Palma de Mallorca is more than just perfect weather and beautiful beaches! If you're looking for the ultimate list of things to do in Palma, scroll down, as we have many hand-picked recommendations for you, as well as hotels, restaurants and more.
Palma, better known as Palma de Mallorca, is the capital of Majorca in the Balearic Islands in Spain. Over the years, Palma de Mallorca has become a top tourist destination, and for good reason. It's fun, it's sunny and the laid-back atmosphere of Spanish island life is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Palma has great beaches to lounge on and a vibrant nightlife to top it all off.
But Palma isn't just a pretty town where you can spend hours soaking up the sun and people-watching - it's actually a melting pot of cultures and a vibrant city brimming with history and gastronomic delights.
Tourist map
Accommodation
Mallorca is an island full of surprises, and its historic capital offers an incredible variety of hotels to suit all budgets. Where to stay in Palma depends solely on the type of holiday you are planning (budget? royal treatment? - the choice is yours!). When visiting Mallorca, there are numerous fantastic accommodations to choose from; for a comprehensive selection of hotels, visit http://www.hotels-of-mallorca.com/en/.
Here's a quick roundup of the best hotels in Palma:
Youth Hostel: Hostel Fleming - Albergue Juvenil
Budget option: Hotel Araxa
Mid-range option: Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel
Whole flat: Fil Suites
Boutique hotel: Staycatalina Boutique Hotel-Apartments
Charming hotel: Summum Prime Boutique Hotel
Big splurge: Palacio Can Marques
Gastronomy
Prepare to be tempted: this section is dedicated to the epicurean delights, culinary delights and authentic flavours of Mallorca's gastronomic traditions.
As you may have guessed from the introduction, we think Palma de Mallorca is a fabulous destination for foodies. The warmth of the Mediterranean sun, the island's fertile soil and the agricultural skills of its people combine to produce a cornucopia of superbly tasty ingredients.
Olives, almonds, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, apricots, oranges, lemons, grapes, pomegranates, persimmons and many other fruits and vegetables grow prodigiously on the island. The sea also offers its riches, with squid, prawns, cuttlefish, mussels and a wide variety of fish landed in the coastal ports.
The mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana also play their part, offering a natural larder of mushrooms, truffles and wild herbs.
The bakeries of Mallorca have an almost religious significance for the locals, so passionate are they about their breads, sweets, cakes and pastries. Religion is not mentioned here out of frivolity or hyperbole, but rather because almost every celebration on the island, from holy days to Christmas and Easter, seems to have its own bakery speciality.
However, Mallorcan cuisine is not only authentic, local, seasonal and deliciously tasty. It is also a sort of fusion of styles and influences, and it should not be forgotten that the island was ruled for centuries by the Romans, Moors and Aragonese. Until the end of the 14th century, Mallorca also had a large Jewish community, whose culinary traditions can still be seen in certain dishes.
Eating in Mallorca is an exciting experience, with many options available. Whatever your choice - a Michelin-starred restaurant, a charcuterie corner in one of Palma's markets or a 'finca food' in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana - you will rarely, if ever, be disappointed.
Monuments and architecture
The Romans founded the island over 2,000 years ago, so it's no surprise that the capital has a rich and wonderful history.
With the sparkling Mediterranean surrounding the land, Palma offers a delightful melting pot of cultures and historical influences.
The obvious landmark is the inspiring Gothic cathedral, which dominates the waterfront and sits on the oldest, well-preserved parts of the city.
The historic centre is also home to other notable buildings as well as museums and art galleries galore.
In fact, it is said that Palma has more galleries per capita than any other city in the country. If it's culture you're after, you'll have no trouble finding it here!
Often considered a sun and sand destination, Mallorca is much more than that and those who explore the capital will reap the rewards.
Among the countless castles, palaces, monasteries and churches in the area that you can check out, there are a few not to be missed, including:
La Llotja (the market) - a fine example of bourgeois Gothic architecture, built in the 1420s-40s.
