Practical planning guide
Mallorca Family Travel Tips
Everything practical — from the best time to visit to car hire, packing lists, health tips, and how to get around the island without losing your mind.
Getting There
Fly direct
Mallorca (PMI) has excellent direct flight connections from most major UK, German, and Scandinavian airports. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and Vueling all serve the route. Book early for July and August — flights fill fast.
Travelling with infants
Under-2s sit on a parent's lap for free on most airlines. A small carry-on stroller is worth the hassle — fold it at the gate and collect at the other side.
Flight duration
Approx 2h15 from London. 3h from Manchester/Edinburgh. Short enough to not need extensive in-flight entertainment for most children.
Getting Around
Hire a car
For families, a hire car is almost essential outside Palma. Public transport is limited. Book online in advance — local Mallorcan companies (Betacar, Record Go) are often cheaper than international brands.
Child car seats
Required by Spanish law for children under 135cm. All reputable hire firms offer them. Pre-book to guarantee availability — don't assume you can add one at the desk.
Parking apps
Palma's paid parking uses the Parkia and OlaPass apps. Download before you go. Most beach car parks are free outside peak season but charge €5–8/day in July–August.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxi Ecosol Palma and FREENOW operate in Palma. Rideshare apps like Uber operate on the island with limited availability. Taxis are metered, reliable, and accept child seats (bring your own).
Best Time to Visit
June and September
The sweet spot for family holidays. Warm (26–29°C), sea is swimmable, crowds are manageable, prices are lower. September is arguably the best month — warm sea from summer heat, quiet beaches.
July and August
Peak season — hot (32–38°C), crowded, expensive. Beaches fill by 10am. Still great fun but requires more planning and earlier starts. Book everything months ahead.
May and October
Shoulder season — fewer crowds, lower prices, pleasant temperatures (20–24°C). Ideal for older children and families who prefer walking and exploring over beach days.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Mild but quiet. Most beach bars close. Great for walking the Tramuntana, cycling, and culture. The island shows a different, genuine side. Not typical family beach holiday territory.
Packing
Sun protection
Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen — bring more than you think you need. UV index in July can reach 11 (extreme). Wide-brim hats and UV rash vests for children are worth the bag space.
Snorkel gear
Child-size mask and fins are worth packing. Equipment hire at beaches is overpriced and often poor quality. A good mask from Amazon costs €15–20 and transforms the beach experience.
Beach shoes
Rocky beaches (especially in the west) make water shoes essential for younger children. Light, packable, and invaluable.
Travel pharmacy
Calpol/paracetamol suspension in the exact brand children will take. Spanish pharmacies are excellent but not always stocked with the specific paediatric formulations UK parents rely on.
Budget & Money
Cash vs card
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Carry €50–100 cash for small beach bars, market stalls, and emergency parking meters. Revolut and Wise cards eliminate foreign transaction fees.
Grocery shopping
Mercadona is the go-to supermarket for families — well-stocked, good baby section, competitive prices. Eroski and Lidl are also common. Lidl is excellent value for basics.
Self-catering vs hotel
For families with young children, a villa or apartment with a kitchen significantly reduces costs and stress. Daily meals out for 4+ people add up fast. Booking through local Mallorca-based agencies often gives better value than large platforms.
Water
Tap water is technically drinkable in Mallorca but quality varies. Most families buy bottled water for children. Large 5L bottles from Mercadona cost around €0.70.
Health & Safety
EHIC / GHIC card
UK families: ensure every family member has a valid GHIC card. Covers state healthcare. Private hospital treatment (which you may prefer for children) is covered by travel insurance.
Travel insurance
Always. Especially with children. ABTA/ATOL-protected packages add a layer for flight/hotel cancellations. Ensure the policy covers water sports if you're booking activities.
Sea safety
Red flags mean do not enter the water. Yellow means swim with caution. These are legally enforced on Spanish beaches. Children should never swim under a red flag.
Heat precautions
Heatstroke is a real risk for small children in July and August. Never leave children in parked cars. Take afternoon siestas seriously — the 1–4pm heat is not for outdoor play.