Destination guide

Palma

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Palma is the capital of Mallorca, and one of the most attractive small cities in the Mediterranean. A huge Gothic cathedral stands above the bay, and behind it lie lanes, courtyards and small squares of honey-coloured stone.

It is a good combination of city and beach, with an old town that rewards slow exploration. The rest of the island is easy to reach.

How many days: 3

Three days covers the old town, a beach afternoon and a drive or bus ride into the mountains. Two works for a city stop.

Pair the city with time on the island. Mountain villages, coves and small towns are within an hour or two.

What to do in Palma

See the Cathedral
La Seu is one of the great Gothic cathedrals in Spain, rising above the waterfront. Inside, a modern design by Gaudí hangs above the altar.
Wander the old town
Narrow lanes, hidden courtyards and small shops fill the old centre. Look through open doorways for glimpses of private patios.
Visit Bellver Castle
A circular hilltop castle with a view of the bay and the city. It is a good short walk or drive from the centre.
Walk the seafront
The promenade along the bay is a good place to cycle or stroll in the evening. The marina is lined with cafes.
Explore Santa Catalina
A neighbourhood with a lively market, small bars and restaurants. A good place for an evening out.
Take a day trip to the mountains
The Serra de Tramuntana has terraced hills, stone villages and coastal views. Roads are winding, so allow time.
Find a quiet cove
The island has small coves with clear water. Many need a walk or a drive down a narrow road.
Visit the Arab Baths
A small remaining piece of the Moorish city, with a domed room and a pretty garden. A quiet stop in the old town.
Browse the Mercat de l'Olivar
The central food market sells fish, meat, fruit and cheese. Several stalls serve tapas and small plates.

What to eat and drink

Ensaïmada
A spiral-shaped pastry dusted with sugar, eaten for breakfast or as a snack. A Mallorcan speciality.
Tapas and pa amb oli
Bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, served with ham and cheese. A typical and simple local meal.
Fresh seafood
Grilled fish and rice dishes are common. Look for places near the harbour.
Sobrassada
A soft, spiced cured sausage, spread on bread. A traditional local product.
Local wine and herbal liqueur
Mallorca has a growing wine scene, and a local herbal liqueur is served after meals.
Almond products
Almonds are grown across the island. Look for almond cake and almond ice cream.

Getting around

The old town is compact and walkable. Buses reach the beaches and the wider city.

A car is useful for exploring the island, though parking in the old town is limited. Public buses connect many towns.

The airport is close to the city and connected by bus and taxi.

Good to know

  • Summer is hot, busy and the most expensive time. Spring and autumn are good for walking and cycling.
  • Siesta hours affect small shops and some restaurants. Check in advance.
  • Mallorcan, a variety of Catalan, is spoken alongside Spanish. Both appear on signs.
  • Many beaches have limited parking, and some roads become very congested in summer. Start early.
  • Palma is a year-round city. Winter is mild and quiet, with many restaurants and sights still open, and the old town feels more local than in high summer.
  • Tap water is drinkable but many people prefer bottled water. Shops are plentiful in the old town.
  • The old town is full of shaded squares, and the heat is easier to manage there. Avoid walking in the open at the height of the afternoon in summer.

Where to stay in Palma

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Old Town & La Lonja

La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace and medieval lanes meet La Lonja's galleries, restaurants and cocktail bars in Palma's historic core. It suits first-time and romantic stays; central prices, summer crowds and late-night noise are the main trade-offs.

Santa Catalina

Palma's former fishing quarter now centres on Mercat de Santa Catalina, independent restaurants, cafes and some of the city's busiest evening streets. It suits food and nightlife-focused couples; accommodation is increasingly expensive and weekend noise limits tranquillity.

Portixol & El Molinar

Low-rise former fishing neighbourhoods line a seafront cycle path with tiny coves, seafood restaurants and easy access back into central Palma. It suits couples and families wanting coastal calm near the city; beaches are small and nightlife is limited.

Cala Major & Sant Agusti

A sandy urban beach, marina-side restaurants and the Fundacio Miro give Palma's western coast a resort feel without leaving the city. It suits beach-first couples and families; summer crowds, higher prices and distance from the Old Town are the compromises.

Can Pastilla & Playa de Palma

Six kilometres of sand, watersports, a long promenade and dense resort facilities stretch east from Can Pastilla towards S'Arenal. It suits families and straightforward beach holidays close to the airport; the area is heavily touristed and some stretches become lively at night.

Son Armadans & Paseo Maritimo

Bellver Castle, marina views and Palma's long waterfront promenade sit beside residential Son Armadans and numerous restaurants and bars. It suits business, nightlife and longer stays wanting space near the centre; there is no proper beach directly outside and traffic can intrude.

What it costs

A typical day in Palma, per person, in pounds.

£64

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£148

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

£311

Treating yourself - the good hotel, the good tables.

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