Hello to you our fellow travelers! Today we continue our adventure (already started in Las Palmas) through the islands of Spain. The city where we are heading is… Palma de Mallorca. Do you know it? We imagine you’ve heard about it sometimes but if it is not like this, never mind because we’re here to introduce it and we’re here to improve and discover new things too. Well, let’s start!
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands and is one of the tourist centers of the Balearic Islands. Why? Mainly for its beaches, entertainment and nightlife but there is much more that not everyone are willing to see but that we are here to make you notice. Palma de Mallorca is a city full of history in particular important was the Muslim domination (which can be perfectly noted by some monuments in the old part of the city). Economically speaking the city is the richest in Spain and this is due to tourism but also to another very important sector, the agricultural sector. The Football, the cycling but also so many sea sports dominate the city. In fact the city was the location “First World Company Sports Games” that included five days of culture, sport and much more. Among the districts present on the island there are: Son Espanyol, Ces Cases Noves and Sa Creu Vermella (but we will deal with these later).
To know more (what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.
How about to enter into the heart of our adventure? Let’s start our tour knowing the cultural aspect.
PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)
Palacio Real de La Almudaina
- Catedral Basílica de Santa María: this is the main religious building in the city and it is located in front of the sea and between the Almudaina palace and another Majorcan religious building. The central nave is beautiful with its stained glass windows and it also quite high. Its style is Gothic and its majestic structure can only confirm this theory. So wonderful! To this beauty we want to add the Basilica de Sant Francesc, a very special place of worship..why so special? For the inside, the yellow color prevails over everything. Yellow for the naves and gold for the altar… Pure light!
- Cuevas del Drach: these are four large caves (naturally formed), Black Cave, White Cave, Cave of Luis Salvador and Cave of the French, all linked together and located near to Porto Cristo. These will take you to one of the largest underwater lakes in the world, Lake Martel Lake. Needless to say that it is one of the main places of tourist attraction. It will be one of the most beautiful and exciting experiences of your life.
- Castell de Bellver: this castle, in Gothic style, is located on a hill from which you can enjoy the view over the entire city. Like any Gothic building, its majesty is so great and visible! Its structure is circular and is divided into four floors. Inside the castle (used as a historical museum) we find two floors dedicated to weapons and the other one where there is a chapel and an external courtyard. We would have done without that long staircase to get to the castle but after admiring that wonderful view of the city has been worth every single step!
- Palacio Real de La Almudaina: Gothic residence of the Spanish king used mainly on the occasion of his visit to the island, as we said earlier it is situated on the sides of the cathedral of Santa María. The palace is so prestigious and it is possible to visit many rooms used as a museum (the only part not accessible is the one where the king stays). There is also a courtyard with a pond and a terrace overlooking the city’s harbor.
- Lonja de Mallorca: it is a cultural center that hosts temporary exhibitions. Its architectural structure is not so different from the Gothic style that we have met so far. It is located in the center of the city not from the cathedral. The nice thing is that all the monuments are concentrated in the historic center of Mallorca and on the seafront and therefore makes them easily accessible in no time.
- Museu Fundación Juan March: offers a collection of 20th century Spanish works of art by the most significant avant-garde authors (Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí) by Juan March but also new proposals by modern artists. Inside there is also a small shop where you can buy books, catalogs, graphic works, postcards.
- Palau March Museu: this museum houses the Bartolomé March Foundation’s collection of art and books and a collection of contemporary sculptures by various authors, including Chillida, Moore and Rodin (and you can find them at the museum entrance). You can visit the rooms of the building where the walls are covered with frescoes as well. There is also a collection of nautical charts and a terrace with a wonderful view (by now we have understood that wherever you are the view is always spectacular!). A work that captures the attention and is a bit like the symbol of the palace is the 18th century nativity scene of Naples.To end the visit in the best way you can go to the bar on the ground floor and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere.
- Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró: is a modern looking museum dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish artist Joan Miró. It is a very interesting art museum because it makes you enter in the real world of painting and the artistic tradition of Mallorca. The interior includes a library, a garden full of sculptures, paintings, a pair of ateliers and Miró’s Sert studio.
