Compare Palma city breaks

What to do in Palma

A waterside setting, handsome architecture and a cosmopolitan vibe make Palma city breaks extremely appealing. Admire its main postcard attraction, laze away your days on its urban beach and discover artworks by big names in its premier gallery.

Palma Cathedral

Palma’s Cathedral, or La Seu as it’s known, is the city’s most famous landmark. The grand Gothic building is spectacular inside and out, with intricate carvings on its sandstone exterior, more than 60 stained-glass windows, and interior work done by Antoni Gaudi in the early 20th century.

For an extra fee, you can climb its bell tower to visit the cathedral’s roof terraces. The gorgeous views from the top are well worth the climb up more than 200 steps.

Beaches

Palma city breaks don’t require you to choose between bustling city culture and time on the sand – there are beaches right on its doorstep.

Playa Ca'n Pere Antoni is the closest beach to Palma, around 2km (1.2 miles) away from its centre – you can even see the cathedral from here. Cala Major, around 6km (3.7 miles) away, is popular due to its soft golden sand, clear waters, and loungers to hire. Slightly further, Cala Comtesa, is in a small bay with a more relaxed feel.

Es Baluard

In this art gallery built into the city’s Renaissance walls, you can admire more than 700 works of art from the late 19th century to now. Works range from paintings and sculptures to video installations.

In the museum’s collection, expect to see pieces by big names such as Picasso, Joan Miró and Miquel Barceló, as well as temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists. You can also enjoy views of the Bay of Palma from its terraces.

Bellver Castle

Commissioned by Majorcan King Jaume II in the 14th century, and intended as his royal residence, hilltop Bellver Castle is around 3km (about 2 miles) from Palma. The unique structure is circular with a central courtyard, three semi-circular towers and a circular keep.

Visit to see its unusual building, to take in fantastic views over Palma and beyond, to look at prisoner’s graffiti from its time as a prison, and to explore the City History Museum on the ground floor.

Passeig del Born

Known as the city’s Golden Mile, this pedestrianised, tree-lined avenue is a great place to stroll or people-watch. There’s a wide range of shops here, from high-street favourites and homeware stores to designer boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, as well as cafes, restaurants and a modern art gallery.

Amble up and down, stopping for a coffee and to shop, or relax on one of the benches that are dotted along the avenue and watch the world go by.

Where to stay in Palma

For families

If you’re visiting Palma with little ones in tow, you may want to base yourself near a beach so the kids can splash around after sightseeing. Playa de Palma, around 12km (7.5 miles) east of Palma is a great option. You’re only a 15-minute drive away from city action but have sandy beaches with clear waters on your doorstep.

Alternatively, go to the opposite extreme and emerge yourself in the heart of the action in the old town, called El Casco Antiguo. The major sights are close by for little legs and there’s a range of accommodation.

For travellers on a budget

Those looking for cheap Palma city breaks should consider staying in Sa Gerreria on the edge of the old town. It’s here that, every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon on the Martian Route, bars offer a drink, plus a tapa for a couple of euros.

You could also try foodie haven Santa Catalina to keep your costs down. There’s a good range of places to stay including apartments and hostels, and you’ll find restaurants for every budget as well as an indoor market for picnic and self-catering essentials.

For food and drink

At the centre of the cosmopolitan Santa Catalina neighbourhood is the Mercat de Santa Catalina, which sells fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, and bread. It also has a number of tapas bars. Elsewhere in this buzzing neighbourhood that’s earning a culinary reputation, there are high-quality Spanish restaurants and well as a huge selection of international outlets.

If you’d like to combine cuisine and culture, consider staying in Palma’s old town, El Casco Antiguo. Here you can choose between dining in Michelin-starred restaurants and more laid-back options to refuel after a day of sightseeing.

For nightlife

In the old town of Palma, lively La Lonja has some of Palma’s finest bars and nightlife options. Start a night out sipping cocktails in a cool bar, then head to a jazz bar or small club. Hotels here are equally cool, with plenty of chic boutique options.

If you’re after late-night dancing spots, look for a hotel near Palma’s Paseo Maritimo, where cool DJs spin sets in clubs and you can watch live music performances.

For culture

To be a short stroll away from many of Palma’s big cultural attractions, stay is in its old town. Here you’ll find the La Seu cathedral, Es Baluard modern art gallery, the Royal Palace of Almudaina, plus numerous historic churches and squares.

Alternatively, stay in Cala Major (west of the city centre) to relax on the beach after culture-filled mornings. As well as a lovely sheltered, sandy beach, you’ll be extremely close to the Joan Miró Foundation, a cultural centre dedicated to the artist, and Bellver Castle