What to See in Palma de Mallorca: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands, blends impressive Gothic architecture with Mediterranean beach life along one of Europe's most scenic waterfronts. The towering La Seu Cathedral, one of the world's tallest Gothic buildings, stands out on the seafront, while narrow medieval streets lead through the Old Town past ancient Arab baths, baroque palaces, and modernist buildings. In addition to its historic sites, Palma features lively markets, great tapas bars, beautiful beaches, and a dining scene that mixes traditional Mallorcan dishes with modern Mediterranean flavors.
Must-see sights: La Seu Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Bellver Castle, Old Town historic quarter, Paseo Marítimo waterfront, La Lonja
Typical daily budget: €50–70 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: La Seu Cathedral, Gothic and modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches, ensaïmada pastries, sobrassada sausage, historic Old Town
Top tours: Magic Palma Free Tour, Tour of The Walls of Palma - History, Legends & Curiosities, Free Tour: Palma's Old Town
La Seu (Palma Cathedral) represents one of Europe's most spectacular Gothic structures, soaring above the seafront with breathtaking architectural grandeur. Construction began in 1229 under King Jaime I of Aragon after conquering Mallorca from the Moors, and it was built atop the site of a former mosque. The cathedral took over 400 years to complete, resulting in magnificent Gothic architecture enhanced by modernist touches from Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century.
The massive central nave rises 44 meters high, making it one of the tallest Gothic interiors in the world. Light pours through the impressive rose window, which is one of the largest in Gothic architecture at 13.8 meters in diameter, creating a beautiful effect. Gaudí made some controversial changes, such as moving the choir stalls and adding a unique wrought-iron canopy above the altar. The cathedral's location by the water gives visitors great views over Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean.
Practical Info: Summer (April–October): Mon–Fri 10:00am–5:15pm, Sat 10:00am–2:15pm; Winter (November–March): Mon–Fri 10:00am–3:15pm, Sat 10:00am–2:15pm; closed Sundays except for Mass; entry €9; allow 1–2 hours.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina stands beside the cathedral as a magnificent example of the fusion of Islamic and Gothic architecture. Originally constructed as an Islamic alcázar (fortress) during Moorish rule, the palace was converted into a royal residence by King Jaime I after the Christian conquest in 1229. Today, it serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family and hosts state ceremonies.
The palace preserves significant Moorish architectural elements, including horseshoe arches and intricate geometric details, alongside Gothic additions such as the King's Chapel. Beautiful courtyards, throne rooms, and royal apartments showcase period furnishings and Flemish tapestries. The adjacent S'Hort del Rei gardens offer peaceful green space, with fountains and sculptures leading down to the seafront.
Practical Info: Summer (April–September): 10:00am–8:00pm; Winter (October–March): 10:00am–6:00pm; closed Mondays; entry €7; FREE for EU citizens Wed/Thu 3:00pm–7:00pm (April–September) or 3:00pm–6:00pm (October–March); allow 45–60 minutes; may close for royal events; audio guides available.
Bellver Castle crowns a hilltop 3 kilometers west of Palma's center, offering panoramic views of the city, the bay, and the surrounding mountains. Built in the 14th century for King Jaime II, this unique circular Gothic castle represents one of only three round castles in Europe. The distinctive architecture features a central circular courtyard surrounded by two levels of elegant Gothic arches.
The castle served variously as a royal residence and military prison, and now houses Palma's History Museum, with artifacts spanning from Talayotic settlements to medieval times. The surrounding pine forest (Bosc de Bellver) provides pleasant walking trails popular with locals. The rooftop terrace delivers spectacular 360-degree views, making it one of Palma's best viewpoints.
Practical Info: Summer (April–September): Tue–Sat 10:00am–7:00pm, Sun/holidays 10:00am–3:00pm; Winter (October–March): Tue–Sat 10:00am–6:00pm, Sun/holidays 10:00am–3:00pm; closed Mondays; entry €4; FREE on Sundays; accessible by bus 46 or 50 from city center (20 minutes); allow 1–2 hours including museum and views; uphill walk from bus stop.
Palma's Old Town preserves a captivating maze of narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, and atmospheric passages lined with honey-colored stone buildings. The historic quarter showcases architectural layers from Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and modernist periods, creating a fascinating urban tapestry. Elegant baroque palaces with impressive wooden doors and interior courtyards (many accessible during weekday mornings) reveal aristocratic heritage.
