The splendour of a Gothic Cathedral dominating the city, a maze of vibrantly coloured walls enclosing little streets, shaded squares with free-flowing fountains and songbirds, and an abundance of delectable restaurants and nightlife. Welcome to Palma de Mallorca, the Balearic Islands’ capital.
Although Palma is an island location, I’d even go as far as to say that it makes for the perfect city getaway because it has it all: gastronomy, history, culture, and plenty of places to eat and drink in style.
Visit Bellver Castle
Speaking of Bellver Castle, it makes for a fantastic beginning to your Palma agenda for the day. You can get off the bus at the top of the hill, directly in front of the castle doors, after boarding it.
You may enjoy a stunning view of Palma Bay from the castle because it is perched atop a hill. Even the name “Castell de Bellver” in Catalan means “beautiful vista.”
The castle, which was built in the fourteenth century, has been exceptionally well preserved. A museum featuring artefacts from the Roman, Arab, and Spanish periods is housed inside, along with a moat and drawbridge. You may find out a lot of information about Palma de Mallorca there.
Visit the Cathedral
The Catedral-Basilica of Santa Mara de Mallorca, Palma’s pride and delight, must be seen while in the city. This magnificent 1229 Catalan Gothic cathedral is located close to the ocean.
Also located in front of the cathedral is Parc de la Mar. The church is beautifully reflected on this man-made lake. There are numerous locations around where you may sit and admire this magnificent piece of architecture.
The cathedral has one of the largest stained glass windows in the world and some of its towers are over 20 metres high.
Although the cathedral is incredibly stunning from the exterior, stepping inside is where you can truly appreciate its exquisite interior design and the light that streams in through the stained glass windows.
Walk through Old Town
No matter how little time you have, you must explore Palma’s charming Old Town. It’s worth your time even if you only browse over it briefly.
The streets are lovely, with tiny squares and narrow but evocative lanes. The Old Town has a lot of cafes as well, which is a great excuse to sit down and take in some people-watching.
Plaça de Cort is one Old Town square you ought to see when in Palma. This picturesque area in the middle of the city is well-known for its historic olive tree and stunning town hall.
Castle Museum of San Carlos
It’s a terrific idea to visit the Castle Museum of San Carlos before supper because it has some amazing vistas! You may simply go to the overlooks to take in a wonderful view of the cathedral and the ocean because the museum is free to enter. In either case, dropping by to take in the scenery is absolutely worthwhile.
Best time to visit
The finest times to visit Palma de Mallorca for a city break are in the spring or the fall. The greatest months are without a doubt May and September when temperatures are pleasant and summer crowds are minimal. It is advisable to stay away from June, July, and August because they are the warmest and busiest.
While spending one day in Palma de Mallorca may seem short, you can definitely see a lot of the city’s highlights in a short time. By efficiently planning your itinerary, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time in the city.