Palma de Mallorca, usually referred to simply as Palma, is the largest city on the island of Mallorca and also the capital of the Balearic Islands as a whole.
Known for its spectacular Gothic cathedral, stunning beaches, vast marina and lively nightlife, the city is an excellent place from which to explore the rest of the island but also a thrilling holiday destination in its own right.
Flights from the UK take around two and a half hours and Palma airport (PMI) is less than six miles from the city centre with plenty of bus and taxi services available to take you back and forth, so you'll be sipping cocktails on the beach at nearby Palma Nova before you know it.
With dozens of world-class restaurants and bars, architectural wonders and great shopping opportunities, Palma is the perfect city to get away from it all. There are numerous ferry services from Palma to other islands including Ibiza and Menorca and you can also catch ferries to and from the Spanish mainland so Majorca is also a great base for a longer, multi-centre holiday.
The island has something for everyone. If you craved packed nightclubs that stay open until the early mornings and a non-stop party atmosphere, you'll find it in towns such as Magaluf. If, however, you want quiet countryside and tiny, unspoiled villages, you'll find plenty to choose from if you head inland.
Popular resorts and destinations include Paguera, Andraxt and Santa Ponsa in the south and Alcudia, Pollensa and C'an Picafort in the north. You can also head east to the resorts of Cala d'or, Cala Millor and Cala Bona. The further away from the coast you choose to stay, the lower the price will be.
With its many beaches, marine zoo and nearby waterparks, Mallorca also makes a great destination for families with young children. Kids will also enjoy a visit to the spectacular Cuevas del Drach - Dragon Caves - located on the eastern side of the island and the beautifully-preserved fortress, Castell de Belver, in Palma itself.
With a hire car, you have the freedom to explore the whole island at your leisure. Head away from the main towns to find quieter beaches or head to Valldemossa, a beautiful village with a historic monastery that is well worth visiting.
You can also visit the tiny town of Inca, home of the world-renowned footwear company Camper, but also famous for its numerous wine cellars, many of which have now been converted into fancy restaurants. If you don't have a car, you can still reach stunning mountain towns such as Soller and the nearby resorts of Deia and Puerto Soller with relative ease, using a combination of trains and trams.
Although it is busiest during the summer peak season, the island is hugely popular all year round with Palma flights available on a daily basis all through the winter. If you want to get there for a bargain price, it's a good idea to book as far in advance as possible. Whatever time of year you decide to travel, it's easy to find cheap flights to Palma using TravelSupermarket's price-comparison tool.
