Loads of landmarks to see (your Insta followers aren't even ready)
Tapas at every turn
Nightlife for every mood - from chilled to chaotic
What are the best beaches in Palma?
Ah, so you're all about the important questions - just like us. Well, Palma holidays definitely aren't short of the sandy stuff, with a bunch of beaches to balance out all that historic city stuff. Think breezy promenades, quiet coves and big, long stretches. Here are a few places to start:
Playa de Palma - duh, where else would you start? The city's namesake beach is a whopping 6km long, with plenty of space for sunbathing, a volleyball net if you're into that, and a beach bar serving cocktails if you're into that
Cala Major - located just a quick hop from the city centre, with soft sands, inviting waters and a Blue Flag to its name
Ciudad Jardín Beach - a laidback, family-friendly spot, with calm waters and a playground for the kiddos, all backed by a promenade that's bursting with restaurants and ice-cream stops. Sign us up!
Can Pere Antoni - this one's just a 15-min wander from the centre, perfect for a cheeky sunbathing sesh after a day of sightseeing. It's decked out with all the essentials - like sunbeds and parasols to rent, showers, loos and two beach clubs - plus some pretty epic views of the cathedral.
Illetas - a trio of coves tucked near the upscale beach clubs, with waters just begging to be dunked into, pillow-soft sands, watersport facilities and a quiet vibe away from the hustle.
Playa de S'Arenal - one for the party animals, located right near Arenal Yacht Club and known for its buzzing beach bars and promenade that's always popping off.
Portixol Beach - tucked away in a fishing village just outside of Palma, this place is a fave with the locals, perfect for a quiet swim or a stroll along the marina to admire all the swanky boats.
What are the top hotels in Palma?
Melia Palma Marina - if the name wasn't a total giveaway, this place is located right by the harbour (you can literally see the boats from your balcony), with an outdoor pool, a choice of restaurants, and 25% off at the iconic Katmandu Park - congratulations, you just became parent of the year!
Catalonia Majorica - a stylish hotel in a hilltop location overlooking the sea, kitted out with a chilled outdoor pool area, a Jacuzzi, a café and a restaurant with views of the harbour. It's giving romance...
Gran Melia Victoria - 5-star vibes, here you come! You can expect a cracking location close to the beach and marina, a whopper of an outdoor pool, premium room types, a choice of restaurants and a terrace bar serving cocktails.
INNSIDE Palma Bosque - just a 5-min stroll from iconic attractions like the Yacht Club and Bellver Castle, this stunner offers comfy rooms (including swanky swim-up ones!), pools for the whole fam, a restaurant packed to the brim with food options, and a wellness club for all your self-care needs (that sauna's calling your name, just saying...)
Melia Palma Bay - you can't go wrong with a sea view, and this entire place is all about the sea views, with swish rooms decked out with all the bells and whistles, a rooftop swimming pool (told you it was all about the views), discounted access to Katmandu Park, and a cracking location right near the city centre.
Popular Palma hotels
Weather in Palma
JAN
13°C
FEB
15°C
MAR
16°C
APR
18°C
MAY
21°C
JUN
24°C
JUL
27°C
AUG
30°C
SEP
25°C
OCT
20°C
NOV
16°C
DEC
13°C
No one likes rain on their parade, and especially not on their holibobs. Thankfully, you'll hardly need to worry about that in toasty Palma. Spring is when the temperatures are at that perfect in-between, ranging from a pleasantly mild 14°C in early March to a lovely 22°C by May. Summer is when things really start to hot up though, with June and August sizzling at around 30°C, and sometimes even higher! Don't forget your Factor 50.
When it comes to later in the year, autumn stays mild with an average range from 18°C to 25°C - still plenty warm enough to explore the city without getting too much of a sweat on, and it's typically less crowded at this time of year too. Win win! Winter is when things to take a slight dip, but temperatures still rarely drop below 10°C, so it might not exactly be sandal season, but it's still giving the weather back home a run for its money!
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Palma?
