What to see in Palma de Mallorca?
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of Majorca. It is also a beautiful city that attracts a lot of tourists. It has many stories and it is definitely worth visiting when you are on the island long enough. In this post, I will describe what is worth visiting step by step. The truth is that Palma is a big city, so it’s worth spending a whole day visiting it. Nobody will be disappointed with the capital of the city. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Beach, monuments, shops, beautiful promenades and narrow streets and good cuisine.
Is Palma de Mallorca a good place to travel from?
Definitely yes. From Palma it is very close to the airport, beautiful bays and the most popular spots in Mallorca. In addition, there is nothing to worry about in Palma, whether in winter or summer. Everything (well, most) is open all year. It is an additional plus for people who choose to Majorca in the winter. Life never dies here. The only downside of Palma is that in the summer there is a lot of tourists who come there typically for entertainment purposes. On the beaches and streets you will find drunken tourists and more rubbish than in other areas of Majorca. On the beaches and streets, there is also much more illicit trade in handbags, beach blankets and fruit / drinks. In my opinion, it is quite exhausting in my part, let alone in the capital – Palma de Mallorca.
Where to park Your car in Palma de Mallorca?
Many people go to Palma by bus, due to the fact that the communication network there is well developed, and the car is difficult to find a parking space. It is true. If you have the option and traveling by bus is not a problem for you, then consider this option. Many tourists in Palma risk and park their cars in unauthorized places. I will just add that the locals like to complain about tourists. The police are quickly taking matters into their own hands. Therefore, I would like to recommend you to park in underground parking lots. The payment is about 2 euros per hour of parking. Underground parking in Palma can be found every step. You can even take them off the street. There are special belts for this.
Palma de Mallorca – one day sightseeing!
Fortunately, the most beautiful places in Palma are located next to each other. However, before we get to these easier sightseeing points, we will go further with our sightseeing. I assume that most of you will start your tour from the Spanish Square, under which you park your car or next to which you get off the bus or train. That’s where we start. However, if you start somewhere else, then adjust this tour plan to yourself, you know!
Plaza de Toros and Coliseu Balear
What is Coliseu Balear? As the name suggests, it is a coliseum. It used to be used as bullfighting arena (currently there is another annual bullfight, but the island’s residents sign a petition to stop this tradition). Currently, various events and concerts take place in the arena. The Arena was founded in 1928. At Plaza de Toros (Place Byków) from the Plaza de España (Piazza di Spagna) you can walk in 12 minutes. However, if you prefer to travel by bus, the easiest way is to go to the bus station, which is next to the Plaza de España. Getting to Bisear Coliseum will take you from 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the type of transport you choose. If you are interested in history and architecture, I heartily recommend it. However, if you care about time, skip the coliseum!
Link to Coliseum’s official website: http://www.mallorcatravel.com/cultura/coliseo_balear.htm
Plaza de España in Palma de Mallorca
People who once were in Spain, certainly know that Plaza de España is usually the main square in a given city. What is characteristic of the Spanish Square in Palma de Mallorca is the Jaume I monument, located in the middle of the fountain. In addition, you can find a lot of bars, cafes and restaurants on the Spanish square. Plaza de España is just a temporary stage in our sightseeing.
La Rambla and Paseo del Borne
It is one of the most beautiful streets in Palma de Mallorca. It leads us to other monuments. In winter, La Rambla Square is decorated with beautiful Christmas lanterns. Definitely worth seeing, and for photos, I invite you to a post that describes what to do in Mallorca in the winter: https://namajorce.pl/hiszpania/wyspy-balearow/majorka/zima-na-majorce/ . La Rambla is the perfect place to drink coffee in the shade of trees. Around La Rambla there are many boutiques and shops known to us by brands.
Jardines de s’hort del Rei
After La Rambla you can go to the Plaza Mayor, but to be honest, I think that you can go ahead and avoid it. There are many more beautiful views ahead of you. Jardines de s’hort del Rei. They are beautiful royal gardens. The surroundings of the cathedral are very neat and surrounded by artists. For people who are not lovers of gardens, I definitely recommend going there, even for a moment of snapping. After crossing the gardens, we go to the walls.
