Palma de Mallorca

The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is a major Mediterranean beach destination with a stunning Gothic cathedral, pristine waters, and luxury resorts that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Its combination of culture, nightlife, and seaside beauty makes it one of Spain's most visited destinations.

Things to do

• Cathedral of Santa Maria — Explore this magnificent 14th-century Gothic cathedral dominating Palma's waterfront, featuring soaring ribbed vaults and stunning stained glass windows.
• Royal Palace of La Almudaina — Tour this royal residence overlooking the harbor, blending Islamic and Christian architectural styles across centuries of Balearic history.
• Old Town (Barri Gòtic) wandering — Navigate narrow medieval streets filled with local shops, tapas bars, and hidden plazas in Palma's charming Gothic quarter.
• Paseo Marítimo beach walk — Stroll along the waterfront promenade with views of the cathedral and access to several urban beaches perfect for swimming.
• Bellver Castle — Climb to this 14th-century hilltop fortress for panoramic views of Palma bay and explore its military museum.
• Es Baluard Museum — Visit this contemporary art museum housed in a restored 16th-century fortress overlooking the harbor.

Food to try

• Ensalada Mallorquina — A traditional salad combining tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and salt cod, served as a refreshing starter typical to the island.
• Tumbet — A Mallorcan vegetable stew layered with eggplant, potatoes, peppers, and zucchini, topped with tomato sauce and sometimes fish.
• Espinagada — A spiral pastry filled with spinach, pine nuts, and sometimes raisins, reflecting Moorish influences in local cuisine.
• Sobrasada — A soft, paprika-seasoned cured pork spread originating from Mallorca, best enjoyed on crusty bread or in traditional dishes.
• Caldereta de langosta — A luxurious spiny lobster stew simmered with tomatoes and spices, representing Palma's Mediterranean seafood heritage.
• Coca de recapte — A savory flatbread topped with vegetables and sometimes salted fish, commonly found in local bakeries and markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Siesta tradition — Many shops close between 2-5 PM for the afternoon rest, so plan activities accordingly and avoid expecting services during these hours.
• Casual Mediterranean dress code — Light, breathable clothing is essential year-round, though modest dress (covered shoulders/knees) is respectful when visiting religious sites like the cathedral.
• Catalan language presence — While Spanish is widely spoken, Catalan is the co-official language and you'll see it on signs; learning basic greetings in Catalan is appreciated by locals.
• Evening paseo custom — Locals enjoy evening strolls through plazas and streets around 7-8 PM when temperatures cool; joining this social ritual is a genuine way to experience local life.