Palm tree in Spain. Where is Palma de Mallorca? Active holidays in Mallorca

The city of Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island of Mallorca (Mallorca) and the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, located in the western Mediterranean Sea.

It is young, since Palma received city status only at the end of the century before last.

And a very ancient city founded by the Romans in 123 BC.

Nowadays, Palma has the status of the most fashionable and beautiful resort town in the entire region: spacious beaches, a picturesque bay, which in its beauty is similar to the Bay of Naples, pine forests, mountains, palm alleys, a riot of colors of unfamiliar flowers, cafe tables on the picturesque promenade and Mediterranean the leisurely pace and friendliness of the locals make the city one of the best beach resorts in Europe.

How to get to Palma de Mallorca

Charter flights periodically fly from Russia to Palma de Mallorca (flight time - 4.5 hours), especially during the high tourist season. Many tour operators sell flights separately with good discounts if the tour cannot be sold by the appointed date.

But the cheapest way to get to the island is from Barcelona, domestic flights in Spain are excellent.

You can get from the airport to the city center by bus or taxi.

You can also get to the island by cruise ship: there is an excellent ferry service between the archipelago.

Transport

The city has excellent public transport. The buses are very comfortable, fast and run quite often. Minimum fare - 1 euro(depending on the season, travel distance and time of day). You can save a little money by purchasing a card for multiple trips.

You can also get around by taxi or metro (which is surprising for such a small city).

Fans of active recreation will enjoy cycling: it can be rented at any hotel. According to local rules, you can only ride on bicycle paths (they cover almost the entire city).

Panoramic walk around Palma de Mallorca

Attractions of Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the oldest city in the Mediterranean, there are a lot of attractions of different styles and eras that are worth a look. Unfortunately, not much original historical architecture has survived: the main buildings of the city center date back to the beginning of the last century with a clear focus on tourism.

Cathedral- architectural basis, it’s easiest to start getting acquainted with the city from here. This is an amazing place, striking with its harmony, completeness and austere beauty. It was built for almost three hundred years: from the middle of the 14th century to the beginning of the 17th century. Various architects had a hand in its creation, including the famous Gaudi.

Stroll through the narrow streets of the Old City no less interesting: here European architectural traditions are intertwined with Arab and Moorish influences. A labyrinth of streets, alleys, tiny gardens, fountains and citrus alleys. Despite its apparent simplicity, it is very easy to get lost here; it is better to check the map while walking. Here you can also find villas of noble people built in the 15th century, Arab baths from the 11th century (unfortunately, they have partially survived to this day), tiny souvenir shops and antique shops.

Alley Born- the main street for walking and having a good time. There are a lot of street cafes with modest tables and a relaxed atmosphere, crowds of tourists, life is always in full swing here and the atmosphere of relaxation and resort reigns.

Bellver Castle- this is the first thing you will see in Palma when entering the city. This is a white stone building, built in the best traditions of island Gothic. The castle has a rich history: a royal residence, a prison, an ammunition depot, and a historical museum. The fortress offers beautiful views of Palma de Mallorca.

Panoramic view from Autovia Autopista de Levante

Majorca beaches and what to do on holiday

Palma de Mallorca is perfect for combining beach holidays and sea swimming with sightseeing.

The main point of attraction in summer is the beaches. These are not miniature bays with a steep shore and unpredictable descent. These are many kilometers of strips of golden sand, excellent infrastructure, cafes and lots of entertainment for children.

The beaches of Palma are famous for their cleanliness. Thanks to this they are awarded EU Blue Flag as the most environmentally friendly and safe place for swimming. Life here is in full swing morning and night. Luxurious hotels are lined up along the entire coastline, there are many tourists from all over Europe, and the doors of restaurants and cafeterias practically never close. At night there are open-air discos right on the beach.

The most popular beaches are located outside the city. There are fewer people there; at the height of the tourist season, this is a strong argument to swim and spend time in a more secluded place.

If you want to somehow diversify your vacation, you can take a walk around the city or take a tour where they will show you the most interesting places on the island and tell you a lot of interesting stories.

Vacation video

There are both sightseeing tours of the city (many travel companies offer these for free) and more focused trips. Another favorite entertainment for tourists is a boat trip on a comfortable liner. This is a great opportunity to see picturesque seascapes, look at neighboring islands and spend a pleasant day admiring the clear sea.

Children (and adults) will be interested in a trip to the aquarium, where not only the walls are glass, but also the floor and ceiling, creating a unique effect of presence. A great place to take a break from the beaches and lunchtime heat.

The city of Palma (or as it is often called Palma de Mallorca) is the capital and cultural center of the island of Mallorca, which belongs to Spain. The old part of the city reflects the traditional Mallorcan culture: there is no hustle and bustle, especially during the midday siesta. The city's architecture reflects the island's turbulent history. Even the world famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi immortalized his name in Mallorca. It is best to start your journey around the island of Mallorca from this city.

