Are you thinking about visiting the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, spending your vacation here, or even living in it? Then, I have the right information for you. I live in Palma myself and want to introduce you to my favorite city. Of course, you’ll also find some insider tips in this article.
Palma de Mallorca is not only the capital of the island but also the capital of the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a vibrant city that offers something year-round, whether it’s its historic old town full of history and monuments, or the local festivities celebrated throughout the year.
Palma de Mallorca – Map and Location
Palma is located in the Bay of Palma, in the south of Mallorca. To the south, the sea stretches out with its beaches that are very crowded in the summer. To the west, the Bellver Castle rises with an impressive view over the Bay of Palma. In the background, the Tramuntana Mountains rise, protecting the city from harsh weather.
The city is just a few kilometers from the airport. After a flight of about two hours, you arrive in Mallorca and in no time you’re in Palma. The transfer from the airport takes only 10 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on the airport bus. If you arrive by ferry to the island, you’ll be directly in the city, unless you arrive via Alcúdia.
If you decide to take a car trip to Palma, I recommend using one of the many parking lots outside the old town. Car access to the streets of the Old Town is restricted to a few residents. Otherwise, you risk receiving a hefty fine. Unfortunately, I know this from personal experience.
Be careful if you decide to park in Plaza Mayor. If you miss the entrance by a few meters, you’ll be fined immediately. It’s best to park in Plaza de España, in the Parc de la Mar parking lot right in front of the cathedral, or on Avenida Argentina, near Santa Catalina.
History and Culture
Palma was founded in 122 BC by the Romans. In fact, their objective was to combat pirates, but they ended up designing the layout of the city, including its wall. Their rule lasted more than half a millennium until the 5th century, when the Vandals invaded and partially destroyed the layout of the Roman city.
At some point, the Arabs arrived in Spain and settled in Mallorca in the year 902. They built the port and the labyrinthine old town with its mysterious medieval alleyways. The sophisticated water supply system is also their work. Various architectural testimonies of the Moors’ golden age can still be found, such as the Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) and the Palace of Almudaina, which today is the official residence of the Spanish royals.
In the fall of 1229, the Aragonese king James I conquered Mallorca. To symbolize his dominion after the fall of the Arabs, on December 31 of that same year, he laid the first stone of the Gothic cathedral of Palma, La Seu, on the foundations of a mosque. Unfortunately, James I also ordered many Moorish buildings to be demolished or significantly altered.
The splendid palaces with their carefully planted charming courtyards are largely the work of wealthy Catalan merchants. So are the modernist houses, often the creations of disciples of the famous architect Gaudí from Barcelona.
With the onset of mass tourism in the 1950s, Palma experienced a true population explosion. New neighborhoods emerged, continuing the star-shaped layout. In the narrow and shaded alleyways of the old town, it seems as if time has stood still, even though just a few streets away, the life of the big city pulses strongly.
The Legend of the Tower of Love
According to an ancient legend, in 1365 a Jewish citizen fell in love with another man’s wife. Since he couldn’t have her, he built a tower to gaze at her from there. Following the husband’s complaint, in 1379 it was ordered that the tower be reduced in size. The street “Tower of Love Street” owes its name to this legend.
Past and present, tourists from all over the world and traditional islanders coexist in a confined space: that’s what makes the unofficial capital of the Mediterranean so special.
By the way, Palma de Mallorca did not receive its current name until the early 20th century. The name still retains the ancient Roman term “Palmeria,” which means “palm of victory.” The old name “La Ciutat,” which the locals still use, goes back to the conqueror Jaume I of Aragon: the Christian king simply translated the Arabic name Medina Mayurka, meaning “city of Mallorca,” to “La Ciutat.”
Old Town of Palma
In my opinion, the Old Town is one of the most beautiful in Spain, if not the world. The old town of Palma de Mallorca is made up of seven neighborhoods: Sant Nicolau, Sant Jaume, La Llonja-Born, Monti-sion, La Seu, La Calatrava, and Sindicat. Each one is unique and has its own charm.
5 Unconventional Activities You Should Do in the Old Town:
- Buy Cookies from the Nuns at the Santa Clara Convent: You enter through the side of the convent into a small room. There, you’ll find a “torn” (a revolving carousel). In exchange for money, you receive cookies. You will never see the nuns, but the experience is worth it, and the cookies are delicious.
- Visit the Terraces of La Lonja: It’s well known that you can visit the terraces of the Cathedral of La Seu, but there are also wonderful views from the terrace of La Lonja. Tickets can be purchased through the Palma de Mallorca City Hall.
- Eat Octopus at the Mercado del Olivar: Considered one of the best markets in the city.
