Mum of two Hannah Britt took her kids to the Mallorcan beach resort this summer, and fell in love with it’s laid back vibe. From historic churches to mini golf, there’s something to do for all ages
Palmanova beach is known for its pristine white sand, and is lined with tasty beach bars and cafes(Image: Getty Images)
Sat on the white sand of Palmanova beach, I watched as my daughters splashed on the shore. I absentmindedly filled and unfilled their bucket and plotted where to go for lunch as they played, the morning sun gently rising high in the sky above us.
I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of Palmanova before this summer. But with its laid back vibe and pristine sandy beaches, it’s time to put it on the map. A compact beach resort town spanning about 2km of coastline in the southwest of Mallorca, it’s a 20 minute car ride from Palma. Known for its clear turquoise waters and welcoming atmosphere, its calm environment appeals to families, couples and older visitors.
Unlike its high-energy and boisterous neighbour Magaluf, which is a short drive away along the coast, Palmanova is much quieter at night and focuses on laid-back evening entertainment like casual dining, live music, and quiz or tribute nights. Or so I heard. With two small children in tow the only nightlife on the agenda for me was a kids’ disco. But more on that later…
Lunch, I decided from my spot on the sand, was to be at Turtle Beach, a popular Mediterranean hotspot with a pretty view out over the sea. The restaurant welcomes children with open arms, and the sandy-toed vibe is the perfect co-parent for a mum travelling solo.
The menu had something to please both my six year old and my two year old, with BBQ and grill classics like juicy gourmet burgers, sizzling steaks, ribs and slow-smoked brisket. Once we’d polished off tacos, served to everyone’s delight on decorative turtles, and at least for me washed down with a crisp Aperol spritz, it was time to explore.
Palmanova bridges the gap between tranquil and lively, with plenty to keep little ones occupied. The Big Blue Diving company offers paddleboards, wakeboards, and scuba diving sessions for the nautically intrepid. We, however, opted for Golf Fantasia, where we played a terrible game of golf while marvelling at the real fish and turtles in the lagoons, plus birds in the garden.
Having all embarrassed ourselves, we walked along the Passeig de Mar to shop for magnets and trinkets. We then wandered to Corazón Helado, for what Tripadvisor promised was the best ice cream in town. The bright little cafe serves homemade gelato, waffles, coffee and fresh smoothies. My six year old chose strawberry, my two year old vanilla and I pistachio. They were all delicious.
Next, to beat the heat we slipped into Sant Llorenç church. Where architecture meets artistic heritage, it was designed by Josep Ferragut Pons and features works by Miquel Salvá, Aleix Llull, and Jean Osterlynck, alongside a striking Saint Lawrence mural by sculptor Horacio de Eguía. Small yet serene and with a surprising amount to see inside, it’s well worth a visit when tired of the beach.
Leaving the church, and with the late afternoon sun beating down, it was time to retreat to our hotel. We were staying at the Zafiro Palace Palmanova, a five star want-for-nothing complex – and the jewel in Palmanova’s crown.
From the moment you enter, guests – especially little ones – are treated like royalty. Staff remember drinks orders and names, despite the size of the hotel. The grounds are well kept and with shaded walkways ideal for pram naps. A handy back gate leads to Palmanova beach in minutes.
Rooms are immaculate and chicly decorated, all with balconies or terraces and some with hot tubs. We were lucky enough to have a swim-up suite, meaning we could roll out of bed and into the water at a moment’s notice. This was a huge win with two small children, as I had all the entertainment I needed on my doorstep. A secure boltable gate ensured safety and peace of mind too.
But you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pools at Zafiro Palace Palmanova. Two large kids pools sit towards the back of the property with slides and a massive bouncy pillow, while several main pools sit in the middle of the complex, with a swim up bar for the thirsty and pool games for the energetic.
When hungry, food was sublime, with plenty on offer for even the fussiest little ones. The best flat white was to be found in the bar. As I sat that evening watching the girls dance at the kids’ disco, I had already plotted our return.
*Nightly rates at Zafiro Palace Palmanova start from €438 per night with All Inclusive Redefined