The best attractions in Palma

The old town of Palma de Mallorca, also known as Casco Antiguo, is a true jewel full of history, culture, and charm. The narrow, winding streets, the magnificent old buildings, and the vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit for any traveler. In the heart of the old town stands the impressive Cathedral La Seu, a Gothic masterpiece that towers over the city. Right next to it is the Royal Palace of Almudaina, another significant historical building. As you stroll through the streets, you will discover many hidden squares, cozy cafes, traditional tapas bars, and stylish boutiques. The Plaça Mayor is the central square of the old town and a popular meeting point. A special highlight is the historic courtyards of the old mansions, known as Patios. These courtyards are often true oases of tranquility and reflect the architectural splendor of times gone by.

The Port of Palma is one of the largest harbors in the Mediterranean, beautifully situated by the Bay of Palma. It is divided into cruise, ferry, and yacht ports. The cruise port attracts numerous international ships each year, while the ferry port provides important connections to the Balearic Islands and the mainland. The yacht harbor La Lonja is known for its luxurious yachts and sailboats. Along the promenade, numerous restaurants and cafés invite you to relax. Here, you can enjoy the maritime flair and the view of the sea. Near the harbor are the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art and the old town of Palma, which offers further sights and shopping opportunities.

The Pueblo Español in Palma de Mallorca is a fascinating open-air museum that showcases the diversity of Spanish architecture and culture. Located in the Son Españolet district, it was built in the 1960s and is a miniature town featuring replicas of famous buildings and squares from all over Spain. While strolling through the Pueblo Español, one can admire replicas of landmarks such as the Alhambra in Granada, the Torre del Oro in Seville, and the Casa de las Conchas in Salamanca. The streets and squares are paved with traditional cobblestones, creating an authentic atmosphere. In addition to its impressive architecture, the Pueblo Español also offers a variety of craft shops, restaurants, and bars where visitors can enjoy local specialties. Cultural events and craft markets are regularly held, further enriching the experience.

The Arabic Baths of Palma de Mallorca are a fascinating relic from the Moorish era of the city. They are located in the heart of the old town and are one of the few remaining examples of Islamic architecture on the island. The baths are believed to date back to the 10th or 11th century and consist of a small, square room with a dome supported by slender columns. The dome features circular openings that provide atmospheric lighting and emphasize the warm, steamy ambiance. A visit to the Arabic Baths offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the Moors in Mallorca. The surrounding garden, a quiet and shady spot, invites visitors to linger and enhances the feeling of being transported to another time.

The Palma Aquarium is a popular excursion destination in the capital of the Balearic Island of Mallorca. It regularly enchants its visitors, especially children who are fascinated by the underwater world on display. A highlight of the aquarium is the shark tank, which is over eight meters deep and is regarded as the deepest in Europe. The visit to the aquarium is accompanied by classical music. On the premises, you will find two spacious cafés, a souvenir shop, and an adventure playground for young guests. Ticket prices vary depending on what additional options you choose; adults can visit the aquarium from 30 euros, and children from 17 euros.

The Mercat de l’Olivar in Palma de Mallorca is a true treasure for anyone who loves fresh and high-quality food. Located in the heart of the city, this market has offered a huge selection of local and international products since 1951. Once you enter the market, you are overwhelmed by a wealth of colors and scents. In the various stalls, you can find everything your heart desires: fresh fruits and vegetables, freshly caught fish and seafood, delicious meats and cold cuts, as well as an impressive selection of cheeses and delicacies. The fish hall is particularly remarkable, enticing with a wide range of freshly caught fish, shellfish, and other seafood. In addition to the food stalls, there are also numerous small bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the freshly purchased ingredients right on site. Tapas, sushi, oysters, and much more invite you to take a culinary break. The fish bars are especially popular, where you can have your fish prepared right at the counter. The Mercat de l’Olivar is not only a paradise for foodies but also a social meeting place. For tourists, the market offers an excellent opportunity to experience Mallorcan culture and gastronomy up close. It's worth getting up early to visit the market in the morning when it is at its liveliest.

