Rialto Living Art Gallery
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.
Top attractions in Palma de Mallorca
What to see and do in Mallorca's capital this summer
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.
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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Es Baluard Museu
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art was opened in 2004 as a cultural institution for research and dissemination of Balearic & Mediterranean art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Museu de Sa Jugueta
Based on the collection of Antoni Roig Clar, this museum showcases over 3,000 toys from all around the world and from different eraas.
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Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art (Colleccio March)
The Museu Fundación Juan March houses a small collection of 20th century Spanish art shich belonged to the Mallorcan banker Joan March, once one of the world's richest men.
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Museu de Mallorca
Billed as Mallorca's most important museum, this undoubtedly contains some fascinating exhibitsbut beware that it is difficult to get excited about bits of stone in glass cases if you do not understand the captions. The museum has recently been refurbished, so we are hoping it is now more tourist-friendly.
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Museu Diocesa
This small museum of religious and historical antefacts is based in a wing of the former episcopal palace tucked behind the cathedral.
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
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.
-
Es Baluard Museu
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art was opened in 2004 as a cultural institution for research and dissemination of Balearic & Mediterranean art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
-
Museu de Sa Jugueta
Based on the collection of Antoni Roig Clar, this museum showcases over 3,000 toys from all around the world and from different eraas.
-
Museum of Spanish Contemporary Art (Colleccio March)
The Museu Fundación Juan March houses a small collection of 20th century Spanish art shich belonged to the Mallorcan banker Joan March, once one of the world's richest men.
-
Museu de Mallorca
Billed as Mallorca's most important museum, this undoubtedly contains some fascinating exhibitsbut beware that it is difficult to get excited about bits of stone in glass cases if you do not understand the captions. The museum has recently been refurbished, so we are hoping it is now more tourist-friendly.
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Palace de l'Almudaina
A royal palace has stood on this site next to Palma's cathedral since the Muslim walis (governors) built their alcazar soon after the Arab conquest.
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)
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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Portixol Beach
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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Ciudad Jardin Beach
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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Cala Major Beach
Cala Major is located within Palma Bay, around four kilometres to the west to the city of Palma.
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Illetas Beach
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
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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Sunset boat trip
Relax aboard a luxury yacht as the sun sets over Mallorca’s coastline. Includes drinks, snacks, and snorkelling, with optional tapas and cava.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
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Coastal boat trip
Enjoy a fantastic day at sea exploring secluded coves and beaches aboard a traditional Balearic yacht, “El Gordito”.
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Scooter & Motorbike Hire
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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Motor yacht trip
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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Luxury A4A Yacht Trip
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza, cruising to any destination of your choice.
