Mallorca and Palma: a guide to what to see

Quick answer: Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, with Palma de Mallorca as its capital. You'll need four to six days for an initial acquaintance: two in Palma and its cathedral, two in the Serra de Tramuntana, visiting Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller, and one on the southern beaches. The best times to visit are May, June and September.

A complete guide to Palma de Mallorca

The coastal capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca can fill you with unforgettable experiences, brimming with restaurants, art, and culture. It's an ideal destination for a getaway in late spring or early summer.

Wander through the old town

In the historic quarter between Plaça de Cort and the beach, you'll find a labyrinth of Moorish-era narrow streets.

If you simply wander until you reach La Seu, the historic cathedral, you'll always encounter something amazing.

Many of the old mansions have been restored and now function as hotels, cafes, and restaurants, which are lovely to see.

You'll need to walk for about 10 minutes to see all the different architectural styles and get a sense of Palma's history, which dates back over 1,000 years.

At some point, you'll emerge from this maze of narrow lanes and suddenly see the bay opening up before you. The experience is simply magical!

Discover the small alleys

Carrer de la Missió was a very small alley just a few years ago – it wasn't the kind of area where Palma's affluent citizens would go for dinner.

It has gradually improved over the years, and now galleries and boutiques are constantly opening up.

There's a wonderful bookshop, just off Carrer Arabí, called La Biblioteca de Babel, which has a café with tables on an outdoor terrace.

The tiny bakery Rosevelvet (15 Carrer de la Missió) is an ideal spot to grab your breakfast before starting your city tour.

It's owned by a lovely couple who bake delicious cakes and pastries and make very good coffee – the aroma wafting from the bakery into the street is irresistible.

The liveliest street in Palma de Mallorca

Carrer de Sant Feliu leads to Passeig des Born – the small, tree-lined street that has been at the heart of the city's life for more than a century – and is filled with galleries, small shops, and bars.

Rialto Living is housed in an elegant old palace and is full of books, clothes, and beautiful homeware – and it also has a lovely café.

Another shop worth visiting on this street is 13% which from the outside isn't flashy and might not catch your eye, but it serves amazing tapas and offers various unusual wines at good prices.

You simply sit back and they tell you what they're offering each day, suggesting wines that might interest you and would pair well with your dinner.

Cycling along the beach

You can cycle for many kilometres along the coast. The Paseo Marítimo, the coastal road that runs across Palma Bay, has cycle paths and is very safe and easy, offering wonderful views of the city, the golden-Gothic cathedral, and the sea.

In Portixol, a short distance to the east, there is a marina with bars and cafes featuring attractive terraces.

For lunch, Sa Roqueta is excellent. Order one of their rich rice dishes, such as fideuá mulata (seafood and squid) or a whole fish. It's not cheap (two dishes €50) but the quality is outstanding.

There are many places to rent bicycles, such as Palma on Bike (from €14 per day).

Palma Market

To get a taste of how good the food is in Mallorca, wander through Palma's amazing market, Mercat de L'Olivar, to see the stalls piled high with fantastic fresh produce from the island and mainland Spain.

The tomatoes are impressive. The best thing is that you can buy some prawns or fish and they'll cook it for your lunch at one of the bars upstairs.

It's also a good place to pick up some local Mallorcan produce and wine to take home, or some flavoured salt from Es Trenc down on the south coast.

The Art of Mallorca

Es Baluard is Palma's museum of contemporary art and is worth a visit as it always hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. It's a fantastic space in a renovated 16th-century fortress that was originally part of the city walls.

The permanent collection features works from the late 19th century to the present day, with paintings and sculptures by Picasso, Miró and Barceló.

• €6 Admission, at Portade Santa Catalina 10, Closed every Monday

Lunch at Vida Meva

Chef Toni Martorell runs the brilliant Vida Meva restaurant with his wife. It offers an amazing combination of flavours and value. It's only open for lunch and only from Monday to Friday, and you absolutely must book.

They offer a three-course menu for €13.90 or a quick lunch – usually for workers who want to eat well, affordably and quickly during their break – for €11.90.

It's near the parliament building, which is why lawyers are their most frequent customers. The dishes change weekly, but some favourites are always available, such as the famous roast chicken.

• Carrer del Socors 23

Exceptional tapas

More charming and innovative are the traditional yet slightly contemporary tapas bars, where you can grab a quick bite and enjoy a glass of wine at the counter if you don't want to sit at a table.