It takes around 2 hours to fly to Palma from the UK/Ireland, which is quicker than a train from Manchester to London! And we know which we'd pick...
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Palma?
The local time in Palma is just 1 hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, so you don't have to worry about jet lag.
What language do they speak in Palma?
The official language spoken in Palma is Spanish.
What currency do they use in Palma?
The official currency used in Palma is the Euro.
Fill your boots on Tapas Tuesday
We know what you're thinking: you're already in. Same here! Tapas Tuesdays were brought in to spice up the quietest night of the week in Palma. Taking place in Gerreria right in the middle of the Old Town, it's like a bar crawl but for tapas. Venues serve up beer or wine with a bangin' tapas dish for as little as €2-€3, so pull on your stretchiest trousers and get ready for a whole night of deliciousness.
Take a train ride through history
Unlike back home, there's no faffing about with train strikes here. Head over to the station in Palma and hop on the most popular tourist route from Palma to Soller - a pretty town that's all orange groves and mountains and cute little buildings. The ride itself is an absolute treat, with the vehicle resembling more of what we'd consider a tram back home, serving up absolutely gorg views of the countryside along the way. Trust us, getting there is half of the adventure!
Go for a walk in the park
You'll find Parc de la Mar tucked between the cathedral and the sea, offering a pretty urban park space in the centre of town. With a manmade saltwater lake, fountains, and loads of palm trees and benches, it's a top-notch spot for some peace and quiet. Perfect for chilling after a day of sightseeing, this is your spot to either grab a coffee, some delish ice cream, or just enjoy a bit of people-watching! And when summer's in full swing, this place is host to a bunch of events too, like concerts and festivals.
Set sail on the oldest ship in Spain
Boat trip, but make it educational. What better way to take in all that gorg Majorcan coastline than from the sea, are we right?! Any why hop on any old boat when you could hop on the old boat (the oldest active ship in Spain, to be exact)? The Rafael Verdara launched back in 1841 and registered in Ibiza, and it's since been restored to perfection for an authentic experience. You'll hear all about its history along the way, and it's available for all kinds of trips - including sunset cruises, day trips and whale-watching excursions. Bon voyage!
Explore the caves of Genova
We're gonna give it to you straight: these are the smallest caves in Majorca, but remember that little old saying about how good things come in small packages? Yeah, it applies here. You can book yourself in to see this place up close, and it's completely self-guided so you can explore the underground paths for as long as you like! Some trips even throw in a music performance while you're down there (the acoustics are off the scale), and a traditional bite to eat from the nearby restaurant.
See if you can find Nemo at Palma Aquarium
If you've got the kiddos with you (and who are we kidding, even if you haven't), then a trip to Palma Aquarium is a must. It's split into 8 different zones to represent different habitats, including Mediterranean, Tropical and Jungle-themed areas. It's also home to one of the deepest shark tanks in Europe (no biggie), and if you've got any little daredevils in your squad, then they won't want to miss the daily feeding of the sharks, rays, turtles and piranhas. Plus, you'll get entrance to the 3D Cinema Aquadome included with your ticket, where you'll be thrown into an immersive underwater world with creatures right there in front of you.
What events can I go to in Palma?
Palma holidays have a whole line-up of annual events that'll make your holibobs one for the scrapbooks. Whether you're after singing, dancing, culture or just something to spice up your time in the Mediterranean sun, keep your eyes peeled (and your calendar marked) for these sizzling soirees:
Sant Sebastià Festival (January) - kickstart the year with a proper good shindig honouring Palma's patron saint, with bonfires, live music and traditional dances that light up the streets
Fira del Ram (March-April) - the funfair of dreams, with thrilling rides, games for the kiddos and a load of delish street food
Palma International Boat Show (April-May) - one for the boujee bunch, showcasing the swankiest yachts and boats in the Med - prepare to dream big and hop aboard!
