Palmа de Mallorca (or simply – Palma), is the vibrant capital of the Balearic Islands. This city is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks and historical architecture to picturesque beaches and streets, Palma offers plenty of experiences to enjoy over a couple of days.
Palma is also the gateway to the island of Mallorca. You can’t miss this city if you want to get to the beaches and any kind of holiday. And if you plan to visit Mallorca outside the high season, Palma can be a great base for exploring the island. Everything works here year-round, unlike purely beach towns.
Palma is a wonderful city that can spark an interest in any traveler, whether you are a history buff or a gourmet. Or, if you are seeking a beach vacation, fun parties, and adventures.
So, plan your vacation and get ready to explore Palma.
Where to stay in Palma
- Palau Sa Font – A beautiful and interesting hotel in the very center of Palma. Spacious rooms, polite staff, and a rooftop pool will be very welcome in the heat. Price/quality is outstanding.
- Regina Selfcheck-in Smart Rooms – Clean and modern rooms, conveniently located in the center of Palma just 2 minutes from the bus station (from here you can reach different parts of the island by bus). Comfortable beds and a pleasant price for accommodation in the capital of Mallorca.
- Hotel Ciutat Jardi – The hotel’s location is conveniently right on the beach, transport is also within walking distance. The center of Palma is about 15-20 minutes away by bus. Also very close to the airport.
- Be Live Experience Costa Palma – Ideal location – it takes less than a minute to walk to Cala Major beach. The windows of the rooms overlook the beach and the sea. Everything is very clean.
What to do in Palma de Mallorca during the day?
We planned Palma for our last day on the island. It was convenient because we had a morning flight and we returned the rental car ahead of time after our journey around Mallorca. It was possible to stroll around the city calmly, not worrying about where to leave the car.
If you spend a day in Palma de Mallorca, you will have plenty of options – where to go and what to see. Here is a suggested route and some of the most interesting places. Just plan your day in Palma (preferably) from morning till evening to get the most out of it. Many landmarks open in the morning, and you can avoid crowds by arriving earlier than most tourists.
Visit La Seu Cathedral
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic La Seu Cathedral, formerly known as the Catedral de Santa Maria de Palma. This is the symbol of the island’s capital and one of the most famous landmarks of Palma and a vibrant example of Gothic architecture.
The La Seu Cathedral is not only a religious symbol, but also a cultural and architectural treasure that attracts visitors from all over the world. Regardless of your interest in history, architecture, or if you are simply seeking a moment of peace, visiting this remarkable cathedral is a must in Palma de Mallorca.
La Seu has a beautiful view and large rose windows, especially the main one on the facade facing Parc de la Mar. This rose window, known as the “Gothic Eye“, has a diameter of 13 meters and consists of more than 1200 stained glass panels.
Inside the cathedral you will find numerous chapels, adorned with altars, sculptures, and religious works of art. One of the most notable is the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Although La Seu is mainly Gothic, it also contains elements of modernism (Catalan modernisme) – Antoni Gaudí worked on these during the restoration and decoration of the cathedral at the beginning of the 20th century.
The cathedral’s bell tower, known as the “Giralda“, offers a panoramic view of Palma and the surroundings. You can climb the narrow tower stairs to reach the top and enjoy breathtaking views. Throughout the year, La Seu hosts various cultural events, including organ concerts, choir performances, and religious ceremonies. These events offer an opportunity to enjoy the stunning interior and acoustics of the cathedral.
Stroll through the Old Town – Casco Antiguo
Stroll the streets of the Old Town, admiring the Art Nouveau historic buildings, boutiques, and vintage cafés. Plan your route to visit the city’s iconic squares: Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Cort.
Exploring Palma’s Old Town is like stepping back in time. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, shopping, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this charming neighborhood has something for everyone.
The Old Town of Palma de Mallorca
Also known as Casco Antiguo or Ciutat Antiga – is a charming historic district that allows you to glimpse the rich cultural heritage of the city. It is filled with narrow, winding streets lined with historic buildings, many of which date back to the Middle Ages. Wandering through the maze of alleys, you’ll come across centuries-old palaces, churches, and traditional Mallorcan townhouses with wrought-iron balconies.
Plaza Mayor is a lively square, the heart of the Old Town and a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors. Surrounded by picturesque buildings, cafés, and shops, Plaza Mayor is the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, or grab a bite to eat. Plaza de Cort is another charming square in the Old Town, known for its iconic olive tree and the historic Ajuntament de Palma (Town Hall) building. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere and admire the architecture.
