If you're heading to Mallorca this summer, Palma, the island's capital, should be on your list for exploring. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, an impressive gastronomic scene and plenty of places to see, the city is a must when visiting the island.
Top attractions in Palma de Mallorca
What to see and do in Mallorca's capital this summer
Palma's intense and long history, coastal location and mild weather mean that there are plenty of monuments, buildings, museums and street corners worth exploring as well as lots of activities to take part in. We've compiled our guide to the ten best things to see and do while you're here so you don't miss out.
Paseo Marítimo
Lined with palm trees and an enormous harbour, Avenida Gabriel Roca (otherwise known as Paseo Marítimo) is the main road where Palma meets its beautiful bay. The avenue stretches for over 5 kilometres of coastline and boasts a popular promenade encompassing separate paths for cyclists, roller skaters and other wheels, away from pedestrians. If you've come to Palma to enjoy the sunny weather, take a stroll or cruise along the seafront on wheels whilst soaking up the sea air and impressive scenery. You are guaranteed to work up an appetite for the tapas and cañas later.
Shopping
Passeig des Born offers a sophisticated shopping experience thanks to top end international designers like Mulberry, Luis Vuitton and Hugo Boss alongside some of the most famous Spanish high-street brands like Zara and Massimo Dutti. In the bustling streets of Jaume III and Sant Miquel the list of shops is endless, with a mish-mash of high street designers and some beautiful boutique shops. There are also various department stores to be explored, El Corte Inglés and Rialto Living are the two biggest names in the city centre.
For a more cultural experience, there’s plenty of traditional Mallorcan produce to get your hands on. Sweeten your afternoon with an "ensaimada", or pick up some "sobrassada", a soft cured sausage that is delicious on bread with a drizzle of olive oil and honey. The island is producing top-notch wine and olive oil, so be sure to sample some if you can. Mallorca is also famous for its fine leather goods, long-lasting artificial pearls and beautiful hand-woven baskets, so there’s plenty of shopping to be done.
An evening in Santa Catalina
If you have spent the day in Palma’s old town, then try the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina in the evening. With its authentic charm and lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to spend a few hours indulging in some delicious food and drinks. This is the trendy area of town with some first class international and local cuisine which attracts a whole host of people from locals and expats to the jet-setting type.
Markets in Palma de Mallorca
L'Olivar is a vibrant market offering a mouthwatering array of fresh seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables. A little pricey for a weekly shop, but definitely worth stopping by to give your taste buds a treat. Why not try some lemon and tabasco covered oysters and a glass of chilled fizz? Take the weight off your feet and indulge in some people-watching while you enjoy the freshest tastes from the island.
Museums & Galleries in Palma de Mallorca
In a beautiful 16th-century fort, the Bastion de Sant Pere, the Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art (also known as Es Baluard) is an oasis of calm on the busy pedestrianised street of Sant Miquel. Free to enter and with a permanent collection which includes big names such as Picasso and Mirò, it's a wonderful place to take a moment and recharge your batteries. Don't forget to visit their rooftop bar and enjoy drinks with a view.
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Rialto Living Art Gallery
Local and international artists exhibited in Palma's old town
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
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Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro
Art gallery & museum devoted to the famous Spanish painter
The painter and sculptor Joan Miro spent most of his life in Barcelona, but both his wife and mother were Mallorcan and he always longed to return to the scene of his childhood holidays to draw inspiraton from what he called "the light of Mallorca".
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Fundacio La Caixa
The old Gran Hotel, this iconic Modernist building is now used as a gallery
The Gran Hotel was Palma's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner, it was the building that began the craze for modernists (art nouveau) architecture in the city.
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Palau March Sculpture Gallery
Modern & contemporary sculptures in a historical palace
Just next to the cathedral is the impressive Palau March (Bartolome March Foundation) with a great collection of 20th century sculpture.
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Pueblo Español - Spanish Village
A 'show village' featuring a range of Spanish architecture
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
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Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca 
Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca
Cultural Centre & Art Gallery
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
Sights & Attractions in Palma de Mallorca
Palma’s stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu), a Gothic masterpiece begun in the 13th century with later contributions from Gaudí and Barceló, is an iconic city landmark best visited early to enjoy morning light streaming through its stained-glass windows. Nearby, the circular Castell de Bellver rewards visitors with panoramic views over the city and bay, plus a small history museum. Adjacent, the Royal Palace of L’Almudaina, originally a 10th-century fortress, showcases historic tapestries, artefacts, and beautiful gardens.
Sights in Palma de Mallorca
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Rialto Living Art Gallery
Local and international artists exhibited in Palma's old town
Rialto Living is Palma's most famous interior design and concept store. Located right in the heart of the city, it has a small art gallery inside with temporary art exhibitions.
-
Visit website
Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro
Art gallery & museum devoted to the famous Spanish painter
The painter and sculptor Joan Miro spent most of his life in Barcelona, but both his wife and mother were Mallorcan and he always longed to return to the scene of his childhood holidays to draw inspiraton from what he called "the light of Mallorca".
