Palma
Best for a city-and-beach break: an atmospheric old town, restaurants, galleries and a waterfront, with easy access to the rest of the island.
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Destinations · Balearic Islands
A practical guide to beaches, family-friendly bays, city breaks and easy island exploring.
Introduction
Majorca is an easy-to-reach Balearic Islands escape for UK travellers who want a choice of sandy bays, historic towns and mountain scenery in one holiday. The island works equally well for a week by the sea, a Palma city break or a slower road trip through the north and west.
Flights from the UK are typically around two and a half hours, making Majorca a practical option for families, couples and short breaks. Each coast feels different, so choosing the right base matters more than trying to see every corner in one stay.
Where to stay
Pick the bay, town or resort that matches the pace of your holiday.
Best for a city-and-beach break: an atmospheric old town, restaurants, galleries and a waterfront, with easy access to the rest of the island.
A straightforward south-west resort with a broad sandy bay, a long promenade and plenty within walking distance for families and first-time visitors.
A popular family base in the north, known for its long, gently shelving beach and a choice of resorts, apartments and self-catering options.
A relaxed bay with mountain scenery, a pine walk and a quieter pace. It suits families who want beach time with room for boat trips and cycling.
A cluster of small coves and whitewashed buildings on the south-east coast. A good fit for couples and families who prefer a smaller-scale resort feel.
A flexible south-west base with a large bay, practical facilities and easy access to Palma, golf courses and other coastal towns.
The coast
A broad, sandy stretch near Alcudia that is popular with families for its shallow shoreline.
A long bay with room for promenades, water activities and relaxed beach days.
A scenic south-east cove with clear water, surrounded by protected natural landscape.
A central, accessible bay for travellers who want cafés, shops and the beach close together.
When to go
April and May are useful for walking, cycling and sightseeing before the hottest part of the year. Sea temperatures can still feel fresh.
June to September is the classic beach season, with hot, dry days and busier resorts. Book popular attractions and restaurant times ahead in school-holiday weeks.
September and October can suit travellers who want warm sea days with less intense heat. Conditions vary, so use current forecasts for beach plans.
The island is quieter and better suited to towns, food and walking than a traditional beach holiday. Some seasonal facilities operate on shorter hours or close.
Holiday styles
Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Palma Nova are useful starting points for sandy bays, promenades and child-friendly day trips.
Palma, Cala d'Or and the mountain-backed north offer a more grown-up balance of food, scenery and beach time.
Resort stays can simplify meal planning, but inclusions vary. Check board basis and what is covered before booking.
For family-specific resort and beach guidance, read our Majorca family holidays guide.
See more
Mix beach days with Palma's old town, local markets, boat trips, caves or a mountain drive through the Serra de Tramuntana. Check opening times and weather conditions for the day you visit.
A hire car makes it much easier to combine coves, inland villages and the north coast, while buses and taxis work well for simpler resort-based breaks. UK visitors drive on the right, so allow time to get comfortable on unfamiliar roads and review the provider's fuel, insurance and child-seat terms.
Inspiration
Example pricing is for inspiration only and is not a live offer or availability promise.