Vermutería La Rosa, south of La Rambla, is always packed and very popular for precisely this reason. The atmosphere of the place is the biggest part of the experience offered, but the food is also truly excellent, with the octopus and tortillas standing out. Enjoy a vermouth while you decide what to order.

• Carrer dela Rosa 5

Michelin-starred menu

Chef Adrián Quetglas has earned a Michelin star at his restaurant, Quetglas, by the river. However, it's not like other Michelin-starred restaurants as it offers excellent value for money with menus starting from €33.

It has an amazing wine cellar that you are welcome to explore. You can simply sit at the bar for a glass of wine and a simple tapas with a wonderful piece of cheese or Iberian ham.

• Paseo de Mallorca 20

Rooftop cocktails

Palma boasts some impressive rooftop bars for pre- or post-dinner drinks. One of the most distinctive is the Sky Bar at Hostal Cuba on the edge of the trendy Santa Catalina neighbourhood, near the port.

You can relax as you enjoy the Mediterranean and the old town skyline with a mojito or two (€14).

There's also a rooftop pool bar at the Saratoga Hotel, which hosts the Blue Jazz Club. You can go on weekends to listen to live music with a relaxing vibe.

How to get to Palma de Mallorca

Unfortunately, no airline operates direct flights from our country to Palma de Mallorca.

However, you can find cheap tickets with one stop, with prices starting from €300. This is a very economical option considering it's a trip to an exotic destination.

An even better suggestion is to travel to Barcelona, spend 2 magical days there, and then Mallorca awaits you.

Accommodation in Mallorca

The Hotel Convent della Missió (double room from €180 only) is an excellent choice for accommodation in the centre of Palma.

For a cheaper stay, the former textile factory Fil Suites (double from €104) in the Sa Gerreria district offers stylish rooms and apartments.

For more accommodation options in Palma de Mallorca, see the Booking.com page.

When to visit Palma de Mallorca

Late spring is the best time to visit Palma. It's considerably less crowded and cooler than in summer.

What to see in Mallorca in four days

The island is divided into four completely different zones, and that's the secret to planning your trip. To the northwest rises the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with villages built into the slopes. To the south and east are the famous 'calas', small coves with turquoise water. In the centre, vineyards and medieval towns spread out, and to the southwest is Palma with its harbour.

Palma de Mallorca

La Seu Cathedral with its thirteen-metre rose window, the Almudaina Palace, the circular Bellver Castle overlooking the city, and Mercat de l'Olivar market for lunch. The old town can be comfortably explored in half a day.

Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller

Three villages along a forty-kilometre route. Chopin stayed in Valldemossa, Deià is the most photographed village on the island, and the historic tram reaches Port de Sóller. The Ma-10 road along the mountain range is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

The best beaches

Es Trenc with white sand and shallow waters, Cala Llombards and Cala Mondrago in the south, Cala Agulla to the east and Sa Calobra for dramatic scenery. For the most popular ones, arrive before 10 am, otherwise you won't find parking.

When to go and how much it costs

July and August have temperatures of 32 degrees and crowded beaches. May and October offer 24-degree weather, half prices at hotels, and ideal conditions for hiking and cycling. Expect to pay €60 to €120 per night for a good three-star hotel off-peak, €35 to €50 per day for a rental car, and around €15 for a meal with a 'menu del dia'. A car is almost essential outside Palma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need for Mallorca?

Four to six days for Palma, Tramuntana, and a few beaches. With a week, you can comfortably add the eastern parts.

What's the difference between Mallorca and Palma?

Mallorca is the island; Palma de Mallorca is its capital and main airport.

When is the best time to visit?

May, June, and September for beach activities with fewer crowds. April and October for hiking and cycling.

Do I need a car?

Not for Palma; buses and the metro are sufficient. For Tramuntana and the calas, a car makes all the difference.

How much does a week cost?

With a flight from Athens, a mid-range hotel, and a car, budget €800 to €1,200 per person in September.

Where should I stay in Mallorca?

Palma for a first visit and nightlife, Port de Sóller or Deià for scenery, Alcúdia for families with children.

How do I get there from Athens?

Direct flights are available in summer, lasting about three hours. In winter, a connection via Madrid, Barcelona, or Rome is required.

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