Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, the captivating capital of Spain's largest Balearic Island, seamlessly blends medieval charm with Mediterranean sophistication. The city's crown jewel is the magnificent Gothic cathedral La Seu, which dominates the skyline alongside the historic Almudaina Palace, while the labyrinthine old town reveals hidden courtyards, art galleries, and centuries-old architecture at every turn. Beyond its rich cultural heritage, Palma offers pristine beaches, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect destination for both culture enthusiasts and beach lovers. The city serves as an ideal base for exploring Mallorca's diverse landscapes, from dramatic mountain villages to secluded coves, while offering enough urban attractions to fill several days of exploration.

Top Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca

Explore Palma Cathedral and Old Town

Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of La Seu cathedral with its massive rose window and Gaudí-designed interior elements. Wander through the atmospheric old quarter's narrow streets, discovering hidden plazas, historic churches, and traditional Mallorcan courtyards. The area also houses excellent museums, boutique shops, and charming cafés perfect for people-watching.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry costs around €9-12, with audio guides available for €4. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds. Many walking tours combine the cathedral with old town exploration for €15-25 per person.

Discover Bellver Castle

Visit this unique circular Gothic castle perched on a hilltop overlooking Palma Bay, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and coastline. The 14th-century fortress houses a fascinating history museum and features beautiful courtyards and architecture. The surrounding pine forest provides pleasant walking trails and picnic spots.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately €4 for adults, with free admission on Sundays for EU residents. The castle is easily accessible by bus or taxi, and the walk up takes about 20 minutes. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour photography.

Take a Boat Trip Along the Coast

Experience Mallorca's stunning coastline from the water with boat excursions ranging from half-day sailing trips to full-day catamaran adventures. Many tours include stops at hidden coves, snorkeling opportunities, and onboard meals. The crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs provide unforgettable photo opportunities and swimming experiences.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips start around €30-40, full-day excursions €50-80 including lunch. Book tours that include snorkeling equipment and choose operators with good safety records. May through October offers the best weather conditions.

Experience Local Food and Wine

Immerse yourself in Mallorcan cuisine through cooking classes, market tours, or wine tastings featuring local varieties. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like sobrassada, tumbet, and ensaimada while discovering local ingredients at Palma's vibrant markets. Many experiences include visits to local wineries in the countryside surrounding the city.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from €60-120 per person, often including market visits and lunch. Wine tours typically cost €80-150 including transportation and tastings. Book experiences that focus on local Mallorcan specialties rather than generic Spanish cuisine.

Visit Traditional Villages and Countryside

Explore the scenic Tramuntana Mountains and charming villages like Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller, each offering unique character, stunning landscapes, and cultural attractions. These excursions often include historic train rides, monastery visits, and opportunities to see traditional Mallorcan architecture and crafts. The mountain scenery provides a beautiful contrast to Palma's coastal setting.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost €45-70 per person including transportation and guide. Independent travelers can use public buses or rent a car for more flexibility. The vintage train to Sóller costs about €25 round-trip and is a highlight of any countryside visit.

Getting There

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the main gateway, located just 8 kilometers from the city center with excellent connections to major European cities. The airport is served by numerous airlines including budget carriers, with flight times of approximately 2 hours from mainland Spain and 1.5-3 hours from most European capitals. Ferry services connect Palma to Barcelona, Valencia, and other Spanish ports, offering an scenic alternative with overnight cabins available. The ferry journey takes 7-8 hours from Barcelona and includes car transport options.

Getting Around

Palma's city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The efficient public bus system (EMT) covers the entire metropolitan area with single tickets costing €1.50 and day passes available for €5. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while bike rentals offer an eco-friendly way to explore the city and nearby beaches. For exploring the wider island, rental cars provide maximum flexibility, though public buses connect to most major towns and beaches throughout Mallorca.

Where to Stay

Palma Old Town

Santa Catalina

Paseo Marítimo

El Terreno

Playa de Palma

Portixol

Food & Dining

Palma's dining scene ranges from traditional Mallorcan tavernas serving local specialties like sobrassada and tumbet to innovative restaurants earning Michelin recognition. The Santa Catalina market area has become a foodie hotspot with trendy bistros and wine bars, while the old town harbors family-run establishments that have served traditional recipes for generations. Don't miss trying ensaimada pastries, local wines from Binissalem, and fresh seafood at the fishing village of Portixol. The city also offers excellent international cuisine, from Japanese to Lebanese, reflecting its cosmopolitan character.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Palma is during late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), crowds are manageable, and most attractions and restaurants are open. Summer months (June-August) bring hot weather and peak tourist crowds but offer the best beach conditions and longest daylight hours. Winter (November-March) sees mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it perfect for cultural sightseeing and hiking, though some seasonal businesses may be closed and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit Palma's beaches early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better photo opportunities with softer lighting

Many museums and attractions offer free admission on certain days or hours - check local schedules to save money

The EMT bus day pass is excellent value if you plan to visit multiple neighborhoods or beaches in one day

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Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca