April 2018

Palma de Majorca is not exactly a destination, rather a gateway to all the natural wonders of the island. Still, we were surprised to find out the contrary. In fact, spending a full day in Palma is not enough, unlike what we thought at the beginning.

Even if I can’t say that Palma stole our hearts, we couldn’t help admitting that it looked like a place comfortable for life, young and active (out of siesta hours naturally!), neat and perfectly maintained. It doesn’t have a hint of the dilapidated charm like old Mediterranean cities normally do (Naples for instance hehe), however, it seems that Palma managed to preserve some of its authenticity, or at least it didn’t give impression of a tasteless tourist factory. Knowing a local helped a lot to build this impression.

This is how we found Palma in the end of April, which can, naturally, differ a lot from the winter period or high season in summer. Our main advice concerning Palma would be the following: stay away from the city centre during the siesta hours. I think this was something that spoiled our first impression, when the centre was completely dead apart from several sleepy tourists. However, in the late afternoon everything got back to life as well as the pleasure to be in the real city and not in the cinema decorations.

 

[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de palma de mallorca[:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de palma de mallorca[:]

What to see in Palma?

Palma Cathedral

It would be weird to start with anything else, as the Palma Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma) is the iconic place of the city. Even if it’s often said that “all those European cathedrals end up looking very similar to each other”, I must say that Palma Cathedral is very impressive. It had been built during three centuries across the juiciest time of the Medieval period, and I hope 7€ per visitor will one day cover all the expenses on its construction and maintenance. The best spot to see it from is the Parc de la Mar, but the view from the Cathedral is also very rewarding.

 

[:en]Palma Cathedral[:fr]Cathédral de Palma[:]

Banys Arabs

400 years under Moors left to Palma a tiny architecture gift – splendid Arab bath. Vaults and columns in the heart of Palma – we were disappointed to having missed it due to the opening hours, so cross this point out for us!

Patios

Palma has around 40 beautiful manors, which used to belong (which still belong?) to the aristocrats. Like all proper Spanish manors they have splendid patios just in the heart of the city! So if you try to set your eyes on it, you won’t pass them by. Check out Can Vivot on Carrer de Can Savellà, Jardi des Bisbe, Can Catlar de Llorer and many more (the tourism office will help you with their locations).

Llotja

If you love gothic architecture, this building is your must see. Ancient stock exchange, it is also opened for visitors.

[:en]Patios of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Patio de Palma de Mallorca[:]

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Situating just near the Palma Cathedral, the Palace is another local sight. The Royal family (Spanish one obviously) still uses the place for celebrations or other highly royal occasions. The palace can also be visited for the same price as the Cathedral – 7€.

[:en]Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma[:fr]Palais royal La Almudaina à Palma[:]
Palma de Mallorca, castle

Museu Es Baluard

To be honest, it’s not about the modern art (we confess having a very limited capacity of the appreciation of the modern art), but more about the ancient walls of the fortress Bastió de Sant Pere. Pont de la Riera just outside the walls is definitely one of the most beautiful spots of Palma, especially in the evening time.

Pont de la Riera

The Beach

Rather the excellent cycling road along the beach, which is as busy as a highway. Only with cyclists. A perfect place to enjoy during the sunset.

[:en]Beach in Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Plage à Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Promenade in Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Promenade à Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Promenade in Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Promenade à Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Promenade in Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Promenade à Palma de Mallorca[:]

Outside Palma

Well, outside Palma begin all the Mallorcan wonders, but close to the capital, you will find a Bellver castle, that I wish we had gone to see. Otherwise, Mallorca is small enough to have all the beautiful spots within a reach. Check out our full article about the road trip in Mallorca.

Palma de Mallorca

Where to eat in Palma?

As we had nothing in mind than tapas, here are our favourite spots:
Bar Dia. Situated in the very heart of Palma, Bar Dia offers extremely delicious tapas in a simple but atmospheric restaurant. The service is not the best, but very friendly.
Mercado Gastronómico San Juan. A bit further from the city centre, San Juan Market strikes with style and chic – the tapas look and taste exquisitely, and even if this place is not the cheapest, trust me, if you come here in the evening, you will love it.
Mercat municipal de Santa Catalina. The opposite of the San Juan Market, Santa Catalina is an authentic market, where in the morning hours you will share simple and budget, but still very delicious tapas with the locals.

Palma de Mallorca

Giovanni L. Eating ice cream in Palma is a necessity, please do try the flavor fig yogurt (and thank us later)

[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]Rue des Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Palma Cathedral[:fr]Palma de Mallorca, Cathédral de Palma [:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de Palma de Mallorca[:]
[:en]Streets of Palma de Mallorca[:fr]rue de Palma de Mallorca[:]

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7 Best Things to See in Palma de Mallorca
7 Best Things to See in Palma de Mallorca

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