Key streets include Paseo del Born, which is Palma's most elegant promenade lined with shops and cafés, and the narrow Sant Feliu street with its artisan workshops. Plaza Mayor is the lively central square, surrounded by arcades that house cafés, street performers, and craft markets. The former Jewish quarter, known as the Call, keeps its medieval charm with very narrow lanes and remains of historic synagogues.
Practical Info: Free to explore; best visited on foot, wearing comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; many palace courtyards open weekday mornings 10:00am–1:00pm; evening particularly atmospheric with illuminated buildings; allow 2–3 hours for leisurely exploration.
La Lonja (Llotja in Catalan) stands as Palma's finest Gothic civil building, constructed 1420–1452 as the merchants' stock exchange. This architectural masterpiece features elegant twisted columns rising like palm trees to support spectacular rib-vaulted ceilings. The building reflects Mallorca's medieval prosperity as a major Mediterranean trading power.
The austere exterior contrasts with the soaring interior hall where merchants once conducted business beneath the graceful Gothic vaulting. Today, La Lonja hosts temporary cultural exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and historical displays. The waterfront location near the fishing port and Paseo Marítimo makes it easily accessible during Old Town exploration.
Practical Info: Opening hours vary with exhibitions; typically Tue–Sat 11:00am–2:00pm and 5:00pm–9:00pm, Sun 11:00am–2:00pm; closed Mondays; free entry during exhibitions; allow 30 minutes unless attending an exhibition; check current exhibition schedule and hours before visiting.
The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) represent one of Palma's few remaining structures from the Islamic period, dating to the 10th–12th centuries. This modest but atmospheric bathhouse preserves the traditional hammam layout with a domed hot room supported by ancient columns of varying styles scavenged from Roman buildings. The baths provide a tangible connection to Palma's Moorish heritage before the Christian conquest.
The central chamber has twelve columns, each one different from the others, supporting a dome with circular skylights that let in soft light. The small garden around the baths is a peaceful spot away from the busy Old Town streets. Although the baths are small, they are important as one of the few remaining examples of Islamic architecture in Palma.
Practical Info: Daily approximately 9:00am–7:00pm (hours vary seasonally); entry approximately €2; located in Old Town near the cathedral; allow 20–30 minutes; small site but historically significant; garden pleasant for brief rest during sightseeing; confirm current hours before visiting.
Palma and Mallorca offer distinctive Mediterranean cuisine blending Spanish, Catalan, and island traditions. Ensaïmada—the iconic spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar—appears in every bakery and makes the perfect breakfast or snack. Sobrassada, a soft, spreadable sausage seasoned with paprika, features in countless dishes from simple bread toppings to gourmet preparations.
Tumbet (a layered vegetable dish similar to ratatouille), frito mallorquín (offal with potatoes and vegetables), and arròs brut (a Mallorcan rice dish) showcase traditional island flavors. A coastal location ensures excellent seafood, including fresh fish, calamari, and prawns. Tapas culture thrives throughout Palma with countless bars serving local wines alongside small plates. Local Mallorcan wines, particularly from the Binissalem region, pair perfectly with island cuisine.
Magic Palma Free Tour — Duration: 2 hours. Starting at the Cathedral portal facing La Almudaina Palace, this comprehensive tour covers Palma's key sites, including the Cathedral, great palaces (Can Vivot, Can Bordils), churches (San Francisco, Santa Eulalia), the modernist Can Forteza Rey, the Born promenade, Sant Feliu Street, and La Lonja. Offered in English with a local guide sharing history, culture, food recommendations, and the best city sights.
Tour of The Walls of Palma - History, Legends & Curiosities — Duration: 2.5 hours. Comprehensive monumental tour following Palma's historic city walls, visiting 16+ sites including Bastion of San Pedro, Arabic gates, Almudaina Palace, Cathedral, Arab baths, major Jewish quarter, and optional extensions to Basilica San Francisco and Town Hall. Starting at Es Baluard Museum, this tour explores hidden treasures and less-crowded areas, with a passionate focus on legends and curiosities.
Free Tour: Palma's Old Town — Guided tour through Palma's historic quarter exploring the medieval streets, hidden plazas, and architectural highlights of the Old Town. English and Spanish language options available.
Explore more tours in Palma de Mallorca.
Getting There: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is Mallorca's main gateway, with flights throughout Europe. Airport bus line 1 reaches city center in 20 minutes for €5. Taxis cost approximately €25–30 to central Palma. Ferries connect Palma to Barcelona, Valencia, and other Mediterranean ports.
