In 1983, Palma became the capital of the newly created Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands and transformed itself from a provincial town into a metropolis. Today, it has over 300,000 inhabitants and captivates all visitors as it once captivated Jaume I, who, after conquering it in 1229 described it as the “loveliest town that I have ever seen”. It is pleasant to stroll along the clean, attractive streets past renovated historic buildings. The town and harbour are full of life, with bars and restaurants busy with locals and tourists alike.
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Mid-Morning
This circular walk takes two to four hours and starts in Plaça Joan Carles I, just at the top of the Passeig des Born. From here, walk east on La Unió to Plaça Weyler, where you can buy pastries at the Forn des Teatre and see the exhibitions in the Gran Hotel.
Climb the steps to the right of the Teatre Principal until you get to Plaça Major. In this beautiful arcaded square, you’ll see street artists and performers, and you can stop for a drink in one of the cafés.
Come out of the Plaça along Carrer Sant Miquel. Stop at the Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani (see Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani, Fundació March) and the charming Església de Sant Miquel.
Now double back through Plaça Major to view the façades of L’Aquila and Can Rei (see L’Aquila/Can Rei). Go down Carrer Argenteria to visit the Església de Santa Eulalia , and then Carrer Morey to take in Ca N’Oleza .
Late Morning
Continue on Carrer Mira-mar, past glorious Palacio Ca Sa Galesa hotel (see Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, Palma), to exit at the broad seawall, where you can look up at the Cathedral (see Sa Seu: Palma Cathedral).
Visit the cathedral and the Palau de l’Almudaina , then go down to the S’Hort del Rei gardens (see S’Hort del Rei, Palma). Finally, stroll up the Born and have a snack at Bar Bosch on the square where you started, or head to a restaurant for a more substantial lunch (see Places to Eat).
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Perhaps the world’s most romantic setting for drinks: an ancient courtyard and lush garden, with hundreds of fresh fruits, huge bouquets of fresh flowers, exotic birds twittering, soft candlelight and perfumed air (see also Abaco, Palma).
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The focus is creative and original Mediterranean cuisine, with a weekly tasting menu for dedicated foodies.
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Service is carried out with panache in a stone-paved garden with marquees, in which you’ll enjoy a dinner of Castilian cooking. Lunch is served indoors, in stately rooms.
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This 10th-century brick hammam (bath house) is one of the few architectural reminders of a Moorish presence on Mallorca. A small horseshoe-arched chamber, with a dome supported by irregular columns and what would once have been under-floor heating, it has survived in its original form. This would have been the tepidarium , the lukewarm room; there would have also been a hot room and a cold plunge. Apart from this, there’s not much to see, but the pleasant garden has tables and chairs.
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Perpetually busy and the most central bar of all, it’s great for tapas and a drink any time of day.
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Tapas, bocadillos (sandwiches) and pastries in a classic, slightly fly-blown place.
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During the Middle Ages, this was Palma’s most fashionable church, and to be buried here was a major status symbol. Aristrocratic families competed with each other by building ever more ostentatious sarcophagi in which to place their dead. The dark interior contains many fine works of art. Next to a 17th-century statue of the Madonna is the carved figure of the famous medieval mystic Ramon Llull, who is buried in the church. Standing in front of the basilica is a statue of Junípero Serra, a Franciscan monk and native of Mallorca, who was sent to California in 1768 and founded Los Angeles and San Francisco. (See also Basilica de Sant Francesc, Palma).
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A fusion of the Mediterranean and Asia at Palma’s best vegetarian restaurant.
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This aristocratic mansion has one of the most elegant of the famous Palma patios, with fabulous wrought-iron railings, a Gothic stairway and graceful balustrades.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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New Year's Eve (Festa de l'Estendard)The Festa de l'Estendard, held on New Year's Eve in Palma de Mallorca, commemorates King Jaume I's Christian conquest of the city in 1229. After an amazing street procession, locals attend a... Read more
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Angel SundayThe Sunday after Easter is known as Domingo del Ángel (Angel Sunday) in Mallorca, a day celebrated in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, with a procession, blessings and plenty of traditional... Read more
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AbraxasFormerly known as Pacha, Abraxas is one of Palma's biggest and best nightclubs, located on the buzzing Paseo Marítimo in Mallorca's capital. Welcoming top name DJs throughout the summer, it also... Read more
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Nit de FocThe Nit de Foc, or Night of Fire, is one of the most popular festivals in Palma de Mallorca, held each year in the Parc de la Mer during the fiesta of Sant Joan. Read more
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