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Visit website
Fundacio La Caixa
The old Gran Hotel, this iconic Modernist building is now used as a gallery
The Gran Hotel was Palma's first luxury hotel when it opened in 1903. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner, it was the building that began the craze for modernists (art nouveau) architecture in the city.
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Visit website
Palau March Sculpture Gallery
Modern & contemporary sculptures in a historical palace
Just next to the cathedral is the impressive Palau March (Bartolome March Foundation) with a great collection of 20th century sculpture.
-
Visit website
Pueblo Español - Spanish Village
A 'show village' featuring a range of Spanish architecture
Spain gets the theme-park treatment at this 'village' in the outskirts of Palma, where reproductions of famous buildings from Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid are gathered together with typical houses from the Spanish regions.
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Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca
Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca
Cultural Centre & Art Gallery
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
Beaches in Palma de Mallorca
How can you resist the allure of Mallorca’s idyllic coastline? Simply, don't!
Catch the number 3 bus to Illetas from Palma’s city centre and you'll find a tranquil sandy beach in a picturesque town less than half an hour away. Alternatively, hire bikes and head east to the beaches of Portixol, Molinar and Playa de Palma. This is a popular activity for all age groups wanting to get out of the city and explore the coastline full of beautiful scenery and superb restaurants.
Beaches in Mallorca
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Palma City Beach (Can Pere Antoni) 
Palma City Beach (Can Pere Antoni)
Golden sandy beach, the closest beach to Palma
The closest beach to Palma is at Ca'n Pere Antoni. This stretch of golden sandy beach starts just beyond the cathedral. A promenade and cycle path runs along its length but behind these lies the main road that takes you to Palma airport.
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Ciudad Jardin Beach 
Ciudad Jardin Beach
Friendly ‘Blue Flag’ beach that's located in the Bay of Palma
The small resort town of Ciudad Jardin lies around five kilometres east of Palma. Its beach, also commonly referred to as ‘Ciutat Jardi’, lies alongside a quiet promenade lined with palm trees, offering a huge variety of different styled bars and restaurants.
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Portixol Beach 
Portixol Beach
Charming shingle and sand beach on the outskirts of Palma
Portixol is found just to the east of Palma's cathedral and is home to a little bay within which a little sand and shingle beach known as D'es Portitxolet Beach resides. The water is generally calm here due to the sheltered nature of the bay.
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Cala Major Beach 
Cala Major Beach
Idyllic but lively sandy beach featuring stunning turquoise waters
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
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Illetas Beach 
Illetas Beach
Sheltered bay with an upmarket feel located in the Bay of Palma
Only 9km from the capital of Palma, Illetas is a holiday resort claiming three picture-perfect beaches. Illetas beach is the main beach, and is more sheltered than the huge stretch of sand that makes up the beach in front of Palma's cathedral, making this one of the nicest beaches in the Bay of Palma.
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Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach 
Portals Nous (Oratori) Beach
Popular 'Blue Flag' beach famous for its chiringuito-style beach bar
Playa Oratori is the popular local beach for Portals Nous and Puerto Portals.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
If you prefer to explore the coastline from a completely different angle, then why don’t you take to Mallorca’s waters on a boat trip? Book the popular catamaran excursion to Illetas, which leaves from Palma’s harbour. It’s a great way to work on your tan whilst viewing the epic coastline. Alternatively, if you are a large group or willing to spend a little more, why don’t you charter your own boat? With various options available at different prices, there is sure to be something to accommodate your needs.
Things To Do in Palma de Mallorca
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Scooter & Motorbike Hire
Rent a scooter in the heart of Palma and explore the vibrant city and surrounding areas with ease
Renting a scooter is the best way to get around Mallorca. You’ll have the freedom to explore every corner of the island at your own pace, from hidden beaches to charming villages - places only a scooter can take you!
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Luxury To Escape Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip in Mallorca for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
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Sunset boat trip
Sailing yacht with swimming and snorkelling in Mallorca
Take a wonderful boat trip and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding as the sun sets over the beautiful island of Mallorca.
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Motor yacht trip
Private luxury cruising along Mallorca’s most beautiful coastline
Discover Mallorca from the sea aboard a modern luxury motor yacht, designed for comfort, privacy and effortless style. This fully private experience, operated by a professional skipper, is perfect for couples, families or small groups looking to enjoy the island at their own pace. Departing from Palma’s marina, you will cruise along Mallorca’s spectacular coastline, exploring crystal-clear waters, secluded coves and peaceful anchorages chosen according to the day’s conditions and your preferences.
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Scooter & Motorbike Hire
Discover Palma and the stunning island of Mallorca with ease by renting a Vespa, scooter, or motorbike in the charming old town of Santa Catalina
The best way to explore Mallorca is, of course, on a Vespa! If you're looking for a bit more power, why not go for a Ducati or Harley Davidson?
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Luxury Good Times Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip in Mallorca for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