La Almudaina Royal Palace - a 14th century 'alcazar' fortress and the official summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
Banys àrabs (Arab baths) - evidence of Muslim rule in what was once the Medina Mayurka; probably dating from the 10th century.
Convent of San Francisco - built in 1232, one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Palma de Mallorca.
Church of Santa Eulalia - a fabulous 13th century place of worship dedicated to the patron saint of Barcelona.
Ayuntamiento (Town Hall ) - a three-storey building with a Baroque-style façade, similar to the Palacio del Consell de Mallorca.
Gran Hotel - a former modernist hotel, built in 1903, designed by the master architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner.
On the modernization side, prominent Catalan architects such as Gaudí and Domènech i Montaner created a modernist cityscape that today's visitors enjoy.
Indeed, a model of sublime beauty is living proof of how the ancient blends with the modern in a redevelopment.
The S'Hort del Rei (Royal Garden)
The royal gardens were located in the Almudaina Palace in the 14th century. The gardens were laid out in the Andalusian style with fruit trees, vegetables, medicinal herbs, ornamental plants and flowers. Until 1847, the garden was enclosed by walls, the waterfront and the gardener's house.
From 1847 to 1918, the garden area was redeveloped. Buildings were constructed at the end of the Royal Gardens. The Hotel Alhombra, the Lyric Theatre and small shops, press offices and a shipping office replaced a large part of the garden. In 1966, the architect Gabriel Alomar i Esteve carried out his plan to revitalise the city of Palma.
The plan consisted of demolishing the buildings that had taken over the garden plots and reinstalling the royal gardens. In redesigning the royal gardens, Gabriel was strongly influenced by traditional Andalusian styles. In the present garden, there are cypresses, fountains, orange trees, shaded arcades and a large pond with black swans.
An original Islamic arch overlooks the pond. There are also several sculptures. The most famous is a bronze figure called the 'Stone Thrower'. The sculptures are by Llorenc Rosello, Josep Maria Subirachs and Alexander Calder.
What to do in Palma de Mallorca - Other activities
La Seu / Palma Cathedral
No visit to Palma would be complete without a visit to the majestic Cathedral of Majorca, its most emblematic monument, which dominates the city's seafront and took more than six centuries to build. The cathedral is located in Palma's old town, also known as the Casco Antiguo, a charming place with cobbled streets, which is well worth a stroll of at least two hours.
Construction began in the 13th century and continued until the time of Antonio Gaudi, who made famous changes to the cathedral between 1904 and 1914. Today, tourists can admire the sandstone construction with its slender spires and seven rose windows, including one of the largest in the world.
TIP: If you want to get in, remember to buy tickets in advance and get in before noon to avoid the crowds. If you want to admire the colours of the stained glass windows inside, it is recommended to visit the cathedral early in the morning, just after it opens (8.30am).
Entrance fee to Mallorca Cathedral: €8 per person.
Parc de la Mar
Once you have finished your visit to Mallorca Cathedral, you can relax in the Parc de la Mar - a wonderful public space located just opposite the cathedral. This area offers panoramic views, great photo opportunities and hosts tons of parties, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Sant Joan festival in early summer. There are also plenty of cafes where you can sit and people watch, and even a mural by Joan Miró.
Bellver Castle
Located to the west of the city, 3 km from Palma's old town, Bellver Castle offers incredible views of the capital, and is certainly one of the best things to do in Palma. You can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Bay of Palma and the Tramuntana mountains.
Ah, fun fact: this iconic castle is the only round castle in Spain, and it was built in the 14th century! Today, locals and visitors alike frequently attend concerts here on summer evenings, which take place under a starry sky.
Entrance fee to Bellver Castle: €4.
Free admission on Sundays.
Olivar Market
In the centre of Palma de Mallorca is the Olivar market. If you like food, all kinds of food, this is definitely the place to be. How would someone who has never been here know that? By observing the locals. See where they go for snacks, takeaways, shopping and eating in. Follow them. Do what they do and enjoy it.
