Palma City Guide
| fast facts |
population
375,000
getting there
nearest airport: Palma (approx 8km)
getting around
20 urban bus lines
tickets from €1.10 single, 10 journeys €8.00
tourist office
Plaςa de la Reina, 2
Palma 07012
tel: 971 71 22 16
main public holidays
1st January 6th January
Easter – Semana Santa
1st May: Labour Day
15th August
12th October: Virgen del Pilar, Patron Saint of Spain
1st November: All Saints Day
6th December: Spanish Constitution Day
8th December: Immaculate Conception
24th December: Christmas Eve 25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: St. Stephen's Day
Palma hotels
Overview
There are two very different sides to the island of Mallorca, the over commercialised, over fed and alcohol fuelled, and the stylish, chic playground of the rich and famous. Palma city centre most definitely belongs in the second category. With a population of over 375,000 - more than half of the islands total – it's the second biggest city after Barcelona in Catalunya and capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.
Before the package holiday invaders the principal influences over the history of the city were The Romans and The Moors and much evidence of their presence can still be found in the old town which occupies a relatively small area around the Cathedral. The new town sprawls out from here and is an attractive place towards the centre becoming less worthwhile and more suburban the further out you venture.
The city skyline is dominated by the Cathedral and it's a magnificent sight, especially if arriving by sea and, in the streets around it, is where you'll find narrow streets and alleys of the old town. This combined with the new town enclosed by the busy roads of Avinguda Argentina to the west, Avinguda de Portugal to the north and leading back down to the coastal autopista via Avinguda Gabriel Alomar to the east, are of most interest to the visitor.
North east of the city is the train station and, if you're lucky enough to be arriving by yacht, the Marina is to the south west, both within easy walking distance of the centre. The ferry terminal is a few kilometres west of the city, but has regular bus transfers or reasonably priced taxis.
Highlights
The Cathedral
This magnificent building is a must see. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries its exterior is impressive enough but you'll also find a beautiful interior with some features designed by Gaudí.
Opening hours:
Nov-Mar 10am-3pm Mon-Sat 10am-2pm Sun
Apr-Oct 10am-5pm 10am-2pm Sat
Closed Sundays & Holidays
Banys Arabs - Arab baths
c/Serra 7
No bathing these days but the 10th century construction is one of the only reminders of the Moorish past. The gardens are also lovely.
Opening times:
Apr-Nov 9am-7.30pm
Dec-Mar 9am-6pm
Bellver Castle
C/ Camilo José Cela
Gothic style castle constructed in the 14th century with fantastic views over the city. It also houses the cities history museum.
Opening hours:
Oct-Mar 8am-8pm Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun
Apr-Sep 8am-9pm Mon-Sat 10am-2pm & 4pm-8pm Sun
admission: €1.73
Es Baluard – modern art museum
Plaça Porta de Santa Catalina 10
Only opened in 2004 but already gaining an excellent reputation this museum housed in a 16th-century Renaissance fortress, contains works by, among others, Picasso and Miró. It also has some excellent temporary exhibitions and is a good place for lunch, its café having great views over the marina.
Opening hours:
Oct-15Jun Tue-Sun 10am-8pm
16Jun-Sep Tue-Sun 10am-10pm
Closed Mondays
admission: adults - €6.00 concessions - €4.50
Eating & Drinking
general areas
Marina – there are many restaurants here although some can be a bit too touristy and priced accordingly. For more authentic food and lower prices you're better off in the town centre, especially in Sa Llotja, the area just north of the Marina. There are also an increasing number of good restaurants and bars in the once run down Santa Catalina area, west of Sa Llotja and Avinguda Argentina.
restaurants
Caballito de Mar – seafood – Passeig Sagrera 5 – tel: 971 721 074 - €€€€
La Bóveda – tapas – c/Boteria 3 – tel: 971 714 863 - €€
Café Isla de Palma – café/pub – c/Oms 32 – 971 726 804 - €
Es Parlament – modern Spanish – c/Conquistador – tel: 971 726 026 - €€€
Fabrica 23 – Catalan/Mallorcan – c/Fabrica 23 – tel: 971 453 125 - €€€
Nightlife
Though not famous for its nightlife there are plenty of pubs and bars in the area around C/Apuntadors and for night clubs head to the Passeig Marítim. Most are open year round but, as you'd expect, they open longer and have more crowds at weekends and in the summer months.
Shopping
The pedestrianised area around Plaça Major is where you'll find most high street and fashion stores. There's a Saturday morning flea market held in the lower streets east of the Cathedral, an evening craft market in Plaça de les Meravilles from mid May to mid October and, a morning craft market on Fridays and Saturdays, sometimes extending into the afternoon and evening depending on the season, in Plaça Major.
Beaches
The nearest to the city centre is Platja de Can Pere Antoni, a long beach with great views of the city. There are two smaller beaches further west, the Ciudad Jardín and the Cala Estància.
Festivals
Festa de Sant Sebastiá
13-20 January
Sant Sebastià Day (the patron Saint of Palma) is on the 20th and the previous night there are outdoor concerts, dancing and barbecues but there are many events held in the preceding week including bonfires, barbecues and the correfoc (locals dressed as demons and devils letting off fireworks in the streets) on the night of the 16th.
Sa Rua Carnaval
February
An event for all the family with street parades, floats and fancy dress.
Copa del Rey (Kings Cup) Regatta
July/August
The Copa del Rey is arguably the most important and glamorous yachting regatta in the Med although this year it maybe overshadowed somewhat by Valencias hosting of the 32nd Americas Cup.
For further information on these and other festivals throughout Catalunya see our what's on listings.
