Best Things To Do In Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a city of dreams and a natural magnet in the heart of the Balearic Sea. Palma is the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain.  The city par excellence of the Balearic Islands has 400,000 inhabitants, which is already almost half of the population of Mallorca.

With its impressive fortresses and cathedrals, hip neighbourhoods, stunning markets, and beautiful beaches, Palma de Mallorca has so much to offer. The old town of Palma is one of the largest in Europe and is the jewel of the vacation island of Mallorca.

Palma is an island for nature lovers, active sportspeople, and people who like hiking or mountain biking. Palma has volcanoes, cliffs, canyons, fragrant pine forests, and flowers in all colours. You can eat delicious fresh fish, visit markets (mercadillos) or take a boat trip and watch dolphins.

Not just tourists fall in love with the beautiful town; the royal family of Spain regularly visits Palma to enjoy the crystal waters, fabulous scenery, sports, and showbiz stars that come here to unwind. With so much to offer, here is our guide to the best things to do in Palma and the fantastic places to visit.

Old Town of Palma

Palma’s old town is home to many of the city’s attractions, but the winding streets and wide promenades are also worth a mention. The old town is mainly car-free, making it perfect for foot exploration.

On the more prominent shopping streets, there are many boutiques and small stores; if you want to go shopping in Palma de Mallorca, you are in the right place. You can enjoy Mallorcan delicacies in numerous restaurants and bars and recharge your batteries while watching the hustle and bustle of the old town.

The Cathedral of Palma

The Cathedral of Palma, also called “La Seu,” is the landmark of Palma with its facade and colossal rose window. The cathedral dominates the bay and offers a breathtaking view of the waterfront. Its construction began during the reign of James II. The cathedral has three naves on one floor, the main one of which houses the Chapel of the Trinidad, where the remains of the kings James II and James III are buried.

One of Palma Cathedral’s peculiarities is that Antoni Gaudí reconfigured the choir between 1904 and 1914 (yes, the same brilliant mind who also built the Sagrada Família in Barcelona). The impressive golden sandstone cathedral is one of the tallest Gothic buildings in Europe, almost 110 meters long and over 80 meters high; you will feel like an ant in front of it.

The cathedral was built on the site of a mosque; the foundation stone was laid in 1230. It took almost 400 years until the last keystone was laid in 1578, and the whole building was finished only in the 20th century. Due to the long construction period, the cathedral has different architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Classicist, and modern.

In addition to 8 other bells, the cathedral has Spain’s most significant and heaviest moving bell. Like most cathedrals in Spain, the Cathedral of Palma has a rich decoration that will dazzle you with its beauty. Even just looking at it from the outside makes the cathedral worth a visit, but inside, it is even more impressive.

Tip: Visit the Cathedral right after it opens at 10 a.m., then enjoy your visit before it gets crowded. Feast on the light that falls wonderfully from the east through the colourful windows into the cathedral. That is the best time and setting to take some fantastic photos!

Royal Palace of Almudaina

The Royal Palace of Almudaina is the city’s royal castle near the cathedral. It is one of the most famous sights in Palma. Since it is next to the cathedral, you can easily visit both sights on the same day.

The 20,000-square-meter palace is only partially open to the public. King Juan Carlos used it as his official residence when he took summer vacations in Mallorca or on the island for festive and political occasions. The Spanish flag is hoisted on the roof when the king is present.

The areas open to the public include the courtyard and the arcaded balcony, from where you have a magnificent view over the bay to Castell de Bellver and the royal chapel of St. Anne. The palace is located on a cliff overlooking the port and the bay of Palma and offers breathtaking views not only from the terrace.

The former fortress of Arab origin represents the Muslim period of the island’s rule. The palace used to be the residence of both Muslim rulers and the Aragonese kings after the Christian reconquest. The current castle is the result of the transformation of the Muslim alcazar, whose construction began in 1281. Despite the many rebuilds, some original Arabic elements can still be found, such as the windows of the main facade, which are in the typical Arabic ogival style.

The Almudaina was the seat of the independent kingdom of Mallorca during the reigns of James II, Sancho I, and James III until it passed to the crown of Aragon in the time of Peter IV. The Royal Palace is a work of art and one of Palma’s best places.

Llotja de Palma

Llotja de Palma is a large Gothic building in the same name’s square. It is a historic building and a masterpiece of civic Gothic architecture in Palma de Mallorca.

It was used, in particular, to develop trade on the island of Palma. Guillem Sagrera built the Llotja de Palma, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Mallorca, between 1420 and 1452. It was a stock exchange and the seat of the College of Merchants.

