Things to do in Palma, Mallorca
Palma is the capital of Mallorca, an island just off mainland Spain. It’s easily accessible by plane or boat. For example, from Barcelona, you can fly in 50 minutes or travel by ferry in 5-7 hours (book tickets here).
Like much of Spain, Palma (also known as Palma de Mallorca) has experienced different rules, including Moorish, Christian, and Byzantine. The influences are evident in the beautiful buildings of the Old Town, nestled between palm trees and orange courtyards. It feels like a smaller version of Barcelona and its famous Gothic Quarter!
1. Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Discover one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe! This Gothic cathedral, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the greatest Palma attractions. It faces out onto an artificial saltwater lake (Parc de la Mar), which, in turn, looks over the Mediterranean Sea. The cathedral has seen many architectural changes over the years, some even made by the famous Gaudi!
Inside, you’ll find a 44-meter-high nave, beautiful paintings, and 60+ stained glass windows. Visit on a sunny day when the rays create beautiful dancing colors through the glass — it’s spectacular to see! You can also climb 120+ spiral stairs to the top of Palma Cathedral, where you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city.
Opening Times and Tickets
- Palma Cathedral is open daily from 8.30 AM to 3.15 PM
- The standard ticket price is 10 EUR (book skip-the-line entry tickets here)
- Combined Tickets (including roof visit) are 25 EUR
2. La Almudania Palace
Just a stone’s throw away from the cathedral is the iconic La Almudania Palace, one of the most spectacular attractions in Palma, Spain. Dating back to the 14th century, it’s also one of the oldest Moorish buildings on the island. Today, it’s still the official residence of the Spanish royal family whenever they visit Palma de Mallorca!
When the King and Queen aren’t visiting, the palace is open to the public. Take a couple of hours to admire its beautiful tapestries and paintings, as well as its charming inner courtyard with palm trees. There’s also a fantastic roof terrace with stunning views over the city and Palma de Mallorca Beach.
Tip: If you are in Palma on the last Saturday of the month, make sure to visit La Almudania Palace. You’ll be lucky enough to witness the changing of the palace guards, which only happens once a month at noon — an absolute must-see in Palma, Spain!
Opening Times and Tickets: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10 AM – 6 PM. On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons from 3 PM, it’s free to visit. The standard entry is 7 EUR.
3. La Lonja, Palma
Nestled on the edge of the Cathedral and Almudania Palace is the magnificent La Lonja: the old market of Palma. This incredible medieval building was designed by a famous Mallorcan sculptor and architect named Guillem Sagrera. His work in Palma, Mallorca, was so famous that it inspired the design of La Lonja de Seda in Valencia.
Inside, you’ll find a vast open hall with beautiful arches and spiral stone pillars reminiscent of palm trees. This room was once the city’s central meeting point for merchants and traders.
Opening Times and Tickets: Entry is free. Open from Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.
There really is a beach for everyone in Mallorca, and Palma is no exception; it’s home to some of the nicest ‘city’ beaches in Europe! Spend a morning relaxing and swimming before a morning of sightseeing. Here are some of the easiest beaches to reach on foot or by public bus:
- S’Arenal
- Playa Can Pere Antoni
- Cala Estancia
- Ses Illetes
- Cala Mayor
Tip: You can explore these beaches by joining a boat tour from Palma marina.
Alternatively, if you rent a car, you can explore beaches further afield. For example, Cala del Moro, Playa des Trenc, or Cala Deia. We drove 40 minutes to Sa Rapita and did a fantastic Llaut tour (traditional wooden boat) of the southern beaches — with plenty of time for snorkeling!
Sa Calobra Beach (Unmissable Thing to do in Palma!)
If you want to visit one of Mallorca’s dreamiest beaches, head to the mesmerizing Sa Calobra, located in the north.
The beach is special, but the journey there is even more mind-blowing. Drive to the summit of Puig Major, the island’s highest mountain peak, passing through carved-out tunnels and artificial lakes. At the top, stop to take in the views before worming your way down a 12-km spiral mountain road.
Must read: Sa Calobra Beach in Mallorca
Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by a small port where you can park your car. From here, walk to the right through a narrow tunnel; the view at the end will take your breath away! Emerge at the stunning cove of Sa Calobra, where two rocky outcrops frame a narrow turquoise channel.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
How to Get to Sa Calobra
There are only two ways to reach Sa Calobra: by car or boat. If you want to experience the incredible views from the mountain road, we recommend driving. However, arriving into the cove by catamaran or speed boat is equally beautiful (trips usually leave from Puerto de Soller).
5. Bellver Castle
On the fringes of Palma, perched high on a hill overlooking the sea, discover the circular Bellver Castle. It’s said to be one of the only circular castles in Europe!
Bonus: Once you’re done exploring, head into the beautiful pine woodland, where you’ll find a network of hiking trails. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature; bring a picnic and make a day of it!
