There's more to Mallorca than its gleaming beaches! The playground capital of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands is situated in the southern Bay of Palma. This charming Catalan city has a wide range of treats to interest the discerning tourist but still continues to attract less tourists than the attractions of S'Arenal and Magaluf.



The Old Town is compact enough that you can easily cover everything on foot. There isn't a finer way to appreciate the delights of a city than on foot with lots of peaceful parks and squares around to provide a break from all the walking. Wherever you stay on Mallorca, a trip to Palma is often laid on as a day trip. You will be glad of a change of scenery from the sand and sea and the opportunity to experience the Catalan way of life of Mallorca's capital city.

The cobbled streets of Palma are packed with energetic Tapas bars, craft markets and tradesman's workshops. Here you will find the true identity of Mallorca. Recently voted the finest place to live in the whole of Spain, half the population of the island now live in Palma, adding to the lively atmosphere of the Old Town. Palma is the entertainment hub of the island and the inhabitants totally agree by enjoying it at every opportunity!

The most endearing part of the city is pretty much focussed on the area within the shadows of the Cathedral. Palma is a safe place to walk around so there's no chance of getting lost and you can explore to your heart's content. Don't be surprised to find plenty of building restorations going on which can sometimes be a bit off putting as all the old buildings are given a much needed facelift. The island's capital city serves as a great place to play hide and seek, with countless narrow alleyways to wander along and a plethora of surprises to be found at the other end. Don't be surprised to find a beautiful atmospheric square or yet a further market at the end of each narrow passageway. If you appreciate shopping, Palma will offer you one or two distractions from your sightseeing agenda. Shops selling local produce such as pottery, olive wood, shoes and wine always tend to be popular with visitors.

Increasingly a city with an all year round tourist market, the Mallorcan Tourist Board is trying to promote Palma on a par with its European counterparts. Why restrict yourself to booking city breaks in wet and freezing Dublin, London, Paris or Amsterdam when you might be enjoying the stirring warmth of a Mediterranean climate in Palma!

The Romans put Palma on the map a couple of centuries back. Palmeria was an important gateway port to destinations in North Africa and continues to do so today welcoming millions of vacationing visitors not only through its sea port but through its busy airport.

Make your way over to the port to discover some of Palma's highly popular attractions. Be ready to be stunned by attractions like the circular fourteenth century Castle of Bellver (once a prison and now a concert venue), the Almudaina Royal Palace (the home of the royals during the Middle Ages) and the Stock Exchange. However, the thirteenth century Gothic Cathedral is definitely the jewel in Palma's crown. Near to the harbour and dominating the cityscape, this amazing example of architectural engineering was constructed on the land where once stood the city's main mosque. After a contemplative look around the cathedral why not enjoy a quiet break in the artistic Parc de la Mar which is on the waterfront. Palma spreads away from the cathedral via narrow atmospheric streets and cobbled alleyways.

For an exciting trip back in time to the days of Moorish occupation, why not pencil in a visit to the amazingly well preserved tenth century Arab Baths. Be careful for they are well hidden within the tiny roads that surround the cathedral.

Not too distant from the hustle and bustle of city life, exists the ideal beach holiday! Playa de Palma offers wonderful beaches, with lots of activities to keep you entertained all within a short distance from the cosmopolitan attractions of lively Palma.

Finally, a note of the dining opportunities in and around the delightful harbour. Very popular in the evenings, the marina here is where it all happens. If looking for a buzzing ambience, a few laughs and a beautiful fish supper, this is the ideal venue!