Sustainable Family Travel in Mallorca: Eco-Friendly Holidays in the Balearic Islands

Why Mallorca Might Be Europe’s Most Sustainable Travel Destination

An Ibiza girl at heart, always and forever… But over the Easter holidays, I fell hook, line and sinker for Mallorca. The largest of the three Balearic Islands, with its mountainous terrain, picture-perfect villages, and clear blue seas — it’s easy to fall in love.

What I didn’t realise was how Mallorca is fast becoming one of the most eco-conscious holiday destinations in Europe.

What to Expect on a Family Holiday in Mallorca

Booking with Kids in Mind

 We booked a package holiday through Jet2. We let the kids pick the hotel and the destination, and I loved that they chose ours because of the nature reserve next to the complex. The hotel itself was large, with villas set out across vast land next to the reserve. Green space and trees created a paradise-like haven. It all felt extremely gentle and peaceful.

Hotel Set-Up and Natural Surroundings

Sadly, our room was small for four of us. Two of us were on a sofa bed that had to be folded away daily to access the outdoor space, and two were in single beds. Personally, I felt this room should never have been recommended for a family of four — none of us slept particularly well.

Activities for Children and Teens

 However, the sporting facilities were vast: football, volleyball, a gym, an indoor pool, a billiards table, and table tennis — all of which kept the boys entertained. The hotel also hosted the most cyclists I’ve ever seen in one place! I had no idea Mallorca was so well known for cycling (more on that later…).

 The Truth About All-Inclusive for Plant-Based Travellers

 As someone who’s mostly plant-based, the food wasn’t ideal. It was an all-inclusive buffet — perfect for growing boys who devoured carbs, meat, fish, and pudding. I imagine it’s great for hungry cyclists too.

For me, when the veggie options weren’t great, dinner became a cheese salad. Honestly, all-inclusive feels too restrictive. I love trying local restaurants and discovering authentic cuisine.

A Different Vibe: How Mallorca Compares to Ibiza

 We stayed in Port de Pollença, but closer to Alcudia Old Town. Port de Pollença had sandy beaches, cafes (where I finally got a good oat flat white at Cappucino) and some fun shopping.

 The vibe? Super chill. Unlike Ibiza, where everything feels like it’s fizzing with possibility, Mallorca is quieter and more grounded. If Ibiza is a strong cocktail, Mallorca is a green juice. Over ten days, I relaxed into a slower, softer pace.

Sustainable Travel in Action: What Mallorca Is Doing Right

 Over our ten days, I started to notice things: no plastic straws in drinks, fewer tourist shops selling plastic tat, and hardly any single-use plastic. The focus on activity, especially cycling, was obvious — and bike hire was easy and affordable. The beaches were clean and the water incredibly clear.

 So what’s going on in Mallorca? What makes it different?

 A short Google search later, it all became clear…

1. The Sustainable Tourism Tax

At the airport, signs about the Sustainable Tourism Tax were the first clue something unique was happening. The tax (up to €4 per day per person over 16) funds regeneration projects — from restoring cultural landmarks to conserving the natural environment.

So far, €860 million has been raised, funding:

· Development of cycling routes

· Promotion of electric vehicles

· Improved waste systems

· Off-season events and festivals

Projects include restoring the Castell d’Alaró, extending Llevant Natural Park, and restoring Ses Cases Velles and Alcudia’s medieval walls for public use.

2. Single-Use Plastic Ban

Across the Balearics, there’s a ban on single-use plastic straws, cutlery, and cotton buds. Our hotel used refillable toiletries rather than those tiny single-use bottles.

Initiatives like Save the Med’s HAPI method (Honest Alternative to Plastics Index) support the hospitality sector in making better, plastic-free choices — improving marine life, human health, and local community wellbeing.

3. Managing Over-Tourism Through Cycling

Mallorca has faced growing concerns over overcrowding and infrastructure strain — especially from cruise ships. But instead of shutting down tourism, the island embraced cycling to balance visitor flow across the year.

With 1,250 km of cycle-friendly roads and endless bike rentals, cycling spreads tourism beyond summer, offering an eco-friendly way to explore. Even if you’re not into Lycra, bike hire is a brilliant way to get around.

4. Protecting the Sea: Marine Conservation Efforts

Mallorca’s ancient seagrass meadows, Posidonia Oceanica, were once badly damaged by anchoring boats and pollution. Overfishing and plastic waste also threatened marine life.

Today, the Posidonia meadows are protected — with anchoring bans and heavy fines for violations. Eleven marine reserves have been established, cruise ship activity is now regulated, and the plastic ban is reducing pollution.

The result? The beaches I saw looked incredibly clean, and the water was some of the clearest I’ve ever swum in.

Why Sustainable Travel in Mallorca Actually Works

Mallorca is proving that sustainable tourism doesn’t have to be restrictive — it can be freeing. There’s still great food, fun activities, and beautiful places to explore. But there’s also a sense of care and respect — for the land, the sea, and the people who live there.

It’s not perfect, but it’s evolving — and it’s inspiring.

Final Thoughts: A New Kind of Island Love

I’ll always be an Ibiza girl in spirit… but Mallorca has charmed me. Maybe I needed to slow down. To get on a bike. To swim in plastic-free seas. To be somewhere that feels like it’s trying to do things better.

If you’re looking for a family holiday that blends sunshine, sustainability, and a slower pace of life — Mallorca might just surprise you too.