Villa Arc, Mallorca

Palma Overview

Palma

When in Mallorca a visit to the capital is a must. Palma or Palma de Mallorca is steeped in history and has plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

Located on the Southwest of the Island, there are good transport links making it easy to visit this beautiful City.

Must sees

Cathedral of Santa Maria:

One of the most iconic landmarks in Palma is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, commonly known as La Seu. This Gothic cathedral overlooks the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea. Its construction began in the 13th century, and it's an impressive architectural masterpiece. Its central nave measures approximately 44 meters high, making it one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe. The Cathedral is open for various tours between May and October and starts at 20€. The Cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m

Old Town (Casco Antiguo):

The historic centre of Palma features narrow streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Almudaina Palace, the Arab Baths, and the Lonja de Palma.

Bellver Castle:

This circular castle, located a bit outside the city centre, offers panoramic views of Palma and the surrounding areas. It's unique in its design and has served various purposes throughout history.

Paseo Marítimo:

This is a popular promenade along the waterfront, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a great place to stroll, enjoy the sea views, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.

Culture and Events:

Palma hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The city has museums, galleries, and theatres, contributing to its rich cultural scene.

Shopping

Palma is a haven for shopping with its many narrow streets offering smaller boutique style shops to the larger avenues with the top designer store such as Paseo del Borne or the Golden Mile which houses labels like Louis Vuitton, Esgada and Bvlgari. You may also be struck by the architecture which houses all of these fabulous brands. You will also popular chains like H+M and Zara which uses to be Palma's main cinema! Massimo Dutti is a Spanish favourite which has affordable fashion.

Avenida Jaime III

Another popular avenue for shoppers. Originally Palma's main shopping street until Paseo del Borne came along. You will still find designer store such as Cartier and Lottus here. The Spanish department store El Corte Ingles also has a branch here. Farnielli Boutique offers high quality fashion and is well worth a visit.

Via Verí

This is a charming lane housed by interesting shops and art galleries. The majority of the buildings were palaces. There are also lively street close by which are full of independent retailers .

San Miguel

San Miguel is a long narrow street that is in central Palma, here you will discover traditional shops and Mallorcan shops of yesteryear. Leather shoe shops are a favourite for the ladies here. You will also find some brand stores and local boutiques along the way.

Food Markets

One of the most popular food markets in Palma is Olivar Food Market, this may not be the cheapest choice but its most definitely the largest and most entertaining with people haggling with the stall owners for the best price, the hustle and bustle of buyers feeling and smelling the produce it is well worth the visit! Fresh fruit, fish, meats, cheeses, olives and other local delicacies are on offer, plus you will find eateries within the market, an ideal pit stop.

Santa Catalina market is a Bohemian place full of trendy bars and restaurants. The area is full on unique shops and has some pedestrianised streets. Named after an old hospital this village like area is one of the most poplar and visited in Palma. Built in 1920, the food market is Palma's oldest market, stalls selling fresh meat, fish and other fresh produce are a cooks paradise!

Shopping Centres

There are numerous shopping malls/outlets in Palma and the surrounding areas. One of the most popular is Mallorca Fashion Outlet https://www.mallorcafashionoutlet.com/en Here you have over 60 international shopping brands, a selection of restaurants and leisure centres. The outlet is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00 and is just 10 minutes away from Palma.

Porto Pi Shopping Centre has over 140 shops and popular brands including Zara, Tommy Hilfiger and H+M. Take in a film at the cinema. The shopping centre is located at the end of Paseo Marítimo Promenade.

FAN shopping centre is located close to the Airport and houses a number of stores including Benetton, Flying Tiger, Pandora and a huge Primark!!

Tours of the city

Sometimes when in a new city it is best to take a city tour. Palma has a various selection to choose from :

Hop on hop off

One of the most popular tours. This 24 hour ticket allows you to enjoy Palma at your own pace. There are 16 stops along the route and you get to see the city's top attractions. The cost for this is £19.05 per person

Mallorca and Cathedral Private Tour

A 3 hour walking tour with an official guide, you will meander though Palma's streets and get to enjoy it's history and architecture. The cost for this is £215 per person. Guides speak English and Spanish.

Palma de Mallorca Old Town Guided Bike Tour

This 3 hour tour lets you enjoy bike riding through Palma. Pedal past all the main historical sites of the city and discover hidden squares and spots only the locals with know about! The cost for this is £31 per person.

Segway Guided Tour

Enjoy this 2 hour tour using a Segway and taking in sites such as the Cathedral, the Parc de la Mar and more. The cost for this is £61 per person.