The building was first a simple goods depot, then an artillery factory during the Napoleonic Wars, and then a courthouse. Between 1886 and 1962, it was used as a museum of painting and archaeology, and now art exhibitions are held at the Llotja de Palma. The monumental entrance gate on the main facade to the east is imposing. It has plant-shaped decorations and is crowned by an angel sculpture.

The four facades of the building have octagonal towers as side finishes, and ten smaller towers, corresponding to the distribution of the sections inside, serve as buttresses. The Llotja de Palma is located in the south of the old town and is one of the sights you don’t want to miss on your trip to Palma.

The Caves of Drach

Located in Porto Cristo, about 50 minutes from Palma de Mallorca, the Caves of Drach, AKA Cuevas del Drach, are worth a visit. This magical place comprises 4 caves: the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Luis Salvador Cave, and the French Cave.

Nestled at 25 meters below the surface, the caves have some pleasant surprises in store for you. So don’t hesitate to venture in and be surprised by their secrets. Among them is a secret de polichinelle, AKA the Martel Lake. Hidden inside the caves, this lake is considered one of the biggest underground lakes in the world. Make sure not to miss a trip there!

Going to Palma de Mallorca is impossible without passing through its caves, which are a perfect attraction to visit alone or with your family.

The Arab Baths

The Arab Baths, or Baños árabes – are the only surviving remains of the Muslim presence in Palma. Their conservation is impressive, and the surrounding garden is very relaxing. Their classic bull’s-eye dome rests on eight columns with rudimentary capitals.

The Arab baths, Banys Àrabs, date back to the 10th century and are one of the few remaining buildings of the Arabic period in Palma and the oldest known evidence of Arabic architecture in Mallorca.

It is worth mentioning that the plural “baths” is misleading here, though, as only a tiny area of the once-stately baths has been preserved; 12 slender columns support the vaulted steam bath. The dome with the five star-shaped skylights through which the steam could escape is magnificent.

The heating system is underground, and the chimneys, steam, and water pipes are still visible. While in Palma, you have to visit the Arab Baths; they are like no other.

Jardines de S’Hort del Rei

Behind the palace are the beautiful Jardines de S’Hort del Rei—the Royal Gardens of Palma. The gardens have magnificent orange and lemon trees, cypresses, acacias, and palms that offer a pleasant fragrance and shade.

More than 100 years old, the garden was redesigned in the 1960s based on the gardens of the Alhambra in Granada. Sculptures by Miró, Calder, and Subirachs are scattered throughout the garden, with benches and walls inviting you to linger while you listen to the water feature and soak up the garden’s unique atmosphere. The public garden is a small oasis of calm in the otherwise bustling city.

Mercat de l’Olivar

The Mercat de l’Olivar is one of Palma’s sights to blow you away. When you enter the city’s largest indoor market, you’ll find yourself in a noisy world of colours and smells. The market is located in Palma’s old town and has been held daily since 1951.

In addition to traditional ingredients, you will also find current trends and comprehensive national and international culinary offers. The fish hall is a particular market highlight: more than 30 vendors offer freshly caught, sometimes still live, fish and seafood.

There are also areas for vegetable, cheese, and meat vendors, a pastry shop, spice stands, various wine vendors, candy stands, and much more. In addition to the stalls, there are small tapas bars where you can enjoy Mallorcan and international delicacies. For the locals, this is a regular weekly market; for tourists, it is a Palma sight.

The Oldest Ice Cream Store in Mallorca

Speaking of food, you must try Ca’n Joan de S’aigo, the oldest ice cream store and café in Mallorca. Here, you can enjoy Mallorcan chocolate sweets in Spanish style and creamy ice cream. The store has been creating all sorts of sweet delights since 1700 and has two branches in Palma. The store’s atmospheric vintage interior will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Port de Palma

The Port of Palma is Mallorca’s gateway to the world. From here, the transport of important goods for the island is regulated, and thousands of cruise tourists stream through the port to the city of Palma every day.

The largest port of the Balearic Islands is located in the middle of the city and successfully blends tradition and modernity. Port facilities in the old town have existed since the Moorish rule.

The original facilities were hardly changed until the beginning of the 19th century, which gradually led to bottlenecks. Since then, construction has been almost continuous to adapt the port to the ever-growing demands.

The expansion of the port, which was completed in 1961, is the most outstanding engineering achievement of the island. Since then, the port of Palma has been divided into commercial piers, eastern piers, docks for pleasure boats, and western causeways.

The expansion has enabled Palma to establish itself as one of the most important cruise ports in the Mediterranean. Eight cruise ships can now dock simultaneously. In addition, ferries to Barcelona, Valencia, or Formentera depart from here.

The waterfront promenade runs along the harbour, lined with large palm trees. It is worth a stroll, especially in the morning when it is still quieter in Palma. Port de Palma is one of the best sights of Palma.