The Olivar market has been around since 1951. It has a full range of stalls, restaurants and cafes. There are few supermarkets in Palma, so it is the place to be for residents and tourists alike. There are seafood, sushi, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products.
On the ground floor you will find vegetable, meat and gourmet stalls. Escalators and lifts provide access to the upper floor and the car park. On the upper floor you will find a shopping arcade, a cookery school, a hairdresser, restaurants, shops, a supermarket, a children's area and a library.
The market is open Monday to Thursday from 7am to 2.30pm. Fridays, from 2.30 pm to 8 pm. Saturdays, from 7am to 3pm. The market is closed on Sundays.
Mercat de Santa Catalina
Established in 1920, the Mercat de Santa Catalina (Santa Catalina Market) is the oldest food market in Palma. Dozens of artisanal food producers sell fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, seafood, flowers and pastries.
Staying on a super yacht (why not!)
The market is the perfect place for your chef to stock up on fresh produce and other food supplies.
Or you can just wander around, perhaps sitting in a small market café enjoying a tapa.
Paseo Maritimo
Are you tired of walking already? We hope not, because we have another place to recommend! Running parallel to the sea in Palma, the Paseo Maritimo is the perfect place for golden sunset walks and bike rides. Once there, you can admire the harbour with its many yachts, shops, chic seaside restaurants and places to party at night.
Passeig des Born (Born Passage)
For more than a hundred years, the tree-lined Passeig des Born has been a venue for parties, demonstrations, events and quiet strolls. There is a wide promenade and two lanes on either side. The promenade was built on the bed of the Riera stream that once divided the town.
The two lanes were built for traffic in both directions, but today one of them is mainly reserved for pedestrians. The former Born cinema is now a Zara shop. The cinema shares its space on the promenade with the Casal Solleric, an exhibition space that was once a palace. The large old houses have galleries at street level.
The promenade extends to the Plaza de la Reina and joins the Paseo Maritimo. Avenida Jaime III leads to Plaza Juan Carlos I, one of Palma's main shopping areas. Union Street connects the promenade to Las Ramblas.
Pretend you're stranded and spend an evening strolling along the Passage du Born. Admire the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and Palma Cathedral by night. Then enjoy a vegan ice cream at a place called Dolce.
In his obsession with owning everything, Francisco Franco called the Born passageway 'Paseo Franco', but everyone else preferred 'Born'.
La Almudaina Royal Palace
There's nothing like a bit of royal pomp and ceremony to enhance a capital city, in our opinion, and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma is certainly the place to enjoy it in Mallorca; it offers great photo opportunities, plus the view from Palma's shopping street is fantastic too!
The official residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit, this 14th century beauty is second only to Palma Cathedral in terms of city icons - and it's right next door!
Entry to the Palace is possible from Wednesday to Sunday, most weeks of the year, from 10am to 6pm.
Tickets cost €7 for adults, but entry is free on some Wednesday and Sunday afternoons throughout the year, so it's worth checking!
Spanish Museum of Contemporary Art
Juan Alberto March Ordinas was born in 1880. When he died in 1961, he was the seventh richest man in the world and the 'Daddy Warbucks' of the Franco regime in Spain. What did he do after a long and busy life of banking, smuggling and war profiteering? He set up a foundation in his home town.
The Juan March Foundation was created in 1955. Its mission was to support the arts, music and social sciences. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art houses the Colleccio March, a collection of mainly 20th century Spanish art. The museum house is a 17th century manor house. Originally a residence, it was converted into a museum in 1990.
The art in the museum comes from the private collection of Juan March. There are about seventy pieces, the collection includes works by Picasso, Dali and Miro. There are paintings by more than fifty emerging Spanish artists of the twentieth century. In 2009, the collection was linked to a new gallery of Picasso's graphic art.
