Teenagers and family holidays can be a difficult combination. They want to be independent and left to their own devices; whereas you know that they are not quite old enough for that just yet. My daughter is a long way off being a teenager but I do look forward and appreciate that planning family holidays that your teens will love must be tough. From my experience, however, Mallorca’s Cala d’Or offers families a great combination of things to do for adults and teens alike.
Here is my guide to keeping the teenagers happy and off their iPods when in Cala d’Or.
Beach Fun
Sunbathing
Lots of youngsters are very image conscious, and getting a tan when on holiday is something all of their peers will no doubt expect. This beautiful part of Mallorca is proud of its stunning beaches and boasts gorgeous white sand and azure blue seas – a real treat!
There are five beaches in Cala d’Or, and although they are all small, there is plenty of room for everyone to find a spot to soak up the sunshine. I am not one for crowds, so if you prefer a more tranquil spot, head out on a boat to Mondrago Natural Park and relax on S’Aramador or Mondrago beach. While the kids bronze it up, you can indulge in some refreshment at the beach bar!
Boat Trips
Boat trips are ideal family activities and there are lots of good companies in Cala D’Or offering full and half-day excursions. Teenagers will be able to sit back, listen to their music and catch some rays or, if they are more active, they will love the chance to swim, snorkel and explore the hidden coves.
See what boat trips other people suggest here.
Fun on Dry Land
Shopping
I don’t know any teenager, boy or girl, who doesn’t enjoy a shop, so an afternoon strolling through the fashion boutiques in Cala d’Or will make you very popular parents. There are also plenty of souvenir shops so they can buy gifts for their friends back home.
Hike, Bike, Golf or Play Tennis
I know so many youngsters today who really enjoy their sport, and if your teenagers are easily bored and always looking for something to do, why not take them to one of the many hotels that have tennis courts, or perhaps even to the golf course at Cala d’Or, which is only 10 minutes away?
There are several excellent cycle routes and you can hire bikes and scooters from Moto-Sprint. Or, if you prefer to explore on foot, the undulating hills behind the coast are criss crossed with some wonderful hiking routes. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
Experience a Little Culture
Despite sometimes seeming disinterested, lots of teens actually love a little bit of culture. A trip to Santueri Castle makes for some fun family photos, and the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador, which sits at 509m above sea level, is a great place to go if you want to give your kids a taste of the history of this area.
Party Time!
Most parents are happy to allow their kids to let their hair down occasionally, and La Cueva is the place for them to do just that. Set in a cave like construction, this disco venue in Porto Petro (the centre of Cala d’Or) specialises in music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Happening parents will love it here too.
How To Get to Cala d’Or From the UK
Palma Airport is a short 2 hour 20 minute hop from London, and with so many daily non-stop flights available, you have lots of choice. Several budget airlines, such as easyJet, Monarch and Thomas Cook offer great deals from London Gatwick, while Jet2 are the go-to budget choice from Manchester.
Early mornings and teenagers often don’t go together, but when you travel, early mornings are par for the course. When you arrive in Palma airport, transfers to your hotel in Cala d’Or need not be an issue. Your teens will be itching to get to their hotel and you will no doubt want your onward journey to be a seamless and efficient as possible, so book in advance with Shuttle Direct. With their professional team of drivers, a personal, friendly service, competitive prices, and comfortable private vehicles, they are the number one choice for Palma airport transfers. At £17 per person for the one-hour transfer, you are on to a winner.
Where To Stay:
Inturotel Cala Azul Garden – This hotel is ideal for families travelling with teenagers. Boasting oodles of space, both outdoors and in, Inturotel Cala Azul Garden is only 150m from the beach and the all-important shops. The pool is large, but if the kids get bored of this one, they can use the facilities in the Esmerelda Park, only 100m away. Free Wi-Fi will keep the youngsters happy, while the private terraces and large, bright, airy rooms with separate living and bedroom areas will impress you parents. The small kitchenette has a fridge for storing all those extra snacks that growing kids need.
Barceló Ponent Playa – Another large, spacious hotel option, located right on Cala Ferrera Beach. I chose Barceló Ponent Playa because of its excellent services and the entertainment on offer for adults and kids. Outdoor facilities not only include a pool, but mini-golf and a tennis court too. Mums and dads can relax in the Turkish bath or wellness centre, while kids can have their own space within the confines of a safe environment.
Hotel Cala Dor – The beautiful views and pretty location make this hotel a personal favourite. Hotel Cala Dor is set in a peaceful cove and actually boasts a rather interesting history. Dating back to the Spanish Civil War, the homely hotel holds a sense of intrigue that many youngsters might want to investigate further. Bedrooms have balconies, are spacious and beautifully decorated, and the onsite restaurant means you don’t have to go out every night to eat. A gym, sauna and hot tub are ideal for ‘wind down’ time at the end of the day, and the delicious cocktails served at the bar are an added bonus!
About Shuttle Direct:
All of us at Shuttle Direct are there to offer seamless and efficient onward transfers to your final destination and we appreciate that, when travelling with kids, this is so important. Enjoy a relaxed transfer from your chosen arrival airport to your hotel by booking in advance with one of our team. We take great pride in offering friendly, reliable and fixed low cost services.