The Old Town has several cultural attractions worth visiting, including museums, art galleries, and historic sites. The most interesting among them are the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art, the Mallorca Museum, and the Arab Baths.
The Old Town is also a great opportunity for shopping. Here you’ll find a wide selection of boutiques, artisan shops, and markets selling everything your heart desires: from locally handmade items to designer clothing. While wandering the streets and squares, you’ll also find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and tapas bars where you can sample traditional Mallorcan cuisine.
Visit Bellver Castle
Take the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus for convenience to Bellver Castle, which offers panoramic views of Palma and its surroundings. Bellver Castle offers an interesting perspective on the medieval history and architecture of Mallorca. In addition, it is not only a historical monument, but also a symbol of Palma. Its silhouette against the skyline has become an iconic image associated with the city.
One of the most distinctive features of Bellver Castle is its round shape, which is rare for European castles and this is the only one of its kind in Spain. The castle is divided into three main levels: the lower level with dungeons and storage rooms, the middle level with an inner courtyard and main rooms, and the upper level with a round tower that offers panoramic views. Today, Bellver Castle houses the Museum of the History of the City of Palma, where you can see artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Mallorca and the castle itself.
Relax on the beach
After a busy morning and sightseeing, relax on one of Palma’s beaches, such as Playa de Palma or Cala Major. Palma de Mallorca, of course, is not the very best place for a sea vacation, but here you can also sunbathe and swim on sandy beaches.
- Playa de Palma beach is located just a few minutes by bus from Palma city center. It is one of the most popular beaches in this area. The beach is long – stretching for several kilometers with a wide strip of golden sand. It offers clean water and a wide range of amenities, including beach bars, restaurants, and water sports.
- Cala Major beach is a picturesque beach located to the west of Palma, easily accessible by car or bus. It’s known for its scenic landscape, surrounded by rocks and pine trees. It is quieter here, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the promenade.
- Es Arenal beach, located to the south of Mallorca in the suburb of S’Arenal. Buses go here and it’s very convenient to get to the airport from here, especially if you have a morning flight. The beach here is long, sandy, and along it there are many hotels and restaurants. A great base for a seaside and cultural holiday in Palma. There are also plenty of amenities nearby, including restaurants, bars, and shops.
Take a walk along the Paseo Marítimo promenade
Take a walk along Paseo Marítimo, the picturesque seafront promenade of Palma that stretches along the city’s coastline, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the yacht marina.
Paseo Marítimo is famous for its breathtaking sea views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Here you can stroll at your leisure, go for an evening jog, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Along Paseo Marítimo you’ll find numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars serving a variety of dishes and Mallorcan culinary experiences.
At sunset, Paseo Marítimo comes alive with nightlife – numerous bars and nightclubs line the promenade. There are also several notable attractions on the promenade, including the Auditorium de Palma and the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art.
Try traditional Mallorcan dishes
To be on Mallorca and not try local dishes, I consider that a crime ))) Plan your lunch and dinner in one of Palma’s numerous restaurants, where they serve authentic Mallorcan cuisine. The cuisine of Mallorca is a wonderful mix of Mediterranean flavors with influences from Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Tumbet is a traditional vegetable dish consisting of layers of sliced potatoes, eggplants, and red bell peppers, often topped with tomato sauce and baked until done. It’s a tasty and hearty vegetarian lunch option.
Frito Mallorquín is similar to the Spanish “migas”—it is a hearty dish made with fried vegetables (usually peppers, onions, and tomatoes), potatoes, and various meats such as lamb, pork, or liver. It is seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices.
Sobrasada is a cured sausage, a Mallorcan delicacy made from minced pork, paprika, and spices. It is usually spread on bread or used in various dishes, adding a rich, smoky flavor.
Ensaimada is probably the most famous pastry in Mallorca. This is a sweet, spiral-shaped pie, served sprinkled with powdered sugar. It can be filled with anything from cream and chocolate to jams.
If you’re looking for tasty souvenirs from Mallorca – I recommend buying ensaimada (a sweet pastry packed for you in a cardboard box) in bakeries. And in numerous shops, you’ll find sobrasada (a cured sausage that will survive the trip home without refrigeration).
Useful articles and links:
- Where to relax in Mallorca – beaches and active adventures
- Mallorca – a guide for independent travel around the island
- Malaga – a guide to the capital of Costa del Sol
Car rental – Rentalcars.com
Travel insurance – online at HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment booking – Booking.com
