Visit Palma-de-Mallorca
Palma-de-Mallorca is the capital of Mallorca, also known as Majorca, in the Balearic Islands. It is situated on the Bay of Palma on the south coast of Mallorca and is considered to be one of the 'Most Beautiful Cities in Spain'.
Explore Palma-de-Mallorca
There are many fine buildings to see as you explore Palma. It developed under the Moors who built many fine buildings. When King Jaime conquered the town in 1229 he described it as the "most beautiful city we have ever seen".
Wandering around Palma is a treat as throughout the town there are impressive mansions, lavish churches and wonderful Moorish buildings. It also has beaches and an excellent fish market. It is not to be missed if you are on the island of Majorca.
Palma's cathedral, which is a beautiful golden colour, sits on the waterfront and the old town spreads out behind. Legend has it that Jaime I of Aragon built the cathedral after promising God that he would build a great church if he saved him during a violent storm.
The vast church has been added to over the years. Gaudi himself remodelled the interior and the church is one of the best in Spain.
Next to the cathedral is the Moorish palace, the Palau de l'Almudaina which is now a museum. This is a wonderful Moorish building with more than a hint of fortress about it.
Below the cathedral and the Palau de l'Almudaina are some pretty gardens and below these the parc de la Mar, a large body of water with a cafe and seating area next to it to admire the views up to the cathedral. Beyond this across the road is the sea.
Behind the cathedral the Pesseig des Born is the liveliest area and a good place to stop for a coffee. Be sure to try an 'ensaimada' a local speciality which is a spiral pastry covered in icing sugar. This street is a bit like a mini-Ramblas from Barcelona.
The streets between the cathedral and the Passeig des Borns and up to the north and the east are wonderful to explore and are quite a compact area to explore by foot. Be sure to look out for the 10th century baths, the Banys Arabs which are also down near the Parc de la Mar. These have beautiful, well-preserved arches.
Further north the Basilica de Sant Francese with its lovely cloister is another highlight of Palma-de-Mallorca. This has been built in Gothic style and has a Baroque altar. This is situated in Palma's Jewish Quarter.
Also notice the town hall as you explore the centre, it has a lovely late-Renaissance style and was certainly built to impress!
Not far out of town (about 2.5km) is the striking Castell de Bellver, originally built as a summerhouse but quickly became a prison. The castle has an unusual circular design and its lovely central courtyard is flanked by arches.
Palma-de-Mallorca Museums
Any fans of Joan Miro should visit the Fundacio Pilar i Joan Miro (about 3km SW of the centre). The art gallery was created by his wife upon his death and is situated in his home and art studio. The building itself is worth seeing and the centre has more than six thousand examples of Miro's work to select from to exhibit.
Es Baluard Museu d'Art Contemporani is Palma's Museum of Modern Art and includes works by Picasso, Cezanne and Gauguin.
The Museum of Majorca has an excellent collection including Roman, Muslim and Prehistoric exhibits.
Attractions nearby
Take the 28km train journey to Soller. The train has old fashioned wooden carriages and the views, through mountains and valleys to the lovely village of Soller, are spectacular. Check the timetable as for much of the year there is only one train in the morning and one in the evening.
The monastery at Valldemossa is the second biggest attraction on the island of Majorca and is in a lovely mountain setting.
Mallorca's airport - Palma de Mallorca airport - is 9km from the city centre.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Balearic Islands guide.
Map of Palma-de-Mallorca and places to visit
Palma-de-Mallorca places to visit
Palma Cathedral
Palma Cathedral is a stunning 14th century Gothic cathedral in Palma-de-Mallorca. It occupies a dramatic position above the Parc de la Mar and the seafront.
Palma Cathedral guide
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a hill town with a monastery where George Sand and Frederic Chopin once stayed.
Valldemossa guide
Deia
Deià was once the home of Robert Graves and his grave is here. Deia is one of the most beautiful villages of Spain.
Deia guide
Andratx
Andratx is a pretty town clustered on a hill above the sea and now an exclusive holiday resort
Andratx guide
Soller
Soller is one of Mallorca's nicest towns and the Port de Soller is set in a beautiful bay.
Soller guide
Fornalutx
Fornalutx is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. It occupies an idyllic spot surrounded by mountains.
Fornalutx guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Balearic Islands