Geography

Palma is the main city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. Located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, just opposite the coast of Valencia - on the island of Mallorca (Palma Bay), which is one of the largest of the Gymnesian islands of the archipelago. It is located southeast of mainland Spain. The length of the city's coastline is 554 km. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island, a major tourist center, where you begin your acquaintance with the golden and white sandy beaches. In the western part of the city there is the popular Bellver Castle, made in a medieval style and distinguished by an unusual round shape. Above Palma Bay you can see the Gothic La Seu Cathedral of the 13th century, and nearby are the residence of the King of Almudain and an Arab fortress. The area of ​​the city is 213.55 square meters. km., the highest point of the island is 1445 m (Puig Mayor), located in the Sierra de Tramontana mountains. North of the city of Palma is the Es Pla plain. According to statistics, in 2016 the city's population was 402,949 people. This is almost half the population of the entire island - here are the best beaches, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, often even Palma de Mallorca is compared to Barcelona in architectural terms. The cafes here are never empty, the streets are always lively. Coordinates of Palma de Mallorca 39°34′00″ N. w. and 2°39′00″ E. d. The city is located in the UTC+1 time zone, in summer time the clocks are moved forward 1 hour (UTC+2).

Climate

The amazing climate of Palma de Mallorca allows you to have a great holiday here almost all year round. But truly the greatest attention of tourists falls on the period from April to October, the peak being the summer months (June, July, August). The Mediterranean type of climate predominates here - characterized by fairly hot summers and warm winters. The average temperature in June is 22.1 °C, in July 25 °C, in August 25.2 °C, and sometimes rises to 41.4 °C (June, absolute maximum). Although even at high temperatures the heat is not sweltering, the climate is considered mild. Accordingly, winter in Palma is humid and relatively warm (in January the absolute minimum is -4°C). All thanks to its proximity to the equator. From March to May is a period when there is a sharp increase in air temperature (from 11.6 to 17.8°C). But the nights still remain cold (the contrast is noticeable). In principle, you can go to the beach in April, when the average temperature is 14°C, the absolute maximum is 19.4°C. Although you won’t be able to swim yet (the water temperature is 17°C), you will be provided with a beautiful, even tan. The water warms up well by June (21.1°C) - July (23.8°C). If it is still hot in September (average temperature 22.3°C), then in October and November it is already cold. At this time, the attention of vacationers to Palma subsides a little, as does the appetite of the owners of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. From November to January the city is quiet and calm; December is a rainy month. It often snows in the mountains in the evenings, but it almost never reaches the lowlands. Spring is essentially much sunnier than autumn. There is 426 mm of precipitation per year. Summer is considered a fairly busy period; it is then that the largest number of tourists visit the resort. It’s better to go at the very beginning of June, in September - early October.

Story

Even in Paleolithic times, Mallorca was an inhabited island - evidence of this is found in artifacts and burials. The island has been an object of interest and conquest almost all the time, as an important point of maritime trade. The very foundation of the city of Palma dates back to the period when the Balearic Islands were encroached upon by the Romans. The Balearic Consul (his real name was Quintus Caecilius Metellus) captured the archipelago, guided by the fact that the inhabitants of the island contributed to the actions of the pirates. The conqueror first arrived on the island crowned with a wreath of palm leaves. The Balearic consul took a liking to the hill hanging over the sea - it was here that the roots of the modern city, the capital of Mallorca, were laid. It received its name in honor of the wreath on the head of the conqueror - Palmaria. The city was a kind of “transshipment point”, but administratively it belonged to Tarraconian Spain. Since 902, power in Palma belonged to the Arabs. The Aragonese king Jaime the Conqueror captured the city in 1229. From 1231 to 1349, Palma was part of the Kingdom of Mallorca with its capital Perpignan. In the 16th century, the city repeatedly became the target of Mediterranean pirates. This had an impact on the development of Palma - if previously trade was actively flourishing, then with such “periodic attacks” it was in decline. When restrictions on trade with the American colonies were lifted, Palma de Mallorca's commercial affairs improved markedly (this period dates back to the 18th century). 1833 is the main date for the city; it became the capital of the province of the Balearic Islands.

Sights of Palma de Mallorca

• The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the most beautiful building in the city. Locals call it La Seu. At its foot are royal gardens with black swans. It looks especially beautiful from the sea - the cathedral, as it were, welcomes all arrivals. King Jaime I of Aragon, when he rushed his troops to Mallorca, was caught in a strong storm. He asked the Virgin Mary for help, promising to build a temple in her honor. The saint helped, and his son, Jaime II, began to implement his father’s will. The Cathedral of Santa Maria was built on the site of an Arab mosque for 300 years, it is one of the largest in Europe. It is also the lightest in the world: its central rosette, with a diameter of 19.5 meters, is made of more than a thousand stained glass glasses. Antonio Gaudi, invited to restore the cathedral, decorated 16 columns with candlesticks, made a model of a canopy in honor of Christ, painted the walls, and created a stained glass window using a special glass technology, which is now the lightest in the cathedral. The spirit of many of its creators and famous citizens rests in the cathedral: there are 1,500 burials in total. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, with its internal vaults 44 meters high, is the most spacious in the world.