Palma Old Town

Old Town or El Casco Antiguo

Palma's Old Town, known as the Casco Antiguo, is a charming and historic district that preserves the city's rich heritage. Here you will find sites such as the Cathedral, Alumdaina Palace, Arab Baths, and Plaza Mayor the central square where there is a buzz of cafes and restaurant life.

Along with the historic sites, you will discover lots of antique shops selling books, furniture and even a 'Vespa' outlet! The popular 'Golden Mile ' is also part of this popular area with the elegant Passeig del Born which leads to Avenue de Jaime 111 which houses all the designer and luxury brands!

A good way to explore the old town is by doing a city bike tour with an experienced guide. Prices start from 42€ for a 3.5hour night tour. https://palmabicycletours.com/

When your feet are getting tired from all the shopping try a pit stop at one of the cities many cafes and sample a ensaimada pastry.

Also on your sightseeing list for the old town should be the Parc de la Mar. This is a salt water lake which surrounds the Cathedral walls. A perfect spot for a bit of relaxation during a busy day!

La Lonja is the place to be when the lights go down in Palma with its lively nightlife including plenty of restaurants and nightclubs. Formerly the Martitime trade exchange, the area is now home to narrow streets where you can find some hidden gems for local cuisine.

Sample an Opera at Theatre Principal or see what concerts are on at Palma's Auditorium.

Restaurants in Palma

There are an abundance of good restaurants in Palma including 4 which have a Michelin Star. The main areas for dining out are La Lonja and Santa Catalina which is famous for it's food market.

Here are just a few of the restaurants available for you:

Mambo

This is an ultra chic city bistro that offers sophisticated Tapas. Run by Brazillian head chef Gabriel Conti, this urban styled venue is fast becoming the place to be seen in Palma. Mambo offers the finest of meat, fish and vegetarian tapas and the staff are happy to recommend. 3, Paseo Mallorca +34 682 013 909 https://mambopalma.es/

Dins

Dins is a fabulous adult only restaurant situated in Sa Calatrava a historical neighbourhood within Palma, not far from the fabulous Cathedral. Dins head Chef Santi Taura began his training in 1990 and has worked in many restaurants and hotels on the Island. Dins was opened in February 2016 with the mantra that the food 'Interprets Mallorcan Gastronomy from a current point of view without forgetting it's roots' The dining room is modern with large plush seats.

Dins is an elegant restaurant and can be found on the groung floor of the El Llorenc Parc de La Mar boutique hotel. Head Chef provides a tasting menu called Origens 11, this is an 11 course meal although 3 extra courses can be added. The dishes change throughout the year as Chef Taura uses the freshest seasonal products. An A La Carte menu is also available to diners. Plaza de Llorenç Villalonga 4, Palma https://www.dinssantitaura.com/

Adrian Quetglas

Adrian Quetglas is the chef behind this chic establishment, born in Buenos Aires his cooking is influenced with home dishes and Mallorquin dishes as well as working in restaurants from Paris to Moscow where he has also been influenced. The decor is contemporary and smart and they have a canopied terrace for out door dining. The restaurant offers a 5 or 7 course tasting menu at a very reasonable price. The 5 course tasting menu consists of dishes such as Cebon with mushrooms and cauliflower with smoked eel. A cheese tasting board can be added for 20€ per person extra. The charge for the 5 course option is 55€ per person and can be enjoyed Tuesday - Friday at lunch time. The 7 course tasting menu is available from Tuesday - Saturday in the evening and Saturday afternoon. This consists of dished including natural red mullet and garam masala sweet lamb. This menu is 85€ per person - the wine paring option is an extra 35€ per person.

Adrian Quetglas can be found at 20, En Paseso, Palma tel +34 971 781 119 https://adrianquetglas.es/

Marc Fosh

Marc Fosh is the first British Chef in Spain to be awarded a Michelin Star which was obtained in 2015 and has been retained every year since. This contemporary restaurant is located in a former 17th Century Convent in Palma. The venue has plenty of natural light has a modern feel, courtyard and is surrounded by modern art. On the menu is fresh seasonal and local cuisine and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner ( closed for Sunday dinner during the Winter ). There is a set lunch time tasting menu which is changed weekly and a dinner tasting menu which includes dishes such as Foie Gras, Organic Caviar, Sea Bass and Pigeon. This menu starts at 110€ per person. The restaurant can be found at 7A, Carrer de la Missio, Palma +34 971 72 01 14 https://www.marcfosh.com/

