If you’re heading to Mallorca, I highly recommend visiting the island’s capital, Palma, which boasts stunning architecture, gastronomy, and a rich history. After nine months in this Mediterranean port city, I’ve curated a list of ten essential things in Palma that you won’t want to miss during your next Mallorcan holiday. (For my favorite things to do on the island, check out my post on Mallorca here).
1. Explore the Old Town
Palma’s Old Town is a maze of winding cobblestone streets lined by pastel buildings with quaint green shutters and sandstone churches. Stroll across the stately Plaça Mayor, which hosts a variety of markets throughout the year, including a charming Christmas market in winter. Nearby is one of my favorite free museums, the Juan March Museum, which features a sweeping marble staircase leading to the contemporary art collections.
Take a walk down La Rambla to admire the vibrant blooms at the flower stands and revel in the shade cast down by papery-barked plane trees before heading to peruse the shops on Passeig des Born. From Zara to Louis Vuitton, Born offers something for everyone, and during winter tree-lined central walkway is lit with fairy lights, the perfect place for an evening stroll.
2. Visit the Cathedral
Palma’s Cathedral of Santa María is an icon for the city, an imposing form whose sandstone glows in the Mediterranean sun and can be seen prominently from the sea. This Gothic cathedral features an impressive facade, enormous rose window, and altar canopy designed by the renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The cathedral welcomes those wishing to attend mass (services are in Spanish or Catalan), and tickets for visits and tours can be purchased online or in person on their website.
3. Enjoy the view from Castell de Bellver
West of the city center perched high in the hills is Castell de Bellver, one of Europe’s only circular castles. This sandstone, Gothic-style castle offers excellent views of the Bay of Palma and Serra de Tramuntana mountains and a quiet retreat from the city.
Explore the castle’s rounded corridors, and delve deep into the castle’s history with a rotation of exhibits throughout the central courtyard. Tickets can be purchased in person or online here.
4. Admire the art at Fundació Miró Mallorca
Dive into the world of art and explore the workshops where Joan Miró worked from the 1960s to 1980s. The property includes a museum exhibiting the works of Miró, his paint and sculpture studio Taller Sert, and the converted farmhouse Son Boter which houses the printmaking workshop.
Marvel at paintings, sculptures, and prints as you stroll around the picturesque property overlooking the Cala Major neighborhood. Visit their website for more information on tickets, parking, or arriving by bus.
5. Have a sweet treat at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo
A visit to Palma is incomplete without stopping by Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, an establishment with a rich history as one of the first chocolatiers in Europe and the first ice cream makers in Mallorca. Palma has three locations: Carrer C’an Sanç (the original), Carrer del Baró, and Carrer del Sindicat (the newest).
I highly recommend the original location on Carrer C’an Sanç, as its red velvet curtains, colored glass windows, marble table tops, and ornate tile flooring give it an authentic vintage atmosphere. You can choose from a selection of ice creams, including their original almond flavor (vegan), and a spread of pastries and drinks. I recommend the cuarto, a light and airy sponge cake, and ensaïmada, a traditional pastry of Mallorca.
6. Relax on the beach
Mallorca is home to incredible beaches and coves, a handful of which are in and around Palma. Palma’s residential beach, Can Pere Antoni, is great for views of the Cathedral and sunsets, but I recommend venturing out of the city center for a beach day.
First is Cala Major, a golden swath of beach located down a steep stairwell from Avinguda de Joan Miró. The beach is lined by cliffs with whitewashed resorts built into the hillside and is easily accessible by bus from the city center.
Second is Ses Illetes, slightly further from the city center but still reachable by bus or car. This secluded cove includes a small spit of sandy beach and rocky shoreline that extends to either side and is flat enough to sunbathe on. Around the corner from Illetes is Cala Xinxell, another small stretch of sandy beach, past which you can walk out on the craggy point and go cliff jumping if you’re brave.
All three of these beaches can easily be reached using public transportation, the easiest being EMT Bus 4. Bus tickets cost 2 euros one way and you can pay by cash to the driver, or buy a 10-ride bus card at a Tabacos (cheaper) which you tap on the scanner upon boarding the bus.
7. Shop fresh at the markets
Palma boasts a handful of excellent markets where you can peruse the fresh produce, artisan meats and cheeses, and traditional delicacies. The largest and most well-known is the Mercat de l’Olivar, centrally located in the Old Town whose expansive halls are each dedicated to a different sector of gastronomy.
Additionally, Palma has several smaller municipal markets, one in Santa Catalina and another in Pere Garau. These are smaller versions of the extensive Mercat de l’Olivar and boast equally beautiful offerings of high-quality, fresh foods. Living blocks away from the Pere Garau market, I took many trips to the market to pore over their vegetable selection and was never disappointed.
8. Take a day trip
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head out on a day trip to one of Mallorca’s charming villages. My favorites, all within an hour of Palma by direct bus, are Valldemossa, Sóller, and Deià. All located within the Serra de Tramuntana, enjoy the fresh mountain air and views of (occasionally) snowcapped peaks while wandering the cobblestone streets and sandstone buildings adorned with flower boxes.
TIB bus 204 connects Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, or take TIB bus 203 to go directly to Sóller and the port. Payment is simple, you can book online or simply tap on and off with your credit card at the scanners when entering and exiting the bus.
9. Hit the bars
Palma has a variety of unique bars that come alive when the sun goes down. For an authentic Mallorcan experience, head to the eclectic Moltabarra to nibble tapas and sip house-made vermouth, a sweet fortified wine served over ice with a wedge of orange. If there’s a vermouth in front of you at 10 pm on Friday nights, the owner may sweep you away “upstairs” to join his exclusive party, where you’ll don masks and costumes and be paraded around the bar.
For a funky retro feel, head over to the Soho Bar in Santa Catalina, where you can enjoy a long drink and lounge on leather couches while playing Atari or Super Nintendo on any number of their vintage TVs. Finally, if you’re in the mood for live music, stop by Agua Bar in La Llotja, who host open mic nights every Friday and Saturday evening. The bar has grunge vibes with music posters plastered on every wall and barrel-chested bartenders who may kick you out if there’s not a drink in your hand.
10. Discover hidden patios
While exploring Palma’s Old Town, you’ll likely stumble upon hidden patios, an emblem of upper-class Balearic architecture. Sweeping Roman arches, sprawling staircases, picturesque wells, and collections of striking potted plants and foliage are defining characteristics of these magnificent patios. To explore one of these patios for free, visit the Cultural Center Can Balaguer. This stately Mallorcan home was transformed into a museum, where visitors can marvel at the decant interior that houses an antique organ, a self-playing piano, and a collection of modernist paintings by Mallorcan native Antoni Gelabert.
