Palma de Mallorca is the capital one of holidaymakers’ favorite islands, Majorca. Despite its small in size, it gives you a city feeling, with awesome shopping and world-class restaurants.

Sun and city on the same trip: about Palma

Palma has 360 000 inhabitants, lively atmosphere with friendly and relaxed people. It couldn’t be easier to combine city break and a beach holiday. Stay either in the center of Palma and walk to the beach, or accommodate yourself in a lovely beach holiday home, relax by the pool and enjoy a night out in the city. The best beaches are in Can Pastilles, about 10 minutes by car or bus to the east, and at the Platja de Palma. The choice of accommodation is grand – and can suit every budget.

Luxury apartment with a sea view in Palma Old Town, Sleeps 5 guests for €908 weekly

Luxury apartment in the waterfront complex D´Alt Murada in the old town of Palma. Ideal as city ‘Pied a Terre’ or for year round living. This exquisite second floor apartment enjoys spectacular views over the old town wall to the sea. It has a living area of 133m2 and contains 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms – 1 en suite, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large combined living and dining room with spectacular French windows facing the old wall and the sea front of Palma.

Four bedroom house with a private pool, Sleeps 8 guests from €2,195 weekly

5-room house 220 m2 on 2 levels, comfortable furnishings. Family friendly house. Outside the resort, 3 km from the centre of Muro, in a quiet, sunny position. Private: grounds 18’000 m2 with lawn 1’500 m2, trees, orchard, swimming pool (70 m2, depth 120 – 190 cm, 01.01.-31.12.). Outside shower. Pergola (72 m2). In the house: sun terrace.

Crowd and cozy alleys: what to see and do

Visit the beautiful Catedral de Palma or just admire it from outside. In the evening, it is beautifully lit and dominates the city skyline.

Want to go to a museum? Then visit Museo de Mallorca, located in the mansion of the Earl of Amayans. The building was built in the sixteenth century, connecting several old houses, three floors high, with a main portal arch, baroque balconies and an attic with Gothic windows. The tour of the museum allows visitors to enter the tunnel of time and get to know the history of Mallorca. For example, in the basement provides for the reconstruction of a burial cave, full-scale reproduction of a pottery workshop. You’ll also find a number of carved marble urns from prehistoric times. It is located east of the cathedral and is well worth visiting. Do not attempt a visit on a Monday, however, museum is closed then.

The Old Town is located just behind the cathedral and is truly authentic. The lanes are narrow, covered with cobble stones and polished by the feet that have walked over them for centuries. Here you get the feeling that time has stood still. Make a stop at one of the old squares, have a cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy the street life.

Shopping in Palma: Brands and markets

Palma offers shopping in all price ranges, from expensive design stores to little local shops. El Corte Ingles is Spain’s major department store chain, two stores available in the city. Designer stores you will find on Avenida Jaume III street. and around Placa Major, the main square, there are lots of small streets with shops of all kinds. On Saturdays, you can visit one of the local markets, including the flea market at the cathedral.

Out and About in Palma

Take a glass of wine or a cold beer and some tapas – a great way to rest your feet while watching the people. A good and reasonably priced tapas restaurant is Taste, which is located on Carrer de la Unió, 2, not far from Plaza Mayor. Do not miss the Puro Beach – this is where the trendy Palma residents get good food, good drinks and friendly staff in a wonderful setting, with sea views.  There are also great restaurants with outdoor seating at eastern port area. And if you walk further away to get to Portitxol, an old fishing camp, now a trendy area with many cafes, bars and restaurants. Going in the other direction, west of the harbor, you’ll come to what is called Passeig Maritim. Here are some of Palma‘s big night clubs and restaurants, and the famous luxury yachts.

How to get around

Bus is a great way to get around in Palma and if you want to go somewhere outside the city. Another option is to rent a bicycle and enjoy the fresh air, the sun and the fantastic coastline views. The easiest way to get around the city center is by feet. There are also “hop-on hop-off” coaches, where you can buy a 24-hour ticket and get a guided tour of the city. It is a great way to get an overview if this is your first visit to Palma.

How to get here

Palma’s international airport, Son Sant Joan, is 8 km east of the city. From the airport you can easily get to the center by shuttle bus for a few euros, or by taxi for about 20 euros.