Visiting the museum is free. It is open from 10 am to 6.30 pm most days. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Convento de Santa Clara Palma
The Convento de Santa Clara is located in the old town of Palma. It was founded by nuns of the Franciscan order of Santa Clara in 1256. They came from Girona and received the land from King Jaume I. The church of Santa Clara has been extensively restored during its history, which explains the contrasting styles. Above all, it is considered a significant example of Gothic architecture.
In the church there are tombs of Gothic origin. At the altar there is a figure of the Immaculate Conception and St. Clare of Assisi. Another notable feature of this dark but peaceful church is the ancient pulpit. It was once used by the famous 18th-century missionary Father Junípero Serra, whose statue can be seen in front of the Basílica de Sant Francesc, near the Plaza Quadrat. The church of Santa Clara is the starting point for one of the brotherhood's Easter processions.
The convent still houses a small closed community of nuns who carry on the centuries-old tradition of baking biscuits. At the side of the church is a small room with a wooden spinner placed in a window, called a "torno". There is a bell to ring for a nun. In this way, one can buy biscuits and almonds without seeing the nuns' faces.
The "torno" for biscuits is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 12.25 pm and from 4.15 pm to 5.35 pm. Sundays from 9am to 11:35am and from 4:15pm to 6:35pm.
The Convent of Santa Clara is within walking distance of other historical sites, such as the Banys Àrabs and the Bishop's Garden. This is also the name given to the charming Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa, a 17th-century boutique hotel next to the convent.
Visiting hours for the church are from 7.30am to 7.15pm.
The Arab Baths
Definitely one of our favourites on this list of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca, we're sticking with the theme of history and culture, but with a slight change!
The ancient baths of the capital combine these two properties with the delightful possibility of entering another city, a city that existed before Palma.
Dating from the 12th century, these baths are all that remain of the Arab town of Medina Mayurqa, which once stood here and was probably part of a wealthy manor.
Entry costs just a few euros and is well worth it.
Beaches nearby
Mallorca has no less than 262 beaches, with a total length of over 50 km. Twenty-five of these beaches have the blue flag and are perfect for those who love turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand. The best beaches on the island are located further away from the capital, but the good news is that many of them are easily accessible and are less than an hour's drive away.
If you're up for some sunbathing, here's where I recommend you go:
Ca'n Pere Antoni - the closest to Palma, just 2km from the city centre and 1km from the cathedral. It is a small golden sandy beach, very popular because it is easily accessible from the city. It also has great views of the cathedral and many restaurants.
Illetas - one of the best beaches in Palma de Mallorca, only 15 minutes from the centre. Small, but quiet and very nice.
Playa de Formentor - this one is a bit further away, but we recommend it if you are looking for a secluded beach where you can go sailing.
Palma Nova Beach - If you're looking for the best beach for kids in Palma de Mallorca, it's hard to beat Palma Nova. For family beach breaks, it's definitely up there. Palma Nova is very close to Palma, less than 10 minutes by car. It's the best beach for families in Mallorca because it's easy to get to, easy to find parking, easy to find snacks and food, and easy to find your own little patch of sand.
The beach offers chair and umbrella hire, but you can also spend the day at a beach club. There is a public playground for children and dedicated areas for swimming in the water. The beach also has lifeguards, toilets and outdoor showers.
Palma Nova is right next to Cape Magaluf, and you can walk there if you can't find what you're looking for in Palma Nova.
Drash Caves
Located on the east coast of Mallorca, in the town of Porto Cristo, these beautiful caves are undoubtedly one of the island's main tourist attractions. They are almost 1,200 metres long and reach a maximum depth of 25 metres below ground level. The caves conceal a large underground lake, Lake Martel, considered one of the largest underground lakes in the world.
Palma Aquarium
Come and meet starfish, groupers, eels, octopuses, seahorses and many other colourful and curious creatures of the sea at the Palma Aquarium. The whole family can discover the wonders of the Mediterranean and tropical seas in over fifty different aquariums.
