I would like to stay in a family part of the island as I have two small children. I would still like to be able to enjoy good resturaunts and bars but really dont want a mad "piss up type place with loads of drunks". I have heard Puerto Pollensa is nice. I went to Ciutadella in Menorca a few years ago and that was brilliant, so something like that would be good.
Plus I should add I dont want to spend a fourtune. A couple of grand (£) is the sort of amount I was thinking. This is an early August holiday I was thinking to fit in with the school holidays.
Cheers
2007-02-18 17:46:57 · 12 answers · asked by fergie68 2 in Travel ➔ Spain ➔ Islas Baleares
Hello there
I think that you were absolutley right in the first place thinking that Puerto Pollensa would be the right place for your family.
Please don't listen to the person who recommended the Bellevue in Alcudia to you- you will hate it and is totally unsuitable for the kind of person who goes to Pollensa. Its not that The Bellevue is awful perse, it's just that it's a huge complex with lots of Butlins type things going on- and in August which is the busiest time of year you can be sure that it is definitley not for you if you are not looking for a "piss up type place"- Sorry if this offends anyone, but it's sadly the truth. As soon as the school holidays start, you can be sure that as well as responsible parents, the Bellevue will have more than it's fair share of irresponsible parents who all get drunk on their duty free leaving their kids to run wild!
Alcudia might be ok, and is a good all-round choice, but best to book a package if you're going up there as it's quite a bit (90 minutes approx) drive from the airport so if you're having to pay for private taxi transfers it will be costly- The tour ops will charge anything from free to £18pp in the coach return to transfer you up there.
Alcudia is nice, again mainly for families and the accomodation there is excellent.
Try any of the "Viva" complexes for self catering, I liked the "Viva Blue" aparthotel, it's in a quieter area of Alcudia called Playa de Muro but it was excellent with great facilities- I'd probably go there again myself and can recommend it.
Most of the hotels there are ok too- avoid the All Inclusive Jupiter/Saturno if you don't like the crowds or Butlins abroad types of holiday. The 4 star Alcudia Mar is lovely- it's on an island setting at the marina, The 3 star Delfin Azul has (I think) just been refurbished and is airconditioned so worth considering.
Also be aware that there are essentially two parts to Alcudia- the coastal resort itself which runs around the bay and the more inland part up near the lake- picturesque enough but the mozzies will eat you alive so if you're going there, good insect repellent is an absolute must as well as a couple of plug ins for your room/apt.
However, I still think that you were right to think of Pollensa- it's a really lovely resort and appeals not only to mature couples, but very much so to families who are looking for something a little more "up-market" and appreciate it's beautiful location.
Puerto Pollensa is in the north of the island, not too far from Alcudia. Compared to the other beach resorts it has a lovely relaxed atmosphere in pretty surroundings. The beach is good, not too crowded and if I were going myself, thats probably where I'd stay and if I'm honest, the other resorts just pale into insignificance in comparison. Its definatley not for those looking for clubs and hectic nightlife but if it's restuarants, nice bars/cafes and you're the more discerning type looking for something that little bit classier, then Pollensa can't be beaten!
Check out The Duva apts, The Daina are excellent too and in a great location, The Habitat, The Hobby Club, Club Del Sol and the Villa Concha are also all OK.
For a hotel in Pollensa, The Club Pollentia is of the best as is The Daina Hotel and The Miramar- all are excellent- avoid the Pollensa Park if possible, it's ok though if you want busy busy and crammed with kids in high season and somehow it seems out of place in Pollensa.
One word of caution. Not all the hotels and apts in Pollensa have balconies in every room/apt, if this is essential, please check it out before you book otherwise you might not get one.
As for tips for saving money, you may be cheaper booking low cost flights with the likes of Easyjet and booking the accomodation seperatley yourself with a hire car or taxi transfer- this will especially be the case if you opt for self catering because you will be paying for the unit of accomodation in spite of how many occupy it (subject to maximum occupancy of course) This means you don't pay any underoccupancy supplelements that you certainly will pay for if you do opt for the traditional package through the major tour operators.
You may also like to know that online discounts are better than travel agents discounts on the high street so shop around online for the best deal.
