Often overshadowed by the island’s beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, the capital of Mallorca makes a great weekend getaway.
With Moorish and modernist architecture, the skyline is dominated by the enormous Gothic cathedral, which rises above the striking yacht-filled marina.
In addition to extensive history, there are world-class galleries and a vibrant food scene.
Often overshadowed by the island’s beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, Palma, the capital of Mallorca, makes a great weekend getaway.
Where to stay
Hostal Pons
Charming from the moment you enter the plant-filled courtyard, Hostal Pons is in an 1850s building with original tile floors and antique furniture. It is hidden near the boutiques on Sant Feliu Street, not far from the port.
Doubles from £56 (hostelpons.com).
Hotel Palau Sa Font
Just behind the Placa de la Drassanas, a pretty tree-lined square with tapas bars, this beautiful hotel in raspberry pink hues is a relaxing retreat. There’s a rooftop terrace, a plunge pool and a solarium, while the rooms are minimalist and comfortable.
Doubles from £98 (palausafont.com).
Hotel Ca N’ Alexandre
Palma can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Above, colorful houses line the city streets.
On an unassuming street just outside the centre, Hotel Ca N’Alexandre has exposed walls and beams, large glass windows and pastel-coloured furniture. There is also a relaxing lounge and a small roof terrace.
Doubles from £69 (canalexandre.com).
Brondo Hotel Architect
Located in a 17th-century building in the heart of the city, each room at this hotel is named after a famous architect and all feature wooden four-poster beds and a minimalist atmosphere. There is a nice patio for breakfast.
Doubles from £97 (brondoarquitectopalmademallorca.com).
What to see and do
go for a walk
Palma’s skyline is dominated by the massive Gothic cathedral La Seu, which towers over the yacht-filled marina.
Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets of the historic neighborhood between Plaza de Cort and the marina. The highlight is the gigantic 14th-century cathedral known as La Seu, a stunning golden sandstone building from the outside, but it’s worth venturing inside to see the light through the stunning 61 stained glass windows (tickets from £7.71 ).
Go for a walk
Palma and its surrounding areas are fantastic for exploring on two wheels, with plenty of cycle paths and flat geography. From the city center there is a beautiful route along the coast with views of the sea at all times. Snoop around the superyachts in the marina, admire the old fishing area of Molinar and finish at the sandy beach of S’Arenal. Bikes from £12.80 per day (callandridemallorca.com).
Marvel at Miró
The much-loved Catalan artist Joan Miró moved to Mallorca during the second half of his working life and his house and studios, designed by Josep Lluís Sert, were transformed into the Fundació Miró Mallorca, a museum and art space, in early the nineties (tickets £8.60). In the suburbs, it is a stunning setting with panoramic views, the opportunity to see up close where he worked and an extensive collection of his work (miromallorca.com).
See the unusual castle
Castell de Bellver, Spain’s only circular castle, sits atop a hill west of the city.
Spain’s only circular castle (Castell de Bellver) and former 14th-century royal fortress lies among pine forests on a hilltop west of the city. While the castle offers an interesting glimpse into the island’s past, the views alone are worth the visit.
Where to eat
Casa Julio Restaurant
Set lunches cost around a tenner for three courses and a glass of wine at Casa Julio, a lively spot on a corner behind Santa Eulalia church.
Try the ensaimada, a puff pastry, from Forn des Teatre (pictured)
Expect classic Mallorcan dishes such as mushroom tortellini and cuttlefish stew. Set up an outdoor table to enjoy the sun and people-watch. 4 Forecast Street.
Theater Forum
The Mallorcan ensaimada, a twisted, flaky pastry that can be both sweet and savory, is a must-try Mallorcan cuisine, and Forn des Teatre is a good place to do it.
Try the simple ensaimada (from £1.70); Perfect dipped in coffee for breakfast. 9 Weyler Square (fornetdelasoca.com).
D’Olivier Market
With more than 100 stalls, Palma’s huge covered market is a true treasure for food lovers, with fresh produce from all over the island.
Stock up on treats for a picnic or grab a stool at one of the many restaurants such as Can Jaume, with delicious tapas (£3.40 a plate), or Bottega Bolognese for fresh pasta dishes (£6.85). Olivar Square.
La Molienda Bisbe
From the center of Palma there is a ‘beautiful route’ to explore its coast, with views of the sea at all times. In the photo: Platja de Can Pere Antoni, a few steps from the old town of Palma
To enjoy the best coffee in Palma and good breakfasts and brunches, this cozy cafe is the ideal solution. Sit under their jacaranda tree and feast on toast topped with goat cheese, pistachios and strawberries (£7). Great cakes. Calle del Bisbe Campins, 11 (lamolienda.es).
Get there
Easyjet flies from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow to Palma de Mallorca from £15.24 one way (easyjet.com). The A1 bus runs between the airport and the city center (£4.30 each way).