Palma
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and is just an 18 minute taxi journey from Palma airport. It is the largest city on the island, being home to nearly 400,000 people. That’s almost 50% of the island’s total population.
It is a popular tourist destination for holidays, short breaks and day trips with its sunny climate, beautiful beaches, historic monuments, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and shops.
There’s something for everyone in Palma, from its lively port area, promenades and open spaces, to its impressive cathedrals and ancient monuments. It is a city that offers culture, entertainment, and relaxation in equal measure.
With time usually at a premium and so many options, we wanted to highlight our three ‘must do’ activities in Palma.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, commonly known as La Seu, is a Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea and is located close to Passeig Maritim and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Palma and as well as its striking appearance is one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks on the island.
The cathedral was built over a period of several centuries, with construction beginning in the 13th century and is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows, particularly the rose window in the transept. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Catalan Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors all year round.
Summer hours from April to October:
- Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:15pm
- Saturday from 10:00am to 2:15pm
- Closed on Sunday
Winter hours from November to March:
- Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Closed on Sunday
You have the choice of guided and self-guided tours and for the best value, tickets should be booked direct with the Cathedral.
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town of Palma is known locally as Ciutat Vella and is the historic centre of Palma. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and charming plazas.
The Old Town is home to many of Palma’s most famous landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Palau de l’Almudaina (the Royal Palace), and Bellver Castle so is perfect for a wander after visiting one of these landmarks.
You will find a fantastic selection of shops, restaurants, and bars in the old town with the narrow winding streets being best explored on foot. Many of the streets are closed to traffic so it is a pedestrian-friendly area.
Make sure you definitely try out one of the tapas restaurants. We can recommend Ombu on Passeig des Born and treat yourself to one of their cocktails as well.
Culture is all around you in the old town so make sure you look up as well as around so you don’t miss out on the beautiful architecture that features heavily in the area.
Take a Boat Trip
A great way to spend the afternoon after walking around the Cathedral and exploring the old town over lunch is a boat trip. This is the perfect opportunity to way to explore the city and the surrounding coastline with various tour options available down at the harbour. These range from short, hour-long trips and evening cruises through to full-day excursions.
Some popular boat tour options include:
Harbour Tour: Probably the most popular is a short, hour-long boat trip that takes you around the port of Palma, allowing you to see the city’s landmarks from the water. These tours usually include commentary and offer a different perspective of the city allowing you to enjoy the sights from a distance.
Coastal Tour: A great idea if you have a bit more time to spare is a trip along the coastline of Mallorca, giving you the opportunity to see the island’s beautiful beaches and coves. These trips often include stops at a popular beach or cove, such as Cala Mayor or Cala Blava.
Sunset Tour: What a way to spend the evening after a day of sightseeing. These boat trips take place at sunset and provide a romantic way to see the city and the coastline.
Private boat charter: If you want a more personalised experience, you can charter a private boat with a captain and crew. This allows you to customise your trip and choose your own itinerary and perhaps include a bit of everything.
Without a doubt a boat trip in Palma is a great way to see the city and the island’s coastline from a different perspective and is a great way to spend a few hours or a whole day.