Often overshadowed by the island’s beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, Mallorca’s capital makes a great weekend city break.
With Moorish and modernist architecture, the skyline is dominated by the huge Gothic cathedral, towering above the flashy yacht-filled marina.
Besides extensive history, there are world-class galleries and a vibrant food scene.
Often overshadowed by the island’s beautiful beaches and mountainous interior, Palma, Mallorca’s capital, makes a great weekend city break
Where to stay
Hostal Pons
Charming from the moment you step into the plant-filled courtyard, Hostal Pons is in a building from 1850 with original tile flooring and antique furniture. It’s tucked away near the boutique shops on Carrer de Sant Feliu, not far from the harbour.
Doubles from £56 (hostalpons.com).
Hotel Palau Sa Font
Just behind Placa de la Drassanas, a pretty tree-lined square with tapas bars, this handsome raspberry-pink-hued hotel makes a relaxing retreat. There’s a roof terrace, plunge pool and solarium while rooms are both minimal and comfortable.
Doubles from £98 (palausafont.com).
Hotel Ca N’Alexandre
Palma can be explored on foot or by bike. Above, colourful houses line the city streets
On an unassuming street just outside the centre, Hotel Ca N’Alexandre has exposed walls and beams, large glass windows and pastel-hued furnishings. There’s also a relaxing lounge and small rooftop terrace.
Doubles from £69 (canalexandre.com).
Brondo Architect Hotel
Set in a 17th-century building in the heart of the city, each room at this hotel is named after a famous architect – all coming with wooden four-poster beds and a minimalist feel. There’s a pretty courtyard for breakfast.
Doubles from £97 (brondoarchitectpalmademallorca.com).
What to see and do
Take a wander
Palma’s skyline is dominated by the huge Gothic cathedral La Seu, pictured towering above the yacht-filled marina
Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets of the historic district between Plaça de Cort and the marina. The highlight is the mammoth 14th Century cathedral known as La Seu, is an impressive golden sandstone building from the outside but it’s worth venturing inside to see the light stream through the impressive 61 stained-glass windows (tickets from £7.71).
Go for a spin
Palma and its environs are great to explore on two wheels, featuring an abundance of cycle paths and flat geography. From the city centre there’s a lovely route along the coastline with sea views all the way. Snoop at the superyachts in the marina, admire the old fishing area of Molinar and end up at the sandy stretch of beach at S’Arenal. Bikes from £12.80 a day (callandridemallorca.com).
Marvel at Miro
The much-loved Catalan artist Joan Miro moved to Mallorca for the second half of his working life and his home and studios, designed by Josep Lluís Sert, were transformed to Fundació Miró Mallorca, a museum and art space, in the early Nineties (tickets £8.60). In the suburbs, it’s a stunning setting with sweeping vistas, a chance to see up close where he worked and an extensive collection of his work (miromallorca.com).
See the unusual castle
Castell de Bellver, Spain’s only round castle, sits atop a hill to the west of the city
Spain’s only round castle (Castell de Bellver) and former 14th Century royal fortress is amid pine forests atop a hill to the west of the city. While the castle gives an interesting insight into the island’s past, the views alone are worth the visit.
Where to eat
Restaurant Casa Julio
Set lunches are about a tenner for three courses and a glass of wine at Casa Julio, a bustling spot on a corner behind the Santa Eulalia church.
Try the Ensaimada – a flaky pastry – from Forn des Teatre (pictured)
Expect classic Mallorcan dishes such as mushroom tortellini and cuttlefish stew. Bag a table outside for sunshine and great people-watching. 4 Carrer de la Previsió.
Forn des Teatre
Ensaimada Mallorquina – a twisted, flaky pastry that can be both sweet and savoury – is a Mallorcan must-try cuisine, and Forn des Teatre is a fine place to do so.
Try the plain Ensaimada (from £1.70); perfect dipped in coffee for breakfast. 9 Plaça de Weyler (fornetdelasoca.com).
Mercat D’Olivier
With more than 100 stalls, Palma’s huge covered market is a veritable treasure trove for foodies, with fresh produce from across the island.
Stock up on treats for a picnic or pull up a bar stool at one of the many restaurants such as Can Jaume, with tasty tapas (£3.40 a plate), or Bottega Bolognese for fresh pasta dishes (£6.85). Plaça de l’Olivar.
La Molienda Bisbe
From the centre of Palma there’s a ‘lovely route’ to explore along its coastline, with sea views all the way. Pictured: Platja de Can Pere Antoni, a short walk from Palma’s Old Town
For some of Palma’s best coffee and good breakfasts/brunches, this friendly cafe is just the ticket. Sit beneath its jacaranda tree and tuck into toast topped with goats cheese, pistachios and strawberries (£7). Great cakes. 11 Carrer del Bisbe Campins (lamolienda.es).
Getting there
Easyjet flies from Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow to Palma de Mallorca from £15.24 one-way (easyjet.com). The A1 bus runs between the airport and the centre of town (£4.30 one way).
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