There is also a turtle garden and children's play area, a pirate ship and water fountains. You can even swim with the stingrays. The aquarium is open all year round.
Read also: Aquarium Palma de Mallorca - A colourful underwater world
The train to Sóller
And finally, if you're looking for a fantastic excursion in Palma, this is definitely our choice!
This original railway line, which still uses the traditional wooden carriages, takes you through a breathtaking mountainous landscape to the town of Sóllerin the northwest of the island, via bridges, tunnels and viaducts.
Originally built to transport citrus fruit to the capital for export, it is now a mainly touristy, but no less beautiful, means of transport.
The train runs every day of the year, except January, and leaves from Palma's central station to Sóller in just over an hour.
Be sure to explore this beautiful city before using the historic tram available here to get off at Port de Sóller.
It is best to buy combined train and tram tickets and take a return option to ensure the best price.
Although not cheap (around €50), this trip is well worth it if you don't have much time to explore the rest of the island.
Indeed, by taking the train northwest and exploring two of the best places outside the capital, you'll certainly get a good idea of all Mallorca has to offer... the perfect inspiration to plan another trip here!
Some coves near Palma de Mallorca to discover
Here are 3 of our favourite calas (coves) near Palma de Mallorca:
Cala Major
This cove is one of the best beaches in Mallorca. It has an area of fine sand 200 metres long and 80 metres wide and is surrounded by a remarkable cliff, although it is also lined with tall buildings that almost reach the sand.
Located near Palma, the Cala Major area was built to become one of the first seaside resorts in Mallorca. As a result, it is somewhat outdated today, but major improvements are being made to modernise the area.
As one of the closest beaches to Palma, Cala Major has its own advantages and disadvantages. Parking in the area is somewhat complicated and there are usually many people in the nearby hotels and resorts, so the 'towel neighbours' may be closer than we would like.
On the other hand, if you are staying in Palma and don't have a car to get around the island, you can get to Cala Major beach by bus comfortably and relatively quickly.
Cala Pi
Cala Pi is located in Lluchmajor, in the extreme south of Majorca. At just 45 metres long and 140 metres wide, it is one of the most special corners of the island, a beach of surprising natural beauty that can be considered privileged thanks to its rebellious character and excellent conservation.
In the vicinity of the beach you can see the remains of an old 17th century lookout, built to protect the area from possible pirate attacks, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the coast.
You can take advantage of your visit to Cala Pi to see the nearby prehistoric village of Capocorb Vell, one of the best-preserved Talayotic settlements on the island and the ideal place to immerse yourself in the history of Majorca.
Cala Pi is one of Mallorca's best beaches, but its great attraction means that in high season it receives many visitors and can be a little crowded.
Despite its wildness, there are several restaurants close to the cove.
Cala Comtessa
Cala Comtessa (also known as Comtesa or Comptessa) is located in an urbanisation, but despite this, it has a wild and relaxing feel thanks to the pine trees and large rocky areas that surround it. One of the cove's special features is the small protected islet of Sa Caaleta, located only 200 metres from the coast.
It is important to bear in mind that, due to its proximity to Palma, Cala Comtessa is usually very busy during the summer months, due to its easy access.
In the case of Cala Comtessa, size is not important, as, far from what you might think, it has all sorts of amenities such as showers, a hammock rental service and a small beach bar.
If you want to go to Cala Comtessa by car, you won't have any problems, as it has a small free car park. It is also possible to get there by bus from Palma in about 20 minutes.
See also: Top 15 most beautiful beaches and coves in Majorca
La Molienda
One of Mallorca's best kept secrets is that the island has a thriving café scene. Palma is the heart of it, with a whole host of coffee shops and cafés opening in recent years, many with their own roaster.
The coffee culture that has developed in Palma is a perfect match for the leisurely pace of life in the Mediterranean. One of your most relaxing afternoons in the city could be spent taking a slow stroll through the old town, interspersed with a few coffee breaks. It's simple, but very rewarding!
