PALMA DE MALLORCA TRAVEL GUIDE
63 Things to do Palma de Mallorca
The resort city of Palma is capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, also known as Majorca. Majorca is one of the Balearic islands and the largest. Most people who travel to Majorca stay in the resorts in Palma and visit various parts of the island by taking day trips. There are many things to do in Palma. It has historical sights, restaurants, bars, shops, nightlife and most importantly, beautiful beaches.
1| Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Palace of La Almudaina is a 13-century palace used as a residence for rulers. It is located right next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. For more information visit their website.
2| Puerto de Palma de Mallorca
The Port of Palma is one of the biggest ports of the Balearic Islands. It harbors various ships coming to Palma for various reasons. Wealthy holidaymakers beautify the port with their larger than life yachts. The beautiful views of the port are seen from different parts of Palma city. Some of the best views are from Palma Cathedral of Saint Mary.
3| The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
Also known as Cathedral of St. Mary of Palma, this is the most visited attraction in Palma de Mallorca. The king built the cathedral in 1229 as a thanksgiving offering to the Virgin Mary for hearing his prayers when his fleet of ships was hit by a gale and almost sank; he also wanted to promote and spread Christianity. Golden sandstone was used to build the cathedral. You will enjoy the gothic architecture and museum full of artworks. City walls near the cathedral were built to defend the city of Palma. Find more information on the cathedral here.
Related content: Ultimate Marbella Travel Guide: 39 Things to do
4| Parc de la Mar
This park in Palma sits opposite the St. Mary of Palma Cathedral. The park is surrounded by a beautiful lake and has artistic objects that add to its beauty. People relax and enjoy picnics while admiring the beauty that surrounds them.
5| Placa de la Reina
The plaza (square) is a busy place full of life as people pass through the square when going to the cathedral and/ or shops and cafes on the opposite side. The fountain in the middle of the square is an attraction and the colorful buildings portray a beautiful picture.
6| Castell de Bellver
Bellver is another gothic looking building that attracts thousands of tourists in a day. The castle is located just 3km from Palma center. For information on how to visit Bellver Castle visit their website.
7| Palma Aquarium
Palma Aquarium has different species of fish and there are other interesting things to do and see such as gardens and a jungle. You can enjoy food and drinks at their cafe outside while enjoying the sun.
8| Plaza Mayor de Palma de Mallorca
This prominent public square in the heart of Palma is a playing ground for tourists and a perfect place to mingle with locals in the shops and market. The square has shops, a market, bars, cafes, and restaurants. If you need to rest and eat after sightseeing, this is the place to be.
Address: Plaça Major, s/n, 07003 Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares, Spain
Other things to do in Palma de Mallorca
9| Visit Es Baluard. A museum of modern contemporary art in Palma.
10| Basilica de Sant Francesc is a well visited by tourists.
11| Lonja de Mallorca – a 15-century Gothic building that has interesting designs.
12| Visit Museo de Mallorca for its art.
13| Pueblo Español de Palma de Mallorca
14| Museu Fundación Juan March is another museum to see
15| Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró in Mallorca for its art
16| Museu Diocesà
17| Hort del Rei is also loved by tourists
18| The Arab Baths (Baños árabes) are popular and visited by tourists.
19| Visit Casal Solleric
20| Jungle Parc Junior is perfect when traveling with kids.
21| Be adventurous at Forestal Park Mallorca (Parque Forestal en Palma).
22| Placa de Sant Jeroni (square)
23| Visit Marineland; an amusement park full of life. You might want to book in advance.
24| Aqualand Water Park is located in El Arenal, just 16km from the center of Palma.
25| Enjoy art at CaixaForum Palma
26| Try out fitness activities such as Ninja Warrior at Palma Jump.
27| Admire the ‘Can Forteza Rey’ building and admire the beautiful and colorful designs that will remind you of Gaudi’s work.
28| On your way back from the cathedral, stop by Fundacion Bartolome March Servera to see a collection of art that promote the culture.
29| See Porto Pí Lighthouse
30| Gran Hotel Caixaforum Palma
31| Visit the Convent de Santa Clara
32| Relax at the evergreen Parque Sa Riera
33| See beautiful architecture on the Can Casasayas building.
