Our favorite corners, cafés and places in Palma♥︎
Palma is the heart of Mallorca and a city we instantly fell in love with. Historic streets meet modern life, Mediterranean ease and a vibrant café culture. From the iconic cathedral La Seu to the lively harbor promenade, Palma invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment.
Wandering through the old town is our favorite way to experience the city. Narrow streets, hidden courtyards, charming cafés and small boutiques make every walk feel like a discovery. Places like Plaça Major and Plaça de Cort are perfect to pause, people-watch and soak in Palma’s unique charm.
where city vibes meet mediterranean charm
Palma de Mallorca is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca, along a wide bay facing the Mediterranean Sea. As the island’s capital, it sits just about 10 minutes from Palma de Mallorca Airport, making it the main entry point for most visitors.
Its central location makes Palma the perfect base for exploring the island, with easy access to beaches, mountain villages, and other highlights across Mallorca.
Reaching Palma de Mallorca is simple and convenient, as it serves as the main gateway to Mallorca. Whether you’re arriving from within Europe or mainland Spain, there are several comfortable travel options to choose from.
The easiest and fastest way to get to Palma is by flying into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). The airport is located just a short 10–15 minute drive from the city center, making arrivals quick and stress-free.
There are many direct flights from most major European cities, specially during summer and spring months with especially frequent connections. Budget airlines as well as full-service carriers operate here, so you’ll usually find a wide range of prices and schedules.
Once you land, you can reach the city center by taxi, airport bus, or rental car. The airport bus is an affordable and reliable option, while taxis are faster, convenient if you have luggage, but also more expensive.
Another great way to reach Mallorca is by ferry from mainland Spain. Regular ferry routes connect Palma with cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia. There are also some connections from France and other countries in the region.
Ferries usually take several hours or run overnight, making them a good option if you want to bring a car or avoid flying. Arriving by sea also offers a beautiful first impression of the island, as you approach Palma’s harbor with views of the city skyline and the famous cathedral.
Palma Cathedral, often simply called La Seu, is located not far from the harbor promenade. Dating back to the 13th century, it undoubtedly boasts one of the most impressive Gothic facades in Europe. The cathedral is a religious center and boasts some of the largest Gothic windows in the world. It is a symbolic landmark of Palma and a popular tourist destination.
The Plaza Mayor in Palma is a central square, a spacious, rectangular square in the old town, known for its historical significance and lively atmosphere. It is located near the former city center and is surrounded by stately homes. It is home to many café’s and restaurants. The Plaza Mayor is one of the city’s focal points and a meeting place for locals and tourists.
For one of the most spectacular views over Palma, visit the landmark Bellver Castle. Built in the 14th century, the fortress is considered unique in Spain and Europe. This remarkable landmark not only offers a fascinating insight into history, but also spectacular views of the harbor, city and mountains. The castle is built around a central courtyard and the two floors surrounding the courtyard are also rounded. A beautiful place to experience both culture and nature.
One of Palma’s hippest and most attractive neighborhoods is the former fishing district of Santa Catalina. It’s a lively neighborhood in the west of Palma and a great place to eat, drink, stroll, or simply observe the lively hustle and bustle of Palma.
The Iglesia de Sant Nicolás is a beautiful church in the historic center of the city and was built in 1302. It is known for its impressive architecture and tranquil atmosphere, among other things. Located across from the Palma Bread shop in the city, it offers a blend of history, architecture and spirituality, making it a fascinating destination for locals and visitors alike.
Can Forteza Rey is a striking, five-story building in Palma that is one of the city’s architectural highlights. It was designed in 1909 by the famous Mallorcan architect Gaspar Bennazar. It is located not far from the Plaza Mayor and is still used as a private residence today. The house is not open to the public.
Es Baluard is the city of Palma’s new museum of modern and contemporary art. It opened in 2004 and has since become a major attraction for many art lovers. The museum was built on the remains of the old fortress. From here, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the city and cathedral.
L’Hort del Rei (also known as the Royal Garden) is a historic garden located beneath the city walls near the Almudaina Palace. It is a true oasis at the foot of Palma Cathedral. A striking feature of L’Hort del Rei is the beautiful fountain at the center of the garden. Especially during the hot summer months, this spot is a popular destination, not only for the shade provided by cypress trees, orange trees and fountains.