- Galería Pelaires: this was the first contemporary art gallery in Mallorca that hosts a great variety of temporary exhibitions but not only the most historic and famous ones. Its modern appearance hits a lot but inside the themes and the works offer the right mix between ancient and contemporary.
- CaixaForum Palma: it is a cultural center declared heritage of cultural interest in 2003. It shows a permanent collection of the modernist painter Hermen Anglada-Camarasa but also of other authors around that specific period. The very particular structure is an example of the Catalan modernism of the early twentieth century, certainly in spite of the neo-Gothic style it is very different from those we met so far since pieces of oriental character live together in it. So amazing!
- If you have the time and desire to browse in the typical old houses of the island including the famous “patio” of Spanish origin (we know it very well, right?) these are two of the most beautiful buildings in which you can do it: Casal Solleric e Ca’n Oleza.
- El Pueblo Español: there are conflicting opinions on this place, there are those who love it and those who doesn’t like it, but we always give possibilities and above all let’s have a look before judging. We must say that it is not bad at all, on the contrary it is an open-air museum, a small village where craftsmanship reigns supreme, a very important historical place where today it is used for congresses, meetings, conventions or exhibitions… So is it or not a nice place?
Now le’s discover the main theaters of the city: Teatro Principal, Teatro Municipal Mar i Terra, Teatro del Mar, Teatre Municipal Xesc Forteza.
Castell de Bellver
ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)
Hort del Rei
No doubt about the fun, it is here and you can image it… The only thing to understand is where so let’s find out.
- As every single island it is surrounded by beautiful beaches, the first is Playa de Cala Mayor then there are Playa de Muro Beach, Cala Millor Beach, Can Pere Antoni, Playa de S’Amarador, Illetas Beach and many others of course.
- Palma Aquarium: it is an aquarium, a large marine park with a large shark tank, marine habitats, a roof garden with a microclimate of the jungle. This houses more than eight thousand animals of different species… Such a great occasion to learn about the local fauna!
- Plaza Mayor: it is a square located in the central district of Palma de Mallorca just a few meters from important monuments such as the Teatro Principal. It is the heart and soul of the old city of Palma and the starting point from where to start exploring the various narrow streets of the old town full of shops. This square is a rectangular space surrounded by old buildings and where tourists and locals come to enjoy drinks and tapas. A craft market takes place every week at the Plaza Mayor.
- Hort del Rei: they are beautiful gardens to photograph and admire. Inside there are fountains, waterfalls, paths to explore, sculptures and a terrace where you can enjoy the view of the sea… an oasis of relax and tranquility that after a hectic day does not hurt!
- Parc de Sa Riera: it is one of the city’s parks with the greatest extension and with the greatest number of services. A great place to spend long hours walking, playing or just having a drink at the bar located nearby. Think that is also the location of various fairs and events, great right?
- Puerto de Palma de Mallorca: it is the largest of the five ports of the Balearic Islands. It is divided into four areas: the commercial port, the Poniente Quays, the tourist port and the West Breakwater; it owns services that have consolidated the port as one of the most important cruise ports in the entire Mediterranean. The historic Pí Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world. It’s a nice place where you can have a pleasant walk at sunset.
- During the visit of the city you could, or better you will come across, three wonderful modernist buildings: Can Casasayas and Pensión Menorquina and Can Forteza Rey on which there is no doubt about the influence of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi (who followed us in our trip to Spain should remember him!). No description could make understand their beauty so we leave you with the curiosity and the desire to admire them with your eyes. Another attraction worth visit is the Plaza de Toros de Palma de Mallorca, the “colosseum” (as it has been called) of the Balearic Islands.
- Mercado Del Olivar: it is a market all to visit, an opportunity to taste the typical dishes of the city (almost all based on fish) and to admire daily life. Everything is displayed with care, order and cleanliness and is located in the center… A place to not be missed!
- The activities you can do in Mallorca are so many, including: Palma Jump a place for young and old, it is a series of trampolines in which you can jump freely (where are held some fitness classes); in any case it is not the only activity you can do, there are a series of fun games all in rubber perfect to challenge your partner. Our unmissable tours Nano Bicycles, Vintage Motors and Bullimoto (motorcycle tour), Balearen Segeln (boat tours). City Room Escape, an escape game. Unmissable is the tour on the ancient and fascinating means of transport Ferrocarril de Sóller, an electric train that runs through to the north of the capital across plains, mountains; a show for your eyes, a real attraction! Mallorca has a fantastic places to discover and admire as the archipelago of Cabrera (with a seabed of the best in the Mediterranean), some villages like Estellencs, Valdemossa or Deià, Sòller.
