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Plaza Sights in Mallorca — 6 of Our Favourites

Discover and book the top Mallorca sights

Plaça Major, Palma de Mallorca

1. Plaça Major

Location
Palma de Mallorca

The Plaça Major is Palma's main square and one of the busiest in Palma being also a city landmark. Rectangular in shape and surrounded by historic arcaded buildings, it was once the headquarters of the Inquisition. This rectangular space surrounded by traditional yellow buildings with green shutters has been the centre of the city life throughout the centuries.

The square stands where the San Felipe Neri convent was located. Afterward, it became the see of the infamous Spanish Inquisition in Mallorca until 1823. The current square was built in the 19th century, from 1825 until the start of the 20th century.

When exploring the old town it's natural to end up here since it lies at the heart of the district. The popular shopping street Sant Miquel is one of the four main streets that join the plaza, meaning throngs of people pass through every day. Street performers such as puppeteers, living statues and artists congregate here to entertain visitors. 

The beautiful buildings that surround it feature arches creating a covered corridor on the ground floor where shops could show their products. They now host a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants with terraces opening onto the square.

Plaça Major hosts a craft market tailored towards tourists looking for souvenirs throughout the year, celebrated every day in July, August, September, Easter and Christmas.

Placa de Cort, Palma de Mallorca

2. Plaça de Cort

Location
Palma de Mallorca

The small and charming square of Plaça Cort, located in the heart of the city, is famous for the ancient olive tree ('Olivera de Cort') that stands in the centre. The square is named 'Cort' because it was here where the feudal court gathered. The town hall dominates the plaça, built between 1649 and 1680 by local architects Pere Bauçá, Miquel Oliver and Bartomeu Calafat, its façade has been decorated with Mannerist and Baroque style features.

The centre of Plaça Cort is where the famous 'Olivera de Cort' is located. This six hundred-year-old tree was transported to Palma from the Pedruixella Petit estate in Pollença in 1989 as a symbol of peace. The olive tree is 7 metres high and very popular among visitors who attempt to find faces on its trunk, including an ear, the 'Orella de Mallorca'.

There are a few bars and cafes around the square, with terraces spreading across Plaça Cort, as well as an ice cream parlour, Giovanni's. They deliver to the Spanish Royal House, so get one of their ice creams and enjoy it under the olive tree.

cyclist & other tourists in the main square at Pollenca

3. Plaça Major

Location
Pollenca

This traditional town square is located in the heart of Pollença and is the centre of the town's social and commercial life.

The Plaça Major was built between 1854 and 1857 to create a gathering place for the locals when the number of inhabitants in Pollença was growing, as the old square 'Plaça Vella' became too small. It was constructed on the site of a cemetery.

The local parish church dedicated to the Mare Deu des Angels is located here. Originally built in 1236, it has been considerably changed throughout the centuries, especially during the 18th century.

This is also where the local market is celebrated every Sunday. There are a few cafes and restaurants with lively terraces on the square.

a photo of parc de la mar palma mallorca majorca

4. Parc de la Mar

Location
Palma de Mallorca

Until the 1960s the sea reached up to the city walls, providing the perfect reflection for the cathedral. When the building of a new road changed all that, an artificial lake was constructed to reproduce the effect. The park around the lake is now a popular weekend and summer spot, with several cafes, a mural donated by Joan Miro and an art gallery in the vaults of the old city walls.

Sit beneath the palm trees gazing up at the cathedral and try to imagine the travellers of days gone by arriving at this same spot from the sea by boat. The park also hosts a number of events, concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Passeig des Born, Palma de Mallorca

5. Passeig des Born

Location
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'. Now lined with a selection of mid and high range shops, the central promenade also hosts music and dancing during Palma's many fiestas.

Arguably the most attractive avenue in Palma, its stone benches welcome visitors and locals alike to take a moment to enjoy its beauty. Lofty trees, decorative street lamps and a pulsing fountain make for an uplifting experience. Being so close to the iconic La Seu Cathedral and Almudaina Palace means there's a steady flow of people always passing through. 

Luxury boutiques and the popular chains draw shoppers its way, who are either on their way back or heading towards Avenida Jaume III. If a stone bench doesn't appeal, not to worry, there are plenty of bars and restaurants with comfortable outdoor seating too.

Come here to feel the pulse of Palma from a seat at a pavement cafe.

a photo of the statue in Placa Espanya Palma mallorca majorca

6. Plaça d'Espanya

Location
Palma de Mallorca

At the centre, overseeing all the activity is a statue of Jaime I astride a horse. This is a popular meeting point. Ice cream parlours, tapas bars and fast food joints sit side by side along the pedestrianised zone. If you've hit your limit of 'cafes con leches' but haven't tired of observing life in the capital, then I suggest crossing the road and entering the park behind the station. From a grassy patch or a wooden bench, you can carry on watching without any obligation to spend a cent. Enjoy!

Surrounded by elegant buildings and lined with shops, cafés and hotels, from here you can easily reach the old town, the train station, or catch buses around the island. The square is also a gateway to the city’s cultural highlights and is often used for markets and public events, making it a lively spot day and night.