Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the island's only true city. A city on the island of Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands off the Spanish east coast. Mallorca is one of Europe's major holiday destinations, with many tourists coming from everywhere, every year. Palma is a city of modern hotel chains, and flashy shops, yet, is dated and still retains much of the old architecture, with the Old Town having narrow streets, and showing the restored cathedral standing proud in the centre of town.

Understand
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, is the largest city in Mallorca. The population of Palma municipality was approximately 410,000 in 2018. Half the population of Mallorca lives in the city of Palma.

The city occupies the northwestern end of a bay in the southwest of the island of Mallorca. The city council also has jurisdiction over the sub-archipelago of Cabrera including the islands of Cabrera, Conejera, Estells, Imperial, Rodon, Foradada, Plana, and Pobra.

The name Palma dates back to the Roman settlement on the site of the present city, although the area had been settled during the Bronze Age. In the early Middle Ages it was conquered by Arabs, who named it Madina Mayurqa. In 1229 it was conquered by King Jaime I, ruler of Valencia and Aragon, and became an important trade city. Palma saw its Dark Ages in the 16th century, when a significant decline was caused by attacks from Turkish and Berber Pirates and through plague. Lasting until the 18th century, Felipe V changed the government which made Palma the capital of the Balearic Islands. Later, Carlos III established a free trade pact with the Indies, which had a huge impact on Palma's economy.

The city became a tourist destination in the 1950s, and tourist numbers have continually increased in the subsequent half century. Palma is a busy commercial and cultural center of Mallorca. This independent region of the Balearic Islands of Spain has over half of the island's population.

The holiday season lasts from the end of April until October. Temperatures range from and may require a jacket in the evenings.

Palma de Mallorca, during the 19th century, more sea traffic would come in bringing in much economic growth for the island.

By plane
Onward transport: EMT buses are blue, white and green and run year-round. Bus A1 runs to city centre (Porta des Camp, Sindicat Interchange, Railway Station, Alemanya Interchange and Passeig Mallorca) every 15 minutes from 06:15 to midnight then at 01:00, 02:00 and 03:00. Bus A2 runs southeast to S'Arenal hourly from 06:15 to 22:15. In 2024 the single adult fare for either is €5. You can pay on board; buying from the machine in the terminal costs the same but is also valid for one transfer. Bus 34 runs hourly from the airport to the north suburbs and Son Espases, but you're unlikely to use it.

TIB buses are red and yellow, and run April-Oct to other towns:
 * A11 goes west to Portals Nous, Costa d'en Blanes, Son Caliu, Palmanova, Magaluf, Santa Ponça, Galatzó, Peguera and Camp de Mar.
 * A32 goes northeast to Inca, Sa Pobla, Alcúdia, Platja de Muro and Can Picafort.
 * A42 goes east to Algaida, Montuïri, Vilafranca, Manacor, Portocristo, S'Illot, Sa Coma, Cala Millor and Cala Bona.
 * A51 goes southeast to S'Arenal, Llucmajor and Campos.

A taxi ride to city centre costs €28 daytime, €34 midnight to 05:00, and takes 15 minutes in normal traffic. See Welcome Pick-ups for rates to other towns - these are usually the best option for families or groups.

By boat
Ferries sail to Palma from Barcelona (7 hr), Denia (5 hr) and Valencia (7 hr). Inter-island ferries sail to Palma from Ibiza (2-4 hr), Formentara (4 hr) and Mahon on Menorca (6 hr).

Ferry lines are Trasmed, Baleària and GNV. There are no ferries to Mallorca from France, Italy or North Africa.

Cruise liners often call at Palma as they tour the Med.

is 2 km southwest of town centre.

By road
All roads and routes converge on Palma from around the island. About the furthest point you could come from, Cala Ratjada on the east coast, is 83 km and takes 70 min. TIB buses run the out-of-town routes and EMT within Palma.

There are no road links from the other Balearic islands, nor plans to build any.

By train
is the main train, bus and metro station, underground at Plaça d'Espanya. Metre-gauge trains run to Inca, Sa Pobla and Manacor, see TIB for timetables and fares.

