Mallorca With Autistic Children

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a fantastic destination for families, including those with autistic children.

Getting To Mallorca

Reaching Mallorca is relatively easy with several transport options available. The most common way to get to the island is by flying into Palma De Mallorca Airport (PMI), which has direct flights from major cities across Europe and beyond. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Spain, with services operating from Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia. The ferry ride can be a scenic and enjoyable part of your journey, especially for children who enjoy being on the water.

For our visit to Mallorca, we flew from Glasgow Airport to Palma De Mallorca. We then rented cars to drive our family over to Alcudia and for exploring during our stay there.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial when traveling with children, especially those with autism. Mallorca offers a variety of family-friendly resorts and hotels that cater to different needs.

• Palma Nova is a popular area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels. The area offers numerous restaurants, shops, and activities within walking distance, making it convenient for families.
• Alcudia is another excellent choice, known for its long, sandy beach and calm waters. Many resorts here offer family-friendly amenities and are located close to local attractions, such as the Alcudia Old Town and the nearby nature reserve. This is where we stayed during our visit
• Santa Ponsa provides a quieter atmosphere while still offering plenty of activities for families. This area has a range of accommodations and is known for its beautiful beach and family-friendly facilities.

We went to Mallorca with my family: my Step-sister and her daughter, my 2 Step-brothers my Dad & Step-mum, my Step-aunt and my half sister, her husband at the time and their daughter. We rented a huge house near Alcudia that was big enough for all of us.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Mallorca

Mallorca is brimming with activities that can be both enjoyable and suitable for children, including those with sensory processing needs. Here are some top family-friendly attractions and activities:

Beaches

The island’s beaches, such as Palma Nova, Alcudia, and Cala d’Or, are perfect for a relaxing day. The gentle waves and soft sand provide a sensory-friendly environment where children can play and explore.

Palma Aquarium

Located in the capital city, Palma, this aquarium offers a sensory-rich experience with a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits. It’s an engaging and educational outing for children. Book your tickets in advance here.

Marineland

Situated in Costa d’en Blanes, Marineland is a marine zoo that features dolphin and sea lion shows, an aquarium, and a reptile house. The park provides a fun and educational environment for children. You can buy your tickets here.

Western Water Park

Located in Magaluf, this water park offers a variety of slides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park provides a fun and exciting way for children to cool off and burn some energy. Plan ahead and secure your tickets with GetYourGuide.

S’Albufera Nature Reserve

This large wetland area is perfect for a family day out. The reserve offers walking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and beautiful scenery, providing a peaceful and sensory-friendly environment.

Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves)

These impressive caves near Porto Cristo feature stunning rock formations and an underground lake. The guided tours are engaging and offer a unique experience for children. You can book a trip to the Dragon Caves with GetYourGuide here.

Palma Nova Mini Golf

This mini golf course offers a fun and relaxed environment for families. The themed courses and well-maintained grounds provide an enjoyable activity for children of all ages.

Safari Zoo

Located near Sa Coma, this safari park offers a drive-through experience where children can see animals like zebras, giraffes, and lions up close. It’s a unique and exciting outing for families.

Tramuntana Mountains

A drive through the Tramuntana Mountains offers stunning views and opportunities for short hikes. The scenic landscape can be a calming and enjoyable experience for children.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Mallorca

Port De Pollenca Beach

On our final day on Mallorca we did some driving around and visited places we had not been to yet. We found some lovely beaches in Port De Pollenca and the kids had an incredible time splashing in the water and spotting hermit crabs.

Getting Around Mallorca with Autistic Children

Navigating Mallorca requires some planning to ensure a smooth experience, especially when traveling with autistic children. Here are some transport options:

• Taxis and Private Transfers: Taxis and private transfer services are readily available and offer a convenient way to travel around the island. Pre-booking these services can help reduce stress and ensure a comfortable journey.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car can provide the flexibility to explore Mallorca at your own pace. Many rental agencies offer vehicles with GPS and child seats, making it easier to navigate the island with children.
• Public Buses: Mallorca has an extensive and reliable public bus network that connects major towns and tourist areas. Buses are an affordable option, but can be crowded during peak times.
• Bikes: Renting bikes can be a fun and active way to explore the island, especially in areas with dedicated bike paths. It offers a different perspective and can be an enjoyable activity for children.

Is Mallorca Autism-Friendly?

Mallorca is increasingly becoming autism-friendly, with growing awareness, improved accessibility, and a range of services catering to individuals with autism. The island’s natural beauty, quieter environments, and welcoming culture can provide a positive experience for those with sensory sensitivities. However, the level of autism-friendliness can vary depending on the location, so it’s advisable to plan ahead, choose appropriate accommodations, and reach out to local organizations for support.

Things That Make Mallorca Stand Out

• Public transportation in Mallorca, including buses, trains, and ferries, is generally accessible and can accommodate travelers with special needs. However, during busy times, public transport can be crowded and noisy, so planning travel during quieter hours may be beneficial.
• Palma de Mallorca Airport offers special assistance services for passengers with disabilities, including those with autism. This can include help with navigating the airport, boarding, and other travel-related needs.
• Some hotels and resorts in Mallorca have begun offering autism-friendly services, such as quieter rooms, sensory-friendly activities, and staff trained to assist guests with special needs. Some tourist attractions, such as museums and theme parks, may also offer accommodations like quiet hours or special passes for visitors with disabilities.
• During peak tourist season, some areas can become crowded and noisy, which may be challenging for individuals with autism. Planning visits during off-peak times or choosing less crowded locations can help create a more comfortable experience.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Spain PECS to add to your experience.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Mallorca offers a wide range of activities and accommodations that cater to the needs of families with autistic children. With some preparation and planning, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable holiday on this beautiful island.

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