Family-Friendly Hotels in Palma, Area by Area
Where to Stay in Palma With Kids
Palma is easy with children: short distances, flat promenades, and a beach or playground never far away. The key is choosing a base that matches your rhythm. Pick the Old Town for culture on foot, Santa Catalina/Son Armadams for more space and pools, Portixol/Molinar for seafront walks and swims, or Cala Major/Illetas/Playa de Palma if mornings start on the sand.
🧭 Neighbourhood Snapshot and Travel Times
| Area | From Cathedral | From PMI | Why Choose It | Good For |
| Old Town | 0–10 min walk | 15–20 min | Walk-everywhere culture, plazas, ice-cream stops | Short city breaks |
| Santa Catalina / Son Armadams | 15–20 min walk/bus | ~20 min | Leafy streets, bigger rooms, hotel pools | Toddlers, school-age |
| Portixol / Molinar | 10 min drive | 10–12 min | Flat seafront promenade, easy swims, bike path | Strollers & scooters |
| Cala Major | 15–20 min | 20–25 min | City beach + frequent EMT buses | First-timers, beach days |
| Illetas | 20–25 min | 25–30 min | Sheltered coves + resort comfort | Pool + sea combo |
| Playa de Palma / Can Pastilla | 15–20 min | 5–10 min | Long sandy bay, playgrounds, cycle path | Late/early flights |
🏛️ Old Town: Culture on Your Doorstep
Why Stay in Old Town With Kids
Museums, plazas and the Cathedral are a stroll away. Good for families who want zero transport, easy gelato runs, and short evening paseos. Streets get lively in peak months, but most sights cluster within a compact, walkable grid.
Great Family Hotels in Old Town
- Hotel Cappuccino — central square location; interconnecting options; breakfasts are quick and close.
- Hotel Saratoga — dependable pool, easy access to the shopping spine and bus routes.
💡 Local tip
Cobbled lanes can shake slim strollers. If naps matter, request a courtyard-facing room — quieter after 22:00.
🌿 Santa Catalina & Son Armadams: Space and Pool Time
Why This Area Works for Families
A touch more room than the Old Town and a calmer residential feel. Santa Catalina Market keeps snacks simple; Son Armadams brings leafy streets and hotel pools. You’re a 15–20 minute walk or quick bus from the centre.
Top Family Stays in Santa Catalina & Son Armadams
- Hotel Isla Mallorca & Spa (Son Armadams) — family rooms, solid pool, short walk to the marina.
- Meliá Palma Marina — flexible setups; strong value out of peak weeks.
ℹ️ Good to know
There’s a gentle incline up into Son Armadams. In summer, plan shaded pool time at midday and earlier dinners with kids.
🌊 Portixol & Molinar: Seafront Strolls for Families
Best Reasons to Base in Portixol & Molinar With Kids
The flat promenade is perfect for strollers, scooters and sunset walks. Protected swim spots, ice-cream stands and casual restaurants line the route. It’s a quick bus or taxi into the Old Town for a museum hour, then back to the sea.
Family-Friendly Hotels by the Seafront
- Portixol Hotel & Restaurante — boutique size with the promenade at the door; book early for school holidays.
- Licensed apartments — useful if you want a kitchenette; confirm crib/high-chair when booking.
⚡ Quick note
Bike hire is easy here, and the ride into the Cathedral is flat — a winner for older kids.
🏖️ Cala Major: Easy City–Beach Days
Is Cala Major a Good Base for Families?
Yes. You get sand on your doorstep and frequent EMT buses to the centre. It’s a simple plan for first-time Palma: swim before breakfast, city after naps, sunset back on the beach.
Where to Stay With Kids in Cala Major
- Hotel Nixe Palace — direct beach access; a classic, family-friendly choice.
- Barceló options — often the best value outside peak.
💡 Local tip
Beach ramps help with access; pack reef shoes for rocky corners and plan midday shade in July–August.
🏝️ Illetas: Calm Coves and Resort Comforts
Why Illetas Suits Families
A couple of sheltered little coves with calm, clear water plus multiple pools. It’s resort-style relaxation 20–25 minutes from the Cathedral; slip into Palma for culture days, then back for quiet evenings by the sea.
Best Family Hotels in Illetas
- Hotel Bon Sol Resort & Spa — leafy grounds, several pools, long-loved island hospitality.
- Palace Bonanza Playa & Spa — sea views and family-friendly layouts.
ℹ️ Good to know
Some coves involve steps. If you’re bringing a stroller, ask about lift access or staff assistance before you book.
✈️ Playa de Palma & Can Pastilla: Close to the Airport
Staying Near the Airport With Children
5–10 minutes from PMI, miles of sand, playgrounds on the promenade, and a cycle path straight into the city. Ideal for late arrivals or early departures without sacrificing beach time.
Family Hotels in Playa de Palma & Can Pastilla
- Meliá — larger rooms and kids’ pools; plenty of dining on foot.
- Aparthotels — practical for nap schedules and snack prep.
💡 Local tip
Summer evenings get lively. Choose quieter side streets if your family sleeps early.
🧳 Booking Checklist for Families
- Room layout: interconnecting rooms or one-bedroom suites for nap time.
- Baby gear: cribs, kettles and high-chairs confirmed in writing.
- Shade & pool hours: crucial in July–August.
- Food on foot: kid-friendly cafés within a 5–7 minute walk.
- Access: lifts/ramps; note step counts to the beach if you have a stroller.
🗓️ Best Times to Visit With Kids
Spring and early autumn (April–June, September–October) bring warm seas and lighter crowds. July–August is hottest: plan swims early/late and book shade by the pool. Winter leans culture-first; if swimming matters, look for heated pools.
🚍 Getting Around From Palma and From PMI
EMT buses cover all areas in this guide, and taxis are reliable for short hops with beach bags or car seats. For late arrivals, sleep in Can Pastilla and move into the Old Town or Portixol after breakfast.
Useful guides:
Palma Airport Guide • Public Transport in Mallorca • Taxis in Mallorca • Bike Rental in Palma • Car Rental in Mallorca • Rent a Car in Palma
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