We are not going to say that Palma de Mallorca was less beautiful 10 years ago, because it is impossible not to fall in love with the charms of its historic center and its imposing Cathedral , but the truth is that this new Palma, the one that has been reborn for some years, has stolen our hearts.
With a new tourism that looks far beyond the summer , focused on luxury but on that which inspires, gastronomy (national and international) and the small details that remind us that this city has not stopped looking at the Mediterranean.
We propose a visit, the one you deserve, the one that lets time pass slowly , which allows you an ice cream in the middle of the afternoon, a walk after a sunny day, a cold beer in any of its cobbled streets or let yourself be inspired by each corner with a camera in hand. Because look what beautiful corners Palma de Mallorca has!
The Cathedral of Palma de Majorca.
THE WALK
It is possible that you are passing through the city because you are going to do a road trip around the island, that you dedicate a weekend or more than three days to it, maybe you will come and want to stay all your life, but to what we have come, come The days you come, it's to relax. So no rush trips.
We start with a walk, very early, take advantage of the fact that the sun has not yet risen. Put on something comfortable and take your camera, we are going to discover the city. We start with the Passeig des Born that leads us to the port, we have several options: if we cross it to the end to the right we can discover Sa Llotja , Palma's old fishermen's market, a beautifully preserved 15th-century building in which exhibitions are held today. If we decide to turn left we will discover the surroundings of La Seu, the Cathedral of Palma. It is worth getting lost in its gardens, S'Hort del Rei , silent and fresh at the beginning of the day.
The Cathedral , the jewel of Palma, is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic in the world. With his silhouette reflecting in the Sea Park , just ahead, defines the city's skyline. To be able to enter you have to know the schedules well, on normal days it usually opens its doors at 10 in the morning.
Right next to him, Palace of the Almudaina , property of the Royal House, but, like the Cathedral, can be visited. Inside, it will allow us to know the gothic chapel of Santa Anna , the Islamic period baths and the terraces , with spectacular views of the sea and the bay of Palma.
We continue through Dalt de Murada, following the wall that protected the city in medieval times, and which gives us a quiet walk to the Episcopal palace , and if you feel like walking, to the Arab baths and the Santa Clara convent.
Traditional gourmet shop in Palma de Mallorca.
DISCOVERING THE OLD TOWN
The city of Palma has been taking care of its old town for years, each street awaits with something special, a surprise for the traveler: from a luxury boutique hotel, to an art gallery -there are so many that you won't be able to see them all-, hidden patios, museums , gardens in which to rest, houses of culture, restaurants where you feel like staying to live and postcard cafes.
Do not forget to look up, its charming facades with balconies decorated with art and flowers will always make you smile.
You can take as departure of your visit the Main Square wave Sant Miquel Street , the shopping street par excellence, and from there, discover buildings and corners. Like for example the main theater or the grand hotel , built in 1903. If you fancy visiting one of the best-preserved inner courtyards, we recommend that you go to Can Vivot , although you cannot enter, you will be able to see it from the outside. Yes you can do it in Can Balaguer Cultural Center , where they also hold exhibitions.
Views of La Seu from the Joan March Foundation.
In the historic center you will also find modernist buildings, Gaudí's influence in the city. One of the prettiest is Hound Fortress King . And continuing, from here, in the direction of Carrer de la Unió, we will find the crowded Market Square , the Casasayas modernist building, and a few meters away, the Church of Sant Nicolau. It must be said that Palma is a city full of churches and convents. You could spend the day visiting one after another.
More essential stops? Of course, you cannot leave without discovering the Bartholomew March Library, specialized in Balearic themes, inside you will find the museum of the Joan March Foundation.
The pool of the Hotel Convent la Missió.
A BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN A CONVENT
Looking to stay in the city? Palma is experiencing a significant boom in new openings, especially focused on luxury and a visitor who seeks tranquility in the center of the city, good gastronomy and elegance. A large number of boutique hotels are concentrated in the old town, one of them is the Hotel Convent de la Missió, one of the oldest in the city owned by the Torre de Canyamel group, which keeps a curious history in its building.
Located in the charming neighborhood of La Missió, surrounded by churches and convents, pretty streets and traditional shops, the hotel was created during the 17th century and dedicated to the formation of missionary parents.
The building consists of two parts, the convent where today we find the lobby with its art bar, perfect for a cocktail or coffee at any time of the day, and the restaurant with Michelin star by Marc Fosh ; and the part of the rooms, where the parents' cells used to be. It is in this wing of the building where some of them still live and where the church that offers mass every day is located.
