Mallorca 3-Day Family Itinerary: Exploring nature, culture and family-friendly recommendations
Introduction
This 3-day itinerary is crafted for parents with teens seeking to explore Mallorca’s rich cultural and historical attractions beyond the beaches.
-
Day 1 immerses you in Palma, the island’s vibrant capital, with its historic Old Town and engaging Palma Aquarium.
-
Day 2 ventures to the north-east, exploring the charming towns of Pollenca and Alcudia, complemented by a scenic hike.
-
Day 3 takes you to the north-west, visiting the picturesque mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller, each offering unique cultural experiences and stunning views.
Designed for families, this itinerary balances history, culture, and light outdoor activities to keep teens entertained while providing a relaxing pace for parents. All activities are accessible via a rental car, with short driving times from Palma, making it an ideal plan for a memorable family adventure.
Day 1: Palma - Historical Wonders and Marine Life
Morning
-
Explore Palma’s Old Town: Begin your day with a walking tour of Palma’s historic heart. Visit La Seu Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure with intricate stained-glass windows, a must-see for its architectural grandeur.
-
Next, head to the Almudaina Palace, a former royal residence turned museum, offering insights into Mallorca’s royal history.
- Jewish Quarter (Call): Wander through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, known for its historic ambiance and charming architecture, providing an educational experience for teens interested in history.
- Distance Covered: On foot, approximately 2-3 km within the Old Town.
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Call Jueu (Jewish Quarter)
Strolling Through History and Style: A Guide to Passeig del Born, Mallorca’s Chicest Boulevard
Inside Palma Cathedral: A Gothic Marvel in Mallorca
Mallorca Cruise Port - Gothic Waterfront, Secret Calas & Tapas Trails
Midday
- Lunch in Palma: Enjoy a meal at a family-friendly restaurant in the city center. Bar Espanya offers authentic tapas with kid-friendly options like mini burgers, while Rikito in Santa Catalina serves cozy Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza, popular with teens. Both are centrally located and cater to diverse tastes.
Bar Espanya
RIKITO
Afternoon
- Palma Aquarium. Spend the afternoon at one of Europe’s largest aquariums, featuring over 8,000 marine species, including sharks, dolphins, and penguins. Interactive exhibits and educational displays make it engaging for teens, while parents can enjoy the immersive underwater tunnels. The aquarium is a short drive from the city center and ideal for a 2-3 hour visit.
Carrer de Manuela de los Herreros, 21, Platja de Palma, 07610 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Evening
- Dinner in Passeig del Born: Dine in the lively Passeig del Born area, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Options include Raimundo Burger for casual, teen-friendly burgers or Sa Ximbomba for pizza, both offering relaxed settings suitable for families. Alternatively, explore other nearby restaurants for Mallorcan specialties like tumbet (vegetable stew) or ensaimada (sweet pastry).
- Travel Time: Most of today can be covered by walking, renting bikes or electric scooters (except for the aquarium, which is a short taxi or bus ride).
OMBU Passeig del Born
Day 2: North-East - Pollenca and Alcudia
Morning
-
Drive to Pollenca: Depart Palma for Pollenca (approx. 45 minutes, 50 km). Explore the old town’s charming squares, boutique shops, and historic Church of Santa Maria.
-
Calvary Hill in Pollenca: Climb the 365 steps to the hilltop chapel for panoramic views of the bay. This moderate activity is engaging for teens and offers a rewarding experience with stunning scenery.
Santa Maria de Pollença
Carrer Sense nom, 324, 07460 Pollença, Illes Balears, Spain
Midday
- Lunch in Pollenca or Alcudia: Enjoy lunch in Pollenca at a local café or restaurant, or drive to Alcudia (15 minutes, 10 km) for more dining options. Alcudia’s old town has family-friendly eateries offering tapas, Mediterranean dishes, or international cuisine like Italian, ensuring something for everyone.
Restaurant Celler Ca'n Costa Alcúdia
Afternoon
- Alcudia Old Town : Explore Alcudia’s medieval-walled Old Town, including the Roman Theatre and other archaeological sites, which provide an educational glimpse into Mallorca’s ancient history. Teens may enjoy the historical context and the chance to walk along the city walls.
- Optional Hike: If time permits, take a short hike to Puig de Maria (approx. 50 minutes one way, 2 km) for additional views, or enjoy a leisurely walk around Llac Gran near Port d’Alcudia, a flat, family-friendly nature trail.
Roman theatre
Cami d´es Puig, 07460 Pollensa, Illes Balears, Spain
Es Llac Gran
Evening
- Return to Palma: Drive back to Palma (approx. 45 minutes) for dinner. Choose from Palma’s diverse dining options, such as Ombu for tapas or Arume Sake Bar for a unique Japanese experience, both welcoming for families.
- Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours total (Palma to Pollenca, Pollenca to Alcudia, Alcudia to Palma).
