Palma de Mallorca

You should definitely not miss Palma de Mallorca on your next vacation to your favorite island. The city is charming and attracts visitors with great restaurants, many lovely boutiques, and a wonderful atmosphere. Let yourself be surprised!

When you think of Palma, do you immediately associate it with party vacations, Ballermann, and beer lovers? Admittedly, it cannot be denied that the Mallorcan capital is famous for its legendary nightlife. However, the sun-kissed city has so much more to offer and is also ideal for city trips and family vacations. The long sandy beach, for example, is popular with all age groups, where you'll find both upscale luxurious hotels and simple accommodations. Palma de Mallorca truly has the perfect mix for every traveler! Here are our tips for an unforgettable trip and real insider tips that will make your trip exceptional.

Information, Tips & More.

Sightseeing in Palma

Mallorca is the most popular travel destination for Germans, and thus, Palma Airport is well connected and frequently serviced from many cities. From Germany, you might even find flights to Mallorca starting at just €20, making it convenient and affordable to reach the Balearic Island in two to three hours. The airport is located about ten kilometers from the city center and is easily and quickly accessible by bus. Line 1 takes you to the city center at Plaza de España every 15 minutes and stops at all the important tourist spots. Additionally, this bus line will also take you to the harbor, from where the cruise ships set sail. Even if your departure is in the early morning hours, you'll find that this bus service works, as the first bus starts at 4:30 AM. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use a hotel transfer to arrive at the airport on time. The bus is the most economical option, with a single ticket currently priced at €5. So you'll still have plenty of your budget left to enjoy an unforgettable time in Palma.

Bus Service: Line 1 (Summer Time May 1 - October 31, 2023):

Party enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the area of the sixth beach section, as at Balneario 6, you'll find not only the legendary Jamón and beer street but also numerous clubs such as the Beer King. In this area, you will generally find more modest hotels that cater to the partying nature of guests. However, this beach section is just one of a total of 15-so depending on your preferences, there should be something suitable for everyone here. Just enter your desired criteria including travel dates and browse through various offers.

Now let's get to the perhaps most important part for most sunbathers: beach and sea. The island of Mallorca is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise water, and hidden coves that invite dreaming. And Palma doesn't have to hide here either, as with its six-kilometer-long sandy beach, you'll find the longest beach on the Balearic island. Many associate the beach of Palma de Mallorca with Ballermann-but unjustly. The beach is divided into a total of 15 beach sections, and only one of them (Section 6) is directly associated with the infamous party hub. Running parallel to the beach is the promenade, where numerous kiosks and upscale restaurants as well as luxury accommodations can be found. Countless water sports providers are waiting at the beach to take you on a thrilling banana boat ride, ensuring you have a lot of variety in your activities!

Have you spent enough time at the beach and want to learn more about Palma's culture during your vacation? Then take a stroll to the most beautiful sights of the Mallorcan capital. We'll show you which hotspots you must not miss and provide you with some insider tips.

How about a visit to the beautiful Castell de Bellver? The former fortress dates back to the 14th century and is also known as Castillo de Bellver. From the outside, the castle appears impregnable and closed off, but the first impression is misleading. The two-story arcades surrounding the courtyard give the imposing structure a playful appearance, lending it a very special character. Are you wondering what Palma looks like from above? From the Gothic castle, you have a breathtaking view over the city and the adjacent beach.

Information on Castell de Bellver

The most famous landmark of Mallorca is the Cathedral La Seu, towering over Palma. This magnificent building is a true gem of Gothic architecture and enchants its visitors with spectacular light effects created by the colorful windows. Therefore, the church rightfully bears the name 'Cathedral of Light.' Its current form is attributed to the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí.

During late spring through early autumn, you can experience the building from another perspective that is absolutely magical. Explore the rooftop terrace of the Gothic cathedral! For €20, you can book an entrance ticket with a time slot to climb the approximately 215 steps leading you to the level before the grand colorful window. An impressive experience!

Information on La Seu Cathedral:

Port de Palma is often the first impression of Palma de Mallorca for cruise guests, radiating a successful blend of tradition and modernity. In addition to cruise ships, many luxurious yachts also anchor here to enjoy the cheerful mentality of Spain in Palma. The harbor is located right in the heart of the city, directly across from the Old Town, and is bordered by the promenade on both sides. Every summer, the world-renowned Copa del Rey is held here, one of the most important regattas in the Mediterranean.