That monastic peace is transmitted in all the spaces of the hotel, which, by the way, was renovated in 2017; and on its spectacular terrace with olive trees and a pool overlooking the city.
Without a doubt, we stayed with their rooms. Upon entering you will be greeted a wooden door with more than 300 years of history , its high ceilings and a very comfortable bed to rest happily. The amenities of L'Occitane they put the icing on a perfect room for families or couples.
The best thing is its breakfast, which is also served in the Marc Fosh restaurant, illuminated with natural light to start the day off right. Vitamin juices, homemade bread, sausages from Mallorca, delicious pastries and eggs in the style that you like the most . We are left with the corner of Mallorca, how many delicacies can fit in such a small space!
The hotel has a spa , free access for guests, and airport transfer service. This is especially recommended in high season.
It is racó from Mallorca.
WHERE TO EAT IN PALMA
Palma has a great gastronomic offer. In this getaway we are going to give you some addresses that will not fail, special for each moment of the day.
Assaona It is the gastrobeach club par excellence in Palma. It is true that you will have to leave the city center, but it is a pleasant walk with views of the sea. It has everything for a day at the beach : hammock area, cocktails, good live music, sunsets and a nice restaurant. In addition, it has interior areas in case you visit it out of season.
From its kitchen we highlight a fresh and fun menu with dishes to share, market cuisine, from sushi to seafood and fish of the day. You will also find salads, pokes and tiraditos. His name already says it Assaona , is seasoning in Majorcan. Here no dish is lacking in flavor.
Do you have dinner in Palma? If you are looking for atmosphere, you will have to go to the neighborhood of Santa Catalina, "the Mallorcan Sweden", and the fashionable neighborhood of the city. Spot Mallorca, from the Tragaluz group, is the ideal restaurant for a dinner with friends or as a couple.
The brother of Green Spot (Barcelona), owned by In Company of Wolves , has a very special menu that does not forget Mallorcan gastronomy but also looks at the world: from its wood-fired pizzas, to ceviches, green salads and healthy and original dishes to share. Delicious desserts, and of course, good cocktails.
For dinner or a midday meal in the historic center, but away from the crowds, we recommend Xalest Restaurant, the Concepció by Nobis restaurant, which is also a cocktail bar. In addition to a unique space, the locally inspired cuisine prepared with the modern touch of chef Xema Álvarez surprises with delicious dishes, always with a Majorcan touch.
You can start with some tacos or a tuna tartar, and continue with a spoon rice of carabinero and sobrassada alioli or a veal cheek with truffled mashed potato , her star dish. There are desserts, of course, how could you leave without trying a homemade cheesecake or a chocolate almond gató!
Cinnamon It is the restaurant for vegans (or not) in the city. You will come and repeat, either for its lunch menu at a more than reasonable price and with traditional vegan dishes, or for dinner with a somewhat more sophisticated menu. In their kitchens, a family more than experienced in the business -they were the owners of the first vegan in Palma-.
In its menu you will find dishes such as Heura with peanut sauce , spinach pakoras with mango chutney, fresh pasta with vegan carbonara sauce or vegan burgers. The desserts are also surprising and, best of all, they are very healthy.\
SHOPPING
The only bad thing about Palma de Mallorca is that its shops are quite a temptation, the windows (especially those dedicated to local cuisine) are inspirational. Here is a list of the essentials:
- Fornet of the Soca. It opened its doors in 2008 and since then it has not stopped exciting with its windows full of Mallorcan pastries. Following them on their Instagram is like taking a trip to the island.
- Forn de Sant Crist. An institution in Palma as far as ensaimadas are concerned. They have been making them since 1910.
- Ca'n Joan de s'Aigo. Homemade products made by a small family from Mallorca. They have three stores, the first one opened in 1700. They are pioneers in making ice cream on the island.
- Fika Farina. Swedish bakery in Mallorca that you will want to enter at any time of the day.
- Majorca Delicatessen. Its window says it all, a delicatessen product from the island.
- Quart Creixent Bookstore. A small charming bookstore in the heart of Palma. His love for books dates back to 1982.
- Terra Cuita. Crafts and purchase of ceramics from Mallorca.
- Petit Bumü. Eco-friendly store dedicated to children.
- Espadrille store La Concepción. One of the most emblematic shops in the city, opened in 1940. Its footwear is handmade and made in Spain.
- Bon Vivant Concept Store. Inspired by the Mediterranean style, in this concept store there is nothing you wouldn't take home.