We've visited several times over the years (and I spent many family holidays there as a child), and it's somewhere I always find myself recommending to families. It has a welcome slower pace of life and offers that rare combination of relaxation for adults whilst still giving children plenty to enjoy. For me, it has that nostalgic, classic holiday feel.

With a flight time of around two and a half hours from the UK and plenty of flight options from airports across the country, it's an easy holiday to get to. Once you're there, everything feels wonderfully simple. Beautiful beaches, charming towns, fantastic food and plenty of opportunities to slow down and spend quality time together.

One of the things we love most about this part of Mallorca is that you're not tied to one resort. Pollensa Old Town, Port de Pollensa, Alcudia Old Town and Port d'Alcudia are all within an easy drive of each other, meaning you can enjoy a completely different experience each day. We often find ourselves having a morning coffee in Pollensa Old Town, spending the afternoon at the beach in Alcudia and then heading into Alcudia Old Town or the Port for an evening stroll and dinner.

Pollensa Old Town – One of Our Favourite Evening Spots

One of our favourite places is Pollensa Old Town.

The main square has everything you imagine when you think of a traditional Spanish holiday. Families gather outside restaurants, children play safely in the square thanks to the lack of traffic, and the beautiful church provides a stunning backdrop as the sun begins to set.

We also love visiting in the mornings. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee, wander through the cobbled streets and simply soak up the atmosphere. Whilst you're there, make sure you try an ensaïmada – Mallorca's famous spiral-shaped pastry that's best enjoyed with a coffee while watching the town wake up around you.

It's one of those places where you can happily sit for hours and watch holiday life unfold around you.

Port de Pollensa – Where We Slow Down

The beach is fantastic for young children thanks to its soft sand and gently shelving shoreline. The water stays shallow for quite a distance too, so a little extra peace of mind whilst they splash and paddle.

One of our favourite walks is along the famous Pine Walk. Stretching alongside the seafront, it's lined with beautiful pine trees and offers stunning views across the bay. Along the way you'll find little coves and rocky areas where children can paddle, search for shells and explore.

Along the seafront and around the Pine Walk you'll find plenty of lovely cafés and restaurants, some located opposite small playgrounds on the beach. So when your children no longer want to sit still for a leisurely lunch or dinner, you can relax and keep an eye on them while they play nearby.

It's one of those places where you can happily spend an entire day doing very little at all – beach, ice cream, a leisurely lunch and perhaps another swim before heading back for the evening.

Alcudia Old Town – Perfect for Exploring

Alcudia Old Town has a different feel but is another place we always visit during our stay.

The atmosphere is wonderful, with narrow streets filled with independent boutiques, gift shops and plenty of places to stop for a drink or bite to eat.

We particularly love visiting on market days, which take place every Tuesday and Sunday. The market is one of the largest in Mallorca and sells everything from local produce and handmade gifts to clothing and souvenirs. It's become a tradition now – our boys get a new football kit from the market whilst we're there!

My top tip is to arrive early. It can get incredibly busy later in the morning, especially during the summer months, and it's much more enjoyable before the heat of the day arrives.

Port d'Alcudia – Great for Families

Port d'Alcudia is another regular stop for us. We love wandering around the marina, admiring the stunning yachts and choosing from the many restaurants overlooking the harbour. It's a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

For younger children, there's also a brilliant pirate ship play area right on the beach which has provided plenty of entertainment over the years.

Alcudia has a huge stretch of golden sand and shallow, calm water. Whilst it’s a popular beach, we’ve always been able to get sunbeds and an umbrella and still feel like there’s plenty of space. We tend to fill our days with endless paddling, building sandcastles and beach football. There are also plenty of facilities here, so you’re sorted for toilets, regular ice cream runs and somewhere easy to grab lunch.

Exploring Further Afield

One of the reasons we often choose a villa holiday in Pollensa is the freedom that comes with having a hire car.

Whilst you could easily spend an entire week between Pollensa and Alcudia, there are plenty of beautiful places within easy reach if you fancy exploring further.

Port de Sóller is always worth a visit. Surrounded by the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, it's one of the most picturesque spots on the island. There’s a very popular historic tram that runs between Sóller town and the port.

Another favourite is Playa de Formentor. The drive there is spectacular and the beach itself feels a little different from the larger resort beaches. Crystal-clear water, pine trees providing natural shade and stunning scenery make it a fantastic day trip.

For something a little quieter, Cala Sant Vicenç is another beautiful spot close to Pollensa. It’s one to get to early, as parking can occasionally be difficult and the beaches can fill up quickly.

Why We Love Villa Holidays Here

Whilst there are some fantastic hotels in the area, we often choose to stay in a villa slightly inland. Our last villa was near Inca, perfectly positioned for exploring different parts of the island.

Not only can you get more space and excellent value for money, but it gives you a completely different experience of Mallorca.

On our last visit, our villa overlooked a small farm and one of the children's favourite daily activities was visiting the donkeys that lived opposite.

After a day at the beach or exploring the local towns, there's something special about cooking a barbecue, playing cards together and enjoying dinner outside as the sun goes down.

Then, once the children are asleep, we pour a glass of wine, sit outside in the warm evening air and listen to the cicadas. It's one of those simple moments that instantly makes you feel like you're on holiday.

Or Perhaps a Luxury Hotel?

If you prefer the convenience of a hotel, there are some fantastic luxury family-friendly options nearby. Zafiro Alcudia is a popular choice with families, offering spacious suites, excellent pools and facilities designed with both adults and children in mind. Ikos Porto Petro and Iberostar Selection Playa de Muro are just two more examples of the many excellent luxury options available.

The beauty of the Pollensa and Alcudia area is that whether you choose a private villa or a luxury hotel, you'll still have all of these wonderful beaches, towns and experiences right on your doorstep.

Why We Keep Going Back

What makes Pollensa special isn't one single attraction. It's the combination of everything.

It's morning coffees in Pollensa Old Town. Beach days in Port de Pollensa. Market mornings in Alcudia. Watching yachts in the marina. Feeding donkeys outside a villa. Family barbecues that turn into long, warm evenings listening to the cicadas.

It's easy, relaxed and beautiful.

And for families looking for a holiday that feels just as enjoyable for the adults as it does for the children, that's exactly why we keep going back.

If you're considering Mallorca for your next family holiday and would like recommendations based on my own experiences of the area, I'd love to help!