Playa de Cala Mayor
The nightlife is one of the main reasons why many tourists decide to visit the island so needless to say that there is great excitement, let’s see the places where it takes place instead: city center, Paseo Marítimo, Magaluf (maybe the most busy), Port d’Alcudia, C’an Pastilla, Playa de Palma.
As for the bars we have:
- Tito’s Mallorca International Club: disco.
- Havana Cafe Mallorca
- Alchimia gin club: cafè.
- Garito Café
- El Barbero: disco.
- Kaelum Club: nightclub.
- Social Club Mallorca
- GAUDI COCKTAIL BAR & Food
TYPICAL FOODS
Sobrassada
When you are in Mallorca the last thing you think about is the gastronomy ignoring the fact that the city boasts of great gastronomic surprises. Well, let’s get into it!
- Sobrassada: it is a typical salami of the island of Mallorca and it is used as an appetizer or as a second dish. It is the basis of many recipes and is eaten in every way (on bread, in eggs…) as it gives body and flavor to the dish. A very versatile food.
- Trempó: it is a typical Mallorca salad composed of onion, pepper, tomato, all seasoned with olive oil and salt. It is used as an appetizer or accompanies a second dish such as meat. It can also be found in the form of “pizza”, it is cooked in the oven over a kind of bread dough, taking the name of coca de trempó.
- Frito mallorquin: it is a traditional Malloraca dish made with pork or veal entrails that will be fried and spiced and accompanied by potatoes and vegetables
- Ensaimada: it is the typical sweet of the island that has been recognized as a product of protected geographical indication “Ensaïmada de Mallorca”. Basically it is a sweet bread, shaped like a spiral prepared with eggs, flour, sugar and lard (the main ingredient from which derives the name of the sweet “saim”), all covered with generous powdered sugar.
- Gató: it is a sweet made from almond flour (almonds are typical of the areas, here are produced many ones of good quality). The dessert is usually accompanied with ice cream.
- As for the drinks here are two types of Doc wines: one of the municipality of Binissalem and one of Pla de Llevant… So tasty!
Ensaimada
WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’…)
The search for restaurants is not easy, there are many places, many preferences and tastes and so on… Don’t worry, we are here to recommend you some good place that satisfies and creates a right mix for all the needs.
- Sa Bodegueta: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- La Parada del Mar: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine, gluten-free menu options.
- Ca’n Manolo: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, gluten-free menu options.
- Restaurante Peix Vermell: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Ola del Mar: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- 13%: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Claxon: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options.
- Bar Espana: brewery/bar with Spanish, Mediterranean, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Tagomagos: Italian, Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- La Cuadra Del Mano: Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine.
- Los Pinxitos Morunos: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, international, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
- Ho’ponopono Cafe: fast food with Italian, Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine.
As for the other island that we have previously explored, don’t let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the city, the island has a history and there is so much to discover, there isn’t only the fun. Said that, we now have a question for you: which will be our next destination be? Another island or just another city in Spain? Eheh we can’t reveal it and we will leave you like that, ready for the next “mysterious” destination.
Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.
A big kiss to everyone.
Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Palma de Mallorca.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=PMI&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation near Son Sant Joan airport.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-395224&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the city.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=5490&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the old city of Palma de Mallorca.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=20264&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation near Palma, the port of the city.
A Fabulous and detailed guide! I’m loving the look of the beach and the beautiful parks 🙂
Hi Rachel, it’s amazing that you liked our guidebook and we are even more happy that you have discovered a new fabulous place on Earth!!
Fascinating! Admittedly, I have so far stayed away from Mallorca because – like most people – I only knew about the mass tourism side of the island. But it sounds like there is much more to it…
One question: Are the Cuevas del Drach in Palma? Or do I have to do a day trip to visit them?
Thank you & happy continued travels!
