Cala Ratjada with kids, sorted by age

Cala Ratjada makes for an easy family holiday, provided you choose your beach by how you get into the water and which way the wind is blowing, and not by the prettiest photograph. One thing to get straight first: the flattest sandy bottoms aren't always on the safest beaches.

Which beach for which age

Son Moll is five minutes from the apartment, with toilets, showers and lifeguards in season, and a paved path with ramps for the buggy. It starts off shallow and then deepens noticeably after a few metres, so stay in reach of anyone small.

Font de sa Cala is a few minutes by car or on the seasonal 423 bus, which stops close to the sand. It shelves gently and has toilets, showers and lifeguards. Freshwater springs take the edge off the sea temperature. A strong easterly brings waves and currents.

Cala Agulla is one the council singles out for families with small children, because the sea is usually calm. The catch with toddlers is the journey, since there's no car park. Take the bus or allow 25 minutes on foot with the buggy.

Canyamel is about a quarter of an hour by car. The sand slopes gently and there are lifeguards, showers and bars. Keep a close watch when it's windy and near the point where the stream runs into the sea.

Cala Gat is 15 minutes' walk away and suits older children who want to snorkel along the rocks. Those steps rule out a buggy, and there's no lifeguard.

As for why Mesquida is on the no list despite that inviting flat bottom, it's the wind and currents. The Cala Ratjada beach guide has the full picture.

The pool

The shared pool is open from 15 May to 15 October, 10:00 to 21:00. If your family break falls outside those dates, there's no pool, and that includes Easter. Everyone in the building uses it, so stay with your children. You can see it from the terrace, but that's no substitute for being at the poolside.

What the apartment offers families

A cot and a high chair are available. Three bedrooms mean one child's nap needn't bring the whole household to a halt. One of the two bathrooms has a bath, the washing machine is on the drying terrace, and the kitchen's blender and pressure cooker make short work of children's meals. You can read the full inventory on the apartment page.

The air conditioning is in the living room only, with fans in the bedrooms. For very young children, that's a good reason to think about June or September over July and August, as the nights are fresher.

Under-16s don't pay the tourist tax (ecotasa).

Shopping for the family

There's an Eroski in town, and an Eroski Center and a Mercadona in Capdepera, so you can buy nappies and baby food once you've arrived. We can't vouch for Sunday opening, so do the big shop on Saturday, which is also when the town's weekly market takes place.

Days out with children

Coves d'Artà. Stalactite caves on the coast near Canyamel, with a guided visit of 35 to 40 minutes. Under-7s go free, ages 7 to 12 pay €10 and adults €17. Parking is free.

Safari Mallorca. Near Sa Coma and open all year. Drive through in your own car or ride the safari train. Prices start at €22.90 for adults and €18.90 for children, with €17.90 on top for a vehicle. A free shuttle runs from April to October. Opening times vary, so check their calendar.

Castell de Capdepera. A real castle with battlements and a wall walk to march along. Adults pay €3, and late afternoon is the time to go.

Vía Verde. Flat, car-free and ideal for children who are steady on a bike, near Artà. See cycling routes and bike hire.

Diving. A local dive centre offers try-dives from age 8 in season. Ask first whether it's still running.

When it rains

Summer rain is rare and it gets more frequent from September. The Coves d'Artà are the obvious answer, which means other parents will have thought of them too, so go early. If it's merely grey, the castle is still a good bet, as long as you don't mind being outdoors. More ideas are listed under things to do around Cala Ratjada.

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