• The Nixe Palace Hotel, with its luxurious views, is the ideal choice for couples looking for something special. This five-star hotel is located a few minutes from the city center, between the yacht club and the marina. All rooms have sea views - a great place to relax after sightseeing. Better yet, take a walk along the hotel beach and admire the beautiful views of the bay.
• The old area of ​​Palma de Mallorca has a lot of bars where you can have a drink. Bar Abaco has the most unusual interior of any bar in Spain. There is definitely something to see here - fresh fruit and flowers cover almost every surface of this 16th century villa. The quiet, intimate atmosphere of this bar is the ideal place to enjoy exquisite cocktails. This is not just a drinking establishment, here visitors have the opportunity to see how the rich people of Mallorca lived in the old days.
• Almudaina Palace was the residence of Arab sheikhs. On one of the towers of the palace there is a weather vane with the Archangel Gabriel, which shows the direction of the wind. That’s why in Mallorca they say about capricious and flighty people: “Capricious, like an angel from a tower.”
• Not far from the city is the Gordiola glass factory "Vidrios Gordiola" - the pride of Mallorca. Founded by the Gordiola family, it has been producing amazing glass products since the 18th century. In addition to the glass factory itself, it is also a store and a museum. Tourists from all over the world come here to watch glassblowers at work. This delicate art can be dangerous, but these masters have spent many years studying their craft. The glass is first heated in a kiln until it turns white, to a temperature of about 1,500 degrees. During the blowing process, its color changes to orange, and the temperature drops to 800 degrees. To create their unique works, glassblowers use special tubes. Some guests are lucky enough to try their hand at it, but it’s better to leave it to the professionals. They produce a variety of products: from glasses and salad bowls to real masterpieces. You can even get one of these as a gift. Those who are not so lucky can visit the company store at the factory, where the entire collection of Gordiola glass is sold.
• The famous old wooden train in Soller, called the Red Arrow, runs between the cities of Palma de Mallorca and Soller. The train departs from Palma de Mallorca 5 times a day and the ticket costs 12.5 euros one way and 19.5 euros return. You can ride on a narrow track built more than 80 years ago. The trip takes 50 minutes through picturesque surroundings - old tunnels (there are about 10 of them along the route) and beautiful forests appear.

Events and festivals

Many people come to Palma not only to soak up the sun and enjoy swimming in the clear sea; tourists are also attracted here by the cultural diversity. It’s perfect to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere during Fiesta. Two main festivals are held:

• In January (San Sebastian), named after the patron saint of the city of Palma. The celebration begins on January 19 with fireworks, parades, and concerts. The 20th is dedicated to more formal events (it is a real saint's day).
• In June (San Juan). It is celebrated on the 24th, but the whole celebration “creeps in” already on the 23rd the day before - the “fiery race” begins. I light fires all over the city, and residents in demon costumes run with torches in their hands. All the fun happens in the Parc de la Mer, where they listen to rock musicians, fireworks and firecrackers explode.
• On January 16 and 17, St. Anthony's Day, the patron saint of animals, is celebrated.
• February 6 is known for its Sa Rua and Sa Rueta Carnivals, the 7th of the month is the Almond Fair.
• On March 1, an important event is celebrated - Balearic Islands Day. March 27 - Fair in Marratxi, where various pottery products are exhibited.
• April and May are simply replete with their fairs: Spring Fair in Andraitx, Alcudia, Sepia, Pollença, Estellencs, May (Sineu), Soller, Fira & Firo, Capdepera, Binissalem, Manacor. Also in May, a popular international exhibition of ships and yachts called the International Boat Show is held.
• On June 28-29, a holiday is celebrated in honor of the patron saint of fishermen, St. Peter's Day. In July, fairs are held in Porto Colom, Playa de Muro, Porto Cristo, Cala Bona.
• On August 2nd La Patrona is held in Pollensa, on the 27th of this month - Fiesta of Sant Agusti.
• In September, many look forward to the Fair of Melons, Wine, and Alcudia, where livestock and agricultural products are exhibited.
• In October, a sports marathon and sailing competitions are held, and there are also Campos and Esporles fairs. At the end of the month there is the TaPalma festival, in November there are ViaVi wine tastings, as well as fairs for olives (Caimari), pumpkins (Muro), honey (Llubi), and artisan Pollensa. There are also many Christmas markets held throughout December.
• There are also gastronomic events that take place throughout the year. This is Nit de l’Art, when art galleries open to visitors, offering light snacks and drinks for comfortable viewing of the exhibitions.

Restaurants and cafes

Palma has many restaurants and cafes ready to present amazing dishes for every taste and budget. The local cuisine is quite diverse; the national menu consists of seafood and vegetables. Eggplant is especially popular. It is stewed with meat, fish, baked, fried and even made into desserts. A dish where eggplant is used together with garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes is called “tumbet” and is in demand among vegetarians. Tuna and lobster are on the menu - they are at the peak of popularity. It’s interesting to cook pasta here - boil it in milk, with the addition of lemon slices and other spices. Meat lovers should definitely pay attention to “sofrit pages”, which is prepared from chicken, lamb, potatoes, nuts, with the addition of seasonings. “Sobrasada” is a popular type of sausage, among soups - with lamb, mushrooms, and vegetables. You should definitely try the local cheese made from cow's milk, baked goods (puff pastry rolls, pies with various fruit fillings, "carquinholes" - cookies with nuts, chocolate, cinnamon). Wine and rose liqueur are very popular drinks here. Pay attention to the restaurants:

• La Parada del Mar, at Avenida Joan Miro, 244;
• Marisqueria Bonsol - address Calle Illa de Xipre 12;
• Ca"n Manolo (located on Calle Federico Garcia Lorca 4);
• Casa Aurelio (C/ Baleares n 23 bajo);
• Restaurante Peix Vermell (Calle Montenegro 1 Bis Bajos);
• Restaurante Peix Vermell - address Calle Montenegro 1 Bis Bajos;
• Ola del Mar (Calle Vicari Joaquim Fuster 1).