C
We are here also to show that sometimes a place mainly known only for some aspects/qualities it has, can offer much more! Palma de Mallorca is a good example.
Regarding your question you should consider that the Cuevas del Drach are on the other part of the island that is 1h far away. So it’s a choice that depends on how much time you have 🙂
My sister just moved there but I have yet to visit her. Thank you for the post because now I know what to do when we do plan on visiting her. Great guide!!
Your sister has made a great choice! You have a double reason to visit her and we’re sure you will love your permanence on the island 🙂
Ooh love it all! SO many fun places to visit and discover. I might disagree with you…even though Mallorca has so many sights to see, food is definitely never last on my mind! 🙂 There look to be multiple options for food and ways to learn more about the culture. I’ve never been to Mallorca, but I’m intrigued!
We think that when you visit a place is important to eat some typical food. It is a good way to get in touch with the culture and the tradition without forgetting that in this way you’re learning something new 😉
This post is so helpful! I don’t currently have a trip planned to Palma de Mallorca but I’ll be bookmarking this for when I do
Thanks for your feedback! We hope you can travel here because it’s worth the travel 🙂
I’m reminded of Seville and Granada seeing the pictures of Palma de Mallorca. Spain has so much of intriguing history and heritage, and so many lovely cities and towns. I will need to go back to this fascinating country at least once more. Haven’t seen enough.
We can understand what you mean, the spanish style is recognisable. We think that this country is one of the most complete under several aspects like the history, the food or the culture… In love!!
Palma de Mallorca is my dream destination which I really hope to cross off my bucket list soon. This is such an exceptional itinerary. When would it be the best time of the year to explore it?
We think that the best time is during the summer considering the beautiful beaches and the hot temperature but you should consider that Palma de Mallorca is very crowded… So maybe the spring is a right compromise 😉
I love Palma de Mallorca, this was the first place I visited when I took my first flight from the UK. Can just about remember the cathedral but I do remember chilling out in a beach resort in the north of the island getting sunburnt as a 18 year old.
Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to enjoy a good vacation. Here there is everything, from the fun to the culture and we are happy that there a place like Palma on the earth 🙂
We definitely want to check out Palma de Mallorca some day. Lots of culture and history there. Food is very important to us when traveling. We want to sample all of local cuisine when in any city. We would also enjoy all of the parks as they can be a nice break from the busy day.
We think that eating some local food is a must when you travel. It’s something we love to do and we always encourage other people to do the same!!
You can learn some things about the culture of a place in this way 🙂
Beaches, entertainment and nightlife – what else do I need. Palma de Mallorca is so my destination. Would love to visit soon!
Palma de Mallorca is not a big locality like Madrid for example but it has everything a tourist needs. Nothing to add, fabulous!!
Gosh I can’t believe I live so close and yet I have never visited these islands before. Your review of them sounds fantastic and I’m sue a short holiday… Thanks for the tip!
Time is by your side and we hope you can have the chance! Glad to have moved your feelings 😉
Thanks for sharing this in depth post. I would love to visit and explore the culture and the scene. Looks beautiful
Reading your words make us very proud of our work! Inspiring people to travel and learn more is one of our goals!!
This is sure a detailed guide and no one is getting lost in Palma de Mallorca. There are so many things to do and see in this beautiful city. So sad you denied us access to many pictures but I love Hort del Rio, the garden is beautiful. I love the meals too, hey sound and look tasty. Thanks for the gudie.
Thanks for your reading Lydia! We always try to foucs the attention on the things to do, eat or learn here, not on the visuals (that help but can distract your concentration) but it’s something we can work on. Stay tuned!!
Palma-de-Mallorca is indeed a revelation. A wonderful melange of sights and experiences. We are avid museum lovers and we see that there is a fascinating range of museums in Palma-de-Mallorca. Our interest was particularly piqued by Museu Fundación Juan March. It would be a great experience to see the works of Salvator Dali.
We can understand your love for museums because visiting them is one of our favorite activities! Dalí’s works are something that will amaze you, we are sure about this!! He was a genius.
Mallorca is on our summer time list, and this just gave me even more ideas (and excitement)!
THE FOOD!