La Nit de Vi (May) - wine-lovers, unite - dozens of wineries come together for this annual wine-tasting event, with around 200 local tipples to choose from
Nit de Foc (June) - translating to the Night of Fire, this scorchin' affair sees fireworks, bonfires and fire-dancing devils take centre stage to kick off the Sant Joan festivities
Sant Joan Festival (June) - summer solstice gets a proper send-off with beach parties, bonfires (are you sensing a theme?), and late-night swims
Open-Air Cinema (July) - nothing says summer like watching your fave film on the big screen outside, and that's exactly what Parc de la Mar offers every year in July, from classics to documentaries, Blockbusters and even animations for the kiddos
Nit de l'Art (September) - one for the artists and art-lovers of the world, celebrating all things creativity with museums and galleries opening their doors until midnight with brand new exhibitions on display
Palma de Mallorca Marathon (October) - hey, we've gotta cater to everyone you know! If this sounds up your street then strap on your trainers and hit the road for a scenic run straight through Palma
Fira de la Llum (November) - a fair celebrating the Feast of La Beata, with an enchanting parade of lanterns, traditional dances and local eats
TaPalma (November) - an annual foodie event that showcases all things tapas (in both its modern and traditional form), with bars and restaurants coming together to flaunt their dishes and compete for first place, as chosen by a judging panel
Christmas Markets (December) - a beach gem like Palma might not scream Christmas, but trust us - in December, it does. The Christmas markets go all out with twinkling lights, mulled wine and stalls stacked with crafts, gifts and tasty nibbles.
Where is the best nightlife in Palma?
Nightlife on Palma holidays is like one big cocktail of swanky bars, sizzling beats and dancefloors that'll have you grooving 'til the early hours. Whatever your vibe is, don't miss out on these top bars and nightclubs in Palma:
Purobeach Palma - laidback beach club vibes with chilled beats, comfy loungers and the best sunset views around - best paired with a cocktail, says us
Social Club Mallorca - a chic nightclub where all the cool kids go, serving up top-tier cocktails, live bands and a 10/10 atmosphere
Brooklyn Club - this place brings the Ibiza vibes to Palma, with outdoor seating, multiple floors offering pulsing beats, AND it's open 'til late (or early - 4AM, to be exact), so you can literally dance 'til dawn
Nikki Beach Mallorca - a boujee beach club where the champagne's always flowing, the beats keep coming and the DJs keep the party going
Hostal Cuba Sky Bar - you can't go wrong with a trusty sky bar, and this one in Santa Catalina fills up FAST (so get in early). Just take the lift from the ground floor and prepare to be served by dapper waiters while you take in the panoramic views of the Old Town.
Club de Mar Terrace & Night Club - a swanky marina nightclub with happy hour cocktails and a dancefloor that's always busy - this is one for those who like to party in style
Sa Feixina Park Bar - a proper cosy pub serving good beer and rum sours - grab a standing table and sip away
El Llorenç Hotel Rooftop Bar - tucked away in the historic Calatrava quarter, this hidden gem dazzles with gorg views of the city and an epic snack and cocktail menu - it's open to non-hotel guests after 11AM, but it's a popular spot, so you might want to call in advance!
Made in Brasil - a vibrant bar that brings a taste of Brazil to Palma, with fine wines, unique cocktails, dancing and live performances
Lunita - a top weekender spot that's open Friday through to Sunday in a location right near the airport, just in case you fancy stumbling off your flight and into the club, or vice versa
Jazz Voyeur Club - a small, cool club offering live jazz music and delish cocktails (all the classics and more) in a cosy setting
What’s the food like in Palma?
Palma's food scene is a proper feast for the senses, with drool-worthy local dishes to dive head-first into. From traditional delicacies to modern bites, here's the lowdown on the must-try foods in Palma:
Ensaimada - sweet, fluffy pastry that pairs perfectly with a morning coffee
Sobrasada - a spreadable sausage (bear with us) that's all about pork and paprika and is downright delish on a slice of crusty bread
Pa Amb Oli - rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and topped with local cheese or ham
Cocarrois - the Spanish take on an empanada, made up of crimped pastry stuffed with veggies, raisins and pine nuts - and they're baked, not fried, which means you have every reason to go in for a second or third...