Among the popular cafes for vegans are Bagel (located at Calle Set Cantons 4), CAFE BELLA JUANITA (Calle Paraires 23), for vegetarians there is Ca"n Joan De s"Aigo (Calle de Can Sanc 10), etc. European and Mediterranean kitchen - in Cappuccino Palau March (Calle Conquistador 13), Rialto Living (Calle Sant Feliu 3), etc.

Shopping

In Palma de Mallorca you can not only have a good rest, but also have a pleasant shopping trip. Shopping and commercial centers, shops, markets - there are enough places for those who like to buy something here. It is in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, that all tourists come to visit popular shops. On the main streets of the city there are boutiques with branded clothing, jewelry, and interior items (from youth goods manufacturers Miu Miu to stylish Louis Vuitton). On the streets of Paseo del Born, San Miguel, Jaime III there are boutiques of fashion houses:

• Loewe
• Louis Vuitton
• Custo Barcelona
• Angel Schlesser
• Kling

Be sure to check out Relojería Alemana, the store of the most popular jewelry company in Europe. The old theater building houses a store with interesting interior items from Rialto Living. Dersat is a real “temple” for design lovers. Here you can also find clothes, furniture, perfumes, accessories, books about photography, fashion, etc. Look for the inscription “Tax free” on the store door, which indicates a refund guarantee of 11% of the amount spent on the purchase (from 90 euros). The Olivar food market is located in Palma de Mallorca square. It is represented by a building of 2 floors: on the first there are vegetable and fruit departments, on the second - dairy and meat departments. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of style and glamor, enjoying a stroll through the shops of Palma, as well as purchasing useful items for yourself and your loved ones as gifts.

How to get to Palma?

Palma can be reached by air or by water. The city is connected with Russia by charter flights, but in the high season a flight is launched on the Moscow-Palma route (the flight lasts 4.5 hours). At other times, you will have to make a transfer in Madrid, Barcelona or any other city in Europe - air traffic from here is excellent, there are small gaps between flights and they last within 15 - 30 minutes. Planes land at Son San Juan Airport. There are 4 terminals (A and B are for domestic flights, and C and D are for international flights). The airport is located eight kilometers from the city; buses No. 1 and No. 17 run from here. But you can also take a taxi. Many ships arrive daily from Ibiza, Menorca, Valencia, Barcelona to the main port of Palma. You can generally get there from Barcelona by high-speed catamaran (the journey will take 4.5 hours). The journey on a cargo-passenger ferry takes about 8 hours. From Valencia it can be reached in 4-8 hours, depending on the type of ship chosen. From Ibiza it takes 3 hours to sail. The cost of the journey will depend on the type of transportation chosen and the distance to be covered.

Transport

One of the main types of public transport in Palma is the bus. It can take you to almost any part of the island, including the main tourist villages. The fare ranges from 1 to 10 euros, depending on the distance. Bus No. 1 travels towards the airport at intervals of 12 minutes and starts operating at 6 am. You can pay for travel with a travel card or cash. The pass includes 10 trips and costs 10 euros, while a single ticket costs 1.5 euros. There is an underground station in Piazza di Spagna, from which all trains depart. Tickets are purchased both at the box office and from the conductor. On high-speed trains there are special buttons above the windows, by pressing which you can signal the need to get off at the next station. Palma has a historic electric train that departs from Palma de Mallorca train station and travels north through the mountains and plains to the city of Soller. If you want to get to other neighboring islands, use the ferry (the companies Iscomar, Balearia, Transmediterranea are responsible for transportation). Tourists can also rent a car. It is better to take care of this in advance if you are traveling to Palma during high season. You must have an international driver's license, be over 21 years of age, and have at least 3 years of driving experience. Rental cost from 50 euros per day (depending on the brand of car and the service you contact). When driving on your own, it is worth considering that in Mallorca there is a speed limit (50 km/h in the city, no more than 120 km/h on the highway). Taxi is also one of the convenient, although not the cheapest, options for getting around the city. You can either call a car or catch it. The price of the trip is from 1.60 euros/km, there is a metered payment system. It is also worth considering that you will need to pay an additional 4 euros for boarding.

Accommodation

In the city of Palma de Mallorca there are a lot of hotels - both simple three-star ones and presentable ones with five stars. When planning a vacation, you need to think about this point in advance - book a room that is suitable for the price and conditions. In the very center of the city is the popular Hotel Saratoga (in the building of a jazz club). All rooms are decorated in an aristocratic style - everything here is elegant and chic. The hotel is located at Paseo Mallorca 6. The stylish hotel HM Jaime III (address Paseo Mallorca, 14B) is popular. The interior is decorated in classic black and white colors, with interesting additions of designer decorations, photographic paintings, and art installations. The rooms of the design hotel Isla Mallorca & Spa (Pilar Juncosa, 7) are dominated by light gray and white colors; the main feature of the stylish rooms is a built-in artistic lighting system. Hotel Palau Sa Font is located in a beautiful historical building at Calle Apuntadors, 38. Specific features are the architecture of the ancient building, wooden supports, ceilings, arched openings, interesting decoration of stone walls. The original courtyard has been preserved here, and there is a magnificent panoramic terrace on the roof. The Innside Palma Center hotel features interesting interior rooms and an unusual layout. Address - Calle Font I Monteros, 23. Hotel Costa Azul is the most original hotel in Palma, here tourists enjoy an incredible view of the harbor. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday. The rooms are decorated in white colors, the interior has a marine theme, the top floor is dedicated to a relaxation area with a hot tub and a swimming pool. The hotel address is Avenida Gabriel Roca, 7.

