Overview
Most people know Mallorca for beaches and package tourism, and most people therefore miss one of the most remarkable cities in the Mediterranean. Palma's old town is a dense layer cake of Roman street plans, Moorish courtyard architecture, Gothic palaces, Renaissance mansions, and Art Nouveau market halls — all threaded together and still genuinely lived in. The cathedral (La Seu) is one of the great Gothic structures on earth, lit by 61 stained glass windows and with an interior modified by Gaudí. Beyond the old town, Mallorca's interior and coastline are among the most beautiful in the Balearics.
Best Time to Visit
April to June is ideal — warm (20–26°C), before the summer crowds, and the island is at its greenest. September and October are the best-kept secret: sea temperature still warm for swimming (24°C), crowds thinned, and harvest season in the vineyards. July and August are hot (32°C+) and the island hosts millions of tourists; the city itself remains manageable but accommodation is expensive. Winter (November–March) is mild and quiet, when Palma belongs to Mallorcans.
Key events: Sant Sebastià (January 20 — city patron festival with free concerts), Semana Santa (Easter — elaborate processions), Palma International Boat Show (April).
Top Things to Do
La Seu Cathedral
One of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals, built over 350 years (1229–1601) on the site of a former mosque, La Seu sits on the seafront and is best seen from the harbour at sunrise or floodlit at night. The interior is extraordinary: Gaudí redesigned the baldachin and the lateral chapels between 1901–1914, creating a surreal collision of Gothic structure and Modernista decoration. The rose window (the largest of any Gothic cathedral) floods the nave with afternoon light. Entry includes the museum and treasury.
Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Hidden in a courtyard in the heart of the old town, these 10th-century Moorish hammam are the most complete Islamic monument remaining in the Balearics. The horseshoe-arch vaulted room, columns pillaged from earlier Roman buildings, and the quiet garden courtyard create a genuinely atmospheric space. Palma spent 327 years under Moorish rule; the Arab Baths are the most tangible trace.
Palau de l'Almudaina
The royal palace adjacent to the cathedral occupies the site of the original Moorish alcazar and has served as a royal residence since the 14th century. The Spanish royal family still uses part of it in summer, but the state rooms are open to visitors. The views from the seafront terrace are excellent.
Old Town Laneways & Courtyards
Palma's old town rewards aimless walking more than most. The Can Marquès mansion (open for visits), the Casal Solleric (free contemporary art gallery), and the Renaissance palaces along Carrer de Portella are highlights. The Can Joan de S'Aigo (founded 1700) is the oldest café in the Balearics — order an ensaïmada and a hot chocolate.
Mercat de l'Olivar
The city's main covered market is the right place to understand Mallorcan food culture. Sobrasada (paprika-cured pork sausage), Ca'n Company cheese, ensaïmada pastries, Mallorcan almonds, local wines, and the tapas bars around the edge that fill up at lunch. Open weekday mornings and Saturday.
Castell de Bellver
A circular 14th-century castle on a wooded hill above the city — one of only three circular Gothic castles in Europe. The views over the bay from the circular tower are the best in Palma. The castle houses a history museum; the moat and grounds are free and make a good evening walk.
Beaches Near Palma
The city beach (Playa de Can Pere Antoni) is walkable. For better swimming, take a bus to Playa de Palma (6km east) or a taxi to Cala Major (3km west). For spectacular scenery, rent a car and drive to the coves of the north (Cala Sant Vicenç) or the west coast (Banyalbufar).
Neighbourhoods Guide
Old Town (Casc Antic) — The historic core, walkable, and full of the city's best restaurants, bars, and monuments. Most boutique hotels.
Santa Catalina — The former fishermen's quarter west of the old town, now the city's hippest neighbourhood. Best independent restaurants, market (Saturday mornings), nightlife.
El Terreno / Gènova — Hillside residential areas above the city. Quieter, with local restaurants and a bohemian atmosphere.
Passeig Marítim — The seafront promenade. Modern hotels, sailing club, and the best views of the cathedral from the water.
