Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, is a city with a rich cultural heritage, inherited from the Roman, Moorish, and Catholic communities that lived there over the centuries. This port city stretches along the coast for 11 kilometers, showcasing magnificent buildings, beaches, promenades, and gardens.
If you're interested in discovering what to see and do in Palma de Mallorca, let's take a tour of this beautiful city and explore all the must-visit spots.
The history of Palma de Mallorca dates back to 123 BC when it was occupied by the Romans under Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus, who gave the name to the Balearic Islands. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Palma was occupied and ruled by various powers over the centuries, including the Moors. However, in 1220, King Jaume I conquered Madina Mayurka from the Moors and introduced European customs, religion, and architecture, marking a significant change in the city's identity.
Today, the remnants of these diverse cultural influences are evident throughout the city. Palma de Mallorca is a major tourist destination known for its historic sites that reflect its Roman, Moorish, and Christian roots.
With its rich history, impressive architecture, and vibrant cobblestone streets, there's much to explore in this coastal city. Here are some of the highlights you must see in Palma de Mallorca:
A must-visit for any tourist is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, commonly known as La Seu. It is one of Palma de Mallorca's most iconic and recognizable landmarks. This imposing Gothic structure dominates the city's skyline and rises majestically above the Bay of Palma.
The construction of the cathedral began in 1229 under the reign of King Jaume I of Aragon, after the island's conquest from the Moors. However, it was not completed until 1601, almost four centuries later. The cathedral was built on the site of an ancient mosque, a common occurrence in the Christian reconquest of Spain.
One of La Seu's highlights is its rose window, known as the "Gothic Eye." With a diameter of almost 14 meters, it is one of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world and bathes the cathedral in colored light when the sun shines through it.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina, located in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, is a historical witness to the city's cultural evolution. Originally an Arab fortress called "Al-Mudayna," it was converted into a royal residence by King Jaume II in the 14th century.
This palace, with its blend of Gothic and Mudéjar styles, stands out for its stone walls, pointed arches, and ornamental details reminiscent of its Islamic past. The palace's interior is equally filled with history, with rooms like the Throne Room and the Chapel of Santa Ana, which house a collection of Flemish tapestries and other historical elements.
Today, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina remains an official residence of the King of Spain for ceremonies and state events, making it a must-visit for any visitor to Palma.
S'Hort del Rei, which translates to "The King's Garden" in Catalan, is a historic garden located in the city of Palma de Mallorca. This green space is situated just below the walls of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, offering a peaceful oasis amid the city's hustle and bustle.
This garden dates back to medieval times and was originally a orchard that provided food for the palace. Inside, you'll find lush fruit trees and ornamental and medicinal plants, as well as a charming pond that is especially beautiful in the evening.
Another must-see in Palma de Mallorca is Bellver Castle. This circular Gothic castle, unique of its kind in all of Europe, was built in the 14th century by order of King Jaime II of Mallorca. Located on a hill about 3 kilometers from the city, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of Palma, its harbor, and the Sierra de Tramuntana. In fact, its name, Bellver, means "beautiful view" in old Catalan.
Originally built as a royal residence, the castle has had various uses throughout its history. Today, Bellver Castle houses the Museum of the History of the City, where visitors can learn about Palma's rich history from Roman times to the present.
The Old Town of Palma de Mallorca is a place steeped in history and culture. Among its narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll discover the Jewish Quarter, an area that housed the Jewish community before the 5th century. Known as 'Call Maior,' this ancient Jewish neighborhood still preserves its historical, artistic, and cultural legacy from the Middle Ages.
Exploring the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter offers a fascinating insight into Palma's rich history. Highlights of the Jewish Quarter include the Major Porta del Call, Carrer del Sol, Carrer de la Criança, and the Porta del Templo de S'Abeurador.
Mercat de l'Olivar is one of the city's most popular and oldest markets. Located in Plaça del Olivar, this traditional market has been serving the local community with fresh produce since its opening in 1951. The market features over 100 stalls offering a wide variety of products, from fruits and vegetables to meats, fish, cheeses, and wines.
Mercat de l'Olivar is not just a place to shop for food; it's also a culinary destination with numerous food stalls and a social and cultural center, regularly hosting events and workshops, making it a gathering point.
Palma Aquarium is a wonderful place to learn about marine life and the importance of ocean conservation. This impressive aquarium opened in 2007 and houses a variety of marine ecosystems representing the world's oceans and seas.
One of Palma Aquarium's standout features is its Great Blue, the deepest shark tank in Europe, with a depth of 8.5 meters. The tank holds over three million liters of saltwater and is home to several species of sharks. You'll also find over 700 different species of marine animals, including tropical fish, jellyfish, sea turtles, and corals.
In addition to its marine life exhibits, Palma Aquarium offers a range of interactive activities and experiences, including animal feeding, diving with sharks, and an outdoor playground.
In conclusion, Palma de Mallorca is a destination that offers a wide variety of attractions for all tastes. Furthermore, a visit to Palma wouldn't be complete without trying the ensaimada, a traditional Mallorcan pastry. If you're looking for something more relaxed, Parc de la Mar offers a peaceful space for strolling and enjoying sea views. And for history enthusiasts, the Arab Baths are a fascinating testament to the Islamic era on the island.
Finally, if you have time, there is a wide range of free tours that allow you to explore the city from a different perspective. Now that you know everything you can see and do in Palma de Mallorca, do you have a clear idea of your first stop?
We look forward to welcoming you!