Palma city breaks

Palma’s a stunning sunlit city that'll wow you from all angles, with its cosmopolitan character and grand historical sights – not to mention its designer shops. Tree-trimmed streets and lamppost-lined squares thrive with life day and night in the atmospheric Old Town, while the Cathedral’s Gothic spires overlook swish marina-side bars along a palm-fringed waterfront. And thanks to beaches on the doorstep, it's easy to mix sightseeing with sunbathing. You’re in for a bunch of exciting experiences when it comes to wining and dining. Think colourful markets, art nouveau cafés, champagne bars, rooftop cocktails, tapas trails and Michelin-starred dining. When the sun goes down, it's all about the cobbled lanes of La Lonja for jazz clubs and chit-chat with the locals.

Grand designs

The origins of the city can be traced right back to the Roman Empire. Palma’s said to have been founded along with Puerto Pollensa in 123 AD! Nowadays, it offers you both a lively evening scene and cultural haven during the day. Whatever you experience here, you’re sure to see a different side to Majorca.

Join the party

Lively squares both day and night, Palma’s got it all. You’ll see street performers and classic cafés underneath arches, so stopping for a latte’s basically essential. For the brightest nights out over the summer, it has to be Pacha. The global clubbing brand has a stylish venue right by the marina.

Take it easy

For a relaxed afternoon, why not head to the beach? You’ll find stretches of sand with the heralded Blue Flag status, plus shallow waters for a quick paddle. Rent parasols and sun beds, and pull up a chair in one of the numerous bars to enjoy a cold one.

HM Jaime III Hotel

Palma City, Palma

Our rating

Based on 2717 reviews

Central location
Contemporary style
Relaxing spa
1km from Placa Major
1.1km from La Seu Palma Cathedral

Nivia Born Boutique Hotel

Palma City, Palma

Our rating

Based on 122 reviews

Luxurious boutique hotel
Central location
Rooftop terrace
90m from Passeig del Born
Certified Sustainable Hotel

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Arab Baths

Palma

The Arab Baths are one of the few remaining sites from the Moorish reign between the 8th and 13th centuries. To get to the small underground chambers that survived you walk through a lush walled garden. You'll...

BasIlica De Sant Francesc

Palma

One of Palma's oldest churches, Basilica De Sant Francesc is a place for quiet reflection. The facade of this gothic building, which has a distinct rose window in the centre, was remodelled after it was struck...

Castell de Bellver

Palma

Overlooking the city, this uniquely round castle is in good nick for its age. It's been standing for more than 700 years. For many of those years it was used as a prison, but it now contains Palma's museum of...

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£2.50

One-way bus ticket

£1.70

Meal for two

£42.70

Sightseeing

Contemporary museums housing works by Balearic-based artists are the in-thing if you want culture via paintbrush. There are fortresses and seafront parks, making on-foot exploration pure bliss. But, rising from the sea, you’ll find Palma Cathedral. The spiky spires of this ornate Gothic structure are the city’s knockout sight.

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Eating and drinking

Majorcan cuisine fuses traditional Spanish tapas with bold Mediterranean flavours and rustic island delicacies. Palma harbour is a great place for melt-in-the-mouth fresh seafood and fine dining with incredible views – don’t forget the wine. Whatever you order, you’re in for some of the most sumptuous dishes around.

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Shopping

Palma’s all about modern shopping for the fashion conscious. There’s a sophisticated tangle of designer labels, from Burberry to Louis Vuitton, but the Old Town’s concept stores are having a retail comeback. The markets will kit you out with essentials, plus local gifts and jewellery. You’ll be spoiled for choice.

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Getting around

Thanks to the grand castles, waterside promenades and Moorish streets, it’s well worth exploring Palma Old Town on foot and drinking in all of these beautiful sights. There’s a convenient bus service if your feet get tired, and one route even runs until late – perfect for Palma’s nightlife!