The Treasures of Palma: Exploring the Fascinating Gems That Make This City Famous!

By

–> Updated:

Palma de Mallorca is a small city, an island in Spain situated along the group of the Balearic Islands and the Majorca.

Palma is famous for its awesome beaches as well as being rich with dining places that serve raw, organic, and vegan food.

If ever you’re in Palma de Mallorca, be sure to check these dining establishments with healthy options and a great view of the ocean while you take a sip of your salad in a cup (green juice varieties).

Another famous quality of the Palma de Mallorca is the narrow streets lined with structures that have impressive architectural designs starting from the balusters, columns, windows, balconies and cobble stoned pavements.

A lot of the buildings are untouched and has been in existence here since 5000 BC. However, its doors for tourism and international trade only opened about more than 60 years ago (1954).

Strolling along its avenues and pathways, you will notice that there is still so much history preserved even if the city is all geared up to meet the demands of commercialization, modernization, and a booming tourism industry.

In this article I will try to give you some great ideas of unusual things to do in Mallorca.

Best time to Visit Palma de Mallorca?

The islands along the Balearic region are best enjoyed during the summer months.

Palma de Mallorca is no exception and the peak season for this ideal Mediterranean holiday setting is best explored during the summer season months of June to August.

These months are characterized by the most humid temperatures reaching up to the 80s.

However, despite the rainy season months of autumn (March to May), and the low season months of spring time (September to October), Palma de Mallorca is still ideally visited during these so called shoulder months.

 

Visit Palma de Mallorca

 

The winter season (November to February) is still an ideal time to hit the beaches despite the cold weather and where most families choose to spend their Christmas holiday vacation until New Year’s Day.

Being a Catholic oriented country when it comes to faith, the religious observances of Easter, patron saints’ festivals and scheduled processions are one of the main reasons by travelers to visit the city anytime of the year.

Best Things to do in Palma de Mallorca

These are my favorite attractions and top Things people do in the city of Palma de Mallorca, hope you will have the time to visit a few of those magnificent places.

Cathedral (Le Seu)

It is the world’s only cathedral, which is located on the beach.

It is striking in its monumentality.

In the cathedral, there are installations made by Gaudi like;

the magnificent stained glass windows, paintings, icons, statues, and architectural sculptures.

This cathedral is the first place to visit when in Palma de Mallorca.

At any time of the day it is beautiful and grandiose.

 

Le Seu

 

The place has an excellent viewing platform next to the main attractions in Palma de Mallorca.

The old cathedral impresses with its size and architecture with many small details that are not visible from afar.

Near the cathedral constantly ply the open carriages, quaint cafes, and restaurants.

If you visit during the day, spend time and see how the sunlight penetrates into the stained glass windows for hours!

What else to do in Palma de Mallorca?

Basilica De Sant Francesc

The ensemble consists of the church of the Basilica De Sant Francesc , the Gothic cloister, gallery and the outbuildings.

The most beautiful and interesting part is inside the temple.

The church is particularly known for its beautiful bunk trapezoidal gallery, the design of which is clearly felt.

It shows how long the construction of the basilica lasted and how the graceful tower was built in different styles pointing to the different time of their creation.

 

Basilica De Sant Francesc

 

The basilica presents a mixture of architectural styles ranging from the high vaulted ceilings – classical Gothic, the luxuriously decorated altar – in pure Baroque.

In the first chapel (Nostra Senyora de la Consolacion), located on the left hand side of the entrance to the nave, you can see the monument and the tomb of one of the most famous historical figures of Majorca – Ramona Lulu (aka Lull – theologian and evangelist of the XIII century).

Before entering the basilica, there is a monument to Franciscan monk Junipero Serra, who is famous for his missionary work in America.

More Unusual things to do in Mallorca?

Santa Eulalia

It is a beautiful 13th century Gothic church built on the site of a former Muslim mosque.

It is marked with numerous gargoyles on the facade in the construction of towers and walls.

The church is next to a small area with benches where you can rest from walking around

the old town.

Inside, there is a beautiful altar and the decoration of the usual Catholic Church.

 

Santa Eulalia

 

This religious structure is one of the oldest churches in Palma that is located on the eponymous Old Town Square.

The facade is Gothic, and on weekends they have concerts of choirs and organ music.

Things to do in mallorca in March

Serra de Tramuntana

Serpentine roads, mountain goats, grazing sheep’s, row of olive trees, and the identity of the local towns is something you have to see and feel when in Serra de Tramuntana , because it is impossible to describe in words.