Zaranda

This is a high end restaurant located in Palma. Opened in Madrid in 2005, Zaranda gained it's first Michellin star. The whole restaurant and team moved to Mallorca in 2010 and in 2016 received it's 2nd Star. There are 14 professionals in the kitchen led by Head Chef Fernando P Aerllano whom has worked in some of the most famous restaurants in the World. There is a choice of 3 taster menus starting with Zarand Essentials which is 130€ pp, Zaranda Second Skin which is 150€pp and Zaranda Collegens which is 170€pp, each can be wine paired for an extra charge. Zaranda can be found inside the deluxe Hotel Es Princep, 1, Carrer Bala Roja, Palma. Tel 0034 680 60 25 80 https://zaranda.es/ The restaurant is open July - September Tuesday - Sunday 7.00-9.30pm and the rest of the year Wednesday - Saturday 7.00-9.30pm.

NUS

NUS restaurant is run by one of the best female chefs in Mallorca, Irene Martinez who has spent time working in various top restaurants including Michelin starred Dins. NUS promises to provide 'genuine and restless cooking' and make dishes that are made to share. This provides a relaxed and homely feel. Try the red shrimp omelette. lemon nigiri or tuna tartar. 11, D'Annibal Palma, +34 871 178 603 https://nuspalma.com/

Bistro Esencia

This one is a little bit harder to find and located away from the busier areas but it is worth it. This quaint romantic restaurant is full of charm and run by and Italian couple. Dine by candle light and enjoy freshly prepared dishes. Esencia really does have that personal feel, so much that you will probably not want to leave! 68, Carrer de Sant Maggi. https://www.bistroesencia.es/

Fera

This charming restaurant can be found in a quaint alley in the centre of Palma. Executive Chef Simon Petutschnig's love of Mediterranean-Asian cuisine is them main attraction here as well as adding seasonal flavours from Spain. The restaurant opened in 2017 and has thrived ever since. Fera is open for lunch and dinner and has special Christmas menu too. For more intimate dinners the 'Library' is a lovely spot for your meal/event, this welcoming area caters for 16 people. Outdoor dinning is available in the pretty courtyard area. The restaurant has magnificent art on the walls, a feast for the eyes! 4, Carrer de la Concepio, Palma +34 682 319 471 https://ferapalma.com/

Cuit

Cuit can be found on the 8th Floor of the Nakar Hotel. With beautiful views over the city to enjoy whilst having your meal. Mallorcan Head Chef Miquel Calent bases his dishes on artisan and seasonal cuisine. The dishes are full of the best seasonal products. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch and dinner with the bar being open until midnight. A la Carte and tasting menus are available. Hotel Nakar, 21 Av de Jaime 111 tel +34 871 51 00 46 https://nakarhotel.com/cuit-restaurant/

Can Eduardo

The specialist fish restaurant in a superb location, on the seafront in Palma with magnificent views of the Cathedral. Shellfish and fresh fish are at the top of the menu here. Try the lobster Paella whilst soaking in the views and weather on the terrace. Booking recommended . Sa llotja des peix. Palma 3ª Travesía Contramuelle (Es Mollet) Tel +34 971 72 11 82 https://caneduardo.com/en/

Aromata

The setting for this wonderful restaurant in perfect, set in the patio of an aristocratic property there is plenty of character and charm as well as the fantastic food. Head Chef Andreu Genestra’s tasting menus offer Mallorcan's traditional cuisine. Try the magical night mebu which consists of dishes such as Pickled tomato with carrot, pistachio and tuna, “Porc Negre”suckling pig with “ensaimada”, glazed ham and citrus sauce and White chocolate, meringue and yogurt ice cream. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m and for the evening Tuesday to Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m Concepció, 12 Palma. Tel +34 971 495 833 https://aromatarestaurant.com/

De Toko a Lima

This is a fusion restaurant in the heart of Palma with a chic interior and feel. Japanese, Peruvian and Mediterranean dishes are available here. Full of flavour and colour the dishes look too good to eat. Absorb yourself in the ambience and enjoy dishes such as Salmon tataki with raf tomato pico de gallo and lulo sauce, Grilled Scallops with seasonal vegetables and ají amarillo sauce and Beef sirloin tataki with sautéed potatoes, wild asparagus, red onion and orange tartar sauce. The restaurant is for adults only ( over 16 ) Sant Feliu, 1 Palma tel +34 871 592 002 https://detokioalima.com/

This is just a small selection of restaurants that are available in Palma. The city is a gastronomic delight and you will find a tapas bar along the many side streets to enjoy.