Palma Information
Palma is the capital city of the island of Mallorca. It is only 5km west of
the airport and has a population of over 300,000 people. It is easily accessible
by public transport from nearby resorts such as Magaluf
and Palma Nova and has become a popular short break
destination.
The majority of visitors to the island never take the time to visit the city in
their rush to get to their resort and soak up as much sun as they can. By doing
so they really do miss out on what is one of the most beautiful cities in all of
Spain.
The city lies on the Bay of Palma with the long Passeig Maritim running
the full length of its waterfront. Some of the world's most prestigious yachts
can be seen moored in Palma's marina and regular ferries from the mainland offer
services to the adjacent port.
From all along the Passeig Maritim there are fine views across the bay to the
magnificent Sa Seu Cathedral and up to Bellver Castle which looks
down on the city from the west. These are two of Palma's most visited tourist
attractions. The tourist highlights of the city are all within a short stroll of
the 14th century Gothic cathedral on which Gaudi added some finishing
touches to the interior.
Take a look at La Llotja just west of the cathedral which is a fine
building which was formerly Palma's stock exchange. The Bar La Lonja in
the adjoining square is well worth a visit then wander east through the small
streets with interesting bars and restaurants until you reach Placa de la
Reina at the bottom of Passeig des Born. Look out for Abaco (c/ Sant
Joan 1) which is probably the city's most unique bar which is worth a visit even
without buying a drink.
Placa de la Reina is near the entrance to the beautiful Palau de l'Almudaina,
the former home of the Mallorcan kings, and to the cathedral. This whole area is
packed with interesting buildings. Es Parlament (c/ Conquistador 11) is a
lovely old restaurant for lunch or dinner in this historic area.
A stroll along Passeig des Born will bring you to Bar Bosch which
is one of the city's most popular spots for people watchers. Nearby Jaume III
is one of the main shopping streets. Head east along La Unió and you'll come to
the Plaza Mayor with its numerous open terrace cafés. There's plenty
shopping in the surrounding streets.
La Rambla is a lovely tree lined avenue running northwest from Plaza
Mayor which is often filled with stalls selling flowers. If you get this far
around lunch or dinner time you must go to my favourite Mallorcan restaurant
called Celler Sa Premsa (Placa Bisbe Berenguer de Palou 8). Look on your
map and it's just over to the right near the end of La Rambla. If you'd rather
use local transport to get around try the
Palma city hop on, hop off bus service.
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