- Have a Barbecue with the Residents of Palma: Both young and old, rich and poor, on January 17, all inhabitants and visitors of the city come together to have barbecues in the streets of Palma.
- Dare to Enjoy Tapas Until You’re Full: Perhaps even return home a little dizzy. Every Tuesday, the Ruta Martiana takes place in the Old Town of Palma, where you can enjoy a tapa accompanied by a drink at a very affordable price. Various bars like Moltabarra participate in this event.
The center of Palma is compact and filled with attractions. Since most of the old town is pedestrianized, it’s perfect for strolling.
In the labyrinth of alleyways, you’ll find something interesting at every corner during a city tour. It could be a small shaded square, a rustic courtyard, or a towering historic building that suddenly appears before your eyes. Those visiting the capital for the first time will be amazed.
By the way, until the year 1902, the old town of Palma was completely surrounded by a wall. For reasons of hygiene and to expand the city, after many years of negotiations in Madrid, it was permitted to demolish the wall. Fortunately, most of the wall facing the sea was preserved.
Did you know this?
The stones from the ancient wall weren’t discarded after its demolition. The Spanish, ever pragmatic, used them to build the Avenues. Basically, today you’re driving over the old wall with your car.
If you stroll through Palma, you’ll come across the Plaza Mayor in the city center. From here, many alleyways and shopping streets unfold. There are many squares in Palma, but the Plaza Mayor is always bustling with life.
Many illegal street vendors try to sell cheap knock-offs of handbags, while playing cat and mouse with the police. It’s best to watch the spectacle from one of the many restaurants and cafés. In winter, a Christmas market is set up here, and throughout the year, concerts and events are held in the largest square in Palma.
Monuments
During your visit to Palma, you’ll surely want to see not only the famous cathedral and the Almudaina Palace. There are many other monuments in Palma de Mallorca that are worth admiring.
Interesting Museums en Palma de Mallorca
The cultural offerings in Palma are truly magnificent. In addition to several galleries in the old town, there are also many museums. Many of them offer free admission, which means you can enjoy art at no cost. Here I present the most interesting museums in Palma de Mallorca according to my criteria.
Neighborhoods in Palma de Mallorca
Besides the center of Palma, the city is divided into four other districts. In total, there are 74 neighborhoods. If you ask someone where they live in Palma, they’ll say “In the casco,” referring to the old town, or they’ll mention their neighborhood. However, if it’s an underprivileged neighborhood, they might mention a more affluent nearby neighborhood.
Here, I want to introduce you to the districts and their neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own characteristics. In some, you can enjoy the nightlife; in others, the living is quite nice; and there are a few that are best avoided.
Western District
In the west of Palma, there are 21 neighborhoods within the Poniente District. Notably, Son Vida is known for its villas. This is where not only those who have money live, but also those who want to flaunt it among their peers. Not far away is the neighborhood of Son Moix, where the RCD Mallorca soccer stadium is located.
The neighborhood is popular not only among many well-off Swedes, Germans, and English people, but also because it’s an area where night turns into day. Here, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs line the streets.
The alternative neighborhood of El Terreno, along with the Paseo Marítimo, also belongs to the Poniente District. The Paseo offers a magnificent view of the harbor, and at the same time, with its numerous nightclubs, it’s a strolling spot for night owls.
But for beach lovers as well, the west has something to offer. In Cala Major and Sant Agustí, you can enjoy sunny days by the sea.
The other neighborhoods are generally middle-class or further from the city center: Son Armadams, Es Jonquet, Son Dameto, Son Dureta, Son Espanyolet, Son Rapinya, Son Roca, Secar de la Real, Establiments, Génova, Cas Capiscol, Son Contoner, Son Flor, Sa Teulera, Camp Redó, and Es Fortí.
East District
In my opinion, there isn’t much to highlight about the east of Palma. Although life in Coll d’en Rabassa is quite good, you won’t find any major attractions in any of these neighborhoods.
I even recommend avoiding the neighborhood of La Soledad. Although in the nearby area of Nou Llevant many luxury homes have been built in recent years and a lot has been invested in the neighborhood’s development, it remains one of the most unsafe neighborhoods (crime related to drugs). However, a promising future is forecasted for the neighborhood, similar to Santa Catalina. In my opinion, this will still take several years.
Neighborhoods in Levante: La Soledad, Son Malferit, Polígono de Levante, Son Cladera, Nou Llevant, Es Pil·larí, Son Fuster, Es Coll d’en Rabassa, Son Espases, Son Pardo.