Ferrocarril de Soller is the quaint wooden electric train (914 m gauge) to Sóller - these depart from across the street at C d'Eusebi Estada. See Tren de Sóller for timetables and fares. At Sóller a tram continues to the coast.

By public transport
Buses and trains are the two forms of shared public transport in Palma de Mallorca. The local buses are run by Empresa Municipal de Transportes Urbanes de Palma de Mallorca (EMT) and are very frequent. They have particularly good coverage of the beaches and the centre of the city. The main train system is operated by Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM), Mallorca Railway Services.

The Palma City Sightseeing bus (which is numbered line 50 on the EMT bus maps) does a circuit of Palma that includes tourist attractions like Pueblo Español and major shopping centres like Av. Jaume III and Porto Pi, as well as the ferry and commercial ports. The buses are double-decker and the top floor is open air. A basic audio tour is free with the tickets. The tickets are €15 adults and €6.50 children for one day (24 Hours) which is much higher than the other city buses, but they are valid for reboarding as many times as you like within 24 hours, and this is the only bus route that visits the Castell de Bellver. The two-day fare is €16.25 for adults and €8.13 for children from the age of 8 to 16. The first bus in the winter season starts from Cathedral at 10:00 and the last bus in winter starts from the same place at 18:00.

By bicycle
Cycling is a great way to get around Palma and along the coastline near Palma. Excellent bicycle paths have been made.



See

 * A total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 Aug 2026, starting at 20:31 and lasting 90 seconds. The chances of a clear sky are 65%, and you need a clear view to the northwest horizon, as the sun will be setting over the sea. The Palma area is the last viewing point for this eclipse before sunset ends the show.

City centre

 * El Casco Antiguo is the historical centre, encompassing most city sights such as the cathedral and Royal Palace. It's a pleasant area to stroll, with narrow shady streets and glimpses of private courtyards. It's bounded by city walls (Dalt Murada) with an inner elevated plaza, while the ring-road outside zig-zags past the Vauban fortifications.
 * Ses Voltes is the plaza south side of the cathedral. It has views over Parc de la Mar and sometimes hosts events.
 * S'Hort del Rei are Moorish gardens just west of the palace.
 * Convent of St Clara is east side of Banys Àrabs. The "Poor Clares" (Hermanas Pobres) were founded in 1212 and the church is from 1671. The nuns make cookies, remaining in seclusion as you pass your money through a hatch and they push out the goodies.
 * Santa Eulàlia is an attractive gothic church 100 m west of Sant Francesc, but many visitors feel it's not worth the €5.
 * Convent of St Clara is east side of Banys Àrabs. The "Poor Clares" (Hermanas Pobres) were founded in 1212 and the church is from 1671. The nuns make cookies, remaining in seclusion as you pass your money through a hatch and they push out the goodies.
 * Santa Eulàlia is an attractive gothic church 100 m west of Sant Francesc, but many visitors feel it's not worth the €5.
 * Santa Eulàlia is an attractive gothic church 100 m west of Sant Francesc, but many visitors feel it's not worth the €5.
 * Santa Eulàlia is an attractive gothic church 100 m west of Sant Francesc, but many visitors feel it's not worth the €5.
 * Santa Eulàlia is an attractive gothic church 100 m west of Sant Francesc, but many visitors feel it's not worth the €5.
 * Basílica de Sant Miquel is 100 m north of the Foundation. It was a mosque converted to a church in 1229, but re-built in the 14th century and expanded in the 17th.
 * is a leafy triangle in the west of Casco Antiguo with many interesting Art Nouveau buildings. The church of San Nicolás just south was completed in 1712.

Further out

 * Paseo Marítimo is the promenade, flanked by busy Av de Gabriel Roca. Its east end is under the town walls, with Parc de la Mar and the artificial lake. It continues past Llotja and the marina, then the coast trends south to the ferry pier and main harbour. This south end is a pub and club strip, with discos thumping music till dawn, and the floodlit cathedral in the background.
 * Transilvania Cafetería-Museum is a schlock-horror waxworks. It's at C de Jaume Ferran 38, 200 m north of Jacint Verdaguer railway station, and open Tu-Sa 17:00-00:00.

