Palma de Mallorca
Country: Spain · Region: Western Mediterranean · Currency: Euro
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic Islands and a major Mediterranean cruise port, featuring a well-preserved Old Town with a stunning cathedral and royal palace alongside modern resort development. The city offers rich history dating back to Roman times, with easy access to beaches and cultural attractions.
Top sights
Palma Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Castell de Bellver, Banys Àrabs, Fundación Juan March, Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation
Things to do
- Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
- Huge ornate Gothic cathedral started in 1229 and completed in 1601, featuring the Royal Chapel with tombs of kings Jaime II and III and a museum of religious art.
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Fortress dating to Roman times with a medieval ground floor and grand state rooms from the 16th century, still used as a residence by the Spanish royal family.
- Castell de Bellver
- Unusual circular 14th-century castle built over a Moorish fort with a museum of archaeological finds and sculptures, commanding hilltop views of the city and bay.
- Banys Àrabs
- Tenth-century Arab sauna baths with under-floor heating and a pleasant courtyard garden, the only building in Palma dating to the Arab settlement.
Beaches
- Platja de Can Pere Antoni
- The most central beach starting 500 m east of Parc de la Mar with showers and lockers; the east end is quieter with some traffic noise.
- Ciudad Jardín
- White sandy beach 450 m long located 2 km east of Platja de Can Pere Antoni, seldom crowded with jetties to curb erosion.
Where to eat
- La Cuadra del Maño
- Popular barbecue restaurant specializing in steak grilled over a wood fire with great service and value for money.
- Casa Julio
- Traditional cafe serving homemade food daily, popular enough that you may need to queue.
Bars and nightlife
- Oh Mallork Bar de Tapas
- Cozy friendly tapas restaurant offering traditional Spanish small plates.
Getting around
The city center is walkable; buses run frequently within Palma (€2 standard fare), and taxis are available at the port, airport, and stations.
What to eat
The old town center has numerous budget and mid-range restaurants; try traditional homemade Mallorcan dishes, paella, tapas, or barbecue.
Tips
The ferry port is 2 km southwest of town center; allow time to walk or take a taxi to reach Old Town attractions.
Best for
Cathedral and history, beaches, museums