What You Can't Miss During Your Visit to Palma
What You Can't Miss During Your Visit to Palma
Palma de Mallorca, the vibrant capital of the Balearic Islands, is a destination that blends history, culture, and natural beauty all in one place. With its imposing Gothic cathedral, charming cobblestone streets, and bustling port, the city offers countless experiences for all types of travelers. In this post, we’ll tell you what you can’t miss during your visit to Palma. Get ready to fall in love with this incredible city!
Palma Cathedral
One of the most iconic landmarks you can’t miss in Palma is its impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria, known as La Seu. This majestic Gothic temple, rising beside the sea, dominates the city’s skyline with its imposing structure and its spectacular rose window, one of the largest in the world.
Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, La Seu is a masterpiece of architecture that also features modern interventions by artists such as Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló. From its light-filled interior to the panoramic views of the bay from its terraces, Palma Cathedral is a symbol of the island’s history, spirituality, and beauty, and a place you simply cannot miss.
Parque del Mar
Right at the foot of Palma Cathedral lies Parque del Mar, a green space that connects the city with the sea. This park is the perfect place to relax after exploring the cathedral, with its artificial lake reflecting the silhouette of La Seu, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Surrounded by palm trees, sculptures, and fountains, Parque del Mar is an oasis in the heart of Palma.
It’s the perfect place for a stroll, enjoying a picnic, or simply sitting on one of its benches to admire the views of the Mediterranean. Additionally, during the summer months, the park hosts open-air cultural events, such as concerts and film screenings, making it a dynamic and lively space for both locals and visitors alike.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
A few steps from Parque del Mar and the Cathedral lies the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, one of the most historic buildings in Palma. Originally an Arab fortress, this palace is now the official residence of the King of Spain during his visits to the island. Its architecture is a fascinating blend of Islamic and Christian styles, reflecting the transformations it has undergone over the centuries.
As you explore its halls, gardens, and courtyards, you can appreciate the rich history of the city and its importance as a strategic point in the Mediterranean. From its terraces, you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor and Palma Bay, making La Almudaina a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Bellver Castle
Another key site you cannot miss in Palma is Bellver Castle, a unique fortress with a circular shape, located on a hill overlooking the city and the sea. Built in the 14th century, the castle holds great historical value and offers spectacular panoramic views of Palma, its bay, and the surrounding mountains.
Originally conceived as a royal residence, it later served as a prison and today houses the Museum of the History of the City. Strolling through its courtyards and towers feels like a journey through time, offering insights into Mallorca’s history while enjoying one of the island’s most impressive viewpoints. Bellver Castle is a must-visit, not only for its unique architecture but also for the stunning views it offers of Palma from above.
Born Boulevard
After exploring Bellver Castle, a stroll along the iconic Paseo del Born is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the heart of Palma. This elegant, tree-lined boulevard, which connects the old town with the modern commercial life of the city, is a vibrant spot full of history, luxury shops, cafés, and restaurants. With its marble benches and statues lining the path, Paseo del Born has been the social hub of Palma for centuries.
Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk while admiring the stately architecture that surrounds it, take a break for a coffee on a terrace, or explore the boutiques of international brands. This promenade perfectly blends tradition and modernity, making it one of the most iconic and lively places in the city.
Main Square
Palma’s Plaza Mayor is one of the city’s most iconic and lively spots, perfect for immersing yourself in everyday life. Surrounded by colorful façades and arches, this square serves as the hub of social and cultural activity, offering a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and local shops.
In addition to being the perfect place to relax on a terrace, Plaza Mayor also hosts artisan and art markets where you can find typical regional products. With frequent street performances and its vibrant atmosphere, it’s a must-see spot for those looking to experience the authentic essence of Palma.
La Lonja
Located in the heart of the old town, La Lonja is one of the most iconic buildings in Palma de Mallorca. This example of Gothic architecture was built in the 15th century as the headquarters of the merchants’ guild and has since become an important cultural space in the city.
Its structure, with tall columns resembling palm trees, is just one of the reasons it’s worth visiting. Today, La Lonja hosts exhibitions and events, while its surroundings, filled with bars and restaurants by the harbor, make it an ideal spot to enjoy Palma’s nightlife and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Paseo Marítimo
With its lively coastal atmosphere and spectacular views of the Mediterranean, Palma’s Paseo Marítimo is one of the city’s most vibrant spots. This long promenade runs along the bay, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing stroll among palm trees, luxury yachts, and the shimmering sea. It’s ideal for walking or cycling during the day, or stopping at one of its terraces to savor local cuisine.
At night, the Paseo Marítimo comes alive with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, becoming one of the epicenters of Palma’s nightlife. Whether for a peaceful morning walk or a lively night out, this promenade is the perfect place to experience the modern essence of the city.
Arab Baths
The Arab Baths are one of the few remaining vestiges of the Muslim presence in Palma and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the old town, these baths date back to the 10th and 11th centuries and are notable for their Arab-influenced architecture, featuring horseshoe arches and columns repurposed from Roman buildings.
Upon entering, you can feel the mysterious atmosphere that envelops this place, once used as a space for relaxation and purification. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, the Arab Baths invite visitors to reflect on the city’s multicultural past. This hidden gem in the heart of Palma is perfect for exploring and connecting with the island’s rich historical heritage.
Olivar Market
To top off your visit to Palma, a stop at the Mercado del Olivar is a must. Located in the heart of the city, this market is the gastronomic center of Palma and the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local flavors and aromas.
The Mercado del Olivar offers a wide variety of fresh products, from freshly caught seafood and fish to fruits, vegetables, and traditional Mallorcan cured meats. In addition to shopping, you can enjoy tapas and wines at its lively stalls, making it a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists. The market is a true delight for food lovers, an ideal place to taste the freshest ingredients on the island and experience its vibrant culinary culture up close.
Palma de Mallorca is a city rich in history, culture, and beauty, offering a wide variety of experiences for every taste. The Balearic capital invites you to explore and enjoy every corner. It’s a visit that will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories!
We also invite you to discover all the experiences we have for you in Mallorca at Runaway Experiences.