Getting Around: Central Palma is highly walkable, with most attractions within 15–20 minutes of each other. City buses (EMT) serve outer areas, including Bellver Castle and beaches. Bicycle rentals are available throughout the city for exploring waterfront bike paths. Taxis are readily available, but unnecessary for Old Town sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. Summer (June–August) brings hot weather, perfect for beaches, but heavy crowds and high accommodation costs. Winter (November–February) remains mild and budget-friendly, but some attractions reduce hours.
Where to Stay: Old Town provides atmospheric accommodation in boutique hotels and guesthouses with easy access to major sights. The Paseo Marítimo area offers beachfront hotels with sea views but less historic character. Santa Catalina neighborhood features trendy hotels near the market and dining scene. Book well in advance for spring and summer visits.
Budget: Palma remains moderately priced compared to mainland Spanish cities. Budget daily costs run €50–70, including hostel accommodation, market meals, and free activities. Mid-range travelers spend €100–150 for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and paid attractions. Take advantage of free entry days: Bellver Castle on Sundays, La Almudaina for EU citizens on Wed/Thu afternoons.
How many days are needed in Palma de Mallorca?
Allow 2 to 3 days for thorough exploration of the cathedral, Old Town, Bellver Castle, and the waterfront, while enjoying beaches and Mallorcan cuisine. Add extra days for boat trips or exploring the island beyond Palma.
Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting outside beach season?
Absolutely. Palma's rich cultural heritage, Gothic architecture, excellent museums, and vibrant food scene make it compelling year-round. Spring and autumn actually offer better sightseeing conditions than crowded summer months.
What is the best free tour in Palma de Mallorca?
The Magic Palma Free Tour provides comprehensive coverage of essential monuments, palaces, and neighborhoods in 2 hours with local insights on history and culture. The Walls tour offers a deeper historical exploration for those interested in legends and hidden sites.
Can you visit La Seu Cathedral for free?
No, tourist visits require a €9 entry ticket. However, you can attend Mass for free on Sundays when the cathedral is closed to general tourists.
What language is spoken in Palma de Mallorca?
Both Spanish and Catalan (Mallorquín dialect) are official languages, with most locals bilingual. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, given Mallorca's international tourism.
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: La Seu Cathedral, Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Bellver Castle, Old Town historic quarter, Paseo Marítimo waterfront, La Lonja
Typical daily budget: €50–70 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October
Famous for: La Seu Cathedral, Gothic and modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches, ensaïmada pastries, sobrassada sausage, historic Old Town
Top tours: Magic Palma Free Tour, Tour of The Walls of Palma - History, Legends & Curiosities, Free Tour: Palma's Old Town
La Seu Cathedral
La Seu (Palma Cathedral) represents one of Europe's most spectacular Gothic structures, soaring above the seafront with breathtaking architectural grandeur. Construction began in 1229 under King Jaime I of Aragon after conquering Mallorca from the Moors, and it was built atop the site of a former mosque. The cathedral took over 400 years to complete, resulting in magnificent Gothic architecture enhanced by modernist touches from Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century.
The massive central nave rises 44 meters high, making it one of the tallest Gothic interiors in the world. Light pours through the impressive rose window, which is one of the largest in Gothic architecture at 13.8 meters in diameter, creating a beautiful effect. Gaudí made some controversial changes, such as moving the choir stalls and adding a unique wrought-iron canopy above the altar. The cathedral's location by the water gives visitors great views over Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean.
Practical Info: Summer (April–October): Mon–Fri 10:00am–5:15pm, Sat 10:00am–2:15pm; Winter (November–March): Mon–Fri 10:00am–3:15pm, Sat 10:00am–2:15pm; closed Sundays except for Mass; entry €9; allow 1–2 hours.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina stands beside the cathedral as a magnificent example of the fusion of Islamic and Gothic architecture. Originally constructed as an Islamic alcázar (fortress) during Moorish rule, the palace was converted into a royal residence by King Jaime I after the Christian conquest in 1229. Today, it serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish Royal Family and hosts state ceremonies.
The palace preserves significant Moorish architectural elements, including horseshoe arches and intricate geometric details, alongside Gothic additions such as the King's Chapel. Beautiful courtyards, throne rooms, and royal apartments showcase period furnishings and Flemish tapestries. The adjacent S'Hort del Rei gardens offer peaceful green space, with fountains and sculptures leading down to the seafront.