Pla de Sant Jordi District
Pla de Sant Jordi is characterized by neighborhoods that are blessed with wonderful beaches. In Can Pastilla and Playa de Palma, the tourist’s heart rejoices.
Living in Molinar and Ciudad Jardín is wonderful. The neighborhoods of Son Ferriol and S’Aranjassa are more inland and are mainly inhabited by Mallorcans.
Northern District
The northern part of Palma is mainly inhabited by the middle class. The neighborhoods of Pere Garau and Foners have experienced significant development in recent years. Although these neighborhoods remain very multicultural, more and more affluent citizens are choosing to live there. Property prices have quadrupled in the last 10 years.
The Plaza de Toros can boast of its coliseum and good infrastructure, and Marques de la Fontsanta is practically in the city center.
The other neighborhoods are areas where most Spaniards live, and you won’t see much tourism there.
A neighborhood you should definitely avoid is Son Gotleu. When discussing troubled areas in Palma, in addition to La Soledad, Son Gotleu must be mentioned.
Other neighborhoods in northern Palma: Son Cladera, Son Forteza, Son Oliva, El Vivero, Amanecer, Rafal Vell, Rafal Nou, Verge de Lluc, Son Real.
Shopping Options
Palma is a true shopping paradise. In the numerous streets and alleys of the old town, you’ll find practically everything to thrill a shopper’s heart. In addition to the usual brand stores like Mango, Zara, H&M, etc., there are many historic shops in the city.
Especially the streets Passeig del Born, Jaime III, and all the little alleys around Plaza Mayor are perfect for strolling and shopping. On Passeig del Born and Jaime III, you’ll mainly find luxury stores and exclusive boutiques.
If you’re looking for something more original, you’ll surely find what you’re searching for in the numerous boutiques in the small alleys of the old town in the Historic Center.
And if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, you can spend hours strolling through El Corte Inglés, the Fan shopping center in Coll de Rabassa, or the Porto Pi shopping center.
Markets and Covered Markets in Palma
It’s also worth taking a look at one of the three covered markets in Palma. If you visit the Santa Catalina market or the Mercat de S’Olivar, you’ll find virtually all types of high-quality local products. Additionally, you can enjoy tapas, sushi, or even oysters at many of the stalls.
The Pere Garau covered market is less touristy and at first glance doesn’t seem as spectacular. However, on certain days of the week, there are also stalls outside the market, and the prices are often much lower than at other markets. It’s no coincidence that many restaurateurs shop at the Pere Garau market.
Since we’re in Pere Garau, there are various Chinese stores there where you can dress for very little money. There are also Chinese supermarkets on every corner. As you can see, you don’t have to go to downtown Palma to shop.
Festivals & Events
Palma offers various festivals throughout the year. It’s common to occasionally find beer festivals or markets at Parc del Mar or other areas of the city. However, there are four major events that always bring the city out into the streets.
The Cavalcade (the arrival of the Three Kings) – January 5th
Not only for the children, the Three Kings Parade in Spain and on the island is the highlight of the year. As evening falls on January 5th, the Three Kings arrive by boat in Palma and are part of a large, decorated parade.
But it’s not just the candy being thrown that makes the children happy. The most important thing is the many gifts, which, unlike in Germany, are not brought by Santa Claus but by the Three Wise Men.
Sant Sebastián – January 17th
The city’s patron festival is celebrated in honor of San Sebastián and lasts several days. The highlight is the night of January 19th. On that night, the city hall sets up bonfires and grills all over Palma, where people can freely barbecue.
Additionally, in all the city’s squares, more or less well-known bands perform. By the way, to celebrate this unique festival, all the Christmas lights remain on.
Holy Week – Easter
What is simply known as Easter in Germany is Holy Week in Mallorca, Semana Santa. Throughout the week, you can admire the solemn processions.
In traditional attire and sometimes intimidating hoods, the different brotherhoods parade through the streets. This spectacle should be seen at least once, even by those who are not religious.
Nit de Sant Joan – June 23rd
In Mallorca, it is prohibited to have barbecues on the beach. However, once a year, on the Night of San Juan, the night of June 24, the whole city gathers on the urban beaches to grill whatever they like. It’s celebrated with music on the beaches. And if that’s not enough, you can enjoy the fireworks display at the cathedral and the Correfoc (fire run), which aims to drive away demons and devils.
Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
From cozy tapas taverns to Michelin-starred restaurants or international cuisine, Palma has something for everyone. The variety of bars and restaurants in Palma is endless.
Tapas Bars in Palma
What could be better than meeting up with friends at tapas bars or hopping from one to another? Palma offers a wide variety of different tapas bars. From the recommended Moltabarra, where you can enjoy good tapas in a creative atmosphere for little money, to La Vieja de Jonay de Hernández, where the tapas are star-level.