To get yourself acquainted with the features of this imposing mountain, drive more and visit the most beautiful, less crowds, and extreme places on this site.

The mountains in Mallorca are not the highest, but it is very scenic.

 

Serra de Tramuntana

 

Travel agencies offer a variety of excursions in the mountains, but there is also the cheapest option – from the Piazza di Spagna (the station is underground), where you can take bus number 210.

It goes through Valldemossa and Deyyu in Port Sóller.

Ticket to Valldemossa is less than 2 Euros for half an hour drive journey.

Prepare a good camera to capture the incredible beauty of the mountains, the complicated streams coming down to the sea, views of the steep cliffs, and the majestic looking gorgeous.

Enjoy the captivating charm of the local nature, but be careful at every turn!

My Favorite Things to see in Palma city

Ferrocarril de Soller

The Ferrocarril de Soller is an exciting trip on the railway, which is more than 100 years old.

The train ride which was built in 1912 will not leave anyone indifferent.

Kids and adults will like the trip by train to Sawyer and then to the tram and passing by later in the port of Sóller.

Take a combo ticket called “In a Circle” because it is cheaper than riding the train and tram individually.

It is necessary to ride on this train (the train only operates for tourism purposes, not for transporting passengers), to see the vintage road, experience the vintage train, and see the beautiful views of the Tramuntana mountains and the nearby islands of Palma de Mallorca.

Fun things to do in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver)

The Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is an old castle with a very unusual architecture in Palma de Mallorca.

From the observation deck, the castle offers beautiful views of Palma, the bay, the Cathedral, and the port, which is dotted with the most expensive yachts and huge ferries from all over the world.

The castle is an interesting subject for lovers of ancient architecture and history and the breathtaking views of Palma de Mallorca captures the attention of everyone.

It is worth a stroll, take photographs, and admire the city from this height.

Bellver is located within the precincts of the capital of Majorca, but to get to it, you need a long and hard climb to reach the top.

But you will not regret it because, in addition to the fortress and its interior buildings, you will appreciate the observation deck overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Most popular Palma tourist attractions

Passeig Des Born

The Passeig Des Born is a wide,  but short boulevard filled with cafes, bars, and shops that are all in the shade.

Right across it you can see the huge plane trees that grow on one side of the house with a nice balcony on the other building.

It is a quiet place where you can sit in the shade of plane trees and benefit from the use of free Wi-Fi.

Passeig des Born is a good pedestrian street that is situated on the boulevard in the city center.

This site is where various recreational activities and national events are held.

Along it are buildings, in which there are ground floor boutiques of luxury brands and signature collections.

It is mandatory to walk through this promenade avenue, and visit the city of Palma on the island of Majorca.

You can sit on the bench, enjoy the shade of the leafy trees, and watch the world go.

Palma Aquarium

For lovers of the sea, it is an absolute must to visit the Palma Aquarium while on a holiday in Palma de Mallorca.

They have large aquariums where you will really be amazed with the variety of fishes you can observe.

It is one of the most exciting things to do here in Mallorca.

There are also interactive elements that will entertain kids and it is possible in some tanks with descriptions of animals to switch between languages, which are a great feature that most foreign guests appreciate.

Finally, there is an outdoor playground for children and outdoor tanks with fish where children can have a better view of the marine animals.

The aquarium is divided into different sections such as;

The Jungle, Tropical Seas, Mediterranean Sea, Big Blue, Jellyfish.

Both young and old find it fun to visit this educational site in Palma de Mallorca.

The number of people allowed inside is systematically regulated and if you arrive early or on time, you can get a free parking space in front.

Do not forget to bring socks for the ball pit, these are mandatory.

Beautiful places to visit near Palma

Playa de S’amarador

The Playa de S’amarador is a nice beach situated next to a nature reserve.

However, it is a bit unsettled and not equipped with facilities for its beach infrastructure; there is nowhere to wash one’s feet and change after taking a dip in the waters.

During heavy waves there are a lot of algae, but when the sea is calm – the water is clear.

The beach is very large and pretty wild, so it’s best to stock up on food and rent umbrellas from the local shops.

On the beach you can take sun loungers and umbrellas for a fee, and you can lie on your towel absolutely free – as you prefer.

There is a separate area, where there are sun beds and a separate place where vacationers have no sunbeds.

The beach itself is blessed with fine sand and the sunset at sea level is good.

Free things to do in Palma de Mallorca

Llotja

The Llotja is acknowledged as the temple of Themis trade and the XV century historical side of the city.

