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Panoramic view of La Seu gothic cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Things to do in  Palma de Mallorca

Castles (and cathedrals) in the sand

The capital of the Balearic Islands and the main city on the island of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca is a popular destination for architecture fans and sunseekers. While many people simply pass through en route to some of the island's famous beaches, it's worth sticking around. There are tons of things to do in Palma de Mallorca, from sampling Balearic cuisine to shopping for handicrafts and espadrilles. However, if you can only check out one thing while visiting the city, make it the Palma Cathedral (La Seu), Palma’s star attraction.

Top 2 attractions in Palma de Mallorca

Top activities in Palma de Mallorca

All about Palma de Mallorca

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When to visit

Palma is at its busiest in the summer months, as the sun is almost guaranteed to be shining and the Mediterranean waters are typically warm and inviting. However, the city is a year-round destination, offering pleasant weather in the spring and fall and considerably fewer crowds in the winter. If you like cultural festivals, consider visiting in late February or early March, when the annual Sa Rua Carnival brings parades and parties to Palma.

Getting around

While many visitors to Mallorca rent cars, the easiest way to get around Palma is actually on foot or by public transit (primarily because parking is limited). Many of the attractions in Palma's medieval Old Town are within easy walking distance of one another. To get to or from the airport, you can pre-book a comfortable, private transfer or take the A1 bus, which links the airport with the center of Palma.

Traveler tips

If you like to eat, Palma won't disappoint. Here, you'll find plenty of fresh seafood dishes along with tasty vegetable and meat-based dishes. Don't miss arròs brut, which is similar to paella but served in a broth. Sobrasada is another popular option that's local to the Balearic Islands and is made with pork and lots of paprika. If you have a sweet tooth, try ensaïmada, a fluffy pastry that's typically topped with generous amounts of powdered sugar.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-visit attractions in Palma de Mallorca?
A:

Palma Cathedral (La Seu) is by far the most popular attraction in Palma, celebrated for its beautiful architecture and imposing size. Other must-sees include the Bellver Castle, a 14th-century castle that overlooks the city, and the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which showcases works by Balearic artists.

Q:What are the best beaches near Palma de Mallorca?
A:

Some of the best beaches in and around Palma de Mallorca include Cala Estància, Playa Tikaran, Platja d'Illetes, and Cala Comtesa. If you have a rental car or hire a driver, you can easily get to farther-away beach destinations such as Camp de Mar and the highly rated Playa de Muro.

Q:How many days do you need in Palma de Mallorca?
A:

You need at least one full day in Palma de Mallorca if you want to see the highlights, but two days will allow you to move at a more reasonable pace and get some shopping in. In 3–4 days, you can use Palma as a base and do a few day trips.

Q:What are the top day trips from Palma de Mallorca?
A:

There are plenty of great day trips from Palma de Mallorca. One of the most popular destinations is the Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drach), a subterranean cave system you can visit by boat. The historic, artsy town of Sóller is another great option—it's only about a 30-minute drive north of Palma.

Q:Where are the best places to eat in Palma de Mallorca?
A:

There are so many great places to eat in Palma de Mallorca, from low-key taverns to fancy restaurants. Popular options include Ola del Mar, which serves seafood, paella, and more on a beautiful waterfront terrace, and La Malvasia, where you can eat tapas and sip wine while watching passersby.

Q:What are the best shopping spots in Palma de Mallorca?
A:

There is a lot of excellent shopping in Palma de Mallorca, from the Mercat de l'Olivar—which sells fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood—to air-conditioned shopping malls such as the Porto Pi Centre Comercial. For espadrilles, visit Toni Pons or Alpargatería La Concepción, both of which get great reviews for their quality and pricing.