Information
City: Palma de MallorcaCountry: Balearic Islands
Continent: Europe
Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Europe
Overview
Palma de Mallorca-usually just called Palma-is the capital and biggest city of the Balearic Islands, perched on Mallorca’s sunlit coast in Spain.Palma bursts with stunning architecture, layers of history, and a lively culture, all set against a waterfront where sunlight glints off the water; it’s a city where centuries-old stone arches stand beside sleek modern cafés.It’s a city where centuries-old stone streets meet buzzing cafés and sleek high-rises, a place every traveler should see.Here’s a closer look at Palma de Mallorca, from its sunlit harbors to the winding streets that smell faintly of the sea.Number one.Palma sits on Mallorca’s southern coast, gazing out over the shimmering blue of the Bay of Palma.Perched on the Mediterranean, the city has long thrived as a bustling port and a crossroads of trade and culture.Its vast harbor-big enough to hold a forest of masts-remains one of the largest in the region, driving both tourism and commerce.Cruise ships often drop anchor at the Port of Palma, where sleek luxury yachts line the docks and their polished hulls catch the sun.Palma’s story stretches back to ancient times.In 123 BC, the Romans founded the city of Palma, laying its stones under Spain’s bright Mediterranean sun, and soon folded it into the province of Hispania.You can still spot traces of Roman life in the city, like the old theater tucked into the Sa Llotja district.Centuries later, in the 8th century, the Moors swept into Mallorca, leaving their mark in the graceful arches and tight, twisting streets that still curl through the old quarters.The Almudaina Palace and the quiet, stone-domed Arab Baths still stand as traces of the city’s Islamic past, until Jaume I of Aragon swept in and reclaimed Palma in 1229, ushering in Christian rule.The La Seu Cathedral, a towering gothic masterpiece, rose during this era, its stone walls glowing gold in the afternoon sun.Over the centuries, Palma has transformed dramatically.Palma blends centuries-old charm with a lively, modern spirit, offering buzzing markets, stylish shopping streets, and a rich cultural scene.Its crown jewel is La Seu-the Cathedral of Santa María de Palma-whose golden sandstone walls catch the sunlight above the harbor.Perched above the crashing waves, this Gothic cathedral rose slowly over nearly four centuries before it was finally finished.People know it for its striking architecture-a rose window glowing with colored glass, the largest Gothic window in the world, and the Chapelle of the Holy Sacrament, crafted by Antoni Gaudí.Climb to the top and you'll see the city spread out below, the harbor glinting in the sun.Almudaina Palace, once a grand Moorish fortress, has welcomed Spain’s royal family whenever they’re in Palma, its stone walls still warm from centuries of sun.The palace combines Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, surrounded by lush gardens where fountains splash softly into stone basins.It also has a small museum where you can wander past weathered maps and artifacts that tell the island’s story.Palma’s Old Town is a maze of narrow lanes that twist and turn, where warm stone walls and hidden courtyards whisper centuries of history.Highlights include Plaça Major, a lively square where the scent of fresh coffee drifts from busy cafés, and the Basilica de Sant Francesc, a Gothic church with a quiet, sunlit cloister.Tucked away in Palma, the Arab Baths are one of the rare traces of its Islamic past, built in the 10th century and still echoing with the cool hush of stone and water.The small complex features a circular room crowned by a broad domed ceiling, its curves echoing the era’s distinct style.The gardens around the baths are a delight to wander, with bright flowers brushing your fingertips as you pass.Perched high on a hill, Bellver Castle curves in a rare perfect circle, watching over Palma and the glittering sweep of its bay.King Jaume II built it in the 14th century, and it first served as a royal home with sunlit stone halls before becoming a prison.From the castle’s towers, you can see the whole city spread out below, and inside, a quiet museum tells its story through worn maps and faded photographs.Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art stands among Palma’s top cultural landmarks, its white walls catching the late-afternoon sun.The museum showcases pieces by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Willy Ronis, and from its terrace you can take in sweeping views of the city and the glittering sea.Palma’s waterfront is a beautiful spot to wander, where a long promenade curves beside the harbor, the scent of salt and fresh bread drifting from nearby cafés.Palm trees frame the Passeig Marítim, where you can gaze out at the glittering Mediterranean and wander past cafés, lively restaurants, and small shops.At the Port of Palma, gleaming white yachts bob beside towering cruise ships.Number four.All year long, Palma bursts with life, celebrating everything from lively street festivals to intimate cultural gatherings.One of the largest celebrations is La Patum de Palma, honoring the city’s patron saint, La Virgen de la Candelaria, with lively parades, pounding drums, and bursts of fireworks that light up the night sky.Crowds also flock to the Palma International Music Festival, while the Festa de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia fills the streets with colorful parades and the sound of guitars drifting through the night air.In Palma, the arts are alive and buzzing, from sunlit galleries filled with bold canvases to theaters and concert halls that hum with music.In the heart of the city stands the Teatre Principal, one of Spain’s oldest theaters with worn velvet seats, alongside the Palau de Congressos, a sleek modern space hosting concerts, exhibitions, and lively events.Five.In Palma, you can wander from sleek designer boutiques to bustling markets where the scent of fresh olives fills the air, then duck into a small shop selling handmade pottery.Carrer de Jaume III, lined with gleaming luxury boutiques, tops the list of main shopping streets, while the Mercat de l’Olivar buzzes indoors with stalls piled high with fresh local produce, glistening fish, and fragrant cured meats.In Palma, you can grab a plate of smoky chorizo tapas or sit down to sushi, pasta, and just about anything in between.Mallorca’s food draws deeply from Mediterranean flavors, with plates like golden paella, smoky sobrasada, and tumbet layered with tender vegetables.The city’s seafood is outstanding, with the best catches served in restaurants lining the waterfront, where you can smell the salt in the air.Number six.Just steps from the Cathedral, Parc de la Mar stretches wide, offering shaded paths, a breeze off the Mediterranean, and a clear view of the cathedral’s stone towers glowing in the sun.In the park, a wide man‑made lake glitters beside rows of palm trees, with fountains splashing and soft green lawns where visitors stretch out in the sun.Jardí Botànic de S’Horta: Tucked away in S’Horta, this botanical garden offers a quiet escape, where you can wander past towering palms and rare blooms gathered from every corner of the globe.Just outside the city, it’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, where you can hear the wind rustle through the tall grass.Seven.Palma’s stunning coastline begs to be explored, and a boat tour lets you glide across the bay, slipping into quiet coves where the water turns a clear, glassy blue.You can rent a boat or join an excursion right from the Port of Palma, where the air smells faintly of salt and diesel.Cycling and Walking: Palma’s perfect for getting around on two wheels, with smooth bike lanes and a waterfront path where you can feel the sea breeze on your face.Many visitors explore the city’s historic heart on foot, wandering through the cobbled streets of the old town and climbing up to Bellver Castle for its sweeping views.From Palma, it’s easy to spend a day roaming Mallorca-one morning you might sip coffee in a quiet hilltop village, the next you’re stretched out on a hidden beach.A busy day with laughter spilling out of crowded cafés.
Landmarks in palma-de-mallorca
