The biggest of the Balearic Islands is a great family holiday destination, with a handful of fantastic resorts, knockout beaches, lively nightlife and 300 days of sunshine a year - sound tempting enough? We've highlighted the best things to do in Majorca for when you've got the tots and teens in tow, whether you want to know about the top food spots, splash-tastic waterparks, best beaches and beyond.

Majorca also figures among our top destinations for sunshine holidays, so what are you waiting for?

THE BEST BEACHES IN MAJORCA

Majorca beach holidays are the stuff of dreams, with powdery soft sands framed by dramatic cliffs that plunge into crystal clear waters. There are over 120 beaches and secluded coves to discover across the biggest of the Balearics, including a variety of gorgeous family-friendly stretches. Take the kids to Port de Pollensa, where there are several shaded areas to play in, before exploring Pollensa town for sightseeing and shopping. You can let smaller children paddle without worry in the shallow waters of the Blue Flag Playa de Muro, while teens can try exhilarating sports such as kiteboarding. Later, spread out a picnic basket under the shade of pine trees near the dunes and enjoy a spot of lunch. If you’re craving more inspiration, check out our sizzling guide to the fun in sunny Balearics.

MAJORCA WATER PARK FUN

Fun-tastic family holidays aren't complete without a trip to a thriving waterpark, such as Aqualand, Mallorca or the Magaluf water park. Splash around on slides with the kids, spend hours at the minipark and enjoy tasty BBQs at the Hidropark, located near Alcudia. There’s also Marineland, where the kids can experience live shows with dolphins and sea-lions or watch stingrays and penguins up close - plus it’s connected to a private beach where you can lounge on the sands and grab a bite at the café. Aqualand in El Arenal is a popular park to head to, or discover the wonders of marine life at Palma Aquarium (located near the beach in Playa de Palma), where you can set your sights on sharks! Don’t miss a visit to Katmandu in Magaluf, where kids can plunge into an undersea adventure at Katlantis, play mini-golf and adults can challenge themselves to the gruelling K3 Climb.

TEACH THE KIDS PADDLE-BOARDING

There are lots of fun things to do in Majorca, with its calm waters and abundant sunshine that make it an ideal choice for windsurfing, kayaking or canoeing, even for beginners. Ride a boat across the turquoise waters and you'll be amazed by soaring cliffs and caves that suddenly come into view. If you’re travelling with slightly older kids, they can learn to do stand-up paddle-boarding, which is actually much easier than it sounds! The tranquil bay of Alcudia is a great spot, where you can swim, snorkel and the kids can take paddleboarding lessons. Kids over seven can also join group classes to learn sailing in the gorgeous Pollensa Bay.

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Besides the gorgeous beaches, Majorca has lush forests, scenic mountains and spectacular countryside worth exploring - and with a year-round toasty climate there's always time! Take a trip to the magnificent Safari Zoo in the Cala Millor countryside, where you'll be welcomed by giraffes, rhinos, zebras and chattering monkeys. Meanwhile, the Santa Eugenia Nature Park (a zoo with a heart that houses rescued animals) is a great place to take younger children. For a day out with a difference, take the kids to an ostrich farm Artestruz Mallorca, near Campos, where they'll have the opportunity to ride one and spend the afternoon painting the eggs. Check out the S’Albufera nature reserve, where nature lovers can admire over 200 bird species, including purple herons and peregrine falcons. It’s time to start checking out flights to Majorca!

MAJORCA'S SHOPPING SPOTS & FOODIE FUN

Explore our cheap holidays to Majorca and get set to shop at Palma’s high-street brands, traditional rural markets and bustling crafts shops. Pick up souvenirs at the Sunday market in Alcudia’s Old Town, where the stone streets are filled with colourful shops, or if you’re hungry, there are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants and local eateries that serve traditional Majorcan cuisine, such as Bunyols (delicious local doughnuts) Ensaimada (a spiral pastry made using pork lard - which also makes for a great souvenir), Pa ambo li (brown bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil), besides a healthy serving of tasty Spanish tapas. Check out La Boveda near the Palma harbour for tapas or the Bar Nou near Pollensa for fresh fish.

TOUR THE ISLAND

There are a number of ways you can explore the island, but the best (and most loved) mode of transport is the vintage train ride from Palma to Soller. Full of bells and whistles, this chirpy train rattles from  Majorca's city streets, past the scenic coastline and through forests and orchards, too. Hop off at Bunyola where you can explore the Tunel factory, where herb-based liqueurs are made or stop at the family-friendly beach of Port de Soller and treat the kids to ice-cream.

GET SPORTY

If you're an active family, there's plenty of opportunity for adventure during your Majorca holidays. You'll find everything from horse-riding along the beach to hiking through the spectacular Tramuntana Mountains, but you can also have fun at indoor and outdoor go-karting tracks, which you'll find dotted across the resort. If you're after some light-hearted crazy golf, Fantasia Golf in Palma Nova is the place to be.