Connection

Upon arrival, many people purchase a local cellular SIM card, which allows them not only to communicate on the phone, but also to access the Internet and find the desired area using a Google map. Current mobile operators:

• Movistar
• Vodafone
• Orange
• Yoigo

The cost of calls to Russia is 0.06-0.20 euros + call initiation fee. Roaming is available in the Balearic Islands. You can also buy a special card for a telephone booth. The cost of a call to Russia will be about 1 euro; on holidays and after 22:00 there are discounts. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and catering establishments. You can also use the Internet cafe.

1. The best way to get around the city of Palma de Mallorca is by bus and metro. You can also use taxi services.
2. Please note that smoking in public places is prohibited in the city. There are special smoking areas near public institutions; smoking is allowed only there.
3. Active sports enthusiasts can play golf, water ski, ride bicycles and much more. Diving deserves special attention - there is something to admire in the local depths.
4. You can holiday in Palma de Mallorca all year round. But the largest influx of tourists occurs in June and July.
5. Shopping lovers should visit the largest department store in Mallorca - El Corte Ingles.

Palma on the map, panorama

How to get to Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the administrative center the island of Mallorca, the largest of the islands of the Balearic archipelago. Palma de Mallorca, or as the locals call it, simply Palma, is considered the center of the cultural life of the island, and it is not without reason that poems and songs are written about it. The largest number of historical attractions, museums, palaces and other architectural monuments are concentrated here; there is also a place for the best restaurants, cafes and discos, and good, albeit crowded, beaches of Palma.

In addition, the international arrival airport is located in Palma, where flights to the island from all over the world arrive, incl. and from Russia, so Palma can safely be called the “gateway” of Mallorca. More detailed information about the island can be found in .

Palma de Mallorca Airport is the third in Spain in terms of passenger traffic after the airports of Barcelona and Madrid, which already indicates the great popularity of the island among tourists. You can get to Mallorca from Russia by direct flight, which is operated by S7 several times a week. Travel time from Moscow will be 4 hours 40 minutes (if you are flying from another city, then add the flight time to Moscow + transfer time).

In Moscow, flights depart from Domodedovo Airport. The option of connecting in Barcelona is also popular, since flights from Barcelona to Mallorca depart every hour throughout the day. Such a flight with a transfer can be much cheaper than a direct flight. You can check flight schedules on search engines. Aviasales, Buruki and others.

Renata Martins/Local beaches at hotels in Palma

Palma de Mallorca Airport is located 8 km from the city center. You can leave the airport in any direction on the island. To get to the center of Palma, you need to take the EMT bus number 1, which stops in Palma at places such as Plaza de España, Paseo Mallorca, Paseo Maritimo, Palma de Mallorca port. Buses run from 6 am every 15 minutes until midnight. The one-way fare is 5 euros.

If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, you can also order a taxi. It is recommended to order an official taxi at the information desk at the airport, or book a transfer in advance through specialized services. The latter, in particular, include , and others. This trip is relatively inexpensive, comfortable and does not take much time (about 15 minutes on the way).

For independent travelers, a type of transportation such as a rented car is also suitable. This option allows you to explore the entire island at your own pace and rhythm, without adjusting to the public transport schedule. – a very popular service among tourists; you can rent a car right at the airport of arrival. The only documents required are a passport, driver's license and a bank card to pay for services. The roads in Mallorca have a high-quality surface, so you can move quickly and comfortably.

Hotels in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular tourist destination. Many tourists from all over the world vacation here. Accordingly, the resort infrastructure is considered highly developed. You can stay in Palma de Mallorca in hotels of various star categories (mostly 4* and 5*), guest houses, apartments, hostels, holiday homes, bed and breakfasts, or you can rent a separate villa. When choosing a hotel, you should focus (in addition to its star rating and services) on the location. You can compare all hotel offers in Palma de Mallorca for specific dates using special hotel booking services. These, in particular, include Booking, Hotellook and others.

Innside by Melia Palma Center, 4 stars

This hotel is good value for money and is close to the beach and 500 meters from the city center. The hotel has a panoramic roof terrace, gym, swimming pool, sauna. Here you can always sit in a bar or restaurant located on site. You can stay in classic rooms, family rooms, deluxe rooms, studio rooms or premium rooms. Depending on the room type, breakfast may be included in the price. On-site parking and free Wi-Fi are available. You can check availability for specific dates on the hotel booking service. Booking.com.

Melia Palma Bay, 4 stars

Melia Palma Bay 4* hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the nearest beach. The hotel has a panoramic rooftop terrace with an outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel itself has a spa center and fitness room. You can stay in rooms of varying sizes, some of them have sea views. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, parking, luggage storage, solarium, and sauna. Depending on the room type, breakfast may be included in the price. You can check availability for specific dates on the hotel booking service. Booking.com.

Isla Mallorca & Spa, 4 stars

The hotel is located in a quiet area of ​​the city and has all the necessary options for relaxation: outdoor swimming pool, spa center, sauna, gym, restaurant, parking, free Wi-Fi. For an additional fee, you can include breakfast or half board in your room service. The front desk serves guests 24 hours a day, there is luggage storage, a terrace, a bar, laundry services, and a conference room. You can check availability for specific dates on the hotel booking service. Booking.com.

