Palma
Palma
Mallorca's capital city, home to a huge Gothic cathedral, an old Moorish quarter and some of the best food and markets in the Balearic Islands.
Palma is the capital of Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, set on a wide bay along the island's south coast. Many people only pass through on their way from the airport to the beach resorts, which is a shame, because the city itself is well worth seeing. Behind its seafront you'll find a famous Gothic cathedral, an old town of narrow streets and squares, and one of the liveliest food scenes in the Balearics.
What [Destination] is known for
Palma is best known for its old town and its grand seafront cathedral, set in a lively capital that holds around half of Mallorca's population. That cathedral, known as La Seu, is the city's signature landmark, famous for having the largest Gothic rose window in the world. Beside it stands the Almudaina, a former Moorish fortress that now serves as the Spanish royal family's residence on the island. Palma is also known for the old town that lies behind the cathedral, a maze of narrow lanes, small squares and warm stone buildings. Two sights in particular draw people in: the beautifully preserved Arab baths, a rare reminder of the island's Moorish past, and Sa Llotja, a grand seafront hall built in the 1400s for the city's merchants. The main shopping street, Passeig del Born, runs nearby and is lined with trees, cafés and shops. Palma is also recognised for Bellver Castle, an unusual round fortress from the 1300s that looks out over the bay and now houses the city's history museum. Beyond the headline sights, the city has built a name for its art scene, the lively restaurants of the Santa Catalina district and a handful of beaches within walking distance of the centre, so it's worth spending a day or two exploring the city.
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Things to do in [Destination]
If you're drawn to history and culture, begin at the cathedral and the Almudaina palace beside it, then wander into the old town to see the Arab baths and the main square, Plaça Major. For one of the best views in the city, head up to Bellver Castle or climb to the cathedral roof terraces. Art lovers should make time for Es Baluard and the nearby Miró museum, just west of the centre. And when you'd rather slow down, the city beach at Can Pere Antoni is only a short walk from the old town.
Where to stay in [Destination] (City)
The old town is the best base for first-time visitors, with historic hotels and easy walking distance of the cathedral and harbour. Es Born and Santa Catalina have a livelier restaurant and bar scene. For beach access, Palma Nova and Illetes are a short drive west.
Food and drink in [Destination]
Palma is the best place to eat on the island, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to small, traditional tapas bars. The Santa Catalina district is the heart of the city's food scene, full of lively bars and built around a popular covered market. For local produce, visit the Mercat de l'Olivar, Palma's main food market, piled high with island cheeses, cured meats and fresh seafood.
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Best time to visit [Destination]
May, June and September are ideal, with warm temperatures, long days and lighter crowds than July and August. Winter is mild and good for city breaks, though some beach-area businesses close.
Getting to [Destination] and around
Palma has its own airport (PMI), about 8km east of the city, with direct flights from across the UK and Europe all year. The airport bus is a cheap, quick way into the centre. Ferries leave the Port of Palma for Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza and Menorca. The old town is small and easy to explore on foot.
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Travel tips for visiting [Destination]
Book your cathedral tickets online and arrive early, when the morning light shines through the great rose window. The airport bus is much cheaper than a taxi, and just as quick into the centre. Bellver Castle sits up on a hill, so it's easiest to reach by the tourist bus or a short taxi ride. Visit the Santa Catalina market in the morning, when the food stalls are at their best. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to visit, as July and August get very hot and crowded. Some restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays, so it's worth checking before you head out.
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All the islands of [Spain] (Singular Island)
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Tenerife
The largest Canary Island, crowned by Spain's highest peak, with year-round sun and two very different coasts.
Gran Canaria
A round island of huge variety, with southern sand dunes, a green mountainous interior and a lively capital.
Lanzarote
A volcanic island of black-and-red landscapes, white villages and the design legacy of César Manrique.
Fuerteventura
The Canary Island of endless beaches and constant wind, a paradise for surfers and beach-lovers.
La Palma
The greenest Canary Island, with volcanoes, rainforest and some of the clearest night skies on Earth.
La Gomera
A round, ravine-cut island of ancient laurel forest and a whistling language, reached by ferry from Tenerife.
El Hierro
The smallest, most remote main Canary Island, a quiet UNESCO geopark of volcanoes and clear diving waters.
La Graciosa
A tiny, car-free island of sandy tracks and empty beaches, reached by a short ferry from Lanzarote.
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Discover more places and regions to stay in [Country].
Places to stay near [Destinations]
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Other [Demonym] regions (Mainland)
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Catalonia
A proud northeastern region with Barcelona, the Costa Brava coves, Pyrenean peaks and its own language and culture.