The magnificent architectural heritage was designed by architect Guilemo Sagrera and reflects the period of greatness during the early days of trading in Mallorca or when it was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean.

This building administers trade disputes and where most sellers conclude a deal and the selling of granary products.

Now, the building is the venue for official events and exhibition of contemporary art.

 

Llotja

 

The palm design is a symbol of economic prosperity in the Middle Ages.

The building was constructed in the years 1426-1456.

It is worth paying attention to the portal of the building, which is decorated with statues of angels.

In every corner of the building rises a fanciful octagonal tower.

The sides are composed of huge arches, small patterns and monstrous kind of gargoyle that is leaning over.

The building is just 5-minute walk from the Almudaina Palace and is right on the waterfront – it is very easy to find.

A visit to the building is possible only during the exhibitions and admission is free.

My favorite activities in Palma de Mallorca

The Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani – Fundacion Juan March is located in a former residential building with preserved elements of architecture.

There is a small shop with art books and postcards and an exhibition hall depicting the more than 70 painting collections of 20th century art and the featured masterpiece works of Salvador Dalí, Picasso, and Joan Miro.

 

Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani - Fundacion Juan March

 

The museum is decorated in the traditional Spanish style architecture.

The works of contemporary art that are presented in the museum is ambiguous, but interesting.

One of the amusing highlights of the museum is the inverted house located at the entrance.

Palau March Museum

The father and son team of Juan and Bartolomé March – were avid art collectors, and each of them brought their own collection of works of art by placing them in different mansions or museums here in Palma de Mallorca.

The Palau March Museum features the frescoes of Catalan muralist Josep Maria Sert.

 

Palau March Museu

 

It also features an exhibition of Salvador Dali in a series of “Alchemy and Eternity” (about 20 paintings).

You can also look at the ancient navigational maps and old books collected by the family.

On the terrace of the mansion housed sculptures created by Rodin, Chilida, Henry Moore, and Barbara Hepworth.

Famous Palma de Mallorca tourist attractions

Fundación La Caixa

The Fundacio La Caixa was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the Art Nouveau style.

Today, the building is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The house is named Fundacio La Caixa, because the structure has been restored and rehabilitated using the money of the fund.

The building is beautiful and memorable.

It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Palma de Mallorca and very reminiscent of Gaudi’s house in Barcelona.

It also once served as a luxury hotel in Palma.

Now, it is a museum of art and culture.

 

Fundacio La Caixa

 

It is a notable building in the old town with an interesting facade detail.

This building with a lacy architecture immediately catches the eye of anyone who passes by.

Generally, in the center of Palma it is something to see and really stands out among the row of buildings in this area.

Take the time to stroll through the center and you will not regret a visit to this famous structure in Palma de Mallorca.

My favorite stuff to do in Palma de Mallorca

Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum

The Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum was built on the site of the old bastion of Sant Pere (once it was the most prestigious school of artillery in Europe).

At the top there is a large terrace with a beautiful view.

The museum has permanent exhibition and works by Picasso, Miro, Gauguin and other painters.

There is also a room devoted to the works of Joan Miró, and on the second floor – a collection of Picasso’s ceramic objects.

The building itself is equally liked along with the noteworthy exhibits and art exposure.

The roof of the building offers a beautiful view of the Cathedral and the port.

The building has unusual installations and the exhibition is constantly updated with works of contemporary artists.

Fridays have free admission and you only need to make a donation for the development and maintenance of the museum.

 

Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum

 

Palma de Mallorca is an ideal holiday destination in Spain that is dotted with scenic and historic spots.

For a full appreciation of its important attractions, it is best to hire your own vehicle and visit as many other idyllic tourist attractions that this small city have in abundance.

It has interesting buildings, religious structures, art museums, beaches with modern water sports facilities, and promenade avenues.

Most of the major attractions here have free admissions and the local cuisine is another reason to fall in love and keep going back to this small but fabulous city in Spain.


By

->Last Updated:

ABOUT ME

Born & raised amidst the gators and orange groves of Florida, I’ve waded through the Everglades and braved the dizzying heights of Orlando’s roller coasters.

About Us Jeff from TravelMagma

But FL is just the beginning of my adventures.

I’ve journeyed far and wide. Yet, it was the serene beauty of Japan that truly captured my heart.

I even wrote my own little
Caribbean Guide.

But…

My 2nd book “Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” became a bestseller, a guide filled with wisdom:

TravelMagma is where I tell the tales of the road, capture the essence of each destination, and inspire you to make your own footprints around the globe.

Follow me on FB!

Jeff