Welcome to Palma
Palma is the vibrant capital of Mallorca, home to more than half of the island’s population. You’ll find this beautiful city nestled on the south coast in the stunning Bay of Palma.
What makes Palma special? It truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast wanting to explore museums and historic churches, a shopaholic hunting for exclusive brands or unique local finds, or a foodie ready to experience everything from high-end restaurants to cozy tapas bars, you’ll never run out of things to do. And when the sun goes down, the city comes alive with vibrant bars and clubs where you can dance until dawn.
The Heart of the City
La Seu Cathedral – Your First Stop
As you enter Palma, you can’t miss the magnificent cathedral La Seu – it’s absolutely breathtaking and serves as the city’s most famous landmark. This architectural masterpiece sits proudly in the old town, which is the true heart of Palma.
The old town is a peaceful haven with narrow cobblestone streets and tall, traditional Mallorcan buildings. Here you’ll discover fascinating museums, elegant palaces, beautiful courtyards, and countless restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops.
Passeig Born – The Main Promenade
Take a stroll down Passeig Born, one of Palma’s most important avenues. This is where locals and visitors come to see and be seen. You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés lining the street, all buzzing with that wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere.
Where to Eat and Drink
Palma’s food scene is incredible, with options for every budget and taste. If you’re looking for the best restaurants and liveliest bars, head to La Lonja. This area, located southwest of downtown near the old town, is packed with restaurants offering outdoor seating. During summer, it’s absolutely buzzing with energy and excitement.
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Santa Catalina – A Local Favorite
Don’t miss Santa Catalina if you want to experience the real Palma. This charming neighborhood is full of life, where you’ll see locals and visitors mingling in the many restaurants and bars. Browse through vintage shops, and make sure to visit the large indoor food market in the center where you can pick up delicious local products. The best part? It’s perfectly located close to both the city center and Passeig Marítimo.
Passeig Marítimo – Harbor Life
Passeig Marítimo is where Palma shows off its Mediterranean glamour. This stunning waterfront promenade offers front-row seats to spectacular yacht displays, where sleek superyachts and elegant sailing boats create a dazzling maritime showcase.
As you stroll along this palm-lined avenue, you’ll be captivated by the sparkling blue waters dotted with pristine white yachts against La Seu Cathedral’s historic skyline. The promenade buzzes with energy – trendy beach clubs, upscale restaurants, and sophisticated cocktail bars line the waterfront, making it perfect for sunset drinks while watching yachts gently sway in the harbor.
Must-See Landmarks
La Seu Cathedral
This Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral is truly impressive. King James I of Aragon started construction in 1229, and it wasn’t completed until 1601 – talk about a long-term project! The cathedral stretches 121 meters long and 55 meters wide. While it’s built in Catalan Gothic style, you’ll also notice Northern European influences throughout.
Bellver Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking Palma, Bellver Castle is one of Europe’s few circular castles. Built in the 14th century for King James II, this Gothic masterpiece served as a military prison from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and houses the city’s History Museum.
Historic Squares
Plaça Major in the old town is known as the “artists’ quarter” with its cobblestone streets, old buildings, and numerous art galleries.
Plaza Cort sits in Palma’s center, home to the Town Council building with its impressive Baroque façade featuring 17th-century architectural elements. You’ll also find the Gothic church Iglesia de Santa Catalina here.
The charming Town Hall dates back to the 17th century (though the original from 1515 burned down in 1842). It’s become a popular meeting spot, complete with stone benches where you can sit and watch the world go by.
Shopping Paradise
Palma has become a shopping destination for both luxury seekers and those hunting for local treasures. You could easily spend an entire day exploring:
- Santa Catalina: Small boutiques and vintage finds
- Passeig Born: Luxury brands and high-end shopping
- Plaza España area: Everything from international brands to local souvenir shops and specialty food stores
- Porto Pi: A large shopping center on the city’s outskirts with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
- El Corte Inglés: Spain’s famous department store with two locations in Palma
- Local markets: Indoor markets in Santa Catalina and near Plaça d’Espanya, plus various flea markets
Getting Around
Arriving in Palma
Since Palma is the island’s capital, it’s well-connected and easy to reach by car or public transport. An excellent bus network connects Palma to all major cities on the island, with Plaça d’Espanya serving as the main transport hub.
Exploring the City
Once you’re in Palma, the city is compact enough to explore on foot. If you want to try something different, Segway tours are a popular and fun way to see the sights.
Guided Tours
Consider hopping on one of the Palma Sightseeing tours available year-round. These tours not only teach you about the city’s fascinating history but also provide an excellent way to visit all the most popular spots without wearing out your feet.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Palma will captivate you with its perfect blend of history, culture, great food, and vibrant nightlife. Welcome to one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful capitals!
