Palma de Mallorca
Palma, the sun-soaked capital of Mallorca, is a vibrant city where medieval charm meets modern Mediterranean life. With its palm-lined promenades, Gothic spires, Moorish architecture, and a thriving food and arts scene, Palma effortlessly combines history and leisure. Founded by the Romans in 123 BCE, the city later became a flourishing Islamic stronghold under Moorish rule, which lasted for over 300 years and left a lasting imprint on its architecture and urban layout. In 1229, King James I of Aragon reconquered Palma, ushering in a new Christian era that saw the construction of iconic landmarks like La Seu, the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. Whether you're wandering through its ancient streets, exploring royal palaces, or sipping sangria by the marina, the city offers a captivating blend of cultures shaped by Romans, Moors, and Spanish monarchs — all framed by a glittering bay and bustling harbor.
💡Palma: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Spain is in the Schengen Zone — travelers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
✈️ Closest Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
💬 Language: Spanish and Catalan are official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate; generally more affordable than mainland Spain's larger cities
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Spain: US$5.16
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: Late spring to early fall (May to October); July–August is peak season
🚘 Transportation: Buses, taxis, bike/scooter rentals; car rental for exploring the island
🔌 Adapter: Spain uses type C and F plugs. US/UK travelers need an adapter and potentially a voltage converter
🛜 WiFi: Fast and reliable; widely available with numerous free public WiFi hotspots through "SmartWiFi Palma"
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is common. Carry small cash for markets or cafés.
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving small change (5–10%) in restaurants is appreciated. It’s more common in tourist areas than among locals.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Av. de Gabriel Roca, Ponent, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Palma’s public transport is managed by EMT Palma, covering buses throughout the city and nearby suburbs. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus (cash or contactless card), via the EMT Palma app, or at vending machines located at major stops. For travelers staying longer, rechargeable transport cards (like the Citizen Card or TIB card) offer discounted fares and are accepted on both EMT city buses and TIB intercity buses and trains. Google Pay, Apple Pay, and contactless credit/debit cards are widely accepted on city buses, making travel convenient for visitors.
✈️ Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is located about 8 km (5 miles) east of the city center. The easiest and most affordable way to reach downtown Palma is by the A1 airport bus, which runs frequently between the airport and key stops like Plaza España, taking around 20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 5 EUR, and can be bought onboard (cash or card) or via the EMT app. Taxis are readily available outside the terminals and take about 15–20 minutes to the center, with fixed fares around 20–25 EUR depending on time of day and luggage.
🚇 Cruise passengers arriving in Palma typically dock at either the Estació Marítima terminals (1–4) or occasionally at the Porto Pi area, all located west of the city center along the scenic waterfront. From the main cruise terminals, city bus Line 1 connects the port to Plaza España via central Palma, running every 15–20 minutes. The ride takes about 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets cost 2 EUR (or are included with EMT day passes). Taxis are also available just outside the terminal gates, offering a quick 10–15 minute ride to the old town. Alternatively, if you enjoy walking, it’s a 45-minute coastal walk from the cruise port to the Cathedral of Palma, passing marinas, parks, and cafés along the way.
🚌 One company offers hop-on-hop-off buses that connect the main sights throughout the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Palma
"Palma de Mallorca was founded by the Romans. "
📸 La Seu (Palma Cathedral): A breathtaking Gothic masterpiece rising above the sea, La Seu is Palma’s most iconic landmark. Built on the site of a former mosque, the cathedral features soaring buttresses, intricate stonework, and one of the largest rose windows in the world, casting kaleidoscopic light across the nave. Inside, don’t miss the striking modernist touches by Antoni Gaudí, including a dramatic canopy over the altar. For an unforgettable view, you can also climb to the terraces, where the city, harbor, and cathedral come together in panoramic glory.
📸 Palau de l’Almudaina: Directly across from the cathedral, this royal palace was originally an Arab fortress during Moorish rule and later converted into a residence for Spanish monarchs. Today, visitors can explore its richly decorated Gothic halls, royal apartments, chapels, and Islamic arches that reflect centuries of history. The combination of Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles makes the Almudaina a fascinating symbol of Mallorca’s cultural fusion.
📸 Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver): A unique circular castle — one of the very few in Europe — perched on a pine-covered hill just outside the city center. Built in the 14th century for King James II of Mallorca, Bellver offers 360-degree views over Palma, the harbor, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Inside, the castle houses a city history museum, but the real highlight is wandering along the rooftop battlements. You can reach it by bus (Line 4), taxi, or a scenic hike or bike ride from the city.
📸 Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Lose yourself in Palma’s enchanting old quarter, where medieval alleyways open onto sunny plazas, and every turn reveals a hidden courtyard, artisan shop, or tapas bar. Key highlights include the Plaça Major, lined with cafés and street performers, and the elegant Passeig del Born, perfect for boutique shopping or people-watching. Keep an eye out for Modernist architecture, antique stores, and centuries-old patios tucked behind heavy wooden doors.
