Palma Holidays

Palma is Majorca’s elegant capital and one of the Balearics’ best choices if you want a holiday with culture, food, shopping and sea views in one place. Set around a broad bay, it combines a historic old town with a busy marina, palm-lined promenades and a relaxed Mediterranean pace. It feels more like a small city break by the sea than a traditional beach resort, which is a big part of its appeal.

The standout sight is La Seu, Palma’s Gothic cathedral, which rises dramatically above the waterfront. Around it, the old town is a maze of narrow lanes, quiet courtyards, churches, boutiques and cafés. It is a rewarding place to explore on foot, especially around the cathedral quarter, Plaça Major and Passeig del Born. Other worthwhile stops include Bellver Castle, set on a hill with wide views over the bay, the Arab Baths, and Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Palma has plenty to offer for food lovers. You will find traditional Mallorcan restaurants, stylish tapas bars, bakeries, seafood spots and modern Mediterranean dining. Santa Catalina is one of the most popular areas for eating out, with a lively market and a good choice of bars and restaurants. The waterfront and marina areas are also good for evening meals with a view.

Although Palma is not mainly a beach resort, there are beaches close by. Can Pere Antoni is the city’s main urban beach, within walking distance of the centre, while Cala Major and the longer sands of Playa de Palma are easy to reach by bus, taxi or hire car. This makes Palma a good option if you want to mix sightseeing and beach time without staying in a purpose-built resort.

Evenings in Palma can be as low-key or lively as you like. There are cocktail bars, wine bars, music venues and late-night spots, particularly around Santa Catalina, La Lonja and the marina. It is more sophisticated than party-focused resorts, with plenty of places for a relaxed drink after dinner.

With its historic streets, harbour setting, restaurants and easy access to the rest of Majorca, Palma suits travellers who want a varied Balearic holiday with more than just sunbathing.