Do

 * Platja de Can Pere Antoni is the most central beach, starting 500 m east of Parc de la Mar beneath the cathedral. Some traffic noise, the east end is a little quieter. There are showers and lockers here.
 * Ciudad Jardín is 2 km east of Platja de Can Pere Antoni. It's a white sandy strip 450 m long, seldom crowded, with a series of jetties to curb erosion.
 * Ca'n Pastilla beach starts further east near the aquarium and airport, and stretches 4 km to become Playa S'Arenal.
 * Cala Major is a suburb 4 km southwest of Palma de Mallorca with lots of high-rise hotels. The beach is 200 m long and 80 m wide and can get busy at the height of summer, but the water is crystal clear and suitable for kiddy-bathing.
 * Marineland: see Magaluf for this marine zoo to the west near Costa d'en Blanes beach.
 * Football: RCD Mallorca play soccer in La Liga, Spain's top tier. Their home ground is Estadi de Son Moix or Visit Mallorca Stadium (capacity 23,000), 2 km northwest of city centre.
 * Plaza de Toros is the bullring, and still used for bullfights, but also stages concerts. It's at Av Gaspar de Bennazar 32, 500 m north of Jacint Verdaguer railway station.
 * Golf: the closest courses are Son Muntaner and Son Vida, together in the hills 3 km northwest of city centre.
 * Golf: the closest courses are Son Muntaner and Son Vida, together in the hills 3 km northwest of city centre.


 * Mallorca Live is a rock and pop music festival in mid June.
 * Festival de Pollença is classical music, throughout August.
 * Evolution Film Festival is first week in November. Fonart Short Film Festival is no longer held.
 * Smooth Jazz Festival is likewise first week in November.
 * Festa de l’Estendard is an end-of-year event in December, with a Mass at La Seu.

Buy

 * El Corte Ingles is the Spanish national department store. It has large branches on Av de Jaume III west side of old town (open daily), and at Av d'Alexandre Rosselló southast of the railway station (M-Sa).
 * Town centre supermarkets are small, but Mercadona is a large store at Plaça de l'Olivar, 200 m south of the station. It's open M-Sa 09:00-21:30.

Work
All EU citizens have the legal right to work. Getting a job, even temporary ones, for non-Spanish speakers is hard to find in a Spanish speaking environment (most Spanish do not speak English). So you may try looking for temporary jobs as bartending or waiting at English, Irish or German owned bars and restaurants, mainly in cities outside Palma like Magaluf, S'Arenal and Peguera (for German speaking travellers). In Palma you may try getting day-work washing boats at Palma's Marina. There are several boats and some of the owners may need a hand. Be around 8AM at the Marina and start asking for "day work" to people around the big boats. If you're lucky you'll be making around €100! If you are seeking a career aboard one of the many superyachts in Palma de Mallorca a good place to register and start looking is Crew Central.

Eat

 * See Mallorca for typical island dishes. Useful to know: the phrase for "full English breakfast" is desayuno London.

Budget

 * Budget places are mostly in the old town centre, with a scattering north to Plaça d'en Coll and south to the marina.



Drink

 * City centre has Arlequin, Es Petit Bar, Bar Savoy, Gibson Bar, Bar Nicholas, Can Frasquet and Manto Negro.
 * Marina has Lennox Pub, Abaco (below), Bar Dia, Bodega Ca'n Rigo and Corner Bar.

Sleep
High season is July to September, when Mallorca is mobbed by visitors from Germany, the UK and Ireland. Many hotels close in winter.

