Is Palma worth visiting?
If you’re planning a day trip to Mallorca then it’s a right place to be! During my recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised by how fancy, clean, and vibrant Palma de Mallorca is. The city’s charm lies in its beautifully preserved architecture, lively streets filled with cafes and shops, and the warm atmosphere created by friendly locals. From the moment you arrive, Palma invites you to explore its enchanting blend of historic and modern influences, making it an ideal destination for any traveler. Thos who travel with kids will also find plenty of playgrounds in the city to entertain their little ones.
Beyond the picturesque streets, Palma offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes, from traditional Majorcan dishes to innovative dining experiences. The city is brimming with art galleries, markets, and cultural events that showcase the island’s rich heritage and creativity. Whether you’re wandering through the quaint neighborhoods, indulging in local delicacies, or simply soaking in the vibrant ambiance, Palma de Mallorca captivates the heart and leaves a lasting impression.
Best Time to Visit Palma
Palma de Mallorca attracts approximately 5 million tourists each year, a staggering number considering that the island’s population is only about 1 million. This influx of visitors can significantly affect the experience, particularly during the high season from June to August, when the city is bustling and prices for accommodations and activities soar. If you’re looking to enjoy Palma at a more relaxed pace, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or in October, like we did. During these months, the weather is still pleasantly warm, crowds are thinner, and you’ll find more reasonable prices for hotels and dining.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca?
During our stay in Palma de Mallorca, we chose the Portixol Hotel, and it proved to be an excellent choice for a memorable vacation. This stylish hotel boasts a four-star rating and offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and Mediterranean charm. One of the standout features of our room was the private balcony with a stunning sea view, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean right from our doorstep. Additionally, the room came equipped with a steamer, ensuring we were always looking our best for our daily adventures.
What truly set the Portixol Hotel apart was its attention to detail and thoughtful amenities. It was one of those rare hotels that provided essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, sandals, razors, and hair dryers—everything you might need for a comfortable stay. We also appreciated the complimentary drinks in the room, including water, Coke, coffee, and fresh fruits, which added a nice touch to our experience. The bed was big and comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
The service was on point, with friendly and professional staff who made us feel welcome throughout our stay. The atmosphere was quiet and idyllic, creating a perfect retreat after a day of exploring the city. Overall, the Portixol Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers looking to enjoy both relaxation and proximity to Palma’s vibrant attractions.
What to do in Palma de Mallorca in One Day?
Tip: To see the best of Mallorca I would recommend to get Palma de Mallorca All-Inclusive City Pass. It includes all the most interesting and important sights of Palma and saves you money!
1. Stroll thorough the historic center in Palma and enjoy Food Tour
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture of Palma de Mallorca is through a food tour with Nofrills Excursions. This engaging three-hour tour offers a fantastic introduction to the city, allowing you to explore its culinary landscape while learning about its rich history and traditions. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll be shown around the vibrant neighborhoods of Palma, stopping at various eateries and markets to taste a selection of traditional Mallorcan dishes.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy a variety of tastings that highlight the island’s unique flavors, from savory tapas to sweet ensaimadas. Each stop provides not only delicious food but also insights into the culinary techniques and ingredients that make Mallorcan cuisine so special. The friendly guides create a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and engage with both the food and the city.
One of my favorites was the old recipe for almond ice cream, enjoyed at the charming Café Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, a beautifully decorated bakery that has been delighting visitors for over 300 years.
2. Must Visit – Cathedral-Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca
Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca, often referred to simply as La Seu. Definitely get tickets online to avoid waiting in line and it will save you a lot of time. I always purchased mine with Get Your Guide.
This stunning Gothic cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island, dominating the skyline with its impressive spires and intricate architecture. Construction began in 1230 and spanned several centuries, resulting in a magnificent blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.
As you approach La Seu, you’ll be struck by its grandeur and the beauty of its façade, which features elaborate carvings and striking rose windows. Inside, the cathedral’s vast nave and soaring ceilings create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. When the light hits the stained-glass windows, it’s like a rainbow fills the tremendous space, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the interior. I was truly stunned by its beauty and magnitude. The breathtaking rose window, one of the largest in the world, is especially captivating when illuminated by the sun.
The cathedral also houses several chapels, altars, and artworks that reflect the island’s rich religious history. In addition to its architectural marvels, La Seu offers stunning views of the surrounding city and the Mediterranean Sea, especially from the terraces. Do not hesitate to visit this gorgeous place!
3. Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a stunning historical landmark that reflects Mallorca’s rich heritage and royal history. Originally built as a Moorish fortress in the 10th century, the palace was later transformed into a royal residence, blending Islamic architectural elements with Gothic features. Visitors can explore its beautifully decorated rooms, including the grand Throne Room and the Chapel of Santa Ana, which showcase exquisite furnishings and artwork. The palace’s impressive architecture and serene gardens offer a glimpse into the opulence of Mallorcan royalty and provide a picturesque setting with views of the surrounding areas.
To enhance your visit, I highly recommend to purchase tickets online in advance too.
4. Join a Bus Tour and visit Bellver Castle
One of the best ways to explore Palma de Mallorca is by joining a bus tour, which offers a convenient and flexible way to navigate the city. With this option, you can decide where you’d like to hop on and off, allowing you to spend more time at the attractions that interest you most. This is particularly helpful for first-time visitors who want to familiarize themselves with Palma’s layout and key sites without the stress of navigating public transport or parking.
In addition to the city’s highlights, many bus tours also provide access to beautiful sites just outside of town, such as the stunning Bellver Castle. This circular castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Palma and the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for photography and exploration. Whether you want to delve into the local culture or enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, a bus tour is an excellent way to enhance your experience in Palma de Mallorca.
5. La Lonja de Palma
La Lonja de Palma is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, originally built in the late 15th century as a marketplace for merchants. With its intricate stone carvings and soaring vaulted ceilings, this historic building exudes elegance and charm. Today, La Lonja serves as a vibrant cultural hub, often hosting art exhibitions and events. Its central location makes it an ideal spot to explore the surrounding streets filled with shops and cafés, allowing visitors to soak in the lively atmosphere of Palma.
6. Plaza Mayor of Palma de Mallorca
Plaza Mayor is the vibrant heart of Palma de Mallorca, known for its lively atmosphere and charming architecture. This bustling square is surrounded by elegant buildings featuring beautiful balconies and colorful facades, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and people-watching. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, Plaza Mayor invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal or sip a coffee while soaking in the local culture. Throughout the year, the square hosts various events, including art fairs and live performances, adding to its dynamic character. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Plaza Mayor is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Palma.
7. Take the Train to Soller or Port de Soller
One of the most memorable ways to experience Mallorca’s stunning landscapes is by taking the historic train from Palma to Sóller. This charming wooden train, which has been in operation since 1912, travels through the island’s beautiful Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, offering spectacular views of rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and fragrant citrus orchards. The train ride lasts about an hour, allowing you to fully enjoy the slow, scenic journey while glimpsing the authentic Mallorcan countryside. Its vintage design and open-window cars make it a uniquely nostalgic experience that transports you back in time.
Tip: Get tickets online since it’s a popular tourist attraction. Try to take the early train before 12pm otherwise it can get busy.
Once you arrive in Sóller, you have the option to explore the town’s lovely main square, cafes, and artisan shops or continue your journey to Port de Sóller by tram. In case there are way too many people you can also get taxi or even public bus which are both cheaper than tram. But tram is just a lovely experience. Port de Sóller is the picturesque port town is known for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay, lined with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and shops. The tram ride from Sóller to the port takes just about 15 minutes, giving you an idyllic way to complete your excursion.
