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 ParksOK 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.