Tumbet - Majorca's answer to ratatouille, made with layers of aubergine, red peppers and potatoes in a rich, tomatoey sauce
Frito Mallorquín - a traditional dish made with fried lamb or pork liver, potatoes, peppers and peas - proper hearty stuff!
Arroz Brut - a tasty rice dish with a selection of meats and seasonal veggies in a rich, flavoursome broth
Coca de Trampó - a flatbread topped with a fresh salad of tomatoes, green peppers and onions. It's light, it's fresh and it's delish.
Now you know what to look for on the menu, but what about where to eat? The age-old question. Don't worry, we've got you covered with these top restaurants in Palma:
Celler Sa Premsa - step back in time at this traditional spot, serving up proper good Majorcan cuisine in a rustic, cosy setting.
Marc Fosh - a Michelin-star gem dishing up modern Mediterranean food that's as gorg to look at as it is to eat
Bar España - a buzzing tapas bar where the menu is as vibrant as the atmosphere, perfect for social meals where everyone shares
Waina Tavern - mix it up with some tasty Thai food in Santa Ponsa, complete with epic views, a gorg menu and 10/10 service
Adrián Quetglas - a top-notch venue offering traditional flavours with a modern twist. Tuck into tasting menus that'll whisk you off on a foodie adventure.
Forn de Sant Joan - a family-run fave offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes, with a seafood selection that's out of this world
Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo - a historic café known for its delish ensaimadas and hot chocolate - sweet-tooths, unite!
Places to visit
Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
Reigning supreme as Palma's best-known landmark, the Cathedral of Palma or La Seu as it's otherwise known, will have you snapping pics like there's no tomorrow. From the outside it's all intricate, golden architecture, while inside it's even more jaw-dropping - with 61 stained-glass windows to gawp at. The locals nickname it the 'Cathedral of Light' for this very reason, but the most breathtaking window of them all has gotta be the central rose window, which captures the sun just right and casts a warm glow over the whole place. Talk about a showstopper. It's open Monday-Saturday from 10AM (check ahead for closing times), and it's only €9 to peek inside - which also gives you access to a nearby museum! It's a bit extra if you want to do the full shebang and go up to the turrets, but totally worth it if you like a killer view (and can stand the heat!).
Bellver Castle
The name 'Bellver' literally translates to good view, so you already know you're onto a winner with this one. It dates back to the 14th century (but looks great for its age), and stands all prim and proper in the hilltops, surrounded by pines and overlooking Palma Bay. You can either take a tour bus to reach it, or go for the steps route, which - while tiring - is super rewarding (let's just say...views for days). You'll find a pretty two-storey courtyard when you arrive, with three whopping towers around the outside. Keep an eye out for all the traditional Gothic architecture (a nod to the Catalan history), and then head right to the top of the castle for killer views. It's the only round castle in Spain, and its circular terrace is the perfect spot for some panorama action. Seriously, get your camera ready (but don't drop it).
Passeig des Born
This short, tree-lined boulevard is one of the most photo-worthy spots in Majorca. Nicknamed simply as 'the Born' by locals, it's the perfect place to get a feel for the city vibes in Palma - it's giving Las Ramblas in Barcelona. If you know, you know. You'll find a bunch of designer shops along the street (from Rolex to Louis Vuitton and Sandro), plus some home faves like Zara, and plenty of cafés and bars with pretty outdoor terraces so you can get your people-watching on. It's also perfectly shaded in summer thanks to all the towering trees, and at Christmas time the whole place is strung with festive lights. Long story short? Whenever you visit, it's gonna look beaut.
Key facts about Palma
Flight Time
2 hrs
Time Difference
+1 hr
Language
Spanish
Currency
Euro
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Palma?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Palma?
The Balearic Government charge a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which is payable on arrival in the hotel. From 1st January 2018 this increased to:
