Palma snapshot

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Travel planning

Eight million tourists flock to Mallorca, or Majorca, each year, the vast majority through the new airport 11km to the east of Palma.

Many travel on to the string of well-known, or in some cases, infamous resorts around the Bay of Palma. Those looking for more than just a beach holiday will do well to explore Palma, the bustling capital of the Balearics.

The city, packed with history, is a go ahead metropolis with over 300,000 residents. All the transport around the island, and ferries to the other Balearics and the mainland, is focused on Palma.

Bus services and trains – including the scenic ride to Soller on the north coast through the mountains – go to all parts of Mallorca. Arriving by sea is particularly impressive, with the Cathedral rising up above the old town.

Balearic beauties

The Cathedral is the main attraction and took five hundred years to build. It’s in the oldest part of the city and was built on the site of the Moorish Great Mosque.

It features designs by Gaudi, including the lighting above the altar, which are much simpler than his work in Barcelona. Once controversial, they have proved a success. The Museu de la Catedral is worth a visit as you enter the Cathedral.

The Palau de l’Almudaina, opposite the Cathedral, was once the palace of the Moorish governor and then the Mallorcan kings. Nearby the Llotja, the former Stock Exchange, is an attractive exhibition space. Amongst the many churches in the city, the Basilica de Sant Francesc is the finest with a stunning Baroque altar.

Palma has many tapas bars although the restaurants in the harbour area and city centre are pitched at the tourist trade. There's plenty of late-night bars and nightclubs get under way after midnight.

Attractive coast

Trips out of the city include the attractive north coast towns of Deia, Soller and Pollenca, while there are attractive villages in the mountains such as Biniaraix and Fornalutx. The whole area to the north of the island is perfect walking country with magnificent views down to the sea and the glorious interior of the island.

Indeed, it's surprising how much of Mallorca is unspoilt with only small parts of the coast having been over-developed. Around the bay, easily reached from Palma, are the crowded resorts of Magaluf, Palma Nova and S’Arenal.

Palma has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and warm wet winters. Many charter and budget airlines provide services to Mallorca. There are ferries from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia and also ferry services between the Balearic Islands.

Every month our travel writers comb the web for city break deals to Palma. Visit our Palma holiday shop to browse through the latest offers.