Sa Llotja, Palma de Mallorca
With twin turrets and an angel over the door, this 15th-century seafront building looks half-castle, half-church. In fact it is neither.
Sea-front Walk in Palma de Mallorca
A short walk along by the marina
This walk along Palma's waterfront is good in the early morning as the city stirs itself awake and the fish market comes to life, or late in the day as the sun sets over the sea, the pavement bars begin to buzz and the cathedral and castle light up for the night.
Start in Passeig Sagrera, at the foot of Avinguda d' Antoni Maura by the statue of Ramon Llull. The short tree-lined avenue, named after the architect of La Llotja, passes several interesting buildings. First, La Llonja (or Llotja in Catalan) itself, Palma's masterpiece of Gothic civic architecture. Palma was a very important port in the Mediterranean during the 14th century (more so than Barcelona) thanks to its island position, so there was plenty of trade and the city flourished. This resulted in the desire to build elaborate buildings to house the Merchants Guild (La Llonja), which explains the detail of this Gothic building.
Just along from La Llonja, is the gated archway, Porta Vella de Moll, the old gateway to the city from the sea. Right next to this is the Consulat de Mar, the former maritime court which now houses the Baleares government. Beyond the Consulat de Mar you will find some of the old city walls which now form part of the contemporary art gallery, Es Baluard (also well worth a visit).
At the end of Passeig Sagrera, cross the main road to reach the fishing port, marked by lines of blue nets. West of here, in a small garden, is the oratory of Sant Elm. Designed as a navigators' chapel, later used as a tavern, and moved here stone by stone from Passeig Sagrera in 1947. From here the walk is straight forward - just follow the seafront west along Passeig Maritim, using the promenade between the road and the sea. A cycle path, also used by joggers, runs alongside the promenade.
Pass Reial Club Nautic, facing a section of city wall and a row of windmills; look up ahead to see Bellver Castle on its hill. As you walk on, turn around to look back at the cathedral, seen across the bay through a forest of masts. From a jetty opposite the Auditorium theatre, excursion boats offer tours of Palma Bay. Keep going, and eventually you reach Club de Mar with its luxury yachts.
Just beyond here is the commercial ferry port, where boats leave for Barcelona, Valencia, Menorca and Ibiza. To your right is the commercial shopping centre Porto Pi where you can do some retail therapy or grab some refreshments.
Return the same way or take Bus No 1 back to Passeig Sagrera. or you could choose to climb the hill and visit Bellver Castle - 14th centruy round fortress with fabulous views over the city of Palma.
Distance: 3km one way
Time: 2 hours
Read about Palma's Sights & Attractions.
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What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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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.
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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.
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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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Palau March Sculpture Gallery
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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Passeig des Born, Palma de Mallorca
For more than a century this short, tree-lined promenade has been at the heart of city life; it has witnessed fiestas, demonstrations and countless generations of families enjoying an evening stroll. During the Franco era it was renamed after the dictator, but everyone still called it 'the Born'.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
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Cappuccino Cafe - Palau March
Cappuccino has a number of stylish brasseries in Mallorca, some of which are housed in the most beautiful historic buildings. This branch is in a really fabulous building and has a great location next to the cathedral.
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Gaudeix Restaurant
This gem of a restaurant is situated in Palma's old town. It has a simple yet charming interior as well as tables outside which are a popular choice on warm summer evenings.
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Ca'n Brondo Restaurant and wine bar
This restaurant is within a charming bohemian boutique hotel in the heart of Palma de Mallorca. It has an stylish contemporary interior with plenty of space and light.
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Hostal Cuba Bar and Restaurant
Fittingly housed in a beautiful colonial building in the Santa Catalina district of Palma, this is a cafe, bar and club, open all day, every day.
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Maria 5 Urban Restaurant
This restaurant is ideally located in Plaça de Cort in the city's old town. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch the world go by as you dine al fresco.
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La Despensa del Baron Restaurant
This restaurant is on the ground floor of a luxury boutique hotel in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca. It is located within a shady arcade, showcasing the original 15th-century arches of this former stately home, which have been restored in the classic Gothic style.
What to do
Things To Do in Palma de Mallorca
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Luxury Good Times 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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Luxury To Escape 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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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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Southwest Mountains, Villages & Sea Scooter Tour
Picture-perfect views from your vintage scooter
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Sunset boat trip
Take a wonderful boat trip and enjoy all the activities of swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding as the sunsets over the beautiful island of Mallorca.
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Luxury Rehab Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
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Feliz Boutique Hotel
Find peace and tranquillity in this chic, modern hotel just off the harbour promenade, with a bustling nightlife. With a friendly atmosphere that invites you to be happy.
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Castell Son Claret
First mentioned in 1450, this site consists of various properties united in the 18th century to form a 132-acres estate. The current buildings, reformed in the 19th century, have been lovingly restored in 2013 to open as a luxury hotel that includes beautiful gardens.
