Palma de Mallorca Guide

History & Culture in Palma de Mallorca

Palma's early history

As an island, Mallorca has been subject to numerous invasions and conquests throughout its history. Palma was known to the Arabs as Medina Mayurqa (902 to 1229), and to Mallorcans thereafter simply as Ciutat (City). But the city was in fact named after the Roman city of Palmaria (founded around 120 BC), which still exists a metre or two beneath the ground; inhabitants of houses near the cathedral are still discovering Roman remains every once in a while.

Recent times

Palma's current image owes much to the last 200 years. The two iconic roads of Passeig des Born and Las Ramblas were built in the 19th century on a dried-up river bed. The defensive city walls which once surrounded the city were pulled down to create the ring road of Las Avingudas and the waterfront highway and promenade Passeig Maritim were only reclaimed from the sea in the 1950s.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Palma de Mallorca

Palma's multicultural history is reflected in the variety of architecture on display in the city. Visitors tend to spend most of their time in the old town, just wandering through the streets and absorbing the architecture whilst browsing the plentiful shops. For those who prefer a little more structure to their visit, the tourist office arranges guided tours of the city throughout the year in several languages, most prevalent during the summer. 

History, architecture and culture in Palma

Palma’s most iconic landmark is its grand Gothic cathedral, La Seu. Built on the site of an old mosque, which itself once stood on a Roman temple, it rises impressively from the old city walls that once met the sea. Right next to it is L'Almudaina, a 13th-century royal palace with beautiful gardens. If you take a short walk behind these stunning buildings, you’ll come across the old Arab quarter – a maze of narrow lanes full of history and charm. It’s easy to get a little lost, but that’s part of the fun. Just to the west of the city, perched on a hill, is Bellver Castle, a unique circular fortress from the 14th century with some of the best views over Palma.

The Arab quarter hides plenty of little gems. You’ll come across quaint museums, peaceful courtyards and distinctive architecture that offers a real glimpse into the past. There are exhibitions on everything from Mallorcan history and religious artefacts to antique toys. Not far from here is Plaça Cort, home to Palma’s elegant Town Hall and an extraordinary old olive tree. Thought to be around 800 years old, this gnarled tree is one of the city’s most cherished and photogenic features.

As you wander through the streets, you’ll also notice striking examples of modernist architecture. The style arrived in Palma when Gaudí visited the island to help with the cathedral’s restoration. One of the earliest and most famous examples is a grand building designed by Catalan architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, which helped kick off the city’s love affair with modernist design. Keep your eyes up as you explore the Old Town – there are elegant façades, curving balconies and ornate details tucked around every corner.

Museums and art galleries

If it's arts and culture that you're interested in, then Palma will not disappoint. The excellent Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art is housed in the old fortress and is well worth a visit, the restaurant on the terrace is critically acclaimed too. 

The Spanish artist Joan Miró spent the best part of 30 years living on Mallorca and there is a foundation devoted to his works just to the west of Palma. There are also several other art galleries featuring Spanish artists and contemporary art.

Top Tip: 
If you’re here to sightsee it’s worth picking up a Palma Pass. This handy card gives you free public transport, entry to museums and attractions, plus discounts on activities, restaurants and shops.

Beaches in Palma de Mallorca

Palma has its very own urban beach, just follow the cycle path and promenade from the city's port eastbound, once you pass the front of the cathedral, it’s a further 15-minute walk on foot.

East of Palma

For those seeking more tranquil beaches, there are a few in the surrounding areas of the city that can be reached by car, bike or even foot - lined with bars and restaurants. 

Near the airport, you’ll find Playa de Palma - a purpose-built beach resort about 10km away from Palma City. It has a long beach and is a popular resort for package holidays and kite surfers. Of course, there are regular buses between the beach and Palma, so it's easy to explore one whilst staying in the other.

West of Palma

On the other side of Palma, the neighbouring Cala Major and Illetas boast some of the most beautiful beaches on the south-west coast of Mallorca. Although there is limited parking in these areas, the beaches are accessible with by bus or a short 10-minute taxi ride.

Events in Palma de Mallorca

Palma is certainly a city packed full of fun events whatever the time of year. Let’s kick off with the fiestas and fairs because they are some of the most spectacular events you could attend. Palma knows how to celebrate and bring people together, and boy do you get to know the real city when it hosts one of its fiestas!

