Palma de Mallorca is the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, located in the Mediterranean Sea not far from the coast of Catalonia. While the island itself is renowned as a hotspot for German and English holidaymakers, I hadn’t really heard much about the capital city- but it’s a hugely intriguing places. If you’re after the most interesting Palma de Mallorca things to do, you’re in the right place, pals!
After spending three months docking weekly in Palma de Mallorca’s port, I can quite honestly say: I LOVE THIS PLACE. I’d had no idea that the city centre would be quite so beautiful– quiet alleyways twisting this way and that, a magnificent gothic cathedral, and the odd horse and trap clip-clopping around. There are some amazingly pretty beaches nearby and even in the winter when I was there, there was no shortage of sunshine and blue skies.
(Although, I’m not gonna lie- I probs wouldn’t recommend any sea-swimming around the winter months. That might be taking it a tad too far.) So, here you have it pals- my guide to Palma de Mallorca. In all it’s lovely jubbly glory.
Marvel at La Seu- Palma Cathedral
The first time I entered the city from its cruise terminal Porto Pi, the cathedral took my breath away, simply because it was so unexpected.
The Catedral de Santa María de Palma de Mallorca- or La Seu as it’s more commonly known- is a striking gothic cathedral in prime position looking out across a lake and further out towards the Mediterranean Sea. Once upon a time Palma and the island of Mallorca were owned by the Muslim Moors, but in 1229 when a Christian King conquered the island he ordered the destruction of all Moorish buildings. Hence the big old cathedral that stands on what was once the site of a mosque. Somehow this building always seems to be spotlit by the sun- get there at golden hour, just before the sun starts to set, and I guarantee you’ll be blown away.
Considering the island of Mallorca is, well, just an island, I was awestruck by the size of La Seu. The central nave is 44metres tall; taller even than Notre-Dame de Paris. Back in the early 1900s, Gaudí was given the job of helping make some changes to the building, and although he eventually fell out with the contractor and abandoned the project, there are still pieces of his work inside, like the crown of thorns canopy which hangs over the altar.
Talking of Gaudi: What does it look like inside La Sagrada Familia?
Catedral de Mallorca, open 10am-4pm Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm Saturdays, entry €8 per person.
Wander through Old Town Palma de Mallorca
Just behind the cathedral are the winding alleys of the old town of Palma, and one of my favourite things to do here was literally just wander around and see what I stumbled across.
It’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Especially in the winter months when the city is quieter and it’s not unlikely that you’ll be the sole wanderer if you choose a good turning. Tiny garden squares, the odd coffee or ice cream shop with chairs and tables spilling on to the streets, and mysterious enclosed courtyards are what you’ll find around these parts.
Top tip from yours truly: don’t take a map, and definitely don’t follow the blue dot on your phone. Just get wandering and you’ll be sure to find some interesting things.
Related: Barcelona is Better in Winter! And here’s why…
Hunt for Modernist Architecture
Palma isn’t just home to medieval alleyways and gothic structures; it’s also the location for many a modernist architectural gem, built around the early 1900s onwards.
The modernist movement was the Catalan answer to Art Nouveau, all about flowing lines and motifs inspired by nature. And although it all kicked off in the city of Barcelona (a short ferry ride away on the mainland), the popularity of modernism quickly spread to Palma. The beaut thing about Palma in comparison to Barcelona is that it’s all a bit more relaxed around here, allowing you to follow the treasure hunt of beautiful buildings at your own pace.
Related: The Most Beautiful Building I Ever Did See: Barcelona’s Modernist Concert Hall
Visit one of Palma’s many Palaces
The most well-known and prominent of Palma’s palaces and stately homes is undoubtedly the Palau de l’Almudeina, the neighbouring building to the city’s cathedral. Once upon a time this was a Moorish building, and elements of its Arabic past do remain. Although it was converted into as gothic a style as possible when the Crown of Aragon (you know, those Christian folk from Spain), conquered the area.
Palau de l’Almudeina, open 10am-6pm from October to March, 10am-8pm April to September. Closed on Mondays. Entry price €7
I had been walking straight past the Palau March for months before I saw the sign advertising Mallorcan cartography. This is very geeky but I’m a real fan of an old map, and had been googling ‘where to see Mallorcan cartography’ for months to no avail. So obviously I decided to have a peek inside- and I was so glad that I did.
The March family were phenomenally wealthy and this palace- which was once their home- now houses a collection of art and books from across the world, as well as the stunning collection of maps from when the world was still being discovered bit by bit. Even aside from the sculptures and paintings inside (and ginormous Nativity scene), the building itself is just downright stunning. I was the only person wandering the silent rooms of the building, which made the experience all the more awesome.
Palau March Musuem, open 10am-6.30pm April to October, 10am-5pm November to March. Closed on Sundays. Entry €4.50.
For a bigger list of Palma’s palaces, museums and galleries go to the SeeMallorca website; there’s a fair few, folks.