Iñaki Perez de Albéniz/Palma de Mallorca

Sights of Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the ideal destination for an excursion holiday in Mallorca. Cathedrals, castles, palaces, pedestrian promenades along the sea, a port, an aquarium and other attractions - this is the little that Palma has to offer its guests. The old town is a tangle of narrow cobbled streets that open onto graceful squares adorned with fountains and houses that once belonged to the local nobility. If you wish, you can also visit interesting museums, exhibitions and expositions in Palma.

Perhaps the most famous landmark of Palma de Mallorca is the eponymous Cathedral. Of grandiose size, this Gothic cathedral attracts a considerable number of tourists every year. Construction of the cathedral began in the first half of the 13th century, and the stained glass windows decorating the cathedral date back to the 14th-15th century. The cathedral has survived to this day in the most authentic condition. The cathedral is active, however, tourists can visit it daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except on religious holidays. In addition, visitors can also climb to the roof of the cathedral, which offers a stunning view of the city. However, the panoramic roof terrace is open only in the summer.

Tobias Lindman/Palma de Mallorca Cathedral

Another important attraction of Palma de Mallorca is the beautiful Almudeina Palace. The palace has undergone a lot during its history and has transformed from an Arab fortress into a real and oldest royal palace in Spain. The interiors of the palace are in no way inferior to its facades; the Throne Hall and the Royal Courtyard make a special impression. Almudeina Palace is open to the public every day from 10am to 6pm, except Mondays. The entrance ticket costs 7 euros for an adult and 4.5 euros for a child, and there are audio guides in different languages. The Almudeina Palace, built back in the 13th century, is a landmark of Palma de Mallorca that is definitely worth seeing not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

Andreas Trojak/Palma de Mallorca, view from above

Gothic Castle of Castell de Bellver- another program attraction of the capital of Mallorca. The castle is located a little further from the city center, on a hill with the best views of Palma de Mallorca. The castle was built back in the 14th century and was used as a prison for a long time, so its external appearance is more attractive to tourists than its internal appearance. You can get to the castle by public transport. Regular buses No. 3 and No. 20 of the EMT company run from the city center. The castle grounds are open to the public from 10am to 7pm every day except Mondays. The entrance fee is 4 euros per person. Organized tours and audio guides are available.

Andreas Trojak/Palma de Mallorca Port

Beaches of Palma de Mallorca

The beaches of Palma de Mallorca are very popular among tourists and local residents, especially during the “high” season, which lasts here from May to September inclusive. The popularity of local beaches is explained by their quality. Many of Palma de Mallorca's beaches are awarded the Blue Flag as the cleanest beaches in the world. Indeed, the local beaches are kept in strict order and cleanliness.

In addition, they are equipped with everything necessary, i.e. have a full range of services, and are free for visitors (except for the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas). Perhaps the only drawback of Palma's beaches is that they are crowded, especially in the summer months, but this is a common problem with the beaches of Mallorca, which is eagerly visited by an increasing number of tourists every year. You can read more about the beaches of Mallorca in .

Renata Martins/Secluded coves around Palma

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

When going on a trip to Mallorca, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as , and others. You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

Photo at the beginning of the article: Cristian Bortes

Palma de Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca) is the capital of the Balearic Islands archipelago and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean, which is also considered one of the oldest - already under the Phoenicians this place was an important transshipment base between the ports of the Iberian Peninsula and the Levant. However, as a capital, the city is very young - it acquired this status only in 1983, when the Balearics were allocated as a separate administrative unit of Spain.

Palma is one of the most fashionable cities in the region. The entire city center is one vast ensemble of luxury residential areas, shopping streets, intricate alleys and restored old buildings, almost all built in the last 20-30 years with a clear eye on tourism. Very little remains of the old city walls and boulevards; only fragments of medieval walls are clearly visible from the harbor.

Sights of Palma de Mallorca

The main landmark of the city is (XIV-XIX centuries), dominating the coastline and crowning the oldest part of the city. Particularly noteworthy is the cathedral's nave, which is 44 meters high and 121 meters long, making it one of the tallest Gothic structures in Europe, as well as its fantastic lighting system (1904-1914), designed by Gaudí. The temple complex also contains Cathedral Museum, small Art Museum(works of the local school of painting XIV-XV centuries) and the palace of the Moorish rulers of the island - (X-XII centuries).

The most attractive part of the city is behind the cathedral. This is an old quarter very similar to a typical Arab "medina", which is a labyrinth of streets and alleys, where you can find elegant Arab baths, and is located in a 15th century mansion Mallorca Museum, And Basilica of St. Francis(XIII century, former Arab soap factory), and statue of Junípero Serra(a local priest sent to the New World in 1768 and, according to legend, founded San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco), and the first Christian church on the island - Santa Eulalia(XII-XIV centuries), and the old town hall in the late Renaissance style.

Outside the old quarter there are located (14th century, a rare example of a round fortress for Europe, inside of which there is now a castle museum, 3 km west of the city center), the old trading exchange And Archbishop's Palace, and Joan Miró Museum(a large number of works by this famous Catalan surrealist). Also worth a visit is the museum district "" (Pueblo Español).

Beaches in Palma de Mallorca

The main attraction around the island's capital is undoubtedly the beaches. Along the coast of the Bay of Badia de Palma there are first-class beaches Palma Nova, Can Pastilla, Sarenal and others (the total length of the coastline suitable for recreation on this small island is 554 km!).

Life is always in full swing here, many fashionable hotels and boarding houses have been built, and the doors of restaurants and cafes practically never close.