Palma Jump is a popular trampoline park in Palma de Mallorca, ideal for a day full of fun and activity. The park offers numerous trampolines where visitors can jump, perform flips, and test their acrobatic skills.

The Plaza Mayor in Palma de Mallorca is a central and historic square that forms the heart of the old town. Surrounded by neoclassical buildings and elegant arcades, it hosts numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants. Here, one can leisurely enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine while watching the colorful hustle and bustle. In the early evening, the square particularly comes to life when street performers and musicians provide entertainment. Historically, the Plaza Mayor was an important administrative and commercial center, which today serves as a meeting point and place of enjoyment. Shopping enthusiasts will find many boutiques and small shops around the Plaza Mayor. Regularly, there is a craft market held here where local artists showcase their works. The square's central location makes it an ideal starting point to explore the old town and sights such as the Cathedral of La Seu and the Royal Palace of Almudaina.

The Gothic fortress Castell de Bellver is located about three kilometers from the center of Palma de Mallorca and, unlike most other castles, was built in a round shape – unique in Europe. Constructed in the 14th century, the fortress once served as a defensive structure and later as a prison. Noble inmates included, for example, the widow of King Jaume III and her children; prior to their imprisonment, the Castell de Bellver served as the residence of Jaume III. The Castell de Bellver, which means 'Castle of the Beautiful View' in German, offers a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles: the arches of the lower level are Romanesque, while the columned gallery of the upper floor is Gothic. The castle was built around a courtyard – the surrounding floors are also rounded. On the terrace of the second floor of Castell de Bellver lies a former strategic observation point that offers a magnificent view over the bay and Palma de Mallorca. Since 1931, the fortress has been owned by the city and houses the Museum of City History as well as exhibition spaces.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma de Mallorca is an impressive building with a rich history. Originally an Arab fortress, it was transformed into a royal palace by the Christian kings of Mallorca in the 14th century. The palace is striking for its mix of Islamic and Gothic architecture. The magnificent halls, the intricate tapestries, and the elegant courtyards reflect the historical significance of the building. Particularly worth seeing are the Throne Room and the royal chapel, the Chapel of Santa Ana. La Almudaina is located right next to the Cathedral of La Seu and offers a stunning view of the port of Palma from its terraces. The well-maintained gardens surrounding the palace invite visitors to stroll and linger.

The Cathedral of Palma is considered the main attraction of the city; it is a popular photo motif and simultaneously the bishop's seat of Mallorca, also known as 'La Seu'. Since visitors can admire a fascinating spectacle of sunlight inside at noon, many refer to it as the 'Cathedral of Light'. The construction of the church lasted 400 years – King Jaume I laid the foundation stone for the mighty church in 1230, after the liberation of Mallorca from the Moors. Although the construction of the nave was completed in 1587, the building was only finished in the 19th century with the fine-tuning by the renowned Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí. He had the Baroque altar removed to expose the Gothic altar and also made improvements to the acoustics. Palma's Cathedral is among the most significant and largest Gothic buildings in Spain. With a diameter of 11 meters, the eastern main rose window is regarded as the largest in the world. For a truly special view, one should definitely climb the 215 steps to the cathedral's rooftop terrace.

Mallorca is not exactly known for its well-developed train routes – there are only two connections on the entire island: Palma-Inca and Palma-Manacor. However, a special feature is the Tren de Sóller, dubbed the Red Flash by German tourists, a historic railway that runs from Palma to Sóller. The railway line was officially inaugurated on April 16, 1912; cargo traffic thrived until the 1970s, and after it faced closure, it became a popular tourist attraction. Along the 27.3-kilometer route from Palma to Sóller, passengers travel through idyllic lemon and orange plantations, past high viaducts, and through 13 tunnels. During the journey, the Red Flash stops at the viewpoint Mirador del Pujol d’en Banya – here, passengers have ten minutes to take photos of the breathtaking view over Sóller, the orange valley, and the Serra de Tramuntana in the background. Although this mode of travel is not faster than by car, it is definitely an experience not to be missed if you are nearby.