Welcome to travel guide to palmaExperience the best of Palma
Palma is an authentic Mediterranean metropolis that has thrived for centuries, long before tourism became its hallmark. The city seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern vibrancy – read our travel guide to Palma and unveil the magic of Mallorca’s Capital. You’ll find yourself wandering through narrow, cobblestone streets lined with historic architecture, only to stumble upon lively cocktail bars, a bustling marina filled with yachts, and charming, family-run restaurants.
Discovering Palma
Often referred to as a “mini Barcelona,” Palma defies simple categorization. While many flock to its sun-kissed streets in the summer, the city’s local life pulses year-round, making it an enticing destination in any season. To enhance your trip to Mallorca, make sure to explore more with Palmallorca.com
Palma is more than just a city; it’s a vibrant hub where local life thrives alongside tourism, offering something unique in every season. Situated right on the Mediterranean coast, it’s possible to enjoy both the urban buzz and the tranquility of a beach holiday simultaneously.
The city is a tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Santa Catalina and Casco Antiguo are well-known, yet the charm of less-touristy areas like Pere Garau should not be overlooked. With five permanent markets, where locals frequent to buy fresh seafood and produce, you’ll experience an authentic slice of Palma’s daily life. Dive deeper into Palma’s markets, shopping scenes, or explore Palma’s health food options.
Many visitors choose to stay in popular holiday areas like Can Pastilla, Playa de Palma, or the scenic Cala Mayor and Illetas, where tourism on the island first flourished with Spies Travels.
Exploring Palma’s Sights
No travel guide to Palma with out sightseeing, and Palma really is a city rich in history, offering sights such as the majestic Cathedral, the ancient Arab baths and La Lonja, Palma’s historic Gothic landmark. Yet, it also boasts vibrant shopping streets and quaint squares perfect for a leisurely coffee.
As a port city, Palma’s maritime life is lively, with a coastline stretching over 17 km. You can walk from Arenal to Cala Mayor along the water’s edge, enjoying a myriad of dining and accommodation options along the way.
Palma’s lovely parks, open spaces, and diverse neighborhoods create a peaceful atmosphere, giving you the sense that Palma is a city you can never fully explore—a place that feels endless.
PALMA'S CULTURAL RICHES
Palma’s cultural scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From contemporary art found in Mallorca’s best galleries to historical treasures like churches, monasteries, and library gardens, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. We’ve curated a guide to free cultural experiences in Palma for those looking to explore without breaking the bank.
Learn more about Palma’s museums, theaters of Palma, and Palma’s cinemas. The city’s art scene is vibrant, spanning from the sophisticated galleries along the Borne to colorful street artists. Each autumn, Palma hosts Art de Nit, an art festival where galleries and museums showcase their collections.
Even outside the peak tourist season, Palma remains lively. From early December to Three Kings Day, the city’s Christmas lights are a major attraction for locals, the press, and tourists alike. And the city also host the celebration of its patron saint, Sant Sebastiá in january.
Weather in Palma
Palma enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Mediterranean Sea provides a cooling effect in summer and retains warmth in winter, making Palma more temperate than the island’s interior. Check the local weather for the latest updates.
Facts about Palma
Population – approximately 423,000 (as of 2023)
- Areal 208,6 km²
- Public Transport from the airport to Palma with EMT A1 or A2
- Public Transport from the airport to holiday destinations with Aerotib.
Distances from airport to city center: 11 km. Alcúdia: 54 km. Sóller: 27 km. Port d’Andratx: 32 km. Deià: 28 km
- Palma features five beaches – info about Palmas beaches.
- RCD Mallorca’s football stadium is 3 km from the center of Palma – read about La Liga football in Mallorca
- Public trains and buses departures from Plaza de España in Palma – learn about Public Transport in Mallorca
Who should stay in Palma?
Palma appeals to a wide range of visitors. Wealthy tourists drawn by the maritime scene, families with teenagers eager to shop and explore, and young adults in their twenties and thirties seeking the city’s vibrant pulse are all common here. The city’s rich array of eateries, cocktail bars, and unique shops cater to those looking for something special to take back home.
