Why Puerto Pollensa is the perfect family friendly holiday
/If like us you’re planning a warm holiday in 2020 but don’t want to travel too far, the Balearic Islands make a wonderful family-friendly option.
We love Mallorca and specifically the quaint and calmer area of Puerto Pollensa. Situated in a horseshoe-shaped bay with sandy beaches and whitewashed villas it’s easy to see why this is such a desirable location. Behind the bay is the Tramuntana mountain range, a spectacular backdrop with lush vegetation around the villas.
Credit: Clickstay
Puerto Pollensa
This used to be a little fishing village and it still retains this charm. There’s plenty of passeggiata (relaxing strolls) to be had and restaurants and cafes line the pavements.
When thinking of accommodation we prefer to stay in Villas in Puerto Pollensa as it suits a family to have separate bedrooms, often a pool and that bit more space. We’ve found great options through specialist holiday home rental website Clickstay who have 75,000 properties worldwide.
Credit: Clickstay
What to see with kids in Puerto Pollensa
There’s plenty to see and do here and it really depends on your child's age and how relaxing or active you want to make your holiday!
The village itself is not big so you can walk everywhere and it’s very buggy friendly.
You’ll find it quieter than the party resorts and children are welcomed everywhere even in bars and restaurants during the evenings.
Beaches
One of the easiest day trips with children is to take them to the wide sandy beaches. Here you can hire sunbeds or parasols for around €12 euros per day. Though you may have a beautiful villa with a pool and use this just as often!
For older children, there’s the option of enjoying the many water sports available such as canoeing and paddle surfing.
Credit: Clickstay
Playgrounds:
If like us you are still in that phase of parenting where your holidays are spent near to a playground! Along the seafront, you will find two options.
The first is situated near Hotel Hoposa Uyal close to the promenade and the second is close to Apartments Hoposa Daina in the centre.
Lastly, there is a small park in front of the Guardia Civil just off Plaça de Joan Cerdà where there is some play equipment and it has the shade of palm and pine trees.
Credit: Clickstay
Boat trips
Getting out into the bay is a very popular way to spend the day here and due to this there are many different excursions.
Glass bottom boat tours are a wonderful way to see the incredible sea life and children of all ages love this.
Places to visit by boat are the Cap of Formentor, Cala San Vicente, around the bay of Pollensa, Catamaran trips and much more. All can be booked by one of the vendors who have shops along the seafront.
Soft play with a difference!
An unusual highlight of Puerto Pollensa is that a huge inflatable playground is created in the water each Summer!
It rests 200m offshore, so better for stronger swimmers or older children, but a lovely way to cool off and enjoy sea water rather than just the pool. Children are given life jackets which have a rope connected to the shore in case they get tired! It’s like a giant inflatable assault course and rather addictive!
If you love waterparks there is one close by in Alcudia, a bigger town in the North of Mallorca. Called the Hidropark, it might be worth a visit for teens and the big kids amongst you!
Credit: Maraventura Sports Park
Ferry rides to Formentor Beach
Formentor Beach is known as one of the most stunning beaches on the Island and definitely worth a visit. Take the La Gaviota ferry which runs daily between Port de Pollensa and Playa de Formentor.
Jungle days
If you don’t mind a day trip further afield, on the West side of the island you will find Jungle Parc!
A ‘Go Ape’ style jungle experience in the treetops, you can explore on nets, wires, ziplines and platforms whilst enjoying the views and nature. There are lower options for children aged 4-12 years old so everyone gets to take part.
Where to eat
There’s a great selection of restaurants in Puerto Pollensa. We love having fantastic, authentic tapas but there’s also Asian, pizzerias, steakhouses and delicious fresh fish available. Most restaurants have a children’s menu but if not they are happy to offer child portions of their main menus.
The best way to end your meal is a walk along the seafront with an ice cream. My children always tell me the best parts of their holidays are the playgrounds and ice creams! So remember not to take on too much in an effort to entertain them and relax. It is your holiday as well.
Credit: Clickstay
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.