Opening Times and Tickets
- Winter hours (October to March): Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM (Mondays closed). Sundays 10 AM – 3 PM
- Summer hours (April to September) are extended until 7 PM
- Tickets cost 4 EUR. However, it’s free to visit on Sundays
- Please note that Bellver Castle is on the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus route. This allows you to combine your visit with other top things to do in Palma
6. Explore the Old Town
Get lost in the medieval streets of the Old Town — one of the best things to do in Palma! Known as ‘El Casco Antiguo’, it’s home to beautiful stone townhouses, timeworn bookshops, quaint ‘hornos’ (bakeries), and stunning plazas.
Tip: Head for Placa Cort, a wide-open square, where you’ll find the spectacular facade of the council building and a 600+-year-old olive tree! Also, look out for Placa Mayor, which has the same look as its similarly named counterpart in Madrid.
Nearby is the beautiful boulevard of Passeig el Born, which felt like a mini version of La Rambla in Barcelona. The Paseo, lined with palm trees and luxury shops, is also known as one of the most elegant places to visit in Palma, Mallorca.
Join a walking or bike tour of the Old Town and discover its highlights, such as La Lonja and the Cathedral.
Did you know? The Old Town is also one of the best areas to stay in Palma! Among the maze of narrow streets, you can find some fantastic boutique hotels and luxury apartments.
7. Take the Train to Soller (Best Thing to do in Palma!)
One of Palma’s most spectacular day trips is to the beautiful town of Soller in northern Mallorca. The town is split into two parts: Soller, which sits inland, basking in the shadow of the mountains, and the Port, which is a 10-minute drive away on the coast. However, the real beauty of this day trip is the journey to get there!
Jump on a 100+-year-old train, comprised of wooden carriages and leather seats, from Palma train station. On this 1 hour journey to Soller (27 KM), you’ll weave through the Tramunta mountains, passing by orange and olive groves, traditional Mallorcin villages, and mountain tunnels. You can also open the windows in the carriages to take photos of the dreamy scenery as you travel!
Train Schedule: We recommend taking the 10.30 AM train from Palma to allow for more time in Soller. You can then return on the last train at 5 PM.
Travel by train, tram, and boat on a multi-stop tour from Palma! See tickets and availability here.
Soller Town and Tram
Once you arrive in Soller town, explore the charming village streets and pretty plazas for an hour or so. Afterward, hop on the famous vintage tram ride to the port (every hour from outside Soller Station/8 EUR one way). The 15-minute journey meanders down to the coast before traversing along the horseshoe bay to the marina.
Combined train + tram tickets cost 35 EUR. Purchase them online here.
Puerto de Soller (Port of Soller)
Once in Puerto Soller, wander along the beautiful marina with luxury yachts and small fishing boats, stopping for ice cream or a cold drink on one of the sun-drenched terraces. On the left side of the bay (the furthest from the marina), you’ll find a popular swimming beach, so factor in some time if you’d like a quick dip before returning to the city.
8. Visit Mountain Towns: Deia + Valldemossa
High up in the Tramunta mountains, nestled into the cliffs of Mallorca’s craggy northern coast, lie the stunning towns of Deia and Valldemossa. Both villages are beautiful in their own right, but the cliff-top road connecting them is the real jewel in the crown.
We recommend renting a car for this day trip so you can stop to take photos at various viewpoints along the way. One of our particular favorites was Mirador de sa Foradada, where you can sit at a clifftop bar with incredible views out to sea.
Live like a local: book scooter or motorbike rental from Palma!
The real beauty of Valldemossa is simply wandering around and discovering charming buildings and viewpoints at every turn. This one was our favorite.
Make sure to stop for brunch at Barbaflorida Cafe. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in the evening, reserve a table at Es Taller, an old converted car garage!
Deia
The romantic artist’s village of Deia lies a little further along the coastal road, about a 15-minute drive from Valldemossa. Once famous as a hippy town in the mountains, frequented by musicians, poets, and artists, Deia has maintained its name among the rich and famous, now home to luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Despite this, it still has its old-world charm, with quiet stone-stepped streets that weave amongst cypress trees and traditional houses.
Grab an Ensaimada (Mallorcan sweet pastry) from the local bakery and wander up to the cemetery for fantastic views over the village, olive terraces, and the rocky coastline below.
Tip: Those interested in Deia’s famous residents can also visit the Robert Graves Museum, the home of the famous British poet.
Cala Deia
There is a beautiful farmland walk from the village down to Cala Deia (the local cove). Stop for a swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, grab a fresh seafood lunch at Ca’s Petro March, or join one of the many coastal hiking trails that snake up into the cliffs.
Note: We wouldn’t recommend driving down to the Cala (unless it’s off-season), as parking is limited and the road is very narrow.
How to Visit Valldemossa and Deia
Numerous buses leave Palma Bus Station throughout the day to both villages (check bus schedules here). However, having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the nearby calas and viewpoints.
Learn more about how to rent a car in Spain
If you have time, we recommend staying overnight in Valldemossa or Deia as part of your Mallorca itinerary. Watching the sunset go down, and the old-fashioned street lamps turn on in these magical villages is an incredible experience.