Around Palma de Mallorca

You can visit a cute green town Andratx and nearby resort Sant Elmo with Dragonera's bird island. Interestingly, to protect against pirates, cities in Mallorca have since ancient times been built at some distance from the coast, so nowadays nothing prevents the luxurious shores of the island from being built up with hotels and resort areas.

June 21st, 2014

Now I am in Palma among palm trees, cedars, aloe, orange and lemon trees, figs and pomegranates. The sky is turquoise, the sea is blue, and the mountains are emerald. Air? Well, the air is as blue as the sky, and the sun shines all day long, and people wear summer clothes because it's hot. In a word, life here is amazing. (Frederic Chopin)

May you dream of Palma de Mallorca...(c)

Palma de Mallorca is the capital of Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. This is the capital of not only the island, but also the entire archipelago, which, in addition to Mallorca, includes Menorca, Ibiza and many other small islands. The flight from Barcelona to Palma is only about half an hour, it’s like taking the metro from a residential area of ​​Moscow to the center.))) (55 photos under the cut!)

As history goes, Palma de Mallorca was founded by the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus of Balearic. Arriving here, crowned with a wreath of palm leaves, he pointed them to a picturesque hill hanging over the sea, where in 123 BC. e. On his instructions the city was founded. And the city he founded was named after the consul’s palm wreath.

The city acquired the status of the capital of the Balearic Islands only in 1983, when the Balearics were separated into a separate administrative unit of Spain.

The Balearics are traditionally considered a “royal patrimony” - members of the royal family like to come to this archipelago every year on vacation - to enjoy the magnificent views of the Mediterranean, arrange home gatherings in their Marivent Palace, participate in cultural and social events of the local society, and also sail the waters around the islands on a yacht .
In addition to the royal family, many famous people name Palma de Mallorca as a favorite resort. The famous tennis player Boris Baker, top model Claudia Schiffer, actor Michael Douglas and other sports, film, catwalk and business stars built their villas here.

I'll tell you about the main attractions of the city...

Almudaina Palace
This is one of the oldest palaces in Spain. During the reign of the Moors, the palace was the residence of the Moorish viziers, and from 1230 it became a royal residence. Currently, the palace is the official summer residence of the Spanish royal family.

The palace is open to visitors (however, half of the palace is the private property of the royal family). The palace is well guarded by the military.

The structure has the shape of a rectangle with high towers on the sides. One of these towers is called the “Tower of the Angel” - on the top there is a sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel, who is one of the patrons of the city.
But the “Tower of Heads” attracts attention with its historical significance - in the 15th century, the heads of dead criminals were hung on the walls of the tower for public viewing.
The Royal Garden is wonderful, take the time to walk through it, you won’t regret it)). There are flowers, fountains, sculptures, swans...

Next to the Palace, almost nose to nose))) stands Mallorca Cathedral(Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca La Seu) is the visiting card of the city. The cathedral is popularly called La Seu; it took almost 300 years to build: construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1231 under King Jaime II on the site of an Arab mosque, and was consecrated in 1601.

According to legend, King Jaime I of Aragon, on his way to Mallorca in the 13th century, was caught in a terrible storm; he vowed to the Lord to build a luxurious temple if he remained alive. The king reached the shore safe and sound, he liberated the island from Arab rule, and on the site of the old Medina mosque he ordered the promise to be fulfilled and a cathedral to be built.

The cathedral itself was rebuilt several times, and in the 20th century, the architect Antonio Gaudi took on the interior decoration of the cathedral and the external lighting system. Read more about his work on the cathedral.

The main rose window, known as the Gothic Eye, is considered the largest Gothic rose in the world. It has about 13 meters in diameter and about 100 square meters in area. 1236 glasses form a stained glass window with the image of the Star of David. It is also interesting that the main rose is not located above the main (western) portal, but on the eastern facade, above the central altar of the Royal Chapel.

Twice a year in the temple you can see an amazing picture created by sunlight. Around 8 a.m. on November 11 and February 2, an iridescent colored projection of the main rose appears for a few seconds on the western wall of the temple. I wrote more about this.

There are carts with horses near the cathedral... “Well, she’s beautiful, let’s go for a ride?”)))
This reminded me.

From here you have a magnificent view of the park. Parc de la Mar, which periodically hosts concerts and theatrical performances.

If you go down from the Palace and the Cathedral to the embankment and the port of Palma, then they attract attention Lonja(La Lonja en Palma de Mallorca) - the building of the former trading exchange, built according to the design of Guillem Sagrera between 1420 and 1452 for the Board of Trade. The building is decorated with figures of evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Child and various gargoyles. Much later, the Museum of Fine Arts was located here, then the Parliament of the Balearic Islands, then exhibitions began to be held here.

Located next to the stock exchange Maritime Consulate(Consolat de Mar) with cannons, built in the 17th century, with a gallery in the Renaissance style.

There is a message nearby so you can be sure where you are)))

Nearby is Bastion Sant Pere XVI century , where the main museum of contemporary art of the capital of the Balearic Islands is located - “Es Baluard” (Placa Porta Santa Catalina 10).

The museum was opened relatively recently, in 2004. Collections of paintings, graphics, and sculptures are exhibited in its halls and courtyards. The museum displays works by Gauguin, Miro, Picasso, Schnabel and others.

Near the wall of Sant Pere there is Sa Faixina Park.

