Planning your next Mediterranean getaway? How about Palma? This is a beautiful island capital that attracts 2.3 million Brits every year, highlighting its popularity and status as a Spanish gem.

If you don’t know much about the island, however, you may be wondering why you should choose Mallorca as your holiday destination. Fortunately, our guide has all the information you need to learn about it’s Palma.

Make planning your next getaway as easy as possible by reading our guide below and choosing Palma as the destination.

Where is Palma?

Palma is the capital of the island of Mallorca. This is a Spanish island off the east coast of the mainland with the closest major city being Valencia. Mallorca is home to almost one million residents with many residing in the bustling city.

Cala Major in Palma

Cala Major in Palma

What are the highlights of Palma?

There’s a lot to love about Palma, which is why all kinds of tourists travel here every year. Some of our highlights include the following:

Beautiful beaches

Palma boasts incredible beaches for you to kick back and relax on. These are all ideal for swimming, tanning or sandcastle making. Here are just a few of the best ones:

  • Playa de Palma – This is one of the most famous in Mallorca, stretching over six kilometres from Can Pastilla to El Arenal. It’s well-equipped with a wide range of facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, cafes and shops.
  • Cala Major – Cala Major is a popular urban beach located just a few kilometres from the centre of Palma. Despite its popularity, it retains a certain charm with clear blue waters and golden sand.
  • Ciudad Jardín – This beach is perfect for families, featuring a gentle slope into the sea, soft sands and plenty of playgrounds. The area is less crowded than Playa de Palma and offers a relaxed atmosphere with good facilities and excellent restaurants nearby.

 

spanish meal in Palma

Food in Palma de Mallorca is often Tapas like bread, cheese and meat

Delicious food

One thing’s for certain when you visit Palma, you won’t struggle to find exquisite food. Countless restaurants offer brilliant menus that even fussy eaters will enjoy. There are many local delicacies that you must try during your stay too. Some of the best include:

  • Pa amb oli – This is a simple yet beloved traditional dish in Mallorca. It consists of rustic bread rubbed with fresh tomato and topped with local olive oil, salt and sometimes garlic.
  • Tumbet – A classic Mallorcan vegetarian dish that’s like ratatouille. It features layers of fried aubergines, potatoes and red bell peppers, covered in a rich tomato sauce.
  • Sobrassada – A soft, spreadable sausage made from ground pork, paprika, salt and other spices.
  • Ensaimada – This is a sweet pastry that is iconic in Mallorca. Ensaimada is a soft, spiral-shaped yeast bun that’s dusted with powdered sugar.
  • Frit Mallorquí – This hearty dish is typically made from offal, potatoes, onions and peppers. All ingredients are fried together with local herbs and sometimes a bit of chilli.

A wonderful old town

Parma has a rich history with the Spanish, Moors, Arabs and Romans controlling it at different points. This history is celebrated through the many landmarks around the old town.

Some of the must-visit places include La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.

Cathedral La Seu in Palma de Mallorca islands

The stunning gothic La Seu Cathedral was built by the Crown of Aragón in 1229 but not completed until 1601

What do I need to do before my Palma trip?

If you want to experience all of Palma’s wonders, here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your trip here.

Pack accordingly

The summer months in Palma can be extremely hot, so you should pack accordingly. Your suitcase should be filled with the following:

  • Light, airy clothes that are breathable
  • Sun protection like cream, hat and sunglasses
  • Appropriate footwear for walking around urban areas, countryside regions and beaches
  • Hydration and health supplies like a water bottle, insect repellent and first-aid kit
  • Portable charger to ensure your phone is fully charged while navigating the Palma streets

Book activities

There are lots of activities to try when you’re in Palma and many of them can be booked before your visit. By booking ahead of time, you can start to plan your time better and have peace of mind that you won’t miss out.

Getting around

Palma isn’t the biggest city in the world, so getting around is easy. Those wanting a relaxing mode of transport that boosts their fitness can opt for walking or cycling but you can also choose public buses to get around faster. Alternatively, pay a little more to hire a private taxi for total convenience.

You may wish to book a transfer from Palma Airport to your accommodation after your flight, so you can arrive relaxed and ready to tackle your plans.

Choose a prime location to stay

Staying in the heart of the capital fully immerses you in the Palma experience and ensures no landmark is too far away.