What should you eat in Palma de Mallorca?
The traditional pastries of Mallorca are ensaimadas– sweet rolled dough which is filled with angels’ hair (the stringy inside of pumpkins which is sweetened and cooked). You’ll see these in bakeries across the whole island, and they’re typically sold in a flat cardboard octagon which doesn’t look too dissimilar from a pizza box.
As an island surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, it goes without saying that fish is kind of a big deal around here. In fact this is where I tucked into the best fish that I’ve ever eaten in my ENTIRE LIFE- up a mountain in the town of Andratx, about half an hour’s drive from Palma. Dishes involving pork are also all the rage, and you’ll find many a charcuterie throughout the streets of the Old Town, selling all manner of cured meats in little cones to take away.
The best beaches in Palma de Mallorca
The most obvious of Palma de Mallorca things to do: head to the beach.
Within walking distance of Palma port is the beautiful sandy beach of Cala Major and its amazingly clear water- possibly one of the best Palma de Mallorca beaches. I’m sure in the Summer it can get pretty packed as it’s surrounded by holiday apartments, restaurants and bars, but in the winter season the beach tended to have barely anyone on it. It’s also possible to walk further past the beach and onto the rocks leading around the seafront past hotel swimming pools and gardens; great for just perching on and appreciating the sunshine and the sound of the sea.
At the opposite end of the city is the suburb of Portixol, which was once a little fishing village. These days the old fishermen’s houses have been transformed into expensive slick properties, and bars and restaurants sit prettily along the seafront facing out onto the beautiful sandy beach, with views back towards the rest of the Palma.
Related: A Roadtrip Through the Mountains of Mallorca
Outside the city centre
In between Porto Pi (Palma de Mallorca’s cruise port), and the Old City, is more of the kind of buildings, bars and hotels that I’d originally expected to find in Palma.
High-rise apartment blocks filled with tourist apartments and holiday homes, bars, pubs and clubs by the marina which fill up in the evenings, and touristy souvenir shops. All standing side-by-side with the odd church or windmill scattered around in between. Although nowhere near as beautiful as the historic city centre (in my opinion), the more modern areas are still worth a visit to experience a completely different side to Palma. There’s definitely more of a package holiday vibe about the place, but for the nightlife alone it’s probs worth a look-in, know what I’m saying?
And finally…be sure to stick around for a Mallorca sunset
The best things in life are free, pals! Palma de Mallorca is located on the south west coast of the island, which makes it a great spot to watch a sunset over the sea. Without a shadow of a doubt this is something that you should be sure not to miss while you’re here.
BEAUT.
Logistical Statisticals
- There are actually two cruise terminals at Palma de Mallorca; the main one is Estacio Maritima, and the second which is slightly further away, is Porto Pi. A shuttle bus from Porto Pi to the city centre (opposite La Seu), takes around ten to fifteen minutes depending on the traffic sitch.
- The journey time from Palma de Mallorca airport to the city is around 15 minutes, again depending on traffic.
- Currency is euros.
- Tourism is the main industry around here, so within the city English is widely spoken; though obviously the actual official language is Spanish.
- Ferries operate between the island of Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands (The most well-known of island options being Ibiza and Menorca), as well as back to mainland Spain.
Great post! A very comprehensive guide. I’ve been to mainland Spain but never the islands so maybe one day I’ll get to go and see the differences/similarities 🙂
Thankyou! It’s definitely worth checking out some of the islands at least; they’re SO interesting and every one is different 😆
The pictures are beautiful and I love this.
S .x https://samsramblings91.blogspot.com/2019/04/dating-trends-that-need-to-die-out-in.html
Thankyou 😄
Great blog! I went to Playa de Palma last November not realizing the beach has an off-season. It was a little eerie how empty the town was and nothing was open. We did make it to Palma one evening and were glad to find restaurants and shops open!
Thankyou! Oh my goodness yes I bet that was weird! Yes all my time in Palma so far has been in the winter months so I’d be intrigued to see it in Summer.
I’d love to visit Palma. I’d always assumed it might be similar to Ibiza town (which I loved), but I’m clearly very wrong – and excited to see how curiously different it is. Looks fascinating. Is it a good city to find food it? It looks really promising 🙂
Yes- food is EVERYWHERE! A lot of high-end restaurants and hotels as well as more budget options. Would LOVE to go to Ibiza.
Great post! I have only been in Madrid and Barcelona. I’m planning visiting Majorca so this article is really useful! I saw here https://www.livingtours.com/en/trips/tours/mallorca-spain activities to plan there, so I might go for a walking tour or a boat ride to visit the island. How many days do you think are enough to visit the most? Thank you!
Ah thanks for reading! You’ll have a great time on the island I’m sure 😊 Hmm if you want to get the most out of the island and see more of the beaches and mountains and countryside outside of Palma I’d say a week is perfect to take it at a fairly relaxed pace.