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Palma de Mallorca

Palma is a stunner. Rising in honey-coloured stone from the broad waters of the Badia de Palma, this enduring city dates back to the 13th-century Christian reconquest of the island, and to the Moors, Romans and Talayotic people before that. A richly studded diadem of historical sites, Palma also shelters a seemingly endless array of galleries, restaurants, craft studios and bars – it's without doubt Mallorca's greatest treasure. Wander in any direction from the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral at its geographic and historical heart and you'll find bent medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses, looming baroque churches, teeming public squares, vibrant bohemian neighbourhoods and markets overflowing with all the bounty of the island. You could spend weeks in this city alone, and still uncover fresh joys every day.

Explore Palma de Mallorca

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Palma de Mallorca.

  • Palace

    Palau de l'Almudaina

    Originally an Islamic fort, this mighty construction opposite the cathedral was converted into a residence for the Mallorcan monarchs at the end of the…

  • Cathedral

    Catedral de Mallorca

    Palma’s vast cathedral ('La Seu' in Catalan) is the city's major architectural landmark. Aside from its sheer scale, treasures and undoubted beauty, its…

  • Museum

    Palau March

    This house, palatial by any definition, was one of several residences of the phenomenally wealthy March family. Sculptures by 20th-century greats,…

  • Gallery

    Es Baluard

    Built with flair and innovation into the shell of the Renaissance-era seaward walls, this contemporary art gallery is one of the finest on the island. Its…

  • Gallery

    Museu Fundación Juan March

    The 17th-century Can Gallard del Canya, a 17th-century mansion overlaid with minor Modernist touches, now houses a small but significant collection of…

  • Castle

    Castell de Bellver

    Straddling a wooded hillside, the Castell de Bellver is a 14th-century circular castle (with a unique round tower), the only one of its kind in Spain…

  • Church

    Basílica de Sant Francesc

    One of Palma’s oldest churches, the Franciscan Basílica de Sant Francesc was begun in 1281 in Gothic style, while the baroque facade, with its carved…

  • Museum

    Can Balaguer

    One of Palma's most emblematic buildings, the permanent exhibition, entitled La Casa Posible, re-creates rooms of this former noble house from 1600–1951…

  • Museum

    Museu de sa Jugueta

    The 3000 cars, planes, dolls, robots and other toys on display here represent the tip of a collection of more than 7000 pieces, acquired steadily by a…

  • Museum

    Museu Diocesà

    Located in the Palau Episcopal (Bishop’s Residence; a mainly Gothic ensemble dating to the 13th century), the Museu Diocesà, behind the cathedral to the…

  • Area

    Passeig d’es Born

    One of Palma's most appealing boulevards, Passeig d’es Born is capped by Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I (named after the present king and formerly after Pope…

  • Historic Building

    Banys Àrabs

    These baths, dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, are the single most important remaining monument to the Muslim domination of the island, although all…

  • Convent

    Convent de Santa Clara

    The 'Poor Clares' were one of the first orders to establish a presence in Palma, following the Reconquesta of 1229. The land on which the convent stands…

  • Square

    Plaça Major

    Plaça Major is a typically Spanish grandiose central square, lined with arcades, shops, cafes and restaurants (the burger chain jars somewhat). Lively by…

  • Historic Building

    Ajuntament

    Dominating the square that has long been the heart of municipal power in Palma is the ajuntament. The baroque facade hides a longer history: the town hall…

  • Historic Building

    Sa Llotja

    The gorgeous 15th-century sandstone Sa Llotja, opposite the waterfront, was built as a merchants’ stock exchange. Designed by the Mallorcan sculptor…

  • Church

    Església del Monti-Sion

    The gaudy baroque facade of the Església del Monti-Sion was converted from a Gothic synagogue. It got a serious baroque makeover, inside and out, in the…

  • Cultural Centre

    CaixaForum

    Housed in the wonderful Modernisme building (the island's first) that was once the Grand Hotel, this cultural centre and gallery is run by one of Spain's…

  • Church

    Església de Sant Miquel

    A striking mix of styles, St Michael's is one of Palma's first four churches, built on the site of a mosque where the island's first Mass was celebrated…

  • Church

    Església de Santa Eulàlia

    The oldest parish church in Palma, raised after the 1229 conquest, the Església de Santa Eulàlia is a soaring Gothic structure with a neo-Gothic facade…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Palma de Mallorca.

  • Activities