Practical Info: Summer (April–September): 10:00am–8:00pm; Winter (October–March): 10:00am–6:00pm; closed Mondays; entry €7; FREE for EU citizens Wed/Thu 3:00pm–7:00pm (April–September) or 3:00pm–6:00pm (October–March); allow 45–60 minutes; may close for royal events; audio guides available.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle crowns a hilltop 3 kilometers west of Palma's center, offering panoramic views of the city, the bay, and the surrounding mountains. Built in the 14th century for King Jaime II, this unique circular Gothic castle represents one of only three round castles in Europe. The distinctive architecture features a central circular courtyard surrounded by two levels of elegant Gothic arches.
The castle served variously as a royal residence and military prison, and now houses Palma's History Museum, with artifacts spanning from Talayotic settlements to medieval times. The surrounding pine forest (Bosc de Bellver) provides pleasant walking trails popular with locals. The rooftop terrace delivers spectacular 360-degree views, making it one of Palma's best viewpoints.
Practical Info: Summer (April–September): Tue–Sat 10:00am–7:00pm, Sun/holidays 10:00am–3:00pm; Winter (October–March): Tue–Sat 10:00am–6:00pm, Sun/holidays 10:00am–3:00pm; closed Mondays; entry €4; FREE on Sundays; accessible by bus 46 or 50 from city center (20 minutes); allow 1–2 hours including museum and views; uphill walk from bus stop.
Old Town Historic Quarter
Palma's Old Town preserves a captivating maze of narrow medieval streets, hidden plazas, and atmospheric passages lined with honey-colored stone buildings. The historic quarter showcases architectural layers from Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and modernist periods, creating a fascinating urban tapestry. Elegant baroque palaces with impressive wooden doors and interior courtyards (many accessible during weekday mornings) reveal aristocratic heritage.
Key streets include Paseo del Born, which is Palma's most elegant promenade lined with shops and cafés, and the narrow Sant Feliu street with its artisan workshops. Plaza Mayor is the lively central square, surrounded by arcades that house cafés, street performers, and craft markets. The former Jewish quarter, known as the Call, keeps its medieval charm with very narrow lanes and remains of historic synagogues.
Practical Info: Free to explore; best visited on foot, wearing comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets; many palace courtyards open weekday mornings 10:00am–1:00pm; evening particularly atmospheric with illuminated buildings; allow 2–3 hours for leisurely exploration.
La Lonja
La Lonja (Llotja in Catalan) stands as Palma's finest Gothic civil building, constructed 1420–1452 as the merchants' stock exchange. This architectural masterpiece features elegant twisted columns rising like palm trees to support spectacular rib-vaulted ceilings. The building reflects Mallorca's medieval prosperity as a major Mediterranean trading power.
The austere exterior contrasts with the soaring interior hall where merchants once conducted business beneath the graceful Gothic vaulting. Today, La Lonja hosts temporary cultural exhibitions showcasing contemporary art and historical displays. The waterfront location near the fishing port and Paseo Marítimo makes it easily accessible during Old Town exploration.
Practical Info: Opening hours vary with exhibitions; typically Tue–Sat 11:00am–2:00pm and 5:00pm–9:00pm, Sun 11:00am–2:00pm; closed Mondays; free entry during exhibitions; allow 30 minutes unless attending an exhibition; check current exhibition schedule and hours before visiting.
Arab Baths
The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) represent one of Palma's few remaining structures from the Islamic period, dating to the 10th–12th centuries. This modest but atmospheric bathhouse preserves the traditional hammam layout with a domed hot room supported by ancient columns of varying styles scavenged from Roman buildings. The baths provide a tangible connection to Palma's Moorish heritage before the Christian conquest.
The central chamber has twelve columns, each one different from the others, supporting a dome with circular skylights that let in soft light. The small garden around the baths is a peaceful spot away from the busy Old Town streets. Although the baths are small, they are important as one of the few remaining examples of Islamic architecture in Palma.
Practical Info: Daily approximately 9:00am–7:00pm (hours vary seasonally); entry approximately €2; located in Old Town near the cathedral; allow 20–30 minutes; small site but historically significant; garden pleasant for brief rest during sightseeing; confirm current hours before visiting.