Mid-range

 * Valparaiso Palace is hit-and-miss. It's by the ferry port at C de Francesc Vidal i Sureda 23.
 * BG Java at C de la Goleta 7 is comfy enough but sits at the end of the runway, needs better soundproofing.
 * Hotel Ilusion Calma is near the airport and Can Pastilla Marina at C d'Horaci 5. Mostly good reviews.
 * Alua Leo is a Hyatt hotel a short block east of El Cid.
 * HM Tropical at C de Marbella 16 and HM Gran Fiesta at #28 get mixed reviews.
 * HM Ayron Park further south at Trasimeno 7 gets better reviews but rooms are cramped. Adults only.
 * HM Dunas Blancas adjacent is similar.
 * BG Caballero next door has similar price and quality.
 * HM Balanguera Beach is an arty place next to BG Hotel Pamplona, at C de Marbella 35.
 * Iberostar Bahía de Palma is next to Iberostar Selection, similar price and quality.
 * Iberostar Christina is inland next to Iberostar Selection, slightly cheaper but similar quality.
 * Tent Capi Playa is an inexpensive hotel south side of the Iberostar complex.
 * THB Maria Isabel is a clean well-run place east side of the Iberostar complex.
 * Copaiba by Honne is another block east at C de Villagarcia de Arosa 24. Comfy enough, the main gripe is that the restaurant doesn't accept cards or room-credit, you have to pay everything in cash.
 * Universal Hotel Neptuno is at C del Llaüt 34, on the beachfront by Gran Playa. Mostly good reviews but some gripes, and noise from the nearby Megapark. Adults only.
 * Whala!fun is a simple clean place at C Terral 23 in S'Arenal, part of HM chain.
 * Tent Bahia de Palma is adequate for what you pay. It's at C Trencadors 74 in S'Arenal.
 * Bahamas I & II are further inland along Av Europa in S'Arenal.
 * Iberostar Bahía de Palma is next to Iberostar Selection, similar price and quality.
 * Iberostar Christina is inland next to Iberostar Selection, slightly cheaper but similar quality.
 * Tent Capi Playa is an inexpensive hotel south side of the Iberostar complex.
 * THB Maria Isabel is a clean well-run place east side of the Iberostar complex.
 * Copaiba by Honne is another block east at C de Villagarcia de Arosa 24. Comfy enough, the main gripe is that the restaurant doesn't accept cards or room-credit, you have to pay everything in cash.
 * Universal Hotel Neptuno is at C del Llaüt 34, on the beachfront by Gran Playa. Mostly good reviews but some gripes, and noise from the nearby Megapark. Adults only.
 * Whala!fun is a simple clean place at C Terral 23 in S'Arenal, part of HM chain.
 * Tent Bahia de Palma is adequate for what you pay. It's at C Trencadors 74 in S'Arenal.
 * Bahamas I & II are further inland along Av Europa in S'Arenal.
 * Universal Hotel Neptuno is at C del Llaüt 34, on the beachfront by Gran Playa. Mostly good reviews but some gripes, and noise from the nearby Megapark. Adults only.
 * Whala!fun is a simple clean place at C Terral 23 in S'Arenal, part of HM chain.
 * Tent Bahia de Palma is adequate for what you pay. It's at C Trencadors 74 in S'Arenal.
 * Bahamas I & II are further inland along Av Europa in S'Arenal.
 * Whala!fun is a simple clean place at C Terral 23 in S'Arenal, part of HM chain.
 * Tent Bahia de Palma is adequate for what you pay. It's at C Trencadors 74 in S'Arenal.
 * Bahamas I & II are further inland along Av Europa in S'Arenal.

Connect
As of June 2022, Palma has 4G from MasMovil/Yoigo, and 5G from Movistar, Orange and Vodafone.

Stay safe
Take great care of valuables, as town centre has pickpockets a-plenty. Flower girls, street touts and other "distractors" may be working in cahoots with them.

Old Town and El Terreno can be sleazy at night. There are lots of drug misusers, and drink-spiking is not uncommon.

The people of Mallorca regard themselves as Catalan, not Spanish. Respect this, though your roto attempts to speak mainland (Castilian) Spanish will earn more kudos than insisting on English.

Go next

 * All the rest of Mallorca is within an hour or so of Palma. Sóller is a charming small town, reached on the rinky-dinky wooden train.
 * Ferries sail to the other Balearic islands, and Ibiza city is within a day trip.
 * Ferries also sail to the Spanish mainland.