Tourists can't resist Palma de Mallorca, especially for its well-known nightlife, beaches, food, and music.
On a Mediterranean island full of coves where peaceful beaches meet the sea, it is hard to believe that the architectural wonders of Palma are what truly steal the show. Overlooking the sea, the Cathedral of Mallorca is probably the most well known in Palma. Taking some 117 years to build from 1229 to 1346, it is an impressive Gothic structure, and it boasts the largest Gothic Rosette in the world. Bellver Castle is another grand example, built on the ruins of a Muslim site. Set high on a hill it has sweeping views of the bay and contains a museum of archaeological finds and classical sculptures. Other notable sites include Banys Àrabs (a 10th century Arab bath building), the church at Plaça del Mercat, and the Almudaina Palace which was once an Islamic fort.
Paseo Maritimo is another sight of the city not to miss, especially if you enjoy nightlife. It refers to the area all along the port, where all the yachts and boats are chartered. In the evening, it is a great point from which to see the Cathedral lit up against the night sky, and it is also the place where many of the city's bars and clubs are located.
As far as museums go, Pueblo Español is designed like a small village and contains facsimiles of the major classical works of Spanish architecture, and Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo has a permanent collection of famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí.
Palma's pleasant Mediterranean temperatures make the city a great place to enjoy outdoor activities like golf and water sports like fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and wakeboarding. With its vicinity by the sea, Palma de Mallorca is also a hot spot for beaches, bathing areas, yacht clubs, and marinas. Some of the more popular beaches all with white sands and crystal waters include Ciudad Jardín, Cala Major, and Can Pere Antoni. Calvias Costa d'en Blanes beach is even nearby a park called Marineland which features wildlife like sharks, tropical fish, exotic lizards, iguanas, anacondas, flamingos, and penguins. There is also a water parked called Aqualand with a variety of slides and pools. The nearby Sierra de Tramuntana mountains also provide opportunities for hiking out to breathtaking viewpoints.
If you are lucky, you might even catch a festival on the island. In July, Festival Isladencanta is an annual music festival covering genres including rock, pop, and Europe's best DJs. In August, Festival de Pollença features classical ensembles of renowned international artists and orchestras. Then there is the Fonart Short Film Festival August-September, and the Festa de l'Estendard which celebrates the coming of the new year in December.
Music:
In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find a popular music scene that brings people together. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.
Beaches:
Many people flock to Palma de Mallorca for a serene day at the beach. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.
A nice way to explore destinations in Palma de Mallorca is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Climbing day in private tour for $195 details
- 90' Stand Up Paddle tour in a small group in Cala Ratjada for $48 details
- Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Picnic for $68 details
If you stay in Palma de Mallorca, you'll find a number of hotels and cheap hostels. You'll also be close to different transportation options.