Traditional fiestas

Apart from the usual traditional festivals celebrated in Spain, there are the city's two main fiestas: Sant Sebastiá which is held in January and Sant Joan that takes place in June. Others to watch are the Three Kings Parade on the eve of the Epiphany (5 January) and Sa Rua, Mallorca’s very own carnival in February.

Sant Sebastian is Palma's patron saint and the city comes out in force to celebrate. You can expect street parties with BBQs and music concerts, followed by parades, fireworks and a Correfoc (devil fire running) in the lead up to the more formal proceedings taking place on the actual saint's day - 20 January - a public holiday in Palma.

Sant Joan is celebrated (24 June) as part of the summer solstice but, again, it's the evening before that sees the biggest party. The infamous ‘Nit de Foc', or Night of Fire is held on the night of the 23 June and sees bonfires lit throughout the city and the crazy ‘fire run' where locals dress as demons and devils and run through the streets bearing torches. Everyone eventually gathers in the Parc de la Mar for concerts, more bonfires, firecrackers and an impressive fireworks display.

Cultural events

Art lovers should attend Nit de l'Art in September when the art galleries and restaurants display art to the public with canapes and wine. 

There are a couple of grand theatres in the city which host annual opera and ballet festivals, their programmes are peppered with musicals, concerts and other ‘spectacles'. 

If you're a music fan, look out for details on the Bellver Castle Music Festival, a popular occasion in the summer months. There are also several jazz clubs in La Llonja, and other live music venues (bars) can be found throughout Palma.

Sporting events

Much like the rest of the island, Palma has its fair share of sporting events, such as the marathon, a range of cycling events, and renowned sailing regattas on the Mediterranean. Palma also has its own International Boat Show. 

Dining in Palma de Mallorca

Palma has an infinite choice of restaurants, expect a range of international cuisines for all budgets.

Within the Old Town, you'll find endless traditional Spanish and Mallorcan eateries, particularly in the area of La Llonja. However, there are places dotted all throughout the centre and it's worth exploring back streets and taking a look at the menus posted outside the restaurants.

If you want to veer away from the beaten track, there are many top class restaurants located around Plaça d’Espanya. Eating with the locals means you'll find fantastic food at some remarkably reasonable prices. For tapas or a heartier Spanish inspired meal, head to streets like Carrer del 31 de Diciembre and Carrer de Blanquerna, each featuring some top restaurants.

Alternatively, if you're hungry for some international yet innovative cuisine, then the trendy area of Santa Catalina will certainly hit the spot. Here you'll find anything from modern tapas and homemade Italian to South American and Asian fusion. Due to the number of restaurants popping up in this area, there's a high level of competition which makes both the quality and prices equally good.

After more traditional seafood and a traditional Spanish paella? Make your way to the seafront by venturing towards Portixol and Molinar, only 3km from the cathedral. These traditional fishing ports offer up some of the best paellas on the island.

Gastronomic events

The Spanish love of food is reflected in gastronomic events throughout the year. 

La Ruta Martiana takes place in Palma’s Old Town. Bars offer their patrons a small tapa or pintxo plus a caña of beer for a modest price. It's a great way to discover authentic Spanish bars and cuisine away from the touristy areas of the city. 

On a larger scale, be sure to check out the TaPalma event at the end of October. Specially designed tapas routes encourage people to explore the more hidden bars and restaurants of Palma, each establishment serving unique quality tapas and wines for a reduced fee. Participating bars and restaurants are marked on a handy map of the area which you can pick up in bars and cafés.

Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

Other than the historical sights and attractions, there are plenty of activities to do in the city.

Shopping

Top areas include Passeig des Born, Avinguda Jaume III and the pedestrianised streets surrounding Plaça Major. Here you'll find Spanish high-street favourites Zara, Massimo Dutti and Uterqüe alongside international designer labels Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton and even famous British brand Mulberry. Boutique shopping, particularly shoe shops, are what makes Palma stand out, and ensure you sample a couple of interior design shops dotted around the city too, they are inspiring to say the very least. And, as far as department stores go, El Corte Inglés will provide you with everything you could ever need.

Rainy day activities

If for the unlikely reason it's raining when you visit this beautiful island, have no fear there are things to do in and around Palma. If museums and art galleries aren’t your thing, there are also the indoor shopping centres within the vicinity of the city centre.