Couples are often attracted to Palma for its culture, history, and the undeniable charm of Southern Europe. In essence, Palma draws those who value quality of life and a mix of cultural and modern experiences.
Dining and staying in Palma
Palma’s array of dining and accommodation options is so vast that they deserve their own detailed guide. For insights into where to stay and eat, explore our comprehensive article on Palma’s hotels and restaurants.
If you’re seeking culinary inspiration, delve into Mallorca’s unique cuisine and specialties of Mallorca. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, as Mallorca’s wine scene is flourishing. Before dining out, you might find it useful to read about tapas in Mallorca or discover top restaurant recommendations.
Also read about how to find the best restaurant in Mallorca.
Travel guide to Palma - important links
Excursions from Palma
Many travelers use Palma as a base for their Mallorcan adventures, taking advantage of the city’s excellent public transport network. From the Estació Intermodal under Plaza España, you can easily catch a bus or train to the mountains of Sóller or Valldemossa, embark on a wine-tasting tour around Binissalem, or visit another beach.
For the more adventurous, hiking in Mallorca’s nature parks or along historic routes like the dry stone paths offers a rewarding experience. For more details, explore our guides on excursions from Palma and throughout Mallorca.
The Orange Route to Sóller
The vintage train route from Palma to Sóller, known as the Orange Route, is a must-experience journey, departing conveniently next to the Estació Intermodal. Learn more about this scenic route on our site.
Portixol: A coastal Gem
Just a few kilometers from Palma’s Cathedral lies Portixol, a charming harbor and bathing bay. With dining options and a serene atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for locals who use the promenade for jogging and socializing. The hotels and restaurants here are of exceptional quality. Explore more about boutique hotels in Palma.
La Liga football in Mallorca
For football enthusiasts, the RCD Mallorca stadium, dating back to 1916, is a significant landmark. Currently undergoing renovations to enhance the fan experience, the stadium is located about 3 km from Palma’s center. You can purchase tickets for RCD Mallorca’s home games directly from the club’s website. Read about La Liga Football in Mallorca.
Son Vida: A Dream Neighborhood
Son Vida is a luxurious neighborhood known for its architect-designed homes, golf courses, and panoramic views over the Bay of Palma. It’s the perfect place to dream big.
Golf in Palma
Just behind the airport are the Son Gual and T Golf Palma Puntiró golf courses, but Palma’s surroundings offer many more impressive golf options. Discover the best golf courses in Palma and read more about golfing in Mallorca.
Castell de Bellver
A short walk from Palma’s center, just 3 km from the Cathedral, lies Castell de Bellver. The castle offers breathtaking views of the harbor and city, with surrounding forests perfect for hiking.
Public transport in Palma and in Mallorca
EMT city buses cover Palma and its surroundings, including routes to and from the airport. TIB buses and trains run from Palma to the mountains and seaside towns. Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Check out Public Transport Mallorca for more details.
City Life
Palma offers the island’s best shopping, with a variety of streets and shopping centers. Palma’s shopping scene is renowned for its cozy streets, with luxury shops on Jaime III and Borne, and more affordable options on Sindicato and Sant Miquel. The city also has two El Corte Ingles department stores.
Nightlife is centered around Paseo Maritimo or Playa de Palma, as the old town enforces a curfew to respect local residents.
Interesting places and areas in Palma
Palma is a large city with a vibrant local life, offering plenty to do year-round. Its coastal location means you can combine city life with a beach holiday. The city’s neighborhoods, such as Santa Catalina and Casco Antiguo, are well-known, but don’t miss exploring areas like Pere Garau.
Markets
No travel guide to Palma with out visiting the markets, and Palma has five permanent markets, particularly known for food, fresh fish, and seafood. These markets are popular with locals.
Read about Palmas markets and the local markets in Mallorca
Coastline
Palma’s coastline stretches over 17 km, with a scenic route that you can walk from Arenal to Cala Mayor. Palma’s Beaches is worth a visit. All so read about the best bech clubs in Mallorca.
Top picture to Your ultimate travel guide to Palma: © Tomasz Banaczek | Dreamstime.com
