It's been a while since we were bathing under the sunny skies of Palma earlier this summer, and looking at this grey autumn drizzly day I'm feeling the need to channel some of those pastel pinks and aqua blues that line the streets of this Mediterranean Island. In truth another reason it's taken me so long to write a post about the trip was due to the unfortunate events that happened on our return making it difficult to revisit the holiday. However there's nothing better than reminiscing back on holiday snaps to act as a pick me up on a grey day, so I thought I'd share our top five things to do in Palma with kids.
Take the Old Train to Sóller
Before we even stepped onto the plane I had friends recommending this as the must do activity of our trip and one that our kiddo would love. Situated to the left of the main train station near Plaza de Espana, the Ferrocarril de Sóller is a beautiful vintage wooden train full of character and charm which has been making the historic route since 1912. A combined return train and tram ticket to Port de Sóller will cost you around €30 per adult and take you through the scenic mountains and lemon groves that make Mallorca so special, until you reach the old station in Sóller where you can stop for a bite to eat before heading onto the white sandy beaches at the Port, perfect for sandcastles and ice-creams.
Cycle Along the Beach Promenade
One of the fab things about Palma is the mix of city streets filled with bustling shops, cafes and busy squares, all a stones throw from the beach front giving you the best of both worlds. With Palma Bike & Go you can pick up a bike and explore the promenade for €6 a day and for those needing a child bike or baby trailer try Nano Bikes. Head along the beach front cycle paths towards Portixol and pass the harbour along the street Carrer del Vicari Joaquim Fuster, which passes beautiful stretches of white sand, colourful mosaics, beach lined playgrounds and a fab interior design burger pit stop, Bigotes Bar & Brunch.
Go on a Sculpture Trail
Give kids of all ages something fun to look out for while exploring the city with the fantastic array of weird and wonderful sculptures that punctuate the winding streets of Palma, making a fun treasure hunt for little ones. Either pop into the tourist information office and mark the locations on your city map or wander the streets to see which modern pieces cross your path.
Check Out the Child Friendly City Parks
OK so these might not actually be parks so to speak, but Palma's got a great thing going for it with several of these fabulous children's playgrounds dotted across the city. With shady trees and coffee *yay* give your kiddos a break from sightseeing and enjoy a little down time as you chill by the sidelines, watching them make new friends. Our favourite was the Parque de la Feixina which is shaded and has equipment for a wide age range and Placa de les Llorenç Villalonga situated near the city wall.
Make Food Fun
Eating out with kids can be many things and not all of them fun, but with a huge range of places to stop off and enjoy three things come to mind when eating out with F. First off we tried to eat alfresco as much as possible and with most cafes and restaurant having outdoor seating, it made it easy for us to entertain him with people watching and spotting horse drawn carriages.
Secondly if you want to get your child involved with food we absolutely loved Patron Lunares, situated along a strip of tasteful bars and restaurants, this dining experience serves tasty food and fun, especially when ordering the Guacamole and chips. Let your kiddo create their own dip as the ingredients arrive in a pestle ready for them to crush together.
But most importantly is Gelato! Ice cream is everywhere in Palma and kids and adults alike will go nuts for the delicious flavours served at Giovanni L which will have you coming back for more!
Check out our family friendly stays at the Portixol Hotel and the Palau Sa Font Hotel in for a fun place to stay in Palma.
It looks like an ideal family holiday destination.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a lovely relaxed place to take kids x
DeleteI love the sound of taking the old train - love seeing the countryside from a train, so much nicer than road.
ReplyDeleteIt was an hour well spent and there's some lovely cafes along the port to enjoy too. x
DeleteAfter my very short visit earlier in the year, I am determined to get the family there next year for a sun and sea holiday with lots more. I am so looking forward to it and this has just wetting my appisite even more
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely, I used to holiday there a lot as a child and have super memories of the Island. It's definitely a fab family holiday destination. x
DeleteI'm desperate to go back to Palma, after reading this and Kat's post on her trip. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to think back on that trip. Lots of love xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks hon, it was actually Kat's post that kicked my butt into finally biting the bullet and writing it. It's nice to see F having a fun time even though we had the sad news. xx
DeleteEchoing Alison, I have loved reading about Palma after reading your and Kat's posts! It seems way more kid friendly than I had ever thought. I'd love to take the kiddos next year.
ReplyDeleteSending love after what was a tough post to write xxx
Oh I love Palma, and we went to Soller just before we became parents but loved the old train and went on it so many times! I'm so sorry for what happened when you returned home and I hope it's cheered you up looking through these photos now. You are definitely making me want to go to Majorca now! x Julia @ Rainbeaubelle
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Palma and my sister has just come back from a summer in Pollenca the other side of the island with tales of its beauty (and quite an enviable tan!).
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures and it sounds such a fun place to holiday. I actually scrolled back up a few times to look at your ice cream! As lovely as it all looks, it can't have been easy to write this. x
ReplyDeleteI love your crystal clear photos of the promenade and Palma looks like such a family friendly destination.
ReplyDeletePalma is such a beautiful place and your photos really do it justice. x x
ReplyDeleteWhat a picturesque place to visit - your photos are beautiful and capture the sunshine perfectly. Wish I was there now, as the rain is lashing down at my windows! x
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful place with so many things to do. An ideal family holiday destination
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great place to visit. It look fabulous.
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Looks so nice (and warm). Lovely to see so much for children to do x
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and this totally makes me long to be in Palma right now!!
ReplyDeleteAh I really want to go now! Loved your pics and all the pastel colours it seems like such a family friendly place! x
ReplyDeleteNice post Lori! Been there last year and it's really a great destination for family travel! It's a really great place to unwind. I really like the old train and the feels it bring on our little tour of the place.
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