If you fancy having a go at doing your own package with low cost flights check out the following for accomodation...
www.medhotels.com
www.thomsonholidays.co.uk (they will sell you accom only very reasonably and they have a lot in Pollensa)
www.holidaybrokers.co.uk
Finally, always check what you're booking on sites like trip advisor and holidays uncovered and read the reviews from other travellers before you part with any money- Look before you book :-)
I hope this helps you, but whatever you decide, I hope you have a lovely holiday!
Good luck!
2007-02-20 23:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by LadyTraveller 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are a lot of great areas to take a family holiday in Majorca. Puerto Pollensa is one of the nicer areas with great walks, nice restaurants and bars. It tends more to attract couples and families that prefer to enjoy a holiday at their own pace, rather than be swept up in a tidal wave of lager mixed with "I am the music man!". The beach in Puerto Pollensa is fantastic! Cala D'or is a lovely area, however is quite spread out, so accom can be quite a bit away from a good choice of restaurants.
Alcude is a great all rounder, again offers a great choice of bard and restaurants, with a fantastic beach. You are more likley to find families here rather than couples or groups of teens. If karaoke is your scene you'll like it here!
One of my favourite areas is Cala Bona/Cala Millor. As a child I spent many great familiy holidays there. Cala Millor offer a great choice of bars and restaurants. it can get quite busy and does have your british bars and some more local, however an easy stroll along the impressive promenade brings you to Cala Bona, where you can sit by the harbour and enjoy a more local experience. So you will tend to find anything you want!
Majorca is a great place and I am sure wherever you choose you will have a great time, although I would avoid Palma Nova/Magalluf if you want to avoid the noisier areas.
2007-02-21 04:21:01 · answer #2 · answered by cwagsg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay away from all big cities, like New York, Boston or Chicago. Stay away from the usual tourist hangouts. See things in America that make in unique. The Grand Canyon, Everglades, Smokey Mountains, Washington, DC. If you can afford personal guided tours, that's the best. Nothing as great as a couple days trout fishing on a nice western stream and the great cooking. Stay in smaller towns at bed and breakfast. Yes, America is big, but there are areas where there are just too many people.
2016-05-24 06:31:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Porto Pollensa, santa ponsa, palma nova, are all south of the island so only short transfers about 30-40 min. Alcudia is nice too but it a 2.5hr transfer. The alos de agua hotel in palma nova is a great spot, about 10 steps from a flat beach, with quieter bars, resteraunts, shops all close, like surrounding the hotel.
2007-02-21 05:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by leigha 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cala D'Or is just what you want - family friendly, stylish, elegant, no lager louts. I have been going there 4/5 times a year since I first discovered it in 1998. Even bought a property there in 2000. Club Marthas in Cala Egos is quite a reasonable place to stay. You wont be disappointed with Cala D'Or
2007-02-19 01:14:53 · answer #5 · answered by Keery 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alcudia is a good option, great beach and plenty of family options.
Also condiser places on the coats such as Cala D'or, some great places there for families and no lager louts.
2007-02-18 21:44:47 · answer #6 · answered by FAQguy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Peurto Pollensa is nice but for the more mature person looking for a relaxing holiday, alcudia is where i went when kids were you, Last year we went to santa ponsa andit was fantastic, the Santa Posa beach club is great for kids they do it half board or all inclusive which is good priced
2007-02-19 01:20:26 · answer #7 · answered by Jackie M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try Alcudia.... not sure of the exact spelling. Its more family orientated and still has a few bars to break up the boredom.
2007-02-18 18:18:55 · answer #8 · answered by 2 good 2 miss 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The northwest coast, still offers some secluded coves below the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns and villages.See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/balearic_canary/mallorca.htm for more details
2007-02-18 22:43:42 · answer #9 · answered by derf 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
alcudia is great for kids and grown ups, try the bellvue holiday complex, its got lots going on, we are going back again in may. fantastic beach and plenty of bars and resteraunts for the grown ups *wink* we got our holiday from a company called freedom direct from the internet(no i dont work for them). they were the cheapest you can price all levels of board at the bellvue, from s/c to a/i. hope this helps
2007-02-19 23:37:43 · answer #10 · answered by keith_eric16 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