La Molienda, on the outskirts of the old town, is the best choice for quality coffee in Palma. A sign outside proudly proclaims that you will find the best coffee in town here, and this claim is not without merit!
If you need to plug in to work, there are power points inside. Indeed, many of Palma's cafés are well equipped for working remotely.
Nano Coffee Lab and Mistral Coffee Roasters are two other great cafes to try nearby.
Museu Es Baluard
Palma is home to many museums and galleries that allow you to explore the city's cultural heritage. Es Baluard Museu, a showcase of contemporary art, is one of the brightest examples.
The museum has 2,500 square metres of dedicated exhibition space that brings together some 700 works of modern and contemporary art, mainly by Balearic artists.
Opened in 2004, the museum building is integrated into the city walls and extends over three floors in a maze of ramps and balconies. It is well worth a visit, if only to admire its interesting structure and layout.
The windmills of Palma de Mallorca
There are more than 3,000 windmills scattered around the island, many of which were built between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Windmills have been used in various ways on Mallorca, most commonly to grind grain and pump water. Many of the old windmills have disappeared, while others stand in various states of disrepair as stone monuments to the island's past.
You can find some of these windmills in the streets of Palma.
Anita Cakes
Just like the perfect meal, we end our series of recommendations for Palma with something sweet. Anita Cakes is a pastry and cupcake specialist with bakeries in Palma's old town and on the other side of Mallorca, in Port d'Alcúdia, as well as a pink street food caravan that tours the island.
The pink and white outlet in Palma stands out from the crowd, looking like a children's sweet shop. Not only will you find an array of goodies inside, but if you come early in the day, you can also sit down to a traditional breakfast.
Getting around Palma de Mallorca
The cobbled streets and narrow lanes make exploring Palma on foot the perfect way to spend the day. The narrow streets of the old town are surrounded by wider boulevards that mark the location of the fortified walls built by the Moors in the 12th century. Walking around the city gives you a more personal view of the city and, although the streets are very close together, getting lost takes some effort but could happen.
Palma also offers a limited bus service in the city. Called Empresa Municipal de Transports Urbans de Palma de Mallorca (and referred to as EMT), the bus system is quite efficient for such a small city. For party-goers who want to take part in Palma's active nightlife in the city centre, there is a Bus de Nit (Night Bus) service that runs every twenty minutes on Fridays and Saturdays between 11pm and 6am.
If you are looking to get out of the city, there is a train service that operates from terminals in the Placa d'Espanya. The Tren de Soller line takes passengers on a scenic route north through the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. The second line, operated by Transport de les Illes Balears (TIB), is less scenic and takes travellers across the plains to the north to a number of small towns and villages.
For those planning to travel beyond the city limits of Palma, a car is probably the easiest way to get around. A number of car rental companies have service centres at the airport.
In addition to these options, a taxi service (also vans and minibuses for small and medium-sized groups) is available in the city to get around to different places.
When to go to Palma de Mallorca?
There is no doubt that the best time to visit Palma (and Mallorca in general) is between April and October - this is when the warm weather will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the city.
Be warned, especially in July and August, the island can experience very high temperatures (over 30 degrees), so bear this in mind if you don't like the heat or want to have more active adventures on the island.
In mid-September, temperatures are still in the low twenties and are very pleasant.
Read also: Travel to Palma de Mallorca: when to go and what to do?
How much time do you need in Palma de Mallorca?
The amount of time you want to spend in Palma will depend very much on what you plan to do there, whether you have been there before and how long your trip is!
As a general rule, we recommend spending three days in Palma.
It's a great place to start your stay in Mallorca, especially as you'll probably be flying there, and then you can enjoy the other activities the island has to offer, such as the beach, cycling, hiking and eating great food!
The best day trips from Palma de Mallorca
If you're done with all the great attractions and things to do in Palma, rest assured that there's plenty to see in the surrounding area too.
