visit in the shoulder season local life shines fairs and fiestas.
Pollença balances market mornings with good food and easy evening wanders, and works well for families staying in nearby villas with a car. Down by the water, Port de Pollença keeps days simple, with a walkable pine-lined promenade, a long sandy beach set just beyond the restaurants, and a steady stream of cyclists passing through.
Best Beaches
The north is known for beaches that work with children of ages, especially when you want space, shallow water and easy access.
Playa de Muro is the standout for families with younger children. Long, sandy and gently shelving, it’s feels escapist in spots with plenty of room even in peak summer.
In Port de Pollença the beaches are big and sandy, backed by a small road that runs along the bay. The beaches inform of the pine walk and great for paddling, with younger kids, but with fewer cafés and facilities hand.
On the nearby peninsula, Formentor Beach is one of the island’s most beautiful, reached via a winding coastal road, with parking restricted once it fills in summer. Just beyond, Cala Sant Vicenç is quieter, with a small cluster of coves that work well for snorkelling and kayaking,
Parent Perks
One of the north’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to keep everyone happy.
Promenade evenings: Port de Pollença’s Pine Walk and Port d’Alcúdia’s seafront promenade are ideal for pre-dinner wanderings and car-free evenings out
Beach-beautiful days: Playa de Muro and Playa de Formentor pair soft pale sand with shallow, clear water and a setting that still feels special, even in high summer.
Seafront paella stops: Playa de Muro also delivers some excellent beachfront paella spots, perfect for long lunches with sandy feet and sea views.
Family Fun
Boat Trips and Water Sports: Try paddleboarding, kayaking and coasteering, or take a boat trip to explore hidden coves from Alcúdia or Port de Pollença.
Cycling in Albufera Park: Flat trails through wetlands teeming with wildlife, even flamingos, make a great break from the beach.
Horse Riding: Local ranchos offer family-friendly rides through scenic beach and countryside trails.
Eating Out
Eating out across the north coast is easy and family-friendly, with plenty of choice wherever you’re staying. Alcúdia and Playa de Muro are geared for holiday dining, with relaxed restaurants that open early, welcome children, and keep things simple after a beach day. Along Playa de Muro, a handful of beachfront spots are well known for paella lunches with sea views and sandy feet, while Alcúdia Old Town works well for early-evening wanders and Mediterranean meals on pretty, al fresco squares.
Pollença has a strong café and restaurant scene. It’s a good spot for a morning coffee near the Calvari steps and just as enjoyable for long spring lunches or easy summer evening meals. Down by the water in Port de Pollença, a long line of seafront restaurants covers everything from pancakes at breakfast to pasta at dinner, with seafood, sushi and vegetarian dishes all easy to find.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the north coast spans everything from large, family-focused resorts to villas and low-key aparthotels, and where you base yourselves makes a big difference to the feel of the trip.
Playa de Muro and Port d’Alcúdia are home to the highest concentration of family hotels, many right on the sand, with splash pools, kids’ clubs and everything designed for beach-first days. They’re practical, easy and popular, particularly with families travelling with younger children.
Pollença and the surrounding countryside suit families who prefer a villa base, market mornings and quieter evenings, with beaches reached by car. Port de Pollença sits neatly in between, offering a walkable, family-friendly layout, a long sandy beach, flat promenade and a good balance of hotels and apartments without the scale of the bigger resorts.
If you’re after space and privacy, staying slightly inland and driving to the beach each day often works best, as long as you don’t mind starting early for easy parking.
Practical Information
Best time to visit
Many hotels and some restaurants close over winter, so the coast can feel quiet before April, particularly around Playa de Muro and Port de Pollença. That said, Alcúdia, Port d’Alcúdia and Pollença make an excellent base outside peak season, with good walking, cycling routes and a run of local fiestas from January into spring.
Getting there
Allow around 50–60 minutes by car from Palma airport to Alcúdia, Playa de Muro or Port de Pollença.
Getting around
A car makes life easier if you want to explore Formentor, Cala Sant Vicenç or move between bases. If you’re staying in Port de Pollença, Alcúdia or Playa de Muro, buses run regularly and promenades are flat and walkable with pushchairs and scooters.
Final Thoughts
Best for
Families who want long sandy beaches, shallow water, flat promenades and purpose-built relaxed resort vibes. It works particularly well with younger children, for hotel all inclusive stays and anyone who likes easy, beach-first days with the option of markets, boat trips and a touch of exploring nearby.
Not ideal for
Families chasing quiet coves, design-led hotels or authentic island vibes in high season.