Please also note mills(Molinos de agua - work like pumps).

Bay of Palma de Mallorca- one of the most beautiful in the world, 20 km wide and 25 km long. It is believed that the Bay of Palma de Mallorca, along with the Bay of Naples, is one of the most beautiful in the world.

A huge number of cruise ships arrive here, announcing their entry into the port with a long horn, and yachts, from the smallest to quite rare and expensive specimens, such as this one - Pacific.

Cruise ships called at the port early in the morning, and in the evening, sparkling with lights like a Christmas tree, they went “on a hike.”))

Every August a sailing regatta for the King's Cup is held here.

It’s a pleasure to stroll along the Paseo Maritimo embankment while choosing a yacht.)))

Since the land surrounding the Palma Cathedral was once an Arab city known in the Muslim world as Medina Mayurka, all that remains of it now is Arab baths(Baños Árabes). They are located in the gardens of Fontirroig's house (jardines de Can Fontirroig).

It is assumed that the baths were built in the 11th century and could have been part of the palace of a noble Muslim.
Only the square central hall, intended for hot baths, with 12 supporting columns with horseshoe arches has survived.

Here is the layout of the bathhouse.

Many attractions are concentrated in Palma's Old Town, where the streets form labyrinths, reminiscent of the Arab past.

With the exception of a few traffic streets, which are always crowded with tourists and where there are a lot of large shops, most of the streets of the Old Town are very narrow and quiet.
The undoubted center of attraction is - Plaza Mayor(Plaza Mayor). It seems to me that such a square can be found in any Spanish city, from Madrid to...
The place that the square occupies was formerly occupied by the ancient monastery of St. Philip Neri with several neighboring houses. Until 1823, the Inquisition was located here. From the demolition of the Inquisition residence, 10 years passed before work began on the design of the square, completed by 1838. Work continued into the 20th century, when an underground parking lot and shopping galleries were built.
On the square, like on Arbat, there are always a lot of people, there are “Living Statues”, artists, and souvenir sellers.

Regarding souvenirs. They sell a lot of typical Spanish souvenirs here, but there are also some from Majorca.
For example, Siurells is a clay whistle toy whose history goes back several thousand years. She reminded me of our Filimonov toy. Usually these are figurines of women with a wasp waist, whitewashed with red and green strokes, in a long, floor-length skirt and hat, or thin men in hats, or animal images - in the form of bulls and goats with curved horns, horses, dogs. This is the same souvenir , which will remind you of Mallorca.

I simply recommend that girls buy something from Majorica as a souvenir of the island. Details.

The square, rectangular in plan, is framed along the perimeter by three- and four-story buildings. From the side of the Marquis Palmer Square (plaza del Marqués del Palmer), you can see two prominent examples of Catalan modernism of the early 20th century standing next to each other.
In general, this part of Palma reminds me very much of Barcelona.)))

Located in the center of Palma, on La Plaza Weyler, Grand Hotel- one of the most important monuments of modernism in Mallorca. It was built in 1903 according to the design of the architect Luis Domenech i Montaner. Its facades are richly decorated with sculptural and ceramic elements. Currently, the hotel has been converted into a cultural center, the seat of a public foundation (Fundación la Caixa).

Nearby building City Theater...

AND Justice building.

Opposite is a chocolate "factory"-shop...

Then you can safely wrap up the excursion program and go shopping))).
Since the next two streets are a mecca for shopaholics - Avenida Jaume III with the El Corte Inglés department store and a bunch of shops and shops, and Passeig des Born, which is compared to Barcelona's La Rambla.

On the Juan Carlos I square adjacent to Paseo del Born boulevard there is a fountain in the form of a stele standing on four turtles, which is why Juan Carlos I square is also called Turtle Square. By the way, if you look closely, the top of the stele is crowned with a bat - a symbol of vigilance and the ability to maintain complete composure in a moment of danger.
This fountain was built in honor of the oath of the Princess of Asturias, who later ruled Spain under the name of Isabella II.

If you want to continue, then you can look at two points, but for this you will have to leave the old city.

Channel Torrent de Sa Riera. In the background you can see the Sant Pere bastion, on the bridge there are a bunch of lovers’ locks.)))

The first is an open-air museum" Spanish village"(Pueblo español de Palma de Mallorca) at Calle del Pueblo Español, 55. The museum occupies a space with a total area of ​​6365 meters, on which famous buildings, monuments, squares and streets of different cities of Spain are reproduced in various scales on a scale of 1:3.
Here you can walk along the streets of Seville, Toledo and Granada and look at copies of the Myrtle Courtyard of the Alhambra, the Madrid Chapel of St. Anthony or the House of El Greco. In general, in 1.5 -2 hours you can walk throughout Spain.)) There is a similar museum in Barcelona, ​​but I liked this one better.)))

The museum begins with a replica of the Bisagra fortress gate (Puerta Nueva de Bisagra) in Toledo...

Alhambra in Granada...

And one more attraction of Palma de Mallorca - Bellver Castle, which is located two kilometers from the city on the western side of the bay. The castle is considered unique because it is the only round Gothic building built as the summer residence of King Jaime II. Well, and of course, it lives up to its name - a wonderful view - the views of Palma must be oh-oh-oh, what they are!)))

To the north of Palma de Mallorca is the resort town of Valldemossa. Here, in the former monastery of Cartuya de Valldemossa, Frederic Chopin and his passion, the writer George Sand, lived from 1938 to 1939