So your next option would be to go on day trips.
Here are some amazing ideas we've added to our Palma de Mallorca guide:
Deia - a charming little village in the Serra de Tramuntana, with lots to see.
Valldemossa - also in the Serra de Tramuntana, Valldemossa awaits you with its pretty cobbled streets, beautiful villas and much more to see.
Sa Calobra - beautiful beaches and rocky cliffs - a combination worth exploring!
Getting to Mallorca
Palma is home to Mallorca's only international airport.
As such, unless you are taking a ferry from Barcelona, you are likely to be looking for a flight to Palma to get to Mallorca.
Flights arrive here regularly from many European capitals, including several London airports.
The best way to check is to use a comparison tool and we suggest Skyscanner for the job!
Favourite
The rich architectural appearance!
Founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago, occupied by the Byzantine and Moorish empires, and passed under Spanish control in the 12th century, it's no surprise that Palma has a particularly rich and wonderful history.
Thanks to the careful preservation of the Casco Antiguo (the old town), much of the city's past is visible in the narrow cobbled streets, beautiful medieval architecture and ancient landmarks such as the old walls and the iconic cathedral.
There are also two excellent museums where you can learn about the city's past: the Museo de Mallorca, in the heart of the old town, and another in the wonderful Bellver Castle, perched on a pine-covered hill.
Final thoughts
There are so many things to do and places to visit in Palma de Mallorca, we're sure you'll need more than a couple of days to fully enjoy everything this city has to offer!
Whether your ideal holiday in Palma is relaxing in a restaurant with a coffee in hand, exploring the cathedrals or shopping, this article has everything you need and more!
We hope that you will save time in planning your itinerary in Palma by using the places we have recommended above.
FAQ What to do in Palma de Mallorca
Why is Palma de Mallorca a popular destination?
Discover the city of Palma de Mallorca. Palma is rich in culture, entertainment and gastronomy. Its relatively compact nature makes it an attractive and viable option for visitors with limited time. Explore the historic streets on foot and awaken your senses in this lively capital.
Where does the name Palma de Mallorca come from?
Palma takes its name from Palmeria, the city founded by the Romans in 120 BC as part of their expansion into the Mediterranean. Situated on the edge of a large bay, it had considerable advantages for the transport of olives and salt to what is now Italy.
Where to travel after Majorca?
If you still have time to travel after Mallorca (and you're lucky if you do!), you can go to Barcelona! There are easy and regular ferries and flights from the island to this excellent Spanish city. Alternatively, you can explore other places in Spain - the capital Madrid, the city of Valencia and the incredible region of Andalusia are all excellent!
What is the difference between Mallorca and Palma de Mallorca?
Mallorca/Majorca, the island, is part of a group of islands called the Balearics. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island of Mallorca/Majorca, the largest city and the seat of government on the island.
What is the best beach in Palma de Mallorca?
Playa de Palma is the largest of Palma's beaches and the most commercially developed, it is located at the end of the coastal cycle path and the Palma promenade, 8 miles east of Palma city centre, the beach is over 3 miles long... There are many cafes, restaurants and water sports available.
What is the name of the centre of Palma?
How do I get from Palma to Majorca?
From Palma de Mallorca airport, your best option is to take the bus. The number 1 bus runs from the airport to Palma and Palma to the airport, and the journey only takes about 15 minutes. The price of a single ticket is 5 euros.
Can you walk in Palma de Mallorca?
This is a half-day walk that takes you through the old Arab and Jewish quarters, beautiful squares and churches, all in an area of one square kilometre. Walking is the best way to see the old town of Palma de Mallorca. The streets are narrow and most are pedestrianised.
Is there an Uber in Majorca?
If you are in Palma, you can find a taxi rank and go straight home. Taxis are the only form of car transfer service. Uber and other car transfer systems are illegal in Mallorca. You must therefore rely on officially registered Mallorcan taxis.