Palma Aquarium

Another Palma attraction is the aquarium, a combination of an adventure park and an aquarium. About 8,000 specimens from over 700 species of marine animals live in 55 basins, and five million litres of seawater are used in the aquarium.

The tanks are individual biotopes, representing different areas and as close as possible to a natural replica of the sea creatures’ actual habitats. At the aquarium, you can discover the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.

A particular highlight is the Big Blue, one of Europe’s most bottomless shark tanks. Eleven specimens of two shark species live there: sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks. If you are fascinated by sharks, you can cross the shark tank in a glass-bottom boat or dive with them.

If you are looking into a little less dangerous activity, you can snorkel with rays outdoors. You can even feel like a sea creature in the AquaDome, a 4D cinema, where you will experience the life of humpback whales exceptionally.

A vast garden also adjoins the aquarium, representing the Mediterranean fauna. The garden has an artificial sandy beach where sea turtles live and outdoor aquariums with rays and hammerhead sharks. In addition, the Palma Aquarium has one of Europe’s most extensive roof gardens. In it, you feel like you are in the Amazon; a seven-meter-high waterfall rushes down a rock wall, and you can watch piranhas in a pool.

You should plan three to four hours for your visit to the aquarium. The aquarium is the perfect sight in Palma for bad weather or winter.

Red Lightning Mallorca

The “Red Lightning” has been running between Palma de Mallorca and Sóller since 1912 and is a must-visit if you are on vacation on the island. The historic narrow-gauge railroad made its first run in 1912 and was created at the instigation of the citizens of Sóller, for whom the walk to Palma was too far. Since then, the Red Lightning has run several times a day along 27 kilometres from Palma to Sóller.

You can buy the ticket for the train to Sóller at the station counter in Palma, and the journey takes 40 minutes. You will pass through 13 tunnels; the rails lead over several bridges. The most spectacular sight along the way is probably the Cinc Ponts viaduct. It has five arches that measure 8 meters.

The train also stops briefly at the famous Mirador del Pujol d’en Banya, where there is a 10-minute photo stop for tourists. Red Lightning Mallorca will take you through the picturesque landscape of Mallorca at a leisurely pace. It is a train ride, so make sure not to miss it.

Quarter Santa Catalina

The Santa Catalina quarter is also worth visiting in Palma de Mallorca. The former fishermen’s quarter has developed into a hip, trendy district with stylish cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. It charmingly combines tradition and modernity.

The traditional houses are painted in bright colours. Between the closely standing dwellings, you may sometimes find clotheslines hanging, which makes you feel like you are in a small village in the middle of the city. In Santa Catalina’s neighbourhood, even a few old windmills still stand on the old city wall.

Also, large orange trees and jasmine grow in the small, narrow streets and exude a pleasant scent. The neighbourhood is the perfect place to eat and shop! Whether Lebanese, Asian fusion cuisine, Italian or traditional Mallorcan, Santa Catalina has a variety of fancy and unique restaurants and bars.

Shopping away from the mainstream is also a great option in Palma de Mallorca; there is vegan fashion, vintage fashion, and furniture, too. Another unique feature is the Mercat de Santa Catalina, Palma’s oldest food market, where you can buy fresh meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and much more.

Pueblo Español

A somewhat different Palma de Mallorca sight is the Pueblo Español, an open-air museum representing Spain’s unique architectural heritage. As the name says in Spanish, this replicates a complete Spanish village (Pueblo Español). Behind it is none other than the Spanish architect Fernando Chueca Goitia. He is said to have fulfilled a dream with this village, which consists of 22 replicas of important Spanish buildings.

The project was carried out from 1965 to 1968; more than 2000 people were involved in creating a harmonious combination of monuments, squares, and buildings. The 24,000 square meter area is enclosed by a wall, and characteristic and traditional buildings, towns, and geographical features from all parts of Spanish history are displayed. There are buildings from the Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance periods.

There are 72 buildings in total, including the Arab baths from Granada, an Andalusian quarter, the Palace of the Provincial de Barcelona, and the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Probably the most impressive highlight is the reconstructed Patio de Los Arrayanes. It is one of the most beautiful parts of the Alhambra and the royal palace of the Nasrid dynasty of the Kingdom of Granada. The extended pool in the courtyard, surrounded by columns and ornate walls, is also a work of art that will beam you back to another world.

To make it feel like the visitor is walking through an authentic village, there are countless small stores in the little houses. Artists show their work here. Around Christmas, there is also an Advent market in there. It must look beautiful.

Conclusion

Palma de Mallorca is one of those towns you immediately fall in love with. With its many great sites and fun activities, the town has something for everyone. It would be a shame not to have Palma de Mallorca on your bucket list.