📸 Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): One of the few remnants of Palma’s Islamic past, these 10th-century baths offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Nestled within a small garden, the site features horseshoe arches, columns recycled from earlier Roman buildings, and the calming ambiance of stone, light, and water. It's a small site, but worth visiting for its quiet beauty and historical depth.
📸 Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Set within a 16th-century fortified bastion, this museum offers a striking contrast between old and new. Inside, you’ll find works by Spanish and international artists, including Miró, Picasso, and Chillida, alongside rotating exhibitions. The museum also boasts panoramic sea views from its terrace and a stylish rooftop café — a perfect spot to enjoy a drink or lunch with the Bay of Palma in the background.
📸 Mercat de l’Olivar: Palma’s vibrant central market, located near Plaça d’Espanya, is a sensory feast of local produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and gourmet tapas bars. It’s a great place to grab a quick snack, like fresh oysters, grilled octopus, or pintxos, or just soak up the rhythms of daily island life. Locals shop here for everything from sobrasada (cured sausage) to ensaimadas (Mallorcan pastries) — and you should too.
📸 Paseo Marítimo: Stretching along Palma’s waterfront, this palm-lined promenade is a favorite for walks, runs, bike rides, or just lazy evenings by the sea. On one side, you’ll find marinas filled with gleaming yachts; on the other, a mix of restaurants, beach clubs, cocktail bars, and nightspots. Whether you want a casual seafood dinner with a view or a lively night out, the Paseo Marítimo delivers a picture-perfect setting with that classic Balearic energy.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Mallorcan cuisine is a vibrant tapestry that blends Mediterranean freshness with the rich culinary traditions of Catalonia, mainland Spain, and unique island influences. The local gastronomy revolves around fresh seafood, high-quality olive oil, and seasonal produce — all combined in recipes passed down through generations. Whether enjoyed in a family-run finca or a bustling city tapas bar, Mallorcan dishes offer a soulful taste of island life, hearty flavors, and simple elegance.
🍽️ Ensaimada: This iconic Mallorcan pastry is a light, airy spiral of sweet dough, traditionally dusted with powdered sugar. Often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, ensaimadas can be plain or filled with delicious variations like cream (nata), chocolate, pumpkin jam (cabello de ángel), or even savory fillings. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness make them perfect paired with coffee or hot chocolate, embodying the island’s relaxed morning ritual.
🍽️ Tumbet: Mallorca’s beloved vegetable medley, Tumbet is reminiscent of French ratatouille but with its own island twist. It layers fried aubergines (eggplants), red bell peppers, potatoes, and a rich tomato sauce, often finished with garlic and parsley. Served as a side dish or vegetarian main, Tumbet showcases the best of Mallorca’s summer harvest and is a colorful, comforting staple on many local tables.
🍽️ Pa amb oli: Simple yet irresistible, Pa amb oli (bread with oil) is rustic Mallorcan bread rubbed generously with fresh garlic and ripe tomato, then drizzled with the island’s fragrant, golden extra virgin olive oil. It’s often served alongside slices of local cheese, cured ham (jamón serrano), or anchovies, making it a perfect starter or light meal that highlights the purity of quality ingredients.
🍽️ Sobrasada: A quintessential Mallorcan cured sausage, sobrasada is soft and spreadable with a distinctive deep red hue, thanks to the generous use of smoked paprika. Made from local pork, it’s traditionally cured in the island’s natural climate and enjoyed spread on warm bread or incorporated into stews, omelets, and grilled dishes. Its spicy, smoky flavor is a favorite among locals and adventurous food lovers alike.
🍽️ Arròs brut: Literally translating to “dirty rice,” Arròs brut is a rustic, hearty rice stew traditionally cooked in farmhouses. It’s rich and flavorful, combining local meats like pork and rabbit with earthy mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, and a variety of spices including saffron and paprika. Each family’s recipe varies, but the dish is always deeply comforting — a true taste of Mallorcan home cooking, perfect for cooler days or festive gatherings.
🍽️ Tapas & Pintxos: Mallorca embraces the Spanish tradition of small plates with its own local flair. Classic tapas like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), calamari, and croquetas (fried creamy bites) are staples in bars across Palma and beyond. Pintxos, originally from the Basque Country, have also gained popularity here — these bite-sized delights are typically skewered atop slices of bread and topped with everything from olives and anchovies to chorizo and cheeses, perfect for casual sharing.
🥤 Hierbas Mallorquinas:
A traditional herbal liqueur, Hierbas Mallorquinas is crafted from a blend of island herbs like fennel, rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena, and anise. Available in sweet or dry varieties, it’s usually served chilled as a digestif after a meal. Its aromatic, slightly sweet, and refreshing qualities make it a perfect conclusion to a hearty Mallorcan feast — a liquid embodiment of the island’s fragrant landscapes.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber
🚕 NTaxi