The heart of Palma lies in the maze-like Old Town, which is notorious for its narrow, cobbled streets. Be sure to take a city map with you, as many of the little paths are sometimes only accessible by stairs, making it easy to lose track of direction. The Old Town is largely car-free, and while strolling through the pedestrian zone, you can admire old town palaces and Gothic churches. If you want to upgrade your vacation outfit, the shopping streets Passeig del Borne and Passeig de la Rambla have everything a shopper's heart could desire. We also recommend a visit to Rialto Living, where you can find Palma's first pop-up store on the ground floor, featuring many beautiful modern pieces: clothes, books, bags, glasses, souvenirs, and much more. In the middle of the stunning building is a small café, and on the first floor is a furniture store that you should also explore while you're there. Beautifully staged furniture, very cozy and inspiring! At the center of the Old Town is the Plaza Mayor, the largest and most beautiful square in the city center. Numerous cafés invite you to linger here.

Vacation Guru Insider Tip: Also located in the Old Town is La Casa Possible. Here you'll find a free permanent exhibition in the old town palace Can Balaguer, where you can take a round through a traditional upper-class house and get much closer to what life was like back then.

Let yourself be enchanted by the flair of Santa Catalina, a bohemian neighborhood that has become a true favorite in Palma. Once a shady fishing quarter, today it is a multicultural meeting point with plenty of charm. People here are open to new influences - especially Swedes, Norwegians, and Mexicans have found a new home in Santa Catalina. Naturally, many Germans are also drawn to this family-friendly corner of Palma. Stroll through the streets, past cute shops, and enjoy Spanish delicacies in one of the many restaurants.

In Santa Catalina, the trend 'Tardeo,' meaning 'in the afternoon,' is loved, which for Spaniards is associated with an early aperitif. Sociability and enjoyment are highly valued in this attractive neighborhood. You can also find the oldest market in Palma here. Whether it's fresh fish, local fruits and vegetables, or selected gourmet products - the Mercat de Santa Catalina offers a great selection that can satisfy any palate.

Indulging in the culinary and local diversity of delicacies is simply part of a successful vacation. Delicious traditional tapas, fresh seafood, and numerous other regional specialties from Spanish cuisine delight your taste buds in Palma de Mallorca. Have you had your fill of tapas? Then maybe take a detour to one of the Mexican, Italian, or Japanese restaurants. In Palma, you really won't go hungry-here, it's all about feasting and treating the body well!

When selecting a place to eat, don't just rely on typical tourist restaurants, as they often have overpriced menus. Generally, the areas of La Lonja and Santa Catalina offer true culinary delights. Here are some of our favorites:

Do you still have room for dessert after your meal? Then you should definitely have some ice cream. Our colleague Eyleen tested various ice cream shops during her visit to Palma and brought back her top picks:

If you're not in the mood for ice cream, visit one of the many confectionery shops in the capital. Traditional shops like Forn Fondo or La Pajarita Bomboneria are perfect for snacks in between and sweet souvenirs for your loved ones.

In the heart of the city center, you'll find another culinary insider tip: the Mercat de l'Olivar. At numerous stands, chefs prepare various delicacies-from Spanish jamón to small burgers, sushi, and of course, tapas. It's probably the best meeting point on Mallorca for foodies and gourmets!

Finally, our social media colleague Eyleen has three very special insider tips for you that she personally tested and can absolutely recommend.

At Deborah's Culinary Island, you can book a cooking class in a beautifully traditional Mallorcan kitchen for €135 per person. Beforehand, you'll go together to buy the ingredients at the market in Palma. The classes never have more than 8 participants, ensuring a lot of interaction with Deborah and learning about the culinary aspects and produce of Mallorca. Such a beautiful atmosphere and delicious food - you should not miss this!

With Click & Boat, Eyleen took a tour to Cap Rocat. You can rent boats in Mallorca and around the world through the website. Eyleen reported to us: 'We had a crew and tasty snacks, which can be optionally booked as desired. We even had an electric catamaran! I saw that you can rent small boats in Mallorca from under €200 per day. I highly recommend it; it's a really beautiful, extraordinary pastime.'

'We had a Kundalini yoga class at Sadhana Works. A very nice studio with a great teacher. Kundalini is a special and very spiritual form of yoga that focuses on breathing exercises and energies.' Do you want to share Eyleen's experiences? Then you should definitely take the time for a yoga class in Palma!

After reading this article, it should be clear to even the last skeptic that Palma is a true gem. The diversity of the city, with its impressive buildings, charming neighborhoods, and kilometers of sandy beach, speaks for itself. So make sure to add Palma to your city trip wish list, as where else can you combine beach vacation and city trip so well as in the capital of our favorite island?