The perfect 10 issues to do in Palma de Mallorca

You’ve most likely already heard of Palma- if you’re not going there already! One of many first issues that come to thoughts when talking about Mallorca’s capital is its nice climate, its aquamarine water, and its stunning seashores. However Palma has a lot extra to supply. Town is filled with attention-grabbing cultural and historic anecdotes, has a burgeoning gastronomic scene, and, on high of that, is a improbable vacation spot for sports activities lovers. So hold studying to find every thing you didn’t learn about this cosmopolitan metropolis. We wager you’ll save a few of the finest issues to do in Palma on your subsequent journey!

1. La Seu, Mallorca’s Cathedral, a masterpiece stuffed with Historical past and tales

Whenever you arrive in Palma, you may’t miss its cathedral, La Seu. From the highest of its 43 metres, Mallorca’s Cathedral overlooks town and the bay. You’ll absolutely be impressed by La Seu, probably the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals on the planet! However do you know it truly stands on the muse of a Moorish-era mosque? 

When you enter the cathedral, the attention is straight away catched by the primary rose window. With its 13-metres diameter, it’s the largest unique rose window of all European Gothic cathedrals! And on the eleventh of November and 2nd of February, a unprecedented spectacle occurs! A beam of sunshine from the rising solar pierces the primary rose window. The principle rose window is mirrored just under the other rose window creating an 8 of dazzling colors and lights. This phenomenon is called Espectáculo del Ocho or Spectacle of Eight. 

One other story concerning the cathedral is that Gaudí, the well-known catalan architect, made some modifications at the start of the twentieth century. Essentially the most dramatic addition was the monumental crown-of-thorn illuminated above the altar. 

As you see, there are a whole lot of attention-grabbing anecdotes concerning the Cathedral! So undoubtedly put it in your (finest) issues to do in Palma!

2. Palma is the second-largest bay in Europe for water sports activities

In case you are coming to Palma, among the best issues to do might be benefit from the seaside and its aquamarine waters. Due to the nice and cozy climate all 12 months spherical, you may admire it even in winter! And if you’re a water sport lover much more! Certainly, do you know that Palma’s bay is the second largest bay in Europe? Add to this the nice climate and the right wind circumstances and also you’ll get the most effective spot for water sports activities. If you wish to apply (and even take up!) windsurfing we propose you go to Palma Seaside or Playa de Palma.

Should you’re extra a water snowboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing sort of individual, you then must go to Can Pastilla. And the crystalline waters are after all divine for diving and scuba diving. A number of firms and golf equipment provide to rent gear and varied courses. We’re positive you’ll really feel like a fish within the water!

3. Palma is a singular mixture of cultures and legacies

Palma is a extremely cosmopolitan metropolis. It harmoniously combines Roman, Moorish, Christian and Jewish legacies. Among the finest issues to do in Palma is to take a while to wander within the outdated city wanting on the completely different architectural kinds and discovering hidden gems. The historic centre is a real cultural marvel with its mediaeval streets, its courtyards belonging to outdated mansions combined with modernist buildings and artwork galleries.

You’ll be capable of see the Cathedral, the Palace of La Almudaina (which we communicate extra intimately in level 7). Make sure to make a cease on the Baluard de Sant Pere from the place you could have the most effective view of the wall surrounding town. One other should see is Casal Balaguer, considered one of the finest preserved courtyards open to the general public of town. 

You additionally should pay a go to to the Arab baths, one of many best legacies of Moorish structure in all of the island. Though comparatively small in measurement, the central room surrounded by columns, the caldarium and the tepidarium are nicely preserved.
The Jewish legacy is additionally very current in Palma. You’ll be able to nonetheless see a commemorative plaque on the outdated entrance of Name Main, the previous Jewish neighbourhood (along with Name Menor). From there, proceed to the Iglesia de Montesión (Mount Zion church). The church was a synagogue. And in case you lavatoryokay intently, you may see few remaining options of the synagogue on the foundations of the present church. In between the stones belonging to the unique synagogue, you’ll be capable of spot little items of paper with needs written on them!

4. You’ll be able to go to one of many solely round castles in Europe

You’ve most likely already visited a whole lot of completely different castles however what a couple of round citadel? You may not know however the Bellver citadel in Palma, is likely one of the solely round castles in Europe and the one one in Spain! Perched on high of a wooded hill overlooking Palma’s Bay, it provides a singular 360-degree panorama on the ocean and on the bay of Palma. The citadel in itself can also be value a go to with its Gothic structure and arches, its 3 three unique towers from the 14th century and the Torre del Homenaje constructed later. A compulsory go to on any journey to Palma. 

And if you’re enthusiastic about Palma’s distinctive mixture of legacies, you need to go to the Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat (Metropolis Historical past Museum) housed within the citadel.

