Palma De Mallorca
Quick Facts
Language: SpanishCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 971
Other Cities in this Region
Palma De Mallorca is located on Majorca, in the Balearic Islands, just miles away from Ibiza. It is 130 miles from Barcelona and its coastline is 310 miles long, making it the longest island in the Balearic archipelago. You will be amazed that this single island could be home to so many great sights and wonders. While Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville get all the headlines, Palma De Mallorca sits quietly and contently off the coast of Spain.
The cathedrals and historical sites in Palma De Mallorca are amazing, and the scenery is picturesque. Like many others in Spain, this city is quite old and venerable, and the heritage and culture of the region is still very much alive. You will be constantly reminded in Palma De Mallorca that you are in ancient and historic land.
The tourist facilities and beaches in Palma de Mallorca are magnificent, and the diversity of the island is fantastic to observe. From secret mountain villages to small harbors, Majorca truly does have it all. The waters are warm, and the air comfortable between June and October. Come December and January, watch out, because this region is characterized as being subtropical, and only those used to swimming in very cold waters would dare brave the sea off Palma De Mallorca during these times.
Overall, Palma De Mallorca and the surrounding areas offer remarkably diverse and entertaining environments that are sure to boggle your mind and capture your heart. The area is so beautiful and inviting that it is hard to leave Palma De Mallorca and go back to wherever it was that you came from.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Palma de Mallorca (971/715-100) located at Muelle Viejo 3. Taxis will be waiting to take you to your destination.
Palma de Mallorca has an efficient bus system that will take you all around the island. For routes and rates, call ahead (971/214-444). If you'd prefer, you can rent a car to travel around the island. Contact Recar Touristic S.L. (971/919-494) for specifics. Lastly, if you want to take a taxi around the island, give the folks at Tele-taxi (971/401-414) a ring, and they will gladly pick you up.
Local Interests
Viajes Sidetours is located at Passeig Maritim, 16 (971/283-900) and this is the best company to call on for a half or full-day excursion around Palma. They can take you to see the neighboring countryside as well, and it is truly fascinating. Visit the Sierra Mallorquina peaks and the small town by the sea, Soller. Mallorca is so incredibly diverse, that to not take a tour is to cheat yourself of a memorable, eye-opening opportunity. The Caves of Drach are also marvelous, as is the Majorica Pearl Factory.
The Catedral (Carrer de Palau Reial 9, 971/723-130) is an ancient Gothic cathedral in the center of Palma de Mallorca. Building commenced in 1230, but this magnificent cathedral was not completed until 1601. The columns extend sixty-five feet into the air, and the central vault stands 144 feet above the ground. The main altar and walls of the cathedral are truly spectacular, as well.
The Banys Àrabs are located at Carrer de Serra 7 (971/721-549), just east of the Catedral. These Moorish baths date back to the 10th century, and the stories about these peculiar bathhouses include tales that I do not dare tell in this tame narrative.
Activities
Beaches and Outdoor Sports
From downtown Palma, the closest beach is Playa Nova. Ca'n Pastilla is an outstanding beach, perfect for swimming and water sports. The sands of El Arenal are a golden yellow, and the beach amenities here are excellent. Sant Agusti and Cala Mayor are great but often quite crowded.
C'an Picafort is one of the best places for biking. For bike rentals, contact Belori Bike, which is located at Calle Marbella 22 in Arenal. Belori Bike (971/490-358) provides customers with a wide range of bicycles, and the trails in and around Palma De Mallorca are great fun. Port de Pollenca and Alcudia are enjoyable places to ride as well.
Golf on Majorca is exceptionally good, and the premier course on the island is Son Vida Club de Golf. It is located right off the Andrade Highway and is an 18-hole paradise. Son Vida (971/791-210) is a fantastic place to golf, and professionals and tourists alike often visit the island just to get savor the last hole.
Dining
Diplomatic is located at Carrer Palau Reial 5 (971/726-482) and features some of the best Continental cuisine anywhere in the islands. You can find this great establishment right in the middle of Palma, and some of the favorites include the steak tartare, sole with almonds, and the filet mignon cooked in port wine. Koldo Royo is located at Passeig Maritim 3 (971/732-435) and is the best place to find Basque food in Palma. Typical Basque dishes include lamprey eel, roasted pork, and baked hake. They are all prepared flawlessly, and for an exotic meal, Koldo Royo is a must.
Shopping
Casa Bonet is located at Placa Federico Chopin 2 (971/722-117) and features some of the best needlework and linens on Mallorca. The shopping in Palma De Mallorca is absolutely fabulous, and if you travel down San Miguel Street in the heart of the city, you will encounter many wonderful stores offering great buys on leather goods, handcrafts, and Majorcan pearls. Loewe (971/715-275) is loaded with women's clothes and accessories and great leather items. Passy, on Avinguda Jaume III 6 (971/713-338), has the best handbags and shoes on the island. All of their merchandise is made locally and is of very high quality, definitely adding to the allure of this unique store.