Located on the east coast of Majorca, Cala d’Or is a lively, vibrant beach resort boasting pretty white-washed houses and numerous soft-sand coves. But, behind the pleasant first impressions, Cala d’Or is a must-visit for families with young children looking for a budget-conscious winter sun or summer holiday.
Recommended read: What to Do In and Around Cala d’Or
Not only does it offer small coves safe enough for the little ones to run around and swim (or learn to!) in the almost always calm sea, you will also find affordable, crowd-pleasing restaurants, and plenty of free activities to keep the whole family entertained. Due to the high influx of young families into Cala d’Or during the summer and school holidays, you won’t struggle to find inexpensive, child-friendly accommodation either.
This Majorcan resort is loved by young children and approved by mums and dads everywhere. Here is why.
Family-Friendly Coves and Beaches
Cala d’Or is characterised by its numerous small coves spread along the resort’s coastline; the longest cove is just 40 metres long! Their blue-emerald sea, soft, white sand and pine-forest background lend the coves a very quaint appearance where parents will be able to take in the sun and sights. Moreover, because of their smaller size, the resort’s five coves are particularly safe for young children: the sea is calmer for new swimmers and it is easier to keep an eye on toddlers likely to run around in excitement.
However, due to their size, Cala d’Or’s coves do tend to get busy and crowded, especially during peak holiday season. Unless your children are extremely early risers, it can be hard to find a spot near the water’s edge, making it tricky to keep an eye simultaneously on the children, your belongings, and your surroundings.
If you are looking for an alternative that involves the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea but offers you a more relaxed day, a boat day-trip to Cala Mondragó is ideal.
Recommended by Moms: A Trip to Cala Mondragó
Starfish Glass Bottom Boats offers a one-and-a-half-hour long boat trip to Cala Mondragó, a stunning cove with very shallow waters ideal for the little ones. Moreover, the boat stops at various bays along the eastern coast and allows you to jump in for a quick swim, so you and your partner can easily take turns looking after the children while the other has a refreshing splash in the sea.
Prices
Starfish Glass Bottom Boats’ return trips to Cala Mondragó are 24€ for adults and 14€ for children between 3 and 11 years between the months of June and September. Younger children travel free.
Engaging Activities for the Whole Family
Another great advantage about holidaying in Cala d’Or is that keeping little children entertained on a tight budget is incredibly easy.
Feed the Fish at the Marina
The resort’s marina is a wonderful spot for both a relaxing family walk and for sitting children down at the water’s edge to let them interact with nature by feeding the local fish. And if you buy a loaf of bread from a local bakery instead of fish food, it will only set you back less than a euro!
Take the Mini Train!
As a family, you can also take the MiniTrenet, a tourist road train, in order to explore Cala d’Or thoroughly but also comfortably. The train aspect of the trip, such as the hooting of the horn and the driver’s announcements, will endlessly entertain the kids and parents can sit back and relax in the knowledge that the possibility of endless ‘are we there yet?’ tirades is very, very small.
Play at the Playgrounds
Finally, Cala d’Or also has multiple children’s parks dotted around and throughout the resort, some of which even include inflatable castles and slides where your children can climb and play to their heart’s delight. An early night shouldn’t prove too difficult after that!
Prices
The MiniTrenet charges a small fee of €2 for both adults and children for a one-way ticket, or €4 for adults and €2’50 for children for a return ticket.
Child-Friendly Restaurants
Sometimes overshadowed by the search for child-friendly accommodation at your holiday destination, child-friendly restaurants are, nevertheless, equally important. Cala d’Or is full of restaurants that will not only welcome young children, but also cater to their sometimes complex meal preferences. Here are some of the best:
- Molly’s Irish Bistro and Pub: From traditional Sunday roasts to crowd-pleasing staples such as burgers, pies, and fish and chips, the whole family should be able to have a satisfyingly filling and budget-friendly meal. Open Tuesday-Saturday 18:00h-01:00h and Sundays 13:00h-01:00h. Closed on Mondays. Address: Carrer Es Forti 4, Cala Egos, 07660, Cala d’Or, Majorca, Spain.
- Restaurant Diferent: This aptly-named restaurant offers a curious décor together with a menu that is quite different from your average resort restaurant, including free lollipops for children at the end of the meal. Open Monday-Sunday 10:00h-23:30h. Address: Carrer Toni Costa 10, 07660, Cala d’Or, Majorca, Spain.
- Barlovento: With well-priced family meals and dishes that will please even the pickiest of eaters, from fresh and delicious pizzas to homemade sandwiches and seafood. Address: Carrer d’en Andreu Roig 2, 07660, Cala d’Or, Majorca, Spain.
- Cala d’Ice: What better treat after an exhausting day of holidaying and entertaining children than a delicious homemade ice cream? Not only will the kids gulf it down with joy, but you will get to sit down on a park bench and watch the sun go down in peace. Carrer S’Espardell s/n, 07660, Cala d’Or, Majorca, Spain.
How to Get to Cala d’Or
In order to reach Cala d’Or, you will need to fly to Palma de Mallorca Airport. On the short 2-hours-and-20-minutes’ flight from London, young children practically won’t have time to get bored of their gadgets before you’ll hear the captain announce your landing. Prices vary throughout the year – from around £50-£60 at off-peak times to an average of £150 at more popular days, such as half-term school holidays.
A private, child-friendly Majorca airport transfer, according to mums, is the easiest way to reach Cala d’Or from Palma Airport if you’re carrying young children and luggage. It is just under a one hour’s drive and it will ensure enough space in the trunk for all your suitcases, as well as car seats for the younger tots.
If you would rather brave public transport, you have to take a bus from the airport to Palma’s Plaça d’Espanya. From there, it is a short walk to the Estació Intermodal, where you have to board the 501 bus to Cala d’Or/Portopetro. It takes just over two hours to complete the journey into central Cala d’Or.
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Ferrera Park – These are very family-friendly apartments, just minutes away from Cala d’Or’s coves. Not only are they roomy and bright, they also offer lovely sea-views, a well-equipped kitchenette, a TV and DVD-player, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Children love the facilities and parents will love the easy access to the town centre.
Ona Village Cala d’Or – A pretty, whitewashed building with wonderful views and an incredibly central location, this apartment complex is a highly recommended option for young families. The oven and microwave allow you have meals in the comfort of your apartment; the outdoor pool is great for children who aren’t yet comfortable in the sea; and it is very quiet at night – ideal for those with earlier bedtimes.
La Perla de Cala d’Or – Situated slightly further away from the hustle and bustle of Cala d’Or’s town centre, this quiet and modern apartment complex offers two different swimming pools and free Wi-Fi – a great combination when trying to keep children entertained. Moreover, every apartment has its own terrace and garden, great for sunbathing sessions that don’t require too much child supervision.
