Today I want to tell you about my favorite things to do in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The largest city in the Balearic Islands, this place is a gem on the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a lot to keep visitors entertained in Palma, from historic treasures to good food and sunny beaches. I’m here to discover the highlights, so read on to find out what they are.
Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca
I’ve flown to Spain to speak at a travel influencer conference. This is my second trip to Mallorca, and I remember loving the beaches, landscapes, and nightlife scene last time I was here. I can’t wait to revisit my favorite places and see what else Palma has to offer.
After landing at Palma Airport and hailing a taxi to the city, I check into a spacious room at the Melia Palma Marina. There I take in the stunning views of the boats from my balcony, then set off to discover the highlights of the island.
1. Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca
Soon I find that one of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca is visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. This behemoth of a building can be seen from all over the city, and it’s one of Mallorca’s main landmarks.
The interior of Palma Cathedral (also called La Seu) is just as eye-catching as the exterior, with its Catalan-Gothic architecture and Gaudi-designed details. Outside, there are great views of the Parc de la Mar and the Bay of Palma.
2. Old Town in Palma de Mallorca
Next on my list of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca is explore the old town (Casco Antiguo). This area was once surrounded by fortified city walls, one of which remains along the waterfront.
Today the old town is full of narrow historic streets that open into squares. The area is bursting with historic charm, great shops and restaurants, art galleries, and fun bars and cafes.
Seemingly every lane features a golden stone church, and the squares fill with seasonal markets and decorations throughout the year. Walking around and getting lost in the maze is a photographer’s dream.
3. Bellver Castle
Another of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca is visit Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver). Perched on a hill above the marina, this circular 14th-century Gothic number houses the City History Museum (Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat).
But the real treat is the view over Palma. Given its height and location in a wooded area, the castle offers unique vistas over the sea.
4. Royal Palace of Almudaina
Next on my list of things to do in Palma de Mallorca is visit the Royal Palace of Almudaina. This landmark building dates back to the early 14th century and is still the local residence of the Spanish monarch today.
The palace is right next to the cathedral, so it’s easy to visit both on the same trip.
Speaking of which, the S’Hort del Rei gardens are also adjacent to the royal palace. Full of trees, fountains, sculptures, and other attractive features, this green space is a great place to rest and relax during a day of sightseeing on the island.
5. Museums in Palma de Mallorca
Another of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca is visit the museums. The city has a lot of cultural attractions for its size, and you can see everything from art to history in its galleries.
Some of the main museums in Palma include the Museum of Mallorca, the Military Museum of San Carlos, the Palau March Museum, the Miro Mallorca Foundation, and the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
6. Markets in Palma de Mallorca
Going to the markets is another of my favorite things to do in Palma de Mallorca. The city has both indoor and outdoor markets, including Mercat 1930, Mercat de l’Olivar, Mercat de Santa Catalina, and the markets in the city’s squares.
The Mercat 1930 is my favorite. It’s a contemporary indoor market with food and drink stalls lining the perimeter.
Tables and chairs fill the center, making it a great place to pick up tapas and pintxos for lunch or dinner. From Iberico ham to sushi and Thai food, there are a lot of delicious options.
7. Arab Baths in Palma de Mallorca
One of the most unique things to do in Palma de Mallorca is visit the Arab Baths (Banys Arabs). These historic baths date back a thousand years and offer a glimpse into Mallorca’s Arab past.
Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, the Arab Baths feature a peaceful garden and a caldarium and tepidarium with columns believed to have been recycled from Ancient Roman buildings.
8. Beaches in Palma de Mallorca
Given Mallorca is a Mediterranean island, one of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca is go to the beach. There are beaches right in the city, and you can enjoy sun and sand close to the cathedral.
There are more beaches near Palma, too. From Illetas Beach to Ca’n Pere Antoni, Cala Mejor, and Portals Nous, there are a lot of options for beaches in the area around the city.
9. Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
Another of my favorite things to do in Palma de Mallorca is eat. This city is known for its gastronomic highlights, and you can find everything from tapas to vegan food here.
I had a great dinner one night at The Merchants, a restaurant set in the Palacio Can Marques, a stunning 18th-century palace-turned-hotel. The TNT prawns and the lobster roll made it one of the highlights of my trip, and the wine was excellent, too.
If you want to try a local specialty, ensaimadas are sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar. They’re delicious with coffee.
10. Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca at Night
After dinner comes nightlife, and Palma has no shortage of places to party. On this trip I enjoyed nights out at bars like Moltabarra Bar de Tapas Viatjoteca and the champagne bar at The Merchants.
Last time I visited I stayed out late at some of the city’s famous clubs, too.
11. Day Trips
If you have time, one of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca is go for a day trip. From wine tasting to beaches and the famous Formentor lighthouse, there are plenty of good ones. You can even go scuba diving off the coast.
On this trip I took a day tour to go wine tasting at Vins Nadal near Palma. Family-owned for generations, this local winery has a tasting room where I sampled white, red, and rose wines made from varietals like chardonnay and manto negro.
It was great to experience the local culture through one of Mallorca’s famous drinks, and to enjoy cheeses, olives, and breads from the Balearic Islands while I sipped.
Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my list of the best things to do in Palma de Mallorca, and that it’s gotten you excited to visit this island yourself someday.
It’s worth a trip to Spain to soak up the sun, enjoy the food and drink, and absorb the culture. If you want to see more, visiting Menorca, Ibiza, and/or Formentera is the perfect way to round out a trip to the Balearic Islands.
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