34| Visit Església de Sant Miquel
Best Beaches in Palma de Mallorca
35| Platja de Palma: This beach is one of the most popular and best beaches in Palma
36| Peguera
37| Puro Beach Club (book in advance as it is very popular)
38| Cala Major
39| Plaça de Cort
40| Can Pere Antoni Beach
42| Cala Major Beach
Day Trips from Palma de Mallorca
43| Day trip to Sa Calobra from Palma de Mallorca
The views of the winding road down the hill are spectacular mainly because of the canyon surrounding the area and the seashore at the bottom.
44| Day trip to Castillo de Cabrera, Parque Nacional de Cabrera, and Platja Cabrera
45| Day trip to Escorca from Palma de Mallorca
Make sure the tour includes a visit to Santuari de Lluc.
This is a vintage train that travels from Palma to Soller through mountains and other dramatic landscapes of the island. The journey is for 28 km going through the valleys of Serra de Tramuntana.
47| Cuevas del Drach (Caves of Drach)
The Caves of Drach are very popular and visited by both tourists and Majorca locals. It is located 65km from Palma; you can drive there yourself or take a tour from Palma. Facilities at the location include a picnic area, souvenir shop, and a coffee shop.
48| Coves dels Hams: 61 km from Palma
49| Day trip to Cap de Formentor from Palma de Mallorca
50| Day trip to Cabrera National Park from Palma de Mallorca
For popular day trips from Palma de Mallorca, visit this Viator page.
Places to Shop in Palma de Mallorca
51| Passeig des Born: A tree-lined avenue that has shops, restaurants, and cafes, among other things.
52| Avinguda Jaume III: This place is known for designer shops.
53| Plaça Major: Square with a market, shops, cafes, and a shopping mall.
54| Plaça Cort: A square in the center of Palma. A town hall is found here, as well as boutiques and cafes.
55| Carrer Colón: This shopping zone is off Plaça Cort
56| FAN Mallorca Shopping: Just 10km from Palma City is this big shopping mall worth a visit if you are serious about shopping.
57| Mallorca Fashion Outlet: A shopping village just outside the city of Palma selling well-known designer brands.
58| Centro Comercial Porto Pi: This is a small shopping mall in Palma.
59| Markets: For markets in Palma and other places on the island of Majorca, visit this page.
Traditional Food to Eat in Majorca
Arros Brut: This rice dish is very traditional. It is a combination of rice, meat, and vegetables. You can choose chicken, pork or beef as your meat.
Frit Mallorqui: This dish is very traditional in Majorca. It is a combination of vegetable and offal. Thus a combination of different vegetables mixed with liver, lungs and other internal parts of a goat, cow or lamb.
Bunyols or Buñuelos: These little snacks that look like doughnuts are made from potatoes and sugar, and fried in hot oil.
Restaurants Serving Traditional Food
60| El Mariscal del Jamón
Address: Carrer de Blanquerna, 3 07003 Palma de Mallorca Spain
61| Bar Flexas
Address: Carrer de la Llotgeta, 12, 07002 Palma, Spain 07002 Palma de Mallorca Spain
62| Vint-i-9
Address: Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, Palma, Spain
63| Market food at Mercado Del Olivar
Visit the market in Palma for fresh produce and restaurants that have a local feel.
Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
Gran Melia Victoria: This 5-star hotel in Palma de Mallorca has my good vote. The restaurant has amazing views of the sea and the food is gourmet. Their paella is so delicious.
Hotel Costa Azul: This is a 4-star hotel with beautiful views of the city.
Catalonia Majorica Hotel: This hotel is also a 4-star and slightly cheaper than other 4-star hotels.
Transportation
Buses are very reliable and cheap in Palma. Here are EMT bus routes around the city. A single ticket in the urban zones is €1:50. A single ticket to or from the airport is €5. TIB also serves the Palma area.
Hop-on-Hop-off Buses are good for sightseeing in Palma.
Trains, Taxis, and car rentals are also a widely used in Palma de Mallorca. For more information on public transportation click here.
Other Useful Information
Weather in Palma de Mallorca:
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Catalan & Spanish
Tourist Information:
Official website for Tourism Mallorca
Tourist Offices in Palma de Mallorca:
(a) OIT Palma de Mallorca Airport (CIM)
Aeroport Son Sant Joan
Palma
00 – 34 – 971 789 556
(b) Informació Turística de Mallorca
Plaça de la Reina, 2, 07015
Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
ALSO SEE
