Northern Mallorca, part of Spain’s beautiful Balearic Islands, is a fabulous location for a family holiday thanks to the wide range of child-friendly facilities, beautiful beaches, and a good number of nearby activities and attractions. But if what you are looking for is the perfect beach for you and your brood to spend a day by the warm Mediterranean, then look no further than the Blue-Flag-waving Playa de Muro, Northern Mallorca’s most family-friendly stretch of sand.
This welcoming six kilometres of sandy coastline may have one name but it is actually divided in to four distinctive sections, each with its own appeal to parents with young children. Whether you are looking for water sports, restaurants and cafés to keep your children entertained, or you prefer the peace and beauty of a wetland nature reserve, the Playa de Muro, close to the child-friendly resort of Alcúdia, has it all.
Great Facilities
The whole 6-km stretch of coastline here has great facilities including changing rooms, showers, lifeguards and toilets, making this an ideal place to spend a whole day beside the water with young children. But if what you are looking for is plenty of action to keep the family entertained, then the two sections at each end of this expanse of fine golden sand are the best places to head to.
The first section, closest to Port d’Alcúdia, is known as Section 1 (or simply Playa de Muro). Lined by welcoming hotels, restaurants and beach bars, it is the most bustling section of the beach with an extensive range of water sports on offer, from paddle boats and paddle boarding to inflatables and windsurfing. There is also a range of children’s play areas close to the beach along the boardwalk, including the popular Bouncy House. If older kids are into sports they’ll enjoy the volleyball and beach ball courts on the sand.
At the other end of this long stretch of sand is Section 4 (or Es Cappellans)which is close to the resort of Can Picafort, and also has a good range of facilities and activities including water sports, cafés, beach bars, restaurants and play areas. Although this is a great beach with plenty in its favour, this is the only stretch of Playa de Muro which has yet to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag.
Section 2 (known locally as Es Braç), lies just beyond Section 1 and is generally more quiet and peaceful, as it is slightly further out of town, but still has good access to a full range of facilities.
Stunning Natural Park Scenery
If you want your children to experience the natural beauty for which Northern Mallorca is famous, then a stroll down the beach to Section 3 (known as Es Comu) is a must. Part of the S’Albufera Natural Park, this stretch benefits from the same soft sand and shallow waters as the others but is much quieter and more secluded. Fringed by the beautiful sand dunes and pine forests of the Natural Park, this is a stunning place to spend an afternoon and watch your little ones run around and explore.
Things to Do Nearby
There is plenty for you and the children to do on the beach – everything from water sports and sandcastle building to playgrounds and ice cream stops at local cafés. However, if your kids are anything like mine they will be looking for new activities every day. The great thing about Playa de Muro is that if you tire of lying in the sun and playing in the sand, then there are plenty of other children-friendly activities to enjoy nearby.
S’Albufera Natural Park
My children adored exploring the beautiful Juniper bushes and pine forests of S’Albufera Natural Park, a protected wetlands area full of exotic birds and beautiful wildlife including ospreys and peregrines. There are well marked foot paths which run through the park so, if the weather’s not too hot, you and the kids can explore in safety. Older children will love the cycle paths which wind their way through the park.
Dolphin-Watching Boat Trips
Another great day out for us was a boat trip which left from Section 1 of the Playa de Muro and travelled along the coast. Not only was the scenery spectacular, but we got to see dolphins which swam alongside the boat, making my kids shriek with delight every time they leapt out of the water.
How to Get to Playa de Muro
If this stretch of coastline sounds like the perfect location for a family holiday for you then it’s worth basing yourself in one of the hotels which line the shore here or at the nearby resort of Alcúdia. The nearest airport is Palma Mallorca Airport on the southwest of the island, and the transfer time to Alcúdia is only 40 minutes so the kids won’t find it too tiring.
There is a good range of non-stop flights to Palma Mallorca from the UK with airlines including Ryanair and easyJet. The flightime is a manageable two and a half hours. Save yourself time and stress at the airport by booking your family transfer to the resort online with Shuttle Direct before you leave home. Just let them know the ages of those travelling, and the driver will meet you at the airport with a vehicle big enough to fit you all in and as many car seats as you need to carry the kids safely to your accommodation.
Where to Stay
Iberostar Alcudia Park– The stylish, contemporary four-star Iberostar Alcudia Park has everything to win everyone’s hearts. From games rooms and a fantastic kids club to a vast swimming pool, roof terraces, spa and beachfront access, this modern hip hotel has it all.
Grupotel Alcudia Suite – If you’re looking for a self-catering option with all the facilities you’d expect from a hotel, try the Grupotel Alcudia Suite. The rooms feature seating areas, kitchenettes and balconies but downstairs you’ll find a restaurant, bar, pool and children’s playground, as well as a range of evening entertainment.
Iberostar Albufera Park– The beachfront Iberostar Albufera Park is a hotel which has the option of family rooms complete with kitchenettes and seating areas. Very family-friendly, there’s a baby club so that you can relax in the spa knowing that your little ones are being well looked after, and even a kids’ buffet (perfect for fussy eaters).
About Shuttle Direct
One of the leading providers of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct has many years of experience taking families to their holiday accommodation. Just let them know the ages of your children when you book and you’ll have the option of larger vehicles as well as baby and booster seats for safer travel.