Boat trips and yacht charters

When we think of things to do, we think of activities that take place on or around the nearby water. With its large marina, Palma is the starting point for a number of boat trips and yacht charters - great for large groups or families who want to explore the beautiful beaches and bays of their own accord.

Cycling in Palma de Mallorca

If you're keen to explore Palma but walking isn’t your thing, you can hire bicycles, scooters and Segways to get around the city. 

Or if you fancy getting away from the city for the day, take a pootle along the cycle path from Palma all the way to S’Arenal - it's an absolute must-do. This cycle route is easy for even the most novice cyclists, but prepare yourself for it to be busy in peak season and there are a couple of narrow sections where you'll feel the need to breathe in. It’s a great way to see the coastline of Palma and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off at some of its seaside restaurants, cafés and even a beach club or two on the way. Portixol and Molinar are great areas for a spot of lunch.

See our Cycling Guide

Nightlife in Palma de Mallorca

Palma plays host to the widest range of bars and nightclubs on the island. The beauty of this city is that you'll see visitors and locals partying alongside one another until the early hours of the morning. The areas of La Lonja, Santa Catalina and the Paseo Marítimo are the main places to rendezvous.

La Lonja (The Old Town)

La Lonja is at the heart of the city's nightlife during the evenings. Whether it’s late night restaurants, pubs, cocktail bars or jazz clubs you're after, you'll find something to tickle your taste buds. Be sure to check out hotel bars and sky bars too as they offer some of the best cocktails in the city centre!

Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is swarming with people in the evening whatever the time of the year. A number of watering holes in the form of late night bars that locals, expats and tourists like to frequent reside here. It's also where you'll find the yacht crews hanging out, especially along Carrer de San Magí.

Paseo Marítimo

The Paseo Marítimo (the front by the marina) is absolutely buzzing when the warm nights set in from June until September. This area makes for the perfect night out on the tiles thanks to its restaurants, late-night bars and a couple of large-scale nightclubs. 

An insider tip for those who will venture a little further: at the far western end of the seafront promenade, towards the cruise ships port, there is a small marina called Can Barbara, which encompasses some late night bars popular amongst the locals. Speaking of local experiences, try the area to the east of Plaça Major for a host of quirky, independent late-night late-night cafes and bars full of local youngsters. All very Barcelona!

Holidays Rentals in Palma de Mallorca

There are plenty of short-term accommodation options in and the around the city. Due to the variety of sizes and them being slightly less expensive than hotels, these are becoming a favourite choice for a wide range of people from couples to small families and groups.

Hotels in Palma de Mallorca

Luxury boutique hotels in Palma

A large proportion of people visiting the city centre tend to stay in hotels. Palma has seen an explosion of boutique hotels in recent years which attract visitors all year round. Old historical palaces have been restored with the utmost care, retaining original features and introducing all the modern technology we expect nowadays. Most of these hotels can be found in the tiny streets around the cathedral area.

Stay in the Old Town for the hustle and bustle of the city centre, with shops, restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep. There's a great selection of hotels available in this area, suitable for a wide range of budgets. Keep your eyes peeled for those in the districts of La Llonja, Passeig des Born, Avinguda Jaume III, Sant Nicolau, La Calatrava, around which the city's fabulous boutique hotels concentrate.

Hotels with a view in Palma

In the hotels along the Paseo Marítimo, what you lose in character, you gain with sea views. This area is perfect for those who might feel claustrophobic staying in the city centre. Still within easy walking distance of all the attractions on offer, this stretch offers larger, more corporate accommodation and modern comfortable hotel rooms with a balcony and a sea view. 

Hotels with wide-ranging facilities

There are also plenty of opportunities to stay on the outskirts of Palma. With numerous hotels dotted around with outstanding spa facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms and even golf courses. These are perfect to experience the best of both worlds, being within close proximity of the city but having access to all the facilities one could ever want for. Many of these hotels also offer a free shuttle service to the city centre.

How to get to Palma de Mallorca

By car

If you plan to stay in and around Palma you shouldn't really need to hire a car for your stay. The taxis from the airport to Palma take about 20 minutes. Alternatively reserve a transfer in advance to ensure smooth running on arrival and departure.

Public transport

There is a good public bus route that runs between the city and the airport most of the day and night. It's cheap and takes around 45 minutes.

See our Getting Here Guide