5. You’ll be able to admire the second-oldest lighthouse in Spain

Among the finest issues to do in Palma, and you might not have identified it, is Portopi’s lighthouse. It’s not a easy lighthouse, however the second-oldest functioning lighthouse in Spain and the third one on the planet! It’s an actual image of town and its historical past. Contained in the lighthouse, you may go to a everlasting exhibition of maritime indicators in Europe and extra particularly alongside the Balearic coastal areas. However remember, it is advisable to make a reserving to go to it!

6. It’s the right household vacation spot 

Do you know that Palma is ideal for holidays with kids? With its close by seashores, family-friendly lodging, good climate and quick flight time from the UK it’s the good vacation spot for a household getaway. Furthermore, final 12 months Palma was awarded the UNICEF ‘Youngster Pleasant Metropolis’ seal. Palma provides a whole lot of kids’s parks with video games like Parque de Ses Fonts or Parque Pocoyó and Parque Barco Pirata. Should you plan to go to with household, ensure to cease at sights like Palma aquarium. Younger and outdated alike will like it!

7. You’ll be able to go to one of many official Royal Residences of the Spanish Royal Household

Just some distances away from La Seu, Mallorca’s cathedral, is positioned the Palace of La Almudaina, one of many official Royal Residence of the Spanish Royal Household. A cultural and monumental landmark in Palma and an unmissable factor to do whereas in Palma. The constructing is a witness to the cultural and historic legacy of town. Certainly, earlier than being modified by the Moors and remodeled right into a fortress, it was truly constructed by the Romans.

You’ll be able to go to the Palace, however after all, some components are closed to the general public. The go to will take you to the parade floor, the Gothic chapel of Santa Ana, the Arab’s tub, and the climax of the go to, the terraces that supply a spectacular view of the ocean and the bay of Palma. After the go to, you’ll have little question why it’s one of many Royal Residences of the Spanish Royal Household!

8. You’ve gotten the distinctive alternative to enter a cloistered convent 

Have you ever ever imagined what a cloistered convent appears to be like like? Then, among the best issues to do in Palma for you is visiting the Purísima Concepción (Capuchin nuns). It’s a singular alternative! The convent was based in 1662 and preserves priceless historic, inventive and ethnographic legacy of the previous of Mallorca. It additionally homes a outstanding assortment of Christmas nativity scenes. And if you’re visiting in the course of the Christmas vacation, make sure you purchase some home-made sweets bought via the turnstile window. It can make an unique memento of Palma. The convent is presently below building however ought to reopen to guests subsequent Spring!

9. It’s among the best locations to play golf 

As mentioned earlier than, Palma enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean local weather that makes town good for all types of sportive actions. And taking part in golf is considered one of them. Town has 5 programs with 18 holes every and they’re all located very near town centre and Playa de Palma. However do you know that taking part in golf in Palma is following custom and nice names like Severiano Ballesteros or Jack Nicklaus?

By the best way, his instructing methodology is used completely within the Golf Park Mallorca Puntiró. And in case you want another excuse to be satisfied: is there something higher than taking part in with a powerful view? Take pleasure in a splendid view of Mallorca’s Cathedral above the inexperienced on the Son Muntaner and Son Quint programs or of the blue sea of Pama’s bat at Son Vida Golf. So, which one will you decide? 

10. Town is a connoisseur paradise 

Final however not least, town is a actual paradise for gourmets. Palma has a wealthy gastronomic scene with a variety of bars and eating places the place to have some drinks and dine. The selection is immense as Palma provides a extremely cosmopolitan delicacies mixing native merchandise and traditions from all around the world. Among the finest issues to do in Palma throughout your holidays is unquestionably to strive completely different sorts of cooking!

Town can also be stuffed with native product markets that may enchantment to all of your senses via their vivid colours and environment and their scrumptious smells. Each market is encouraging native and kilometer-zero merchandise, so that you’ll make sure you style solely the most effective of what Palma has to supply. Markets are additionally the right place to check out tapas and really feel like an actual native. We advise you go to the market de Pere Garau, the one market in Palma the place dwelling animals are nonetheless being bought.

The number of stands from South America to Chinese language eating places or native tapas stands makes it among the best locations to find native and worldwide gastronomy. Additionally, make a cease on the Mercat 1930, a gastronomic hub the place Mallorcan cooking meets developments from all around the world particularly Mexico or East Asia. 

Our final suggestion: don’t go away Palma with out tasting the ensaimadas, a pastry that may be plain or full of spaghetti squash jam, sobrasada sausage, figs, abricots and so on. every thing is a pleasant filler with it! We will style them in varied bakeries and pastry outlets.

That’s it! Palma has no extra secrets and techniques for you! Now that you understand every thing concerning the finest issues to do in Palma don’t wait anymore and guide your subsequent journey there!