The 13 essential things to do in Palma de Mallorca

Would you like to visit Palma de Mallorca? Here are some activities that will rhythm your stay!

You have planned a stay in the splendid Balearic ? Compulsory stop in Mallorca, and more precisely in the city of Palma! Capital of the largest island in the Balearic Islands, it is the promise of various activities and discoveries of all kinds.

Whether you love chateau stories, you're thirsty for discovery, or you just want to spend a good time with your family, Palma de Mallorca won't disappoint you.

We offer you to discover 13 must-see places in Palma which, barely arrived, will already give you a desire to return. Ready? Follow the guide!

1. The Cathedral of Palma

The Cathedral of Palma, also known as "La Seu", is the symbol of Palma with its façade and its huge rose. In addition, it dominates the bay and offers a breathtaking view of the seafront. Its construction began under the reign of James II, and the cathedral had three naves on one floor, the main house of which was the chapel of Trinidad, where the remains of Kings James II and James III rest.

One of the features of the Cathedral of Palma is that the reconfiguration of the choir was performed by Antoni Gaudí between 1904 and 1914.

2. Drach's Caves

Located in Porto Cristo, about 50 minutes de Palma de Mallorca, Drach caves It's worth it. This magical place is actually composed of 4 caves: the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Luis Salvador Cave and the French Cave.

Nestled at 25 meters below the surface, they reserve you beautiful surprises. So don’t hesitate to venture into it and let yourself be surprised by the secrets they contain. Among them, a secret of polichinel: Lake Martel. Located inside the caves, this lake is considered one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Don’t miss a trick!

3. Royal Palace of Almudaina

The Royal Palace of Almudaina is the royal castle of the city. It faces the cathedral and still serves the king of Spain for the official ceremonies. The current castle is the result of the transformation of the Muslim alcazar whose construction began in 1281.

The Almudaina was the seat of the independent kingdom of Majorca during the reigns of James II, Sanche I and James III, until he passed to the crown of Aragon at the time of Peter IV.

4. The Arab Bains

♪ Arab baths — or Baños árabes — are the only remains still intact testifying to the Muslim presence in Palma. Their conservation is impressive and the garden around them is very relaxing. Their classic beef-eyed cupola is based on eight columns with rudimentary capitals.

5. The Llotja

The Llotja is a large building of Gothic architecture located on the square of the same name, Place Llotja.

In particular, it served to develop trade on the island of Palma (the visit is free). Masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Mallorca, “the Loge” was built by Guillem Sagrera between 1420 and 1452 . She was a stock market place and the seat of the merchant college.

6. Serra de Tramuntana

Want to look great and see it? Put the course on the main mountainous massif of Majorca: the Serra de Tramuntana ! Perfect for hiking, it will deliver — through your walks — its wonderful secrets. Discover its sublime flora — dense and varied — and endemic species. Take a few paths with sea view and immortalize everything!

7. A boat ride

After taking a large bowl of fresh air to the mountain, what better than taking the sea off by going for a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat In Palma de Mallorca you will be able to explore the island and its surroundings. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Majorca!

8. Es Baluard, the modern art museum

Founded recently, the Es Baluard Museum has eclectic works both inside and outside the building, you can see some when you’re on the harbour. Inside, we can contemplate works by artists such as Picasso, Cézanne, Miró, Gauguin, Magritte, Polke, Barceló or Schnabel.

9. Basilica of Sant Francesc

Slightly away from the city’s tourist streets, Basilica of Sant Francesc — or basilica of Saint-François in French — is an impressive building located on the square of the same name.

10. Convent of Santa-Clara

Still inhabited today by sisters, the Convent of Santa-Clara is known for its manufacture of cookies that you can taste and buy during your visit.

11. Fundacio La Caixa

Foundation La Caixa is an art foundation of which the building itself is original from outside, and which tells part of the history of the city.

12. Kathmandu Park

Want to spend a good time with family? Direction le Kathmandu Park for a day placed under the sign of animations of all kinds. Enjoy the mini-golf and varied attractions that will make everyone happy. The most? The 4D experience on cinema with seats in motion. What to end the day with stars full of eyes!

13. Rancho Grande Park

Do you feel the soul of a cowboy? Rancho Grande Park welcomes small and large in a warm atmosphere. You can choose a horse ride, or you can simply enjoy a good meal in an atmosphere that is not without recalling the great hours of the American West.

Different dance performances, several equestrian demonstrations and many other activities are running around the day at Rancho Grande Park. You will not be bored!

By plane

Palma de Mallorca is approximately 2 hours Paris and other French cities. His international airport — Son Sant Joan — is located only 8 kilometers from the city. To find cheap tickets for Palma, you are advised to take it in advance and to use a flight comparison such as Ulysses .

From the airport to the centre

Once you arrive at Son Sant Joan Airport, you can reach the centre in different ways.

• Bus

You can opt for Bus No.1, linking the airport to downtown Palma de Mallorca in a minimum of 15 minutes. You will arrive directly at Plaza España. Count about 5€ the journey.

• Taxi

If you don’t want to use public transport on arrival, you can call – a taxi that will take you directly to your hotel. Upon arrival you will find the taxi station at the door D . Count about 27€ the journey to the center of Palma.

This faster solution can be much more practical in case of night arrival. Still beware of the "piracy taxis" demarcating travellers but not having a license.

• Car

If you make the choice of car rental In Palma de Mallorca, you will find at the airport counters dedicated to it. To reach the center of Palma de Mallorca, borrow the exit 7 of the Ma-19 motorway . You'll be there in about 15 minutes.

Ferry

Palma is also accessible by the sea. Regular lines of ferries connect it with the other islands of the Balearic archipelago as well as with coastal cities as Barcelona , Valencia , Alicante and Denia. You can book your ferry crossing online via the site Direct Ferries .

Where to stay in Palma?

To visit Palma the time of a long weekend, the best is to stay in the historic centre of the city. It is pleasant and authentic, and you are close to everything. To sleep there, there are several options available to you. If you prefer the classic hotel room, feel free to use a hotel comparisons to find the establishment that best suits your expectations. Want to get out of the beaten paths? Opt for accommodation Airbnb . From the apartment with sea view to the loft with swimming pool, you will surely find your happiness!

Palma is just a stop and you planned to visit the entire island of Mallorca? We advise you to read our article on the cities where to stay in Majorca .