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Palma de Mallorca Marathon 2017 bookings

How to book for the Palma Marathon in October

featured in News & reviews Author Jose Rains, Mallorca Reporter Updated

This year the increasingly popular Palma de Mallorca Marathon takes place on Sunday 15th October. Thousands are expected to take part in events and races going on over the weekend. A half marathon, a 10km race, a breakfast run, a pasta party and the Palma kids run are just some of the other events taking place, which means there is something for every age and running ability.

Participants enjoy a relatively easy course thanks to the flat terrain and good roads as well as breathtaking views over the Bay of Palma. The cathedral and the city’s historic old town are just some of the highlights on route, along with some lovely warm weather.

Magical Mallorca Marathon

Booking your place

It's possible to book for any of the races included in the Palma de Mallorca Marathon online. On the 15th October, the main events take place including the Marathon for over 18s only (75€), the Half Marathon also for over 18s only (40€) and the 10K for over 13s only (25€). A few different options are available and discounts apply for Balearic residents.

Palma airport exceptional expansion

How to get here

The marathon attracts a whole host of internationals but is particularly popular amongst the British, German and Scandinavians. Palma airport is conveniently located just a few km away from the city centre and, without a doubt, flying is the easiest way to get to the island if you aren’t a resident. With numerous European flights across various different airlines landing here each day, finding a suitable flight will be easy.

Alternatively, from mainland Europe you can drive to one of the ports on Spain’s northeast coastline (Barcelona, Denia or Valencia) and get the ferry across. Although this isn’t necessarily the quickest or cheapest method of transport, it is favoured by those who want to bring their car across.

If you are based on the other Balearic Islands of Ibiza or Menorca, you can just hop on one of the daily flights from the islands to Palma’s International Airport. There are also regular ferries routes between the islands.

Where to stay

Whether you are taking part in the marathon or a spectator, Palma is the obvious destination to stay as this is where the event is taking place. The city itself offers a wide range of accommodation including luxury hotel resorts, boutique hotels and apartments. If you prefer to be near a beach, then the likes of Portixol, Playa de Palma, Cala Major and Illetas are all just a few kilometres away from the centre and boast some of the prettiest beaches on the island. Our top picks include:

Can Alomar Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel Can Alomar is situated in the heart of the city centre along the main shopping boulevard of Passeig des Born. This hotel would be perfect for those who like the idea of a luxury boutique hotel with the very best of Palma on their doorstep. Whether you are a guest or not, be sure to check out their De Tokio a Lima restaurant for first class Asian fusion cuisine and sophisticated cocktails.

Santa Clara Boutique Hotel
Santa Clara Urban Hotel & Spa is another great choice. This luxury small hotel is located inside a 17th-century palace in Palma’s old town. It has a superb spa with well-priced full body massages in case you need some rest and rehabilitation before and after the race.

Apartment rentals
Apartment rentals are increasingly popular in Palma’s city centre. Not only can they offer a more authentic Mallorcan experience but this type of accommodation is often budget-friendly and provides a little more privacy during your stay.

It is also worth noting that race organisers offer packages that include registration and accommodation in Palma or the nearby resorts of Santa Ponça, Palma Nova, Playa de Palma and Portals Nous. In any case, we would highly recommend booking accommodation well in advance due to the sheer number of visitors travelling to the city for the marathon.

Magical Mallorca Marathon

Getting to the Marathon on the day

The start line is in front of Palma’s iconic cathedral which is within walking distance of the whole city. So, if you are staying nearby, we would recommend taking a leisurely stroll down to the start line. If you need to take transportation, there are a few options available but note there will be some road closures during the event so make sure you leave with plenty of time to get there.

By car
The marathon takes place on a Sunday when street parking is free across the city. Be aware that it's going to be pretty busy, we would recommend arriving well in advance. If you find yourself struggling for free parking, then there are numerous underground car parks dotted around the city centre. Just look for the big blue P signs and note these aren’t free parking zones.

By bus
Buses are a favoured method of transport linking towns and villages around the island to Palma. Routes all end up at the bus station in Plaça d’Espanya which is a good 20-minute walk from the start line. Be aware that bus times do differ on weekends compared to weekdays so don’t get caught out and be sure to allow for plenty of time.

By train
Trains also run from various locations around the island into the city centre. The train station can also be found in Plaça d’Espanya so leave plenty of time to walk to the start line.

Quina Creu Restaurant, Palma de Mallorca main

Where to eat

Quina Creu for tapas and cocktails
A truly remarkable restaurant hidden in the back streets of Palma’s old town, this restaurant is a treat worth finding! Its entrance is quite discreet but, once inside, you will be pleasantly surprised as its large dining hall comprised of traditional décor juxtaposed with some contemporary fixtures and fittings to create a quirky yet elegant environment. Expect traditional tapas, Mediterranean and exotic dishes as well as some tasty cocktails! This place serves up some of the best tapas I have tried in town so tapas lovers do stop by.

San Juan Gastromarket for a feast
Ideal for foodies who are keen to try lots of different food, San Juan Gastromarket is one of the hottest destinations in town. With a sociable environment, it offers a whole assortment of international cuisines presented in a completely unique way. There are around 20 different stations serving Asian, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Japanese and so much more. You just go up and order what you want from each station, take it back to your table and then keep going back for more. It’s the type of dining where you can eat as much or as little as you want, making it the perfect place for athletes to visit and should be number one on your bucket list when you arrive in Palma.

Nuru for trendy first-class food
A fab little restaurant in Palma’s gastronomic district, known as Santa Catalina. With first class food, a stylish setting and a chill-out roof terrace you will feel truly spoilt when you come away from dining here. Serving innovative fusion cuisine, there is something for everyone on the menu. Expect Thai style sashimi, suckling Iberian pork and miso honey roasted aubergine but Nuru is famous for its slow cooked, richly flavoured Korean BBQ-style Hereford's rib so do make sure you come along with an appetite.

The Boat House for port-side dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at The Boat House, a nautical style restaurant along Palma’s Paseo Marítimo. This is the perfect spot for some al fresco waterside dining in October. The restaurant serves international cuisine consisting of top-notch comfort food like burgers and club sandwiches along with fresh fish, salads and so much more. If your dinner plans have already been made, you can just have a stroll along the port and stop by for a sit in the sun with your favourite tipple.

Spai Hotel Mallorca Spa, Palma Centre & Marina pool

What else to do in Palma

There’s no shortage of things to do in Palma, from museums and art galleries, high-street, boutique and designer shopping to getting a taste of the city’s impressive gastronomic scene. We would highly recommend staying for a few days to sample some of the delights the city has to offer.

Perhaps you want to treat yourself to a massage? Or a spa experience to help the recovery process? Good news! Various hotels around Palma offer day passes to their spa’s so you can indulge in a spot of luxury.

More inspiration...

Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar to see what else is on in Mallorca during your visit.