City Guide: Palma for kids

Published on 24/06/2012 11:54

Janet Christie offers some helpful tips when visiting the capital of Majorca

BEST HOTEL

Located in the old town, the four-star Dalt Murada is a friendly boutique hotel near the Cathedral. With old Mallorcan interiors, its chief attractions for families is the baby-sitting service and leafy patio for breakfasting al-fresco. From £119.93 per night, Dalt Murada, Palma, C/Almudaina 6A, 07001 Palma de Mallorca www.daltmurada.com

BEST ANIMAL ATTRACTION

IF THE mention of aquaria gives you a sinking feeling, make an exception for Palma’s Aquarium (palmaaquarium.com), about ten miles from the centre. There are recreations of marine habitats and ecosystems, as well as fish tanks, a huge play area and a jungle roof garden. With the world’s largest shark tank at 33m long, it has four species swimming around, and if you have a licence and nerves of steel, you can entertain the kids by swimming along with them, while children can feed the rays, turtles and hammerhead sharks.

BEST KIDS’ ATTRACTION

GIVE the hand-blown glass emporia a body-swerve and head for the medieval Bellver Castle, clinging to the hill above the glistening Bay of Palma, where you can let the kids and their imagination run wild. Or climb aboard the narrow gauge train on Plaça d’Espanya. They’ll be as happy as the Fat Controller.

BEST WATER PARK

AQUALAND el Arenal www.aqualand.es, one of the world’s largest water funfairs is a short drive from Palma and has flumes and waves galore, plus a mini-zoo, farm and parrot shows. It also has an antique typewriter museum and there aren’t many waterparks that can say that. Take the Palma to Arenal Motorway, exit 13, or the EMT’s 23 bus service from Palma stops at the park’s car park. Open daily until 28 September, adults €24, children €17, under twos free.

BEST PLACE TO EAT

IN THE arcaded Plaça Major square, big enough for wrigglers to let off steam, there are pavement cafés galore where you can introduce them to tapas but if you’re after traditional Mallorquin fare, try C’an Joan de Saigo (Calle Can Sanc, 10) in the old town for ensaimadas, Palma’s version of a croissant, A couple of euros each, they’ll keep hungry kids filled up.