The Santa Maria de la Real Monastery in Palma de Mallorca is a significant historical building dating back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most important Cistercian monasteries on the island. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and impressive monastic architecture, it offers visitors a glimpse into Mallorca’s spiritual and cultural past. Particularly worth seeing are the elegant Gothic structure, the courtyard, and the monastery library, which houses centuries-old manuscripts. It’s an ideal place for culture enthusiasts who want to discover Palma beyond the old town.
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Note: The buttons and images above link to our interactive travel maps hosted on Rexby, where you can explore all saved locations in detail. Thanks for your support friends!
Choosing where to stay in Palma can completely change the way you experience the city. Do you want to wake up among centuries-old stone buildings in the Old Town, grab breakfast at a local market in Santa Catalina, or step outside your hotel and find yourself by the Mediterranean?
We have spent time wandering through Palma’s different neighbourhoods, and honestly, there is no single best area to stay in Palma de Mallorca. It really depends on the kind of trip you are looking for.
For your first visit, Palma Old Town is hard to beat. You are surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, narrow streets, charming cafés and some of the city’s most famous sights, including La Seu Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
We especially love the Old Town early in the morning, when the streets are still quiet and you can explore before the city gets busy.
👉 Best for: first-time visitors, sightseeing and couples.
Just outside the Old Town, Santa Catalina has a more relaxed and local feel. The neighbourhood is known for its restaurants, cafés, bars and the popular Mercat de Santa Catalina.
If you like good food and want plenty of options for an evening out, this is one of our favourite areas to stay in Palma.
👉 Best for: foodies, nightlife and couples.
Want to combine a city trip with some Mediterranean sea views? Then look at Portixol and Es Molinar. For us especially a great area in the low season.
The waterfront promenade, old fishermen’s houses and seaside restaurants give this area a completely different atmosphere. It is also a great place for a morning walk or bike ride, while central Palma is still within easy reach.
👉 Best for: couples, families and travelers who prefer a quieter stay.
For a more stylish stay, we would look around La Lonja and El Born. You will find elegant streets, boutique shops, great restaurants and cocktail bars, all within walking distance of the Old Town.
It is a particularly good choice if you are looking for a romantic or boutique hotel in Palma.
👉 Best for: couples, luxury stays and shopping.
In Palma, you’ll find a wide and fantastic selection of good restaurants serving both traditional Mallorcan cuisine and international dishes. From elegant Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional, authentic restaurants serving the best of Mallorcan cuisine, the city has a lot to offer. In the center you will find many small bars, tapas bars, bars and modern restaurants.
A classic breakfast here includes toast with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic or a bocadillo, croissants, Serrano ham, a latte (Café y leche) and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Some really good restaurants are located in the Santa Catalina district.
There are several ways to get around comfortably and efficiently in Palma. If you want to explore the city center, the best options are on foot, by bike or by e-scooter. For longer distances, public transport such as buses and the metro offer a good way to explore the surrounding towns and regions. There’s also a very well-known, cute tram that connects Palma with Port de Sóller in the west of the island. Ultimately, though, the best way to explore the city is on foot, where you’ll discover many cute alleys and places.
Palma’s city center is compact and very walkable. Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town is a must: every corner has history, charming boutiques, and cozy cafés.
Bicycles and electric scooters are everywhere in Palma. Many streets have bike lanes, and renting a bike or scooter is a great way to explore beyond the old town quickly. We can recommend the bike route from Palma to S’Arenal through Portixol, very scenic and beautiful.
Where to rent: Palma Bike, Cooltra, Bicipalma or various e-scooter apps.
Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for cycling, less traffic, cooler temperatures, specially during summer.
Palma has a reliable bus system that connects the city center with beaches, neighborhoods, and nearby towns. However, you can easily explore everything on foot, as the city is compact.
Lines to know: Lines 1-3 cover most tourist areas, line 25 goes to Palma Airport.
Tip: Buy a TIB card for multiple rides, cheaper than single tickets.
If you plan to explore Mallorca outside Palma, such as Valldemossa, Sóller, Deia, Santanyí, or the beaches along the coast, renting a car is the most convenient option. There are many excellent and affordable rental companies on the island. You can find some directly in Palma, but it’s best to pick up a rental car at the airport.
Tip: Book in advance during high season. Parking in the city can be limited, so use hotel parking if available.
