What to do in Palma de Mallorca in 3 days …
The capital of the Balearic Islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Sun, beaches, historical heritage of great value, gastronomy and entertainment make the largest island of the Spanish archipelago an essential destination for every type of traveler. If Mallorca is often associated with the wildest fun and considered a destination of perdition for thousands of young people from all over Europe, the island and its main city are perfectly suited to many types of travelers. If you plan to spend a few days in Palma as a first approach to the Majorcan island, here are some (fresh) travel tips for those who are about to spend a long weekend in this splendid city.
General informations
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearics, a large city of about 400,000 inhabitants, where the great cultural heritage testifies to a past rich in influences of various kinds. The city was founded by the Romans and named Palma in honor of the famous Palma picena. Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, the city soon became the hub of commercial traffic and also the target of vandal and Byzantine raids. The city was dominated by the Arabs for about 3 centuries before being invaded by the Aragonese troops and entering the kingdom of Spain. Mass tourism on the island began gradually in the 1950s and then established itself in the 1990s and made the region the richest in Spain.
The city has a large international airport a few kilometers from the center (the third in Spain for number of passengers) as well as a port that welcomes dozens of cruises every year.
Where stay
If your travel idea is to discover a city of great cultural value without giving up the worldliness of Palma, the ideal is to stay in a structure in the historic center to be able to experience the city on foot and get lost in the streets of the city. medieval that suddenly open into majestic squares dominated by imposing churches. My choice fell on the Hotel Antigua Palma, an old Majorcan noble house completely renovated without losing the charm of the typical style of the island to guarantee the guest the greatest comfort. A 5-star hotel with rooms with a modern and functional design, well placed in a historical context of great value. For those who do not want to give up on relaxation while traveling, the hotel has a SPA with Jacuzzi and Turkish bath to regenerate after visiting the city. The real jewel of the structure is the rooftop with bar and small swimming pool, which offers relaxation and an unmissable view over the rooftops of the city. A real oasis in the city center. To complete it all, a 5-star service and a cuisine that satisfies even the most demanding palates.
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What see
The most important monument of the city is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, commonly called “La Seu“. An imposing building that stands out between the Almudaina Palace (another cult building in the city) and the Archbishop’s Palace. Built on an ancient mosque, the Cathedral is among the highest in the world with its 44 meters (surpassed only by Beauvais and Milan). Inside, the stained glass windows and rose windows offer an impressive play of colors and lights. In addition to the Almudaina Palace (official residence of the King of Spain on the island), around the cathedral the other unmissable attractions are the ancient walls (from which to admire unique views of the port, especially at sunset), the gardens of S’Hort del Rei (a garden crossed along the length by a fountain showing the Arab influence in the city), and the Lontja de Palma (with its unique Gothic style where the fish market was once located).
The beating heart of the city for its many restaurants is the historic center (Casco Antiguo) where you can get lost in the various alleys and come across the churches of Saint Francis, Santa Eulalia, Santa Cruz etc.
A walk along the seafront is unmissable until you come across the beaches. The first one is that of Can Pere Antoni which extends as far as Portixol. The other beaches of Palma, reachable by public transport or by bike, are S’Arenal, Playa Ciudad Jardìn, Platja de Can Pastilla and the splendid Platja de Cala Major.
Other essential attractions are the Paseo Maritimo from which you can also admire the mills (one of the symbols of the island), for shopping lovers the elegant Passeig del Born and the Rambla, the Plaza Mayor and Plaza Cort and certainly the Parc de la Mar (an expanse of water between the cathedral, the walls and the sea). For a unique view of the city, the Castell Bellver is a must.
In the old part, the Arab Baths (testimony of the Moorish past) are also worth a visit and for art lovers undoubtedly a visit to the Fundaciò Pilar i Joan Mirò as well as to Es Baluard which collects works of great value by Picasso, Magritte and Cézanne.
What to see nearby
Three days are certainly not enough to visit the whole island of Mallorca. But to start discovering the surroundings of Palma, a trip out of town in the Sierra de Tramuntana (the mountainous massif of the island, a Unesco heritage) is undoubtedly one of the things to do. In particular, visit one of its Peublos (or villages). One of the most famous is Valldemossa. About 25 minutes from Palma (to reach it you can use Bus 203 from Palma station or a taxi for around 30-40 euros), the village where Chopin lived, is one of the most famous in Mallorca. Picturesque houses, unique views and a high-level culinary tradition make Valldemossa an essential destination for a trip to Mallorca. Other places to report certainly Soller (reachable by a historic train from Palma) and Deìa.
Where to eat
One of the fundamental elements of a holiday in Palma de Mallorca is the gastronomic one. The island like the rest of Spain offers a wide choice of typical products of great value and taste.
For tapas lovers, the most popular addresses in the city are Ombu, Forn and La Caña which offer a wide choice of authentic-flavored tapas with a refinement of taste and originality in a trendy and cool setting.
In Valldemossa the address to report is that of QuitaPenas where you can taste the best Pa ambi oil (a typical Mallorcan recipe, a sort of bruschetta accompanied by typical cold cuts and cheeses).
