Palma City Guide
Palma is the capital city of Majorca as well as being the island’s main port. It lies on the south coast, on the Bay of Palma, and its population is just over 383,000. The Romans built a hilltop base in this area when they were here, and it is from this, that the city derives its name, although very little that is Roman now remains.
One of the city’s best known landmarks is its great Gothic cathedral which dominates the waterfront here. There is much to see within its walls, including the treasury which is located in two rooms that are dominated by a huge churrigueresque style door. The first room is of gothic style, while the second is baroque. There are many priceless items to see here, including an enormous gold plated silver monstrance elaborately etched in the gothic style.
The city is home to many other impressive buildings, one of which is the Bellver castle which was constructed around 1300, and for a 700 year old building is incredibly well preserved. There are two museums now housed within its walls, the local history museum, and an art and sculpture museum which is home to many beautiful pieces. Head up to the roof, and you’ll get the chance to look out over the city, the bay of Terreno, and the surrounding countryside. You may not feel like walking up them, but to one side is the Puig de Sa Mesquida a gothic marvel which has 500 steps leading up to it.
Being the capital city, as you can probably imagine, shopping in Palma is a delight. The principal shopping area is Jaume III, and on the main streets there is plenty of fashion, and jewellery stores, while the surrounding side streets have many other stores available selling everything from antiques to hand made local crafts. Over in La Rambla, you’ll find the local flower market which is a delight to the eye and the nose. There are many terrace café’s here which you can stop at to enjoy a break from your shopping, and a bite to eat as you watch people going about their daily business, and get a real feel for Palma.
A good way to view some of the important sights around Palma, is to use the Palma City Sightseeing Bus. This stop ride service leaves every 20 minutes, and you can join it at any of 16 bus stops at major sights around the city. It is a great way of getting from one sight to another, and if you want to take the full tour, it begins at Avda Antonio Maura, then travels through Paseo del Bourne to Juan Carlos I and into the city centre to the Plaza Espana.
Map of Palma City
5 Day Weather Forecast for Palma