Valencia
A sun-soaked eastern region of beaches, rice fields and orange groves, home to paella and the Costa Blanca.
Region of Murcia
A warm, sunny southeastern region of beaches, the Mar Menor lagoon and a rich Roman and farming heritage.
Andalucía
The sun-baked heart of southern Spain, home of flamenco, Moorish palaces, white villages and tapas.
Galicia
A green, Atlantic region in the northwest, with the Camino's end, fjord-like coves and superb seafood.
Asturias
A green northern region of dramatic mountains, a wild coast, cider houses and the Picos de Europa.
Cantabria
A compact green northern region with sandy beaches, the Picos de Europa and a famous prehistoric cave.
Basque Country
A distinctive green region of world-class food, the Guggenheim, surf beaches and a unique ancient language.
Community of Madrid
The central region built around Spain's capital, with world-class art, royal palaces and mountain escapes.
Castilla-La Mancha
The vast central plateau of windmills and castles, Don Quixote's country, with Toledo and Cuenca at its edges.
Castilla y León
A vast northern plateau of historic cities, Gothic cathedrals, castles and the Ribera del Duero wine country.
Aragón
A varied northern region running from the high Pyrenees to dry plains, with Zaragoza and striking Mudejar towers.
Navarre
A green northern region of Pyrenean valleys and the Camino, famous for Pamplona's running of the bulls.
La Rioja
Spain's most famous wine region, a small northern land of vineyards, bodegas and the Camino de Santiago.
Extremadura
A wild, unspoilt western region of Roman ruins, conquistador towns, jamón and rich birdlife.
Canary Islands
Spain's Atlantic island region off Africa, eight sun-soaked islands of volcanoes, beaches and year-round warmth.
Ceuta
A small Spanish city on the North African coast, a crossing point of cultures between two continents.
Melilla
A small Spanish city on the North African coast, known for its remarkable Modernist architecture.
Explore more destinations in [Country]
Explore the [Island Group] (Island)
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Mallorca
The largest Balearic island, with a grand capital, dramatic mountains and more than 200 beaches and coves.
Ibiza
World-famous for nightlife, but also an island of quiet coves, pine forests and a UNESCO old town.
Menorca
The quiet Balearic island, with turquoise coves, prehistoric stone monuments and a slow, unspoilt pace.
Formentera
A tiny, car-light island of white sand and turquoise water, reached only by ferry from Ibiza.
More in [Island] (Island)
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Alcúdia
City, Beach, Historic
A walled old city in the north of Mallorca, built on the Roman town of Pollentia and ringed by 14th-century medieval walls you can still walk.
Cala d'Or
Beach
A bright, Ibizan-style resort on Mallorca's southeast coast, spread across a string of small sandy coves around a busy marina.
Deià
Mountain, Rural
A hillside village on Mallorca's northwest coast, long a home for artists and writers, with a small cove and dramatic mountain views.
Felanitx
City, Rural
An inland city in the southeast of Mallorca at the centre of the Pla i Llevant wine region, known for its Sunday market and the Sant Salvador sanctuary.
Inca
City, Rural
A working inland city in the centre of Mallorca, famous for its huge Thursday market, its leather workshops and its traditional celler restaurants.
Pollença
Rural, Mountain, Historic
A historic market town at the foot of Mallorca's Tramuntana mountains, known for its Sunday market and the 365 Calvari steps.
Port d'Alcúdia
Beach, Coastal
A lively beach resort in the north of Mallorca, with a long sandy bay, a busy marina and ferries across to Menorca.
Port de Pollença
Beach, Mountain
A relaxed family beach resort on a wide bay in north Mallorca, famous as a cycling base and the gateway to Cap de Formentor.
Port de Sóller
Beach, Coastal, Mountain
A sheltered horseshoe bay on the northwest coast of Mallorca, reached from Sóller by vintage tram, with calm beaches and a promenade.
Porto Cristo
Beach, Coastal
A seaside town on Mallorca's east coast, best known for the Caves of Drach, their underground lake and a sheltered sandy beach.
Portocolom
Beach, Coastal
A quiet old fishing town on Mallorca's east coast, set around one of the island's largest natural harbours and a photogenic lighthouse.
Santanyí
Rural
A golden-stone market town in southeast Mallorca, known for its twice-weekly market, its art galleries and its Baroque church organ.
Sóller
Mountain, Rural
A pretty town in a mountain valley in northwest Mallorca, famous for its orange groves and the vintage train and tram that reach it.
Valldemossa
Mountain, Rural, Historic
A stone mountain village in the Serra de Tramuntana, best known for its Carthusian monastery where Chopin spent a winter.
More in [Admin Area] (Mainland)
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