13 Top Things To Do In Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain

Introduction

Palma is a beautiful Spanish city that is located on the island of Mallorca. If you're looking for somewhere to visit in Spain, this place should be at the top of your list! There are many wonderful things to do in Palma and it's perfect for families or people who love beaches and history. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting Palma:

Explore the Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral is the city's main church, located in the Gothic Quarter. The cathedral was originally built between 1229 and 1324 but has been extensively repaired since then.

Palma Cathedral is known for its elaborate decorations, such as those found on the ceiling of its central nave and the altarpieces inside. Of note are two chapels: one dedicated to Saint Agatha (whose head is housed there) and another dedicated to Saint Sebastian (where you can see his body). There are also several tombs located around Palma Cathedral's grounds.

Wander through the Old Town

The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's easy to see why. The stone alleyways are filled with narrow streets, churches, and plazas. It's also a great place to shop for souvenirs and eat tapas as you wander through the cobbled streets. There are so many things to do in Palma that this historic part of town can be a great place to get lost while exploring what else there is to see around the island.

Explore the Bellver Castle

The Bellver Castle is a popular tourist destination for all those who visit Palma, and it's no wonder why! The castle was built in 1229 and is now a medieval fortress that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. It takes its name from an Arabic word meaning "beautiful view." Built by the Crown of Aragon, this castle was originally meant to protect the city from pirate attacks on its port.

Stroll along the Paseo Marítimo promenade

The Paseo Marítimo promenade is one of the most popular ways to see Palma, as it stretches along the waterfront and offers some great views of the city. The promenade connects several beaches along its length, so you can stop by any of them on a walk or ride your bike (you can rent bikes near many hotels). You can also rollerblade or skate along this route, which makes it fun for families with kids.

Explore Sa Llotja and the Jewish Quarter

Sa Llotja is a Renaissance-style building that stands on the site of an 11th-century palace. It was built in the 15th century and houses Palma's stock exchange, which still functions today.

The Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting parts of Palma. It includes narrow streets, winding alleys, plazas, and grand buildings like Casa Caixa (now home to an art gallery) and Casa Abkari (now a museum).

Visit la Seu, Palma's old cathedral

If you are visiting Palma, be sure to visit la Seu. The city's old cathedral has been rebuilt several times, but the current version was built in the 19th century with a Baroque façade and Gothic interior. The Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Seu is still in use today and open to tourists every day except Tuesday from 8 am until 2 pm.

Walk along Passeig des Born

Passeig des Born is a pedestrian street in the heart of Palma, lined with shops and restaurants. The street was built during the 19th century, and it is named after Jaume I, who helped to establish Mallorca as an independent kingdom from Aragon.

You can find everything you need on this street: art galleries, vintage clothing stores, jewelers, cafes with live music, and even a pharmacy. It's worth visiting Passeig des Born because it has something for everyone!

Traipse around Plaza Major

Plaza Major is the main square in Palma and has been since the city was founded. The plaza is surrounded by some of Palma's most important buildings, including the City Hall and cathedral. It's a great place to sit and people watch from one of its many cafés or bars.

If you're looking for some history, walk around Plaza Mayor until you reach Paseo de la Alameda (Alleyway) which runs alongside it on one side. This area was once home to wealthy families who built their mansions here during Medieval times. You can see these historical gems at numbers 1-4 on Paseo de la Alameda as well as number 2 on Calle de Botoneras (Blacksmiths Street).

Take a walk at the Paseo del Borne

The Paseo del Borne is a long avenue that runs through the heart of Palma, and it's filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's also a great place to go for a stroll if you want to take in some city life. And it's even better when you're looking for an excuse to people-watch!

Visit one of the city's iconic cathedrals

Palma Cathedral is the most important church in the city, and it was built in 1324. It's also the seat of the bishopric of Mallorca. The cathedral has a Gothic style, with a cloister that's open to public visitors.

Besides touring Palma Cathedral itself, you'll want to explore its grounds as well---the gardens are beautiful and filled with history! You can also take a guided tour around them or go on an audio guide tour around certain areas inside the cathedral itself.

Buy local souvenirs at Mercat de Santa Catalina

In the old town, you can browse for local souvenirs and produce at Mercat de Santa Catalina. This market is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm, so you can pick up some gifts for yourself or your loved ones. There are lots of restaurants and cafes nearby that serve tapas, too!

Take a dip at Cala Major Beach

While you're at Cala Major Beach, it's a good idea to take a dip in the water. Some lifeguards on duty can assist if you get into trouble.

If you're looking for more than just swimming and sunbathing, there are restaurants nearby that serve lunch and dinner. If you plan, this can be an excellent opportunity for a picnic!

If your family has young children who enjoy spending time together by the sea, they will love this beach. Cala Major's shallow waters make it an ideal place for kids to splash around without having to worry about getting too deep or strong waves knocking them over like at other beaches around Palma de Mallorca. You might want to bring along some goggles or masks so they can see underwater creatures such as fish or starfish while snorkeling off shoreline rocks - just remember that any marine life is protected under Spanish law!

Go sailing to some of the nearby islands

Another thing to do in Palma is to go sailing. Cala d'Or, a small town on the north coast of Majorca, is a great place to sail. There are many beautiful beaches and coves where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. If you are an experienced sailor or want to learn how to sail, this area will give you plenty of options for getting some rest as well as good sailing conditions.

If you're looking for somewhere to go sailing with friends or family members who have never sailed before, Cala d'Or might be the perfect destination for everyone!

Conclusion

Palma is a beautiful city and one that I would highly recommend visiting. It has so much to offer, especially if you're a fan of beaches, cathedrals, and shopping. You can easily explore the city on foot or take advantage of its public transportation system which includes buses, trams, and ferries. If you're looking for more information about what Palma has in store for visitors, visit our blog post here!