I would like to recommend some other good tapas bars in Palma: Buscando el Norte, La Bóveda, OMBU, Bar España, Quina Creu, La Malvasia, El Camino.
Restaurants in Palma
In Palma, you can still enjoy a three-course menu for €10 at lunchtime. These menus are mostly found in residential neighborhoods. But even in the center, eating well doesn’t have to be expensive.
By the way, if you like Chinese food, in Pere Garau you’ll find a lot of authentic restaurants with very low prices.
Nightlife in Palma de Mallorca
In Palma, celebrations aren’t as wild as on the neighboring island of Ibiza, but the nightlife in Palma also has a lot to offer.
If you want to party but avoid the hustle and bustle of El Arenal, Palma is the place for you. The nightlife is mainly concentrated in the neighborhoods of La Lonja, Santa Catalina, and the Paseo Marítimo.
Generally, the night starts with a few drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants in La Lonja and Santa Catalina. I can recommend the following bars: Agua Bar, Wineing, Agabar, Idem, Caoba.
Then, the night continues in one of the many dance bars or nightclubs. Many locals head to the large clubs in the industrial areas, like Latina in Son Moix (Salsa and Bachata) or the nearby Decapolis. But there are also recommended clubs in the previously mentioned neighborhoods. I recommend: Kaleum, Boulevard Club, Cuba Hostal (where there’s intense dancing in the basement), and Sabotage.
The famous nightclubs Pacha, Titos (which has moved to Calvia), and Social Club no longer exist.
Beaches nearby
When you think of Palma and beaches, Playa de Palma probably comes to mind. But there are many other interesting beaches that belong to Palma de Mallorca.
Playa de Palma
Playa de Palma stretches for 6 km from Can Pastilla to S’Arenal. The beach is beautiful, but anything but peaceful (at least in summer). This beach, entirely geared towards tourism, offers a large number of loungers, umbrellas, and water sports.
Can Pere Antoni
The urban beach of Palma begins at the height of the Endesa building and is just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral, directly on the Paseo Marítimo. Even though there’s a four-lane road behind the beach, it doesn’t significantly impact the beach experience.
Aquí, los residentes de Palma disfrutan del buen tiempo día tras día o juegan al voleibol de playa. Can Pere Antoni está perfectamente ubicada para un refrescante baño en el mar durante la pausa del almuerzo.
Advice:
My favorite regular activity is a walk from Palma through Portixol and Molinar to Ciudad Jardín. Small harbors, charming bars and cafés, as well as little beaches await you on this seaside stroll.
Other beaches in Palma
It is worth highlighting the beaches of Cala Mayor and Ciudad Jardín. Both are popular among locals and tourists alike. A visit to Playa Illetas is also recommended, which can be conveniently reached by bus.
Living in Palma de Mallorca
Living in Palma is a dream. Unlike the other Balearic Islands, Mallorca has the Tramuntana, which protects the city from storms. The beach is just around the corner, and the climate and cuisine are excellent. Additionally, the residents are very open-minded. I can hardly think of another place on earth where so many nations live together in peace.
I can say it in a few words. I love living in Palma.
Richard Hanke
The infrastructure is ideal, especially for those who work remotely. The internet is incredibly fast, and the airport is just a few minutes away.
The people of Palma know how to celebrate. There are regularly events, usually free, in the city, and the cultural offerings are abundant. And unlike Germany, you can meet up with friends for tapas any day of the year, even at night.
What are the challenges? On one hand, prices have risen considerably in recent years. Ten years ago, you could hopefully get a three-bedroom apartment on the waterfront for 1,000€, but now with that amount, you can barely get a small apartment in the city center. It’s also worth remembering that in winter, the nights can be quite chilly, as most apartments don’t have heating. However, you do save on heating costs, of course.
The most important thing, however, is to learn the Spanish language. I know few people who have been happy on the island without having started to learn the language from the beginning. And although you can live in Palma without knowing Catalan, it is essential in the villages.
Conclusion
Palma de Mallorca is always worth visiting. Whether you want to spend your vacation here, live here, plan a weekend trip, or just make a short visit. No matter how much time you have, there will always be something new to discover.
Besides the many attractions and cultural offerings, there are many other reasons to choose Palma. The culinary offerings are incredible, the charm of the city is captivating, and the nightlife is exciting.
Palma is, in a nutshell, a destination for all tastes. And if you don’t like warm weather, you can visit Palma in the winter.
Places near Palma de Mallorca
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