Holidays to Palma
Palma highlights
Gothic marvels
The Cathedral of Mallorca makes for some great photos to commemorate your city break to Palma. Stand in Parc de la Mar to capture the best angles. Inside, you’ll find famous designs by Antoni Gaudi, along with one of Europe’s largest rose windows. Another popular gothic building is Bellver Castle. It rests on a hillside with spectacular ocean views and houses the City History Museum.
Lively plazas
The grand Plaza Mayor is a great place to spend an afternoon. Wander through arcades and people-watch from local restaurants. Stop for a coffee in Plaza Espana with views of the King Jaume I sculpture. Or head to Plaza del Mercat for restaurants and independent boutiques. Looking for nightlife? Start at the popular meeting place of Plaza La Lonja for bar-hopping.
Beach escapes
Stroll along the Paseo Maritimo promenade to get to beaches in Palma. The golden sand and clear water of Can Pere Antoni beach is a short walk from the Old Town. A 15-minute bus ride gets you to the turquoise coves of Illetas beach and the family favourite Cala Mayor beach. It’s also worth the 60-minute drive to Mondrago Natural Park for amazing swimming and water sports.
Palma: Know before you go
| Language | Spanish, Catalan |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | November – February |
Find the best time to go to Palma
Weather in Palma
March – May: Spring in Palma is mild and sunny, and the gardens are in full bloom. Expect occasional rain showers, and keep a light jacket handy.
June – September: Summers here are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Pack light clothing and sun cream, and remember to stay hydrated.
October – November: Autumn in Palma is sunny and pleasant, making it a great time for hiking and sightseeing. Come evening, expect the odd rain shower and cooler temperatures.
December – February: Winters are rainy, but the temperature rarely drops below 10°C. Bundle up for chilly evenings.
Events in Palma
Carnival (February): The city is awash with colour in the run-up to Lent. Cheer on the parade, join a street party, and sample festive treats like churros and ‘ensaimadas’ (a spiral-shaped pastry).
Nit de Foc (June): Devils and demons roam the streets with flaming torches on the eve of San Juan’s fiesta. The festivities could frighten little ones, so seek out one of the designated kid-friendly celebrations.
Grape Harvest Festival (September): They’ve been making wine in nearby Binissalem for thousands of years. Join a fruit fight, take part in a grape stomping contest, and feast on ‘fideus de vermar’, a red wine noodle stew.
The best neighbourhoods in Palma
Central District
Want to be within steps of the action? The best area to stay in Palma is the Central District, with lively plazas, designer boutiques and nightclubs. Plaza Mayor is at one end of elegant La Rambla, an avenue known for flower stalls and side streets dotted with fine-dining restaurants. From here, it’s a short walk to the cobbled alleys of the Old Town.
Good for: Plazas, shopping, nightlife
Playa de Palma
This neighbourhood is where to stay in Palma for a spectacular beach view. Starting from Can Pastilla near the Old Town, golden sand stretches for miles along Playa de Palma’s bar- and restaurant-lined promenade. Pick up souvenirs and designer brands at the stylish FAN shopping centre, and get close to sharks at Palma Aquarium’s Big Blue exhibit.
Good for: Beach, shopping, aquarium
Les Meravelles
Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, Les Meravelles is home to popular S’Arenal Beach. When you’re not swimming, jet skiing or enjoying tapas at waterfront restaurants, zipline through the trees at adventure park Tirolinas Go. La Ribera Forest Park is nearby for walking trails and a children’s playground.
Good for: Water sports, adventure parks, restaurants
Things to do in Palma
Family friendly things to do
Among the top things to do with family in Palma is to zip down the water slides at Aqualand El Arenal in the summer. Children also enjoy plenty of playgrounds across the city, including canalside Parc de Sa Riera. Board the vintage Palma to Soller train for citrus grove views and thrilling rides through dark tunnels. Be sure to check the schedule to avoid yearly maintenance closures.
Shopping
Love a bargain? Find plenty of discounts at the outdoor mall Mallorca Fashion Outlet. If you prefer designer stores, you’ll love Avenida Jaume III and Paseo del Borne. It’s worth walking down narrow Via Veri to snap photos of historical palaces, some of which now house galleries.
Take in the culture
Visit Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art or step off the busy tourist trail to admire exhibitions in the CaixaForum Gran Hotel. A 17th-century palace hosts Roman artefacts at the Museum of Mallorca. To make the most of the cultural scene, time your trip with the annual Nit de l’Art in September when galleries and museums in Palma open for free.
Nightlife
Cool down with a cold ‘cana’ (draft beer) and sea views in Playa de Palma, or dress up for chic wine bars in Santa Catalina. Nightlife in Palma includes hanging out with locals, expats and tourists in the bars of La Lonja. And you can’t go wrong with a night out along the Paseo Maritimo promenade. Discos such as Social Club feature celebrity DJs, and you’ll find live bands at the classic Irish pub Shamrock Palma.
Places to eat
Make reservations for prime spots on restaurant rooftops with stunning cathedral and ocean views. Otherwise many of the best restaurants in Palma are tucked away in streets surrounding Paseo del Borne and La Lonja. Sample the upscale tapas at renowned El Txoko de Martin, or snack on sugar-dusted ‘ensaimada’ (spiral pastry) from Old Town cafes.
Free things to do
Meet official guides from Mallorca Free Tour at the tourist office in Parc de la Mar to explore with local insights. Other free things to do in Palma include entrance to the Fundación Juan March museum for Spanish art and to Bellver Castle on Sundays. Unwind among sculptures and cypress trees at La Almudaina Palace’s S’Hort del Rei gardens.
Get ready for Palma
Budget
A cheap holiday in Palma is easy if you focus on the right things. You can experience powdery sands and the cool blue Mediterranean for next to nothing. Start your day with a cappuccino for less than three euros (€). Hungry? A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €14. Or try street food staples like ‘coca mallorquina’, a decadent, topped crispbread, for even less.
Day Trips from Palma
Located in the northwest of Mallorca, the Tramuntana Scenic Route is a breathtaking mountain drive of hairpin turns with views of the island’s tallest peak. Set aside a day to explore the charming village of Deià. Or try the island of Cabrera, an hour away by ferry. Its craggy landscape is perfect for long hikes. Don’t miss the ruins of a 14th-century castle.
Getting Around Palma
You can easily explore the Old Town on foot. Or catch an EMT bus to see more of the city — tickets can be purchased onboard or at kiosks. Head to Intermodal Station for regular departures. You’ll find plenty of taxis near tourist attractions. For flexible day trips around Mallorca, consider hiring a car.