9. Santanyi Market
Discover the colorful market of Santanyi, which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in this charming inland village. Here, you can find everything from fresh food to clothing and handicrafts. It’s very colorful and vibrant; you’ll see plenty of tourists buying souvenirs and locals doing their weekly grocery shop, so it’s a great mix of all.
Arrive early, grab a pastry and a coffee, and watch the vendors set up their stalls. As the morning progresses, the atmosphere really comes to life as local people open their shutters to sit out on their balconies and listen to music, barter, and talk.
Tip: Don’t miss the incredible interior shop Terracuita, which is jam-packed full of amazing interior decoration, stoneware, and textiles. There’s also a cafe on site; you’ll find the wonderful courtyard terrace opposite the shop. We sadly didn’t get a chance to try it, but the food looks delicious!
It’s best to reach Santanyi by car (50 minutes) as the public bus takes a few hours with changes. We also recommend arriving early to get a good parking space.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
10. Arab Baths
The Arab Baths in Palma, or Banys Arabs, are the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Deep in the Old Town of Palma, these perfectly preserved baths from the 11th century are surrounded by tranquil gardens filled with fragrant citrus trees. The baths are one of the few remaining bits of Islamic architecture left in Palma.
Opening Times and Entry Fee: During the summer months (April to November), the baths are open from 9 AM to 7.30 PM. In the winter season, they close an hour earlier, at 6 PM. The entry fee is 3.50 EUR (cash only).
Want to try some modern-day Arab Baths? Walk 20 minutes to the Hammam al Andalus for a relaxing soak. Reserve your spot online here.
Where to Stay in Palma
Palma is a relatively small city, so you can stay anywhere and be only a short bus ride away from all the best Palma attractions. However, we recommend staying in the Old Town; it’s the most scenic spot with a good mix of trendy hostels, charming boutique hotels, and upmarket apartments.
Tip: If you’d rather stay outside of the city, you can choose one of the nearby villages on the island and make day trips to the center.
How Many Days in Palma?
You need at least an afternoon or a day to see some of Palma’s best attractions. However, Palma’s cozy, small-town feel means that it’s a great place to base yourself while discovering the island:
- 1 Day: If you’re staying elsewhere on the island, allocate a day of your Mallorca itinerary to discover Palma.
- 3 Days: This is a good amount of time to discover all the top things to do in Palma. Three days is also enough for a one-day trip. For example, Soller or Deia.
- 5-7 Days: A week is best for a Mallorca itinerary, allowing you to see Palma and other places on the island.
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How to Visit Palma, Mallorca
Palma’s international airport has flights from all over Europe and Spain. Additionally, there are direct routes from the USA during peak months. The airport is massive, so make sure to allow a reasonable amount of time to walk to and from your gate.
From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi into the city in less than 20 minutes.
Getting Around
We don’t recommend driving if you’re staying in the heart of the city, as it can be challenging to find permitted street parking, and parking garages can be expensive. Because of this, it’s easier to explore the city on foot or by bike. (Book this popular bike tour in Palma)
If you’re also planning some day trips, use the bus/train system or rent a scooter.
Tip: If you’re following a Mallorca itinerary, hire a car and stay on the city’s outskirts for the most ease and flexibility.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Best Restaurants and Cafes
Dine on delicious tapas, fresh seafood, and the sweetest oranges; this is island living at its finest! Along with its tourism, Mallorca has also developed an incredible dining scene, with renowned chefs coming from all over the world to showcase fusion menus, classic Spanish favorites, and international fare.
Join this fantastic cooking class, taught by a professional chef in Palma
Palma is undoubtedly one of the best places on the island to eat out. Some of our favorites were:
- OMBU Passeig del Born
- Lili’s
- Assaona Gastrobeach Club Palma
- Temple Natura Cafè
- El Camino
- Mallorca Delicatessen
- KAIZEN Restaurant
- Che, Tú.
- La Finca
- Restaurant Botànic
- Berlin Coffee Roasters
Tip: On mainland Spain, restaurants generally don’t open until after 8 PM. Because Mallorca is more set up for tourism, they open a bit earlier (we recommend always reserving in advance). Please note that during winter, especially in more remote places like Deia, the majority of the restaurants close for the season.
How Much Does Palma Cost?
Although Spain is generally known as a cheap European destination, Mallorca is noticeably more expensive due to the high tourist influx.
Palma, in particular, attracts people from all over the island looking to come and enjoy the gastronomic restaurants, high-end shopping, and beautiful spas and hotels. If you look in the right places, though, you can still find some ways to cut your budget: grab a delicious bakery pastry for breakfast, choose a Mallorcan cafe with a cheap ‘menu del dia’, or take public transport. (Learn more about how to travel cheap)
Best Time to Visit
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best time to visit Palma, especially when there are sunny days and fewer crowds. The winter months are also just as beautiful, with cooler days that are better for sightseeing.
Note: Mallorca can be hectic during the summer. Although this is the best time to enjoy the island’s stunning beaches, you’ll need to make reservations well in advance for parking, restaurants, hotels, and tours.
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