Hope you will enjoy your holiday here. The weather is perfect (a little bit hot) and the water so clean and fresh. Happy travel 🙂
My husband and I had toyed with the idea of going to Spain. I think your post has convinced me. And this was such a wonderfully thorough travel guide. Thank you.
Thanks Karen for your reading and your comment, much appreciated!
Inspiring people to travel is one of our goals and the fact that you will follow our guide is super 🙂
If you need something else, we are here!
Thanks a lot for the detailed guide! I’m planning to go to Spain this summer and now Palma de Mayorca is on my bucket list!, I’m very excited to tan at Playa de Cala Mayor and of course enjoy the nightlife!
Dear Pilar you’ve done a right choice! Summer in Spain is always a good idea.
Here you can find the perfect mix of things that will make your travel unforgettable!!
The Hort Del Rey looks lovely and I hadn’t thought about the Muslim influence, thank you for the interesting insight.
One of the reasons why we love traveling is that you always learn something new and we like to share this with other people who are interesting in that 🙂
So much valuable information in this guide! The scenery and the food looks incredible. Palma De Mayorca definitely is a must visit in Spain!
Of course! Like you have seen there are lots of good reasons why you have to visit Palma de Mallorca.
What we have written is all true haha
Never been to Mallorca, but my friend is going this year. So I will send her this link! 🙂
Thanks Bettie, we really appreciate your action! Happy travel to both!!
That’s a well written guide with all the info. I have never heard of Palma de Mallorca and thanks to social media we get to know about places like this! The food of this place is intriguing!
Thanks a lot dear!!
We agree with you. Thanks to the web we can learn always something new and this one of the best things about our technological era!!
Palma is a wonderful place! Thanks for these amazing tips! It helped me a lot because I’m planing my trip there soon, thanks for this 🙂
We’re very happy to have helped you, this is our purpose. Your comment makes us very proud!!
Happy travel 🙂
This place looks so amazing. Never heard of it before but looks like a must visit… Great Post and thanks for sharing.
If you are not an european maybe is possible you’ve never heard of Palma de Mallorca. We’ve glad to have open your mind through this amazing place!!
Wow! This is such a detailed guide! From places to food, you have covered them all. Thanks for such a great guide.
Much appreciated your love for our work! This is our style and it’s amazing that you liked it!!
Palma de Mallorca seems the perfect place to enjoy a good vacation: lots of culture and history there! I fully agree with you: eating some local food is a must when you travel. I would love to taste the Sobrassada and of course the delicious Ensaimada… Now I get my mouth watering 🙂
We consider the action of eating local food part of the travel because you can learn something about the tradition and the culture of a place that you are not able to learn on a book.
What we love about the sobrassada is its versatility in the kitchen 😉
What is there not to love about Palma. I loved exploring the Old Town. Even the park by the bus station was relaxing. Thanks for sharing these tips, there were definitely places here I didn’t get a chance to visit.
You can consider the lack of time like a second chance to visit Palma de Mallorca 😉
This land has so much to offer!!
The Ensaimada is a real treat, I have had the fortune of tasting one of these delicacies at an authentic restaurant, although eating it in Palma would be an altogether different experience.
The food you can eat on the place has a different flavor, the real one! But at least you have taste it so you know the delight of ensaimada 😉
Palma de Mallorca looks like what would go straight into my bucket list. You have compiled quite an extensive blog post about it. Thank you for sharing!!
Hello, it’s nice to read your comment and even pleasant because you have loved our work 🙂
Always amazing to inspire people to travel to the places we review!!
Such a versatile place – there is something for every one. From beaches to nightlife and so much of heritage. The palaces and museums are definitely of interest to me. Well done with all the details and the tips about the place. Cheers
That’s why we love this place, so many things for everyone! One thing is sure, you will never get bored here in Palma de Mallorca 🙂
Amazing looking place with sports history and also so much amazing food and architecture.
There are so many reason why we love Palma de Mallorca and we’re happy that you liked it too!!
Hi!
Great post and places to see! I’ve had Spain on my list for a while. I’m all about the food when I travel… but was excited to see a place with even gluten free options! Interesting!
Thanks for sharing!
Dee
One of our favorite things to do when we travel is trying the local food. We’re of the idea that if you donìt try it you’re missing something important to learn more about the culture of the place.