Palma de Mallorca | Find out all about this surprising capital city
The capital of the island of Mallorca is Palma de Mallorca. Although Mallorca may be more known as a sun holiday destination, a visit to this beautiful city should not be missed during your holiday. This is because Palma is also the largest city on the island and is the capital of the Balearic Islands (which, apart from Mallorca, also includes Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera).
Palma de Mallorca is a city that has everything to offer... from beautiful buildings, cosy terraces and great shops to sights and magnificent castles and palaces. So there is plenty to discover in the capital Palma!
You can visit Palma during your holiday on Mallorca, but it is also recommended as a city trip destination. Within +/- 2 hours you fly to Palma Mallorca Airport and set foot on Spanish soil. Curious about what you can do in Mallorca's capital? And do you want to read tips about nice hotels in Palma de Mallorca? Then read on quickly!
Majorca's capital: Palma
To avoid overwhelming you with the complete history of Palma de Mallorca, we have instead listed some fun facts about Mallorca and its capital Palma for you. This will give you a quick idea of how the island came to be and what you can do there today.
The official name of Mallorca's capital is Palma de Mallorca, but the city is also popularly called Palma
Palma has over 400,000 inhabitants (almost half of Mallorca's total population)
Palma de Mallorca once originated under the influence of the Roman Empire
Being an island, Mallorca was often attacked and reconquered. These different peoples have each left their mark, so you can see influences from different cultures, especially in Palma
Since the 1950s, Mallorca has become a popular holiday destination, to which the inhabitants quickly responded by building massive hotels, bars and restaurants.
Although tourism is now Majorca' s main source of income, the government is trying to prevent the island from being completely run down by tourists. In particular, nightlife tourism is a problem on the island
The capital Palma Mallorca is the best place to discover Mallorca's culture and history
Many people find Palma similar to a smaller version of Barcelona, but without the mass tourism
Hotel Palma de Mallorca
If you're looking for a nice hotel or Vacation homes in Palma de Mallorca, we have some handy tips for you. Indeed, in Palma centre you will find plenty of nice hotels where you can stay. One of the fantastic resources you can use to find top-rated hotels is Palma de Mallorca Top Hotels at tophotels.com. Whether you are looking for a cheap hotel or a more luxurious boutique hotel, you have endless choices. If it's luxury you're looking for, be sure to check out Luxury Hotels in Palma de Mallorca. Mallorca also offers a charming array of bed and breakfast accommodations, providing a cozy and personalized stay for visitors seeking a more intimate experience. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to connect with locals or a couple seeking a romantic retreat, Mallorca bed and breakfast offer a delightful alternative to traditional hotels, ensuring a memorable and immersive stay on this captivating island. Palma always has something to offer! You can make it as crazy as you want. Do you choose a hotel in Palma de Mallorca city centre? Then you're in luck! We have listed our 5 favourite hotels in Palma de Mallorca for you. All hotels have 4 or 5 stars, are in the centre of Palma and therefore within walking distance of all sights. Be sure to check out the nicest hotels in Mallorca.
1. Protur Naisa Palma Hotel Mallorca
2. Hotel Basilica
3. M House Hotel Palmade Mallorca
4. Hotel Antigua Palma - Casa Noble
5. Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden
Palma de Mallorca city centre
What is there to do in Palma de Mallorca centre? Palma's old town is full of beautiful buildings, castles and palaces. You also have plenty of shops, restaurants and terraces. The ideal destination for a city trip! So what are the highlights you should not miss in the centre of Palma? We have selected the best sights for you:
La Seu Cathedral
The impressive La Seu Cathedral is perhaps Mallorca's most popular attraction. The construction of the church took around 300 years. The last part was completed in 1601... But the result is impressive! La Seu is the highlight of Palma and has several must sees: La Portal del Mirador (one of the entrances), the ceramics designed by Gaudí and the St Peter's Chapel designed by Barceló. Admission (including the museum) is just €4.
Bellver Castle
Just outside the centre of Palma de Mallorca is the historic Bellver Castle. This castle dates back to 1311 and is built in a beautiful Gothic style. It was once built for the then king of Majorca and later served as a military prison. What makes Bellver Castle so unique? Its round shape! You almost never see this in Europe. Now the castle is a popular attraction in Palma and even hosts open-air concerts.
La Almudaina Royal Palace
Right in Palma de Mallorca city centre and right next to La Seu Cathedral is Royal Palace La Almudaina. This magnificent palace has an Arabic look and was built by the Romans some 2,000 years ago. It was then conquered by the Moors and was also once the holiday home of King Jaime II. Now La Almudaina is open to the public and you can visit the palace and its beautiful gardens. One floor is still used by the Spanish royal family.
The tram from Palma to Sóller
From capital Palma, a tram leaves five times a day for the coastal town of Sóller. This tram has been in operation since 1914, when it was mainly used to transport loads of citrus fruits to the port of Palma. The tram departs from Plaça d'Espany station and runs a beautiful route through the Sóller valley (with colourful orange groves) and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain area. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
La Llotja
Another must-see in central Palma is La Llotja. You might wonder; is it a church? Or is it a castle? Actually, neither. This beautiful building was designed in the 15th century by Guillem Sagrera as Palma's commercial centre. Unfortunately, Palma lost its commercial importance and La Llotja lost its function. It was later used as a warehouse for weapons, goods and as an art gallery. Now it is a cultural centre with temporary exhibitions.
Fun streets of Palma de Mallorca city centre
One of our own favourite activities: wandering around the quaint streets in Palma city centre. Visit some cute boutiques, have a coffee on the terrace or enjoy a Spanish delicacy in one of the many restaurants. Renting a bike is also recommended! This is perhaps the most fun way to discover Palma de Mallorca's diverse centre.
Palma de Mallorca beach
You might not expect it, but Palma de Mallorca also has a number of beaches. They are not paradisiacal white beaches like you will find elsewhere in Mallorca, but still fun to visit during your trip to Mallorca's capital. Playa Ca'n Pere Antoni is Palma de Mallorca's city beach. This beach is close to Cathedral La Seu, so you can just walk there.
A few kilometres west of Palma, you'll find Cala Mayor beach. Cala Mayor is a fine sandy beach with clear waters. A great place for an afternoon of sun, sea & beach! On the west side of Palma de Mallorca, you'll find the village of Ca'n Pastilla a little further away. This village has a cosy bay and a stretched sandy beach called Cala Estancia. Fun to visit on a road trip!
More Majorca?
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Best hotels in Mallorca here - http://www.hotels-of-mallorca.com/en/