Palau Real de la Almudaina
Almudaina Royal Palace. It is a beautiful palace, located next to a huge cathedral. Entrance to the Royal Palace costs 7 euros and you can buy a guide for 4 euros, also in electronic version, for the same price. The last entrance takes place one hour before closing time.
Opening hours:
Summer (April – September) – 10:00 – 20:00
Winter (October – March) – 10:00 – 18:00
The palace is closed on Monday and on September 26 and 27. However, on September 19, the Palace is open only until 13:00, and on September 28 to 2.30
The palace was built at the beginning of the 14th century, by King Jaime II, between 1305 and 1314. At the moment, the Palace is the official headquarters of the King of Spain when he visits the island.
Link to the official Palace website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/real-sitio/palacio-real-de-la-almudaina
Catedral La Seu
The biggest pride of Majorca is before you. Cathedral of La Seu. Built of stone – the Piet de Santanyi in the 13th century. In the 20th century, Gaudi himself contributed to the interiors of the cathedral, which you certainly associate with the architectural marvels of Barcelona. In addition, exactly on February 2 and November 11, the largest rose window passes the light that creates an amazing light phenomenon, the so-called Espectaculo del Ocho.
Opening hours:
10:00 – 18:00
Cathedral entrance price:
8 euro
Cathedral terrace entrance price:
12 euro
A maximum of 20 people can enter the terrace, and visiting the terraces takes only one hour. The cathedral is closed every Sunday. I heartily recommend you to buy tickets online for the terrace, then avoid queues and disappointments. However, if you buy a ticket online to the cathedral, you still have to queue to buy tickets. Link to the official site of the cathedral, where you can buy tickets, here: http:// https://catedraldemallorca.org/index.php/es/
Castell de Bellver
Here, I strongly recommend going by bus because it will take 45 minutes on foot. We can also get by bus in 45 minutes, but the bus will be a much better option. If you are a car, plan your route so that after visiting the center of Palma de Mallorca you do not have to go back far to it and be able to go to Bellver Castle.The castle is almost 113 meters above sea level. King Jaime II ordered the castle to be built in 1300. The slaves of the king and women worked on the construction of the castle. At the beginning, the castle served kings, but in the following years it was already a prison. The castle is round and a beautiful forest is around it. Currently, the castle is available to the city. The castle has a museum and numerous cultural events are organized there.
Opening hours and prices of Castell de Bellver
Opening hours:
Summer (April – September) – Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00, Sunday and holidays: 10:00 – 15:00
Winter (October – March) – Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00, Sunday and holidays: 10:00 – 15:00
Closed on Dec. 25, 1, 01, and 5 and on Easter Sunday. Schedules can also be modified due to cultural events organized by the City Council.
Prices:
On Sundays, the entrance to the castle is free, on other days adults have to pay 4 euros, children under 14 years of age are free. And children between the ages of 14 and 18 pay only 2 euros.
Official website: https://castelldebellver.palma.cat/portal/PALMA/castelldebellver/castelldebellver_principal1.jsp?codResi=1
Playa de Palma
If you still have some strength, then you should definitely go to Playa de Palma beach! This beach is 6 kilometers long. From Can Pastilla to El Arenal. Behind the beach, there is a promenade along its entire length, on which, of course, there are bars and restaurants every step. There are lifeguards and all types of water equipment rentals on the beach. There will also be something for shopping enthusiasts. On the street (the first coastline) there are many shops with hand-sewn beach coats and many other products. I definitely recommend you go to the beach from the port. This is where there are palm trees that grow centrally on the beach. The only downside to staying on this beach is that there is a lot of drunken tourists and illegal sellers. The beach is still perfect for families with children because it is very shallow.
Is it worth to go to Majorca’s capitol – Palma de Mallorca?
I will be honest with you. I’m a fan of beautiful views and when planning my holidays I definitely look for beautiful viewpoints. I can not say that the Bellver castle or the view from the terraces of the La Seu Cathedral is ugly. However, if you love to sunbathe, walk in the mountains and do not like big cities, I advise against spending the whole day in Palma. In my opinion, towns like Valldemossa, Deia, Soller or Arta have much more charm than Palma.
If you are going to Majorca for a weekend, then leave Palme. If you come here for two weeks, go ahead, because there is a lot to see. And you have time for that. Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful city worth visiting, but if you have time for it. The haste in this city is not indicated, because there is a lot to see.
