Palma

Palma is a proper city: a place of commerce and culture that will engage you all year round. Unlike some of the beach towns dotted around the island, Palma doesn’t go quiet when the summer tourist wave abates. In many ways, the city is most alive from October to Easter, with a rich roster of concerts, parades, art nights and festivals.

But whatever time of year you visit, you should see the medieval cathedral that still anchors the city’s skyline. And make sure to walk through the alleyways of the Old Town and down to the sea, where a network of paths and cycle routes lead you to former fishing communities such as Portixol and Es Molinar. This is a place that rewards the flâneur.

Palma is also a city that keeps its secrets, with hidden courtyards, high convent walls and palace treasures kept out of sight behind shuttered windows. Thankfully, this guide can help you to find your way past a few of the façades and into this capital’s lively food scene, bountiful markets and shops replete with island craftsmanship. Not to mention the numerous spots for strong coffee and even stronger vermut. 

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DISCOVER THE BEST OF PALMA

Hotels

These converted fortresses and modernist masterpieces await discerning travellers.

Bars and restaurants

Palma has a lot to offer and the best experiences aren’t always in the flashiest joints.

Retail

The island’s determination to protect Mallorca’s heritage comes to the fore in Palma’s best shops.

Culture

Museums, galleries and old palaces provide a close-up view of the island’s cultural forces.

Neighbourhoods

Three enclaves that unveil the city’s inner life.