Food & Drink
Mallorcan cuisine is one of Spain's most distinctive regional traditions:
- Ensaïmada — The spiral pastry that Mallorcans carry home in cardboard boxes on every flight. Light, lard-enriched, dusted with icing sugar. Plain, or with sobrasada or almond cream.
- Sobrasada — Soft, spreadable paprika sausage. Eaten on bread, melted on pasta, or with honey.
- Frit mallorquí — Fried offal with potatoes and vegetables. The workhorse of Mallorcan home cooking.
- Tumbet — The island's ratatouille — layered aubergine, potato, courgette, and tomato. Delicious.
- Mallorcan wine — The Binissalem and Pla i Llevant denominations produce serious reds (Mantonegro grape) and whites. Visit the Can Ribas or José L. Ferrer wineries in the interior.
- Gin tonic — Mallorca has had a gin tradition since the British occupied Menorca (next island) in the 18th century. The local Gin de Menorca with Bitter Kas (local tonic) is the island's signature drink.
Getting Around
Palma's EMT buses cover the city and beaches. The old town is compact and walkable. Taxis and Uber are available. For the island, renting a car or scooter is the best option — public buses connect most villages but on infrequent schedules. Cycling is excellent on the flat coast roads (avoid the mountain roads without training).
From the airport: Bus 1 to city centre (30 minutes) or taxi (15 minutes, €25–30). The airport is 11km east.
Budget Guide
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–55/night | €110–200/night | €350+/night |
| Food | €18–30/day | €40–70/day | €100+/day |
| Transport | €4–8/day | €10–25/day | €50+/day (car hire) |
| Activities | €5–15/day | €20–40/day | €80+/day |
| Daily total | €52–108 | €180–335 | €580+ |
Day Trips
- Valldemossa — Hilltop village where Chopin and George Sand wintered in 1838–39. Monastery, pharmacy, and cobblestone streets. 17km north, 30 minutes by bus.
- Sóller & Port de Sóller — Reached by a vintage tram and wooden train through the mountains. Beautiful valley, port, and beaches. 30km, 1 hour by train from Palma station.
- Formentor Peninsula — The wild northern tip of the island. Lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and a legendary 5-star hotel (where Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly stayed). 80km by car.
- Interior wine route — Binissalem, Inca, and the Sineu market (Wednesday mornings) make an excellent circuit through the island's agricultural heartland.
Practical Info
- Currency: Euro. Cards accepted everywhere.
- Language: Spanish and Mallorquí (a Catalan dialect). English very widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants, rounding up in bars.
- Safety: Very safe. Petty theft in tourist crowds around the port; normal precautions.
- Palma Card: Museum entries and discounts. Available from tourist offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
April to June is ideal — warm (20–26°C), before summer crowds, and the island at its greenest. September and October are the best-kept secret: sea still warm (24°C), crowds thinned, and harvest season. Winter is mild and the city belongs to Mallorcans.
Two days covers the cathedral, Arab Baths, old town, and markets thoroughly. Add a third day to rent a car and explore the island — the northwest coast and hilltop villages are unmissable.
Palma is very safe. It's a well-managed city with low crime against tourists. Standard precautions apply in busy tourist areas — keep bags secure and be alert to pickpockets near the cathedral and Borne promenade.
Spain is a Schengen member — EU citizens enter freely. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian nationals can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Non-EU travellers should check Schengen entry requirements and the EU ETIAS system from 2025.
Palma is mid-range, with July and August prices spiking significantly. An ensaïmada pastry costs €1–3, a restaurant meal €15–25, and a mid-range hotel €80–160 outside peak season. The old town bars are excellent value.
The Old Town (Casc Antic) for atmosphere and proximity to everything. Santa Catalina for the hippest neighbourhood feel with great independent restaurants. Avoid the tourist hotel strips along the beach — they're far from the real city.
La Seu cathedral at sunrise, seen from the harbour. One of the great Gothic buildings in Europe, built over 350 years, with Gaudí's interior modifications creating an extraordinary collision of eras. Visit inside to see the 61 stained glass windows flood the nave with light.
