What To See And Do In Palma, Mallorca

Theres more to Mallorca than its gleaming beaches! The playground capital of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands is situated in the southern Bay of Palma. This delightful Catalan city has a wide range of treats to tempt the serious sightseer but still doesn't attract as many visitors as the hotspots of SArenal and Magaluf.

The Old Town is compact enough that you can easily cover everything on foot. There is no better way to appreciate the delights of a city than on foot with lots of peaceful parks and squares on offer to provide delightful breaks from all the walking. Whatever resort you visit, a trip to Palma is often laid on as a day trip. You will be glad of a break from the beach and the opportunity to feel the Catalan charisma of Mallorcas capital city.

Palmas cosmopolitan cobbled streets are jammed with craft markets, lively tapas bars and small workshops used by the local tradesmen. It is the place to go when seeking the proper identity of Mallorca. Recently voted the best place in Spain to set up home, half the islands population now live in Palma, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the Old Town. Palma is the entertainment hub of the island and the inhabitants totally agree by making the most of every opportunity!

The most interesting part of the city is centred around the Cathedral. Palma is not a dangerous place to walk around so there's no chance of getting lost and you can explore to your hearts content. Expect to find plenty of restoration work going on which can sometimes be a bit off putting as all the old buildings are given a much needed facelift. The islands capital city serves as a great place to play hide and seek, with lots of narrow alleyways to nip along and a plethora of surprises of what you will find out the other end. It's not unusual to find a wonderful atmospheric square or maybe another market at the end of each narrow passageway. If you like shopping, Palma will offer you plenty of distractions from your sightseeing agenda. Shops selling local ware such as olive wood, shoes, pottery and wine always tend to be popular with visitors.

Increasingly a city with an all year round tourist market, the local Tourist Board is attempting to promote Palma as an equal to its European counterparts. Why be constrained to taking city breaks in icy cold London, Dublin, Paris or Amsterdam when you could be enjoying the stirring warmth of a Mediterranean climate in Palma!

Palma was settled by the Romans some 2,000 years ago. Palmeria (as it was known) served its purpose as a useful gateway port to African destinations and continues to do so today welcoming millions of vacationing visitors not only through its port but also via its busy airport.

Make your way over to the port for some of Palmas more popular attractions. Be prepared to be impressed by attractions like the circular 14th century Castle of Bellver (formerly a prison and now a concert venue), the Royal Palace of Almudaina (the residency of the royal family during the Middle Ages) and the Stock Exchange. However, the 13th century Gothic Cathedral is Palmas jewel in the crown. Close to the waterfront and dominating the landscape, this wonderous example of architectural engineering was built on the land that held the citys main mosque. After a stirring tour of the cathedral why not enjoy a quiet break in the artistic Parc de la Mar which sits on the front. The heart of Palma stretches away from the cathedral via narrow atmospheric streets and cobbled alleyways.

For an exciting trip back in time to the days of Moorish occupation, why not pay a visit to the amazingly well preserved tenth century Arab Baths. Watch out for them for they are well concealed within the tiny streets that surround the cathedral.

Not too far from the hustle and bustle of city life, exists the ideal beach holiday! Playa de Palma offers wonderful beaches, with lots to enjoy and keep you entertained all within a short distance from the cosmopolitan offerings of lively Palma.

Finally, a mention of the dining opportunities in and around the delightful harbour. Attracting a decent crowd in the evenings, the marina is the place to be. If looking for a lively atmosphere, a laugh with friends and a beautiful fish supper, this is the ideal venue!