Arume Sake Bar, Restaurante Japones en Palma
Born 8
Day 3: North-West - Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller
Morning
- Drive to Valldemossa: Head to Valldemossa (approx. 20 minutes, 15 km from Palma). Visit the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, a historic monastery famous for its connection to composer Frédéric Chopin. Explore the museum and gardens, which are engaging for teens interested in history or music. Wander the village’s cobblestone streets, lined with artisan shops.
Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa
Midday
-
Drive to Deia and Lunch: Travel to Deia (10 minutes, 7 km from Valldemossa). Enjoy lunch in this artistic village, known for its bohemian vibe. Family-friendly restaurants offer Mediterranean or international cuisine.
-
Visit the Church of Deia or, if open, the Robert Graves House, the former home of the famous writer, which may appeal to teens interested in literature.
Sant Joan de Deià
La Casa de Robert Graves
Afternoon
- Drive to Soller: Continue to Soller (15 minutes, 10 km from Deia). Explore the town’s palm-lined main square and local shops. Visit the Soller Train Station Art Gallery, featuring Picasso ceramics and Miró exhibitions, for a cultural touch.
- Optional Tren de Soller: If time allows, take a short ride on the historic Tren de Soller back to Palma (1 hour), offering scenic views of the Tramuntana Mountains, a fun experience for the whole family. Alternatively, explore Soller’s orange groves for a taste of local agriculture.
Carrer d'Eusebi Estada, 1, Nord, 07004 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Sala Picasso i Sala Miró
Evening
- Return to Palma: Drive back to Palma (approx. 40 minutes, 25 km) for a farewell dinner. Enjoy Mallorcan specialties or international cuisine at a family-friendly restaurant like Mesón Ca’n Pedro in Génova, which offers a children’s menu and hearty local dishes.
- Driving Time: Approximately 1.25 hours total (Palma to Valldemossa, Valldemossa to Deia, Deia to Soller, Soller to Palma).
Carrer del Rector Vives, 14, Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Practical Tips
- Transportation: Rent a car for flexibility and ease of travel. Parking is available in Palma, Pollenca, Alcudia, Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller, but check local regulations, especially in Palma’s city center. Car rentals are affordable in Mallorca, and roads are well-maintained.
- Dress Code: Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring old towns and hiking. Bring light layers for cooler mountain areas in Valldemossa, Deia, and Soller.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easy for families.
- Best Travel Months: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather (15-25°C) and fewer crowds, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- Dining: Family-friendly restaurants are plentiful. Look for places with kid-friendly menus, such as tapas bars, Italian restaurants, or burger joints. In Palma, Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo is a historic spot for hot chocolate and pastries, perfect for a snack.
- Activity Notes: Check opening hours for attractions like Palma Aquarium, Royal Charterhouse, and Robert Graves House, as they may vary seasonally. Most sites are open daily but may have reduced hours on weekends or holidays.
Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo
Final Notes
This itinerary offers a rich exploration of Mallorca’s cultural and historical highlights, tailored for families with teens. From Palma’s historic landmarks to the scenic villages of the north-east and north-west, each day provides a mix of education, adventure, and relaxation. Enjoy your cultural journey through Mallorca’s diverse landscapes and heritage!
The Best Water Parks in Mallorca
Mallorca Parking Essentials: Your Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Island's Zones
The Ultimate Shopping Guide to Mallorca
Mentioned in This Guide
Explore all the locations mentioned in this guide on the map below.
Sóller
07100 Sóller, Balearic Islands, Spain
Pollença
07460 Pollença, Balearic Islands, Spain
Bar Espanya
Carrer de Can Escursac, 12, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Deià
07179 Deià, Balearic Islands, Spain
Alcúdia
07400 Alcúdia, Balearic Islands, Spain
Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca
Plaça de la Seu, s/n, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Sant Joan de Deià
Carrer Reverendo Jerónimo Pons, 1, 07179 Deià, Illes Balears, Spain
Valldemossa
07170 Valldemossa, Balearic Islands, Spain
Mesón Ca´n Pedro, Génova
Carrer del Rector Vives, 14, Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Palma Aquarium
Carrer de Manuela de los Herreros, 21, Platja de Palma, 07610 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo
Carrer de Can Sanç, 10, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Carrer del Palau Reial, s/n, Centre, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Carthusian Monastery Valldemossa
Plaça Cartoixa, s/n, 07170 Valldemossa, Illes Balears, Spain
La Casa de Robert Graves
Ctra. Sóller, 6, 07179 Deià, Illes Balears, Spain
Calvary Chapel
Carrer Sense nom, 324, 07460 Pollença, Illes Balears, Spain
Train Sóller Station (Palma de Mallorca)
Carrer d'Eusebi Estada, 1, Nord, 07004 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
OMBU Passeig del Born
Pg. del Born, 5-7, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Restaurant Celler Ca'n Costa Alcúdia
Carrer de Sant Vicenç, 14, 07400 Alcúdia, Illes Balears, Spain
Born 8
Pg. del Born, 8, Centre, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
RIKITO
C. de la Fàbrica, 25, Ponent, 07013 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