Mallorcan Cuisine
Palma and Mallorca offer distinctive Mediterranean cuisine blending Spanish, Catalan, and island traditions. Ensaïmada—the iconic spiral pastry dusted with powdered sugar—appears in every bakery and makes the perfect breakfast or snack. Sobrassada, a soft, spreadable sausage seasoned with paprika, features in countless dishes from simple bread toppings to gourmet preparations.
Tumbet (a layered vegetable dish similar to ratatouille), frito mallorquín (offal with potatoes and vegetables), and arròs brut (a Mallorcan rice dish) showcase traditional island flavors. A coastal location ensures excellent seafood, including fresh fish, calamari, and prawns. Tapas culture thrives throughout Palma with countless bars serving local wines alongside small plates. Local Mallorcan wines, particularly from the Binissalem region, pair perfectly with island cuisine.
Free Walking Tours
Magic Palma Free Tour — Duration: 2 hours. Starting at the Cathedral portal facing La Almudaina Palace, this comprehensive tour covers Palma's key sites, including the Cathedral, great palaces (Can Vivot, Can Bordils), churches (San Francisco, Santa Eulalia), the modernist Can Forteza Rey, the Born promenade, Sant Feliu Street, and La Lonja. Offered in English with a local guide sharing history, culture, food recommendations, and the best city sights.
Tour of The Walls of Palma - History, Legends & Curiosities — Duration: 2.5 hours. Comprehensive monumental tour following Palma's historic city walls, visiting 16+ sites including Bastion of San Pedro, Arabic gates, Almudaina Palace, Cathedral, Arab baths, major Jewish quarter, and optional extensions to Basilica San Francisco and Town Hall. Starting at Es Baluard Museum, this tour explores hidden treasures and less-crowded areas, with a passionate focus on legends and curiosities.
Free Tour: Palma's Old Town — Guided tour through Palma's historic quarter exploring the medieval streets, hidden plazas, and architectural highlights of the Old Town. English and Spanish language options available.
Explore more tours in Palma de Mallorca.
Practical Information
Getting There: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is Mallorca's main gateway, with flights throughout Europe. Airport bus line 1 reaches city center in 20 minutes for €5. Taxis cost approximately €25–30 to central Palma. Ferries connect Palma to Barcelona, Valencia, and other Mediterranean ports.
Getting Around: Central Palma is highly walkable, with most attractions within 15–20 minutes of each other. City buses (EMT) serve outer areas, including Bellver Castle and beaches. Bicycle rentals are available throughout the city for exploring waterfront bike paths. Taxis are readily available, but unnecessary for Old Town sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and early autumn (September–October) offer ideal conditions with pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. Summer (June–August) brings hot weather, perfect for beaches, but heavy crowds and high accommodation costs. Winter (November–February) remains mild and budget-friendly, but some attractions reduce hours.
Where to Stay: Old Town provides atmospheric accommodation in boutique hotels and guesthouses with easy access to major sights. The Paseo Marítimo area offers beachfront hotels with sea views but less historic character. Santa Catalina neighborhood features trendy hotels near the market and dining scene. Book well in advance for spring and summer visits.
Budget: Palma remains moderately priced compared to mainland Spanish cities. Budget daily costs run €50–70, including hostel accommodation, market meals, and free activities. Mid-range travelers spend €100–150 for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and paid attractions. Take advantage of free entry days: Bellver Castle on Sundays, La Almudaina for EU citizens on Wed/Thu afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed in Palma de Mallorca?
Allow 2 to 3 days for thorough exploration of the cathedral, Old Town, Bellver Castle, and the waterfront, while enjoying beaches and Mallorcan cuisine. Add extra days for boat trips or exploring the island beyond Palma.
Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting outside beach season?
Absolutely. Palma's rich cultural heritage, Gothic architecture, excellent museums, and vibrant food scene make it compelling year-round. Spring and autumn actually offer better sightseeing conditions than crowded summer months.
What is the best free tour in Palma de Mallorca?
The Magic Palma Free Tour provides comprehensive coverage of essential monuments, palaces, and neighborhoods in 2 hours with local insights on history and culture. The Walls tour offers a deeper historical exploration for those interested in legends and hidden sites.
Can you visit La Seu Cathedral for free?
No, tourist visits require a €9 entry ticket. However, you can attend Mass for free on Sundays when the cathedral is closed to general tourists.
What language is spoken in Palma de Mallorca?
Both Spanish and Catalan (Mallorquín dialect) are official languages, with most locals bilingual. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, given Mallorca's international tourism.
