Things to see in Mallorca

Wow Mallorca!

If you're wondering what's worth seeing in Mallorca in a few hours, you're probably one of the thousands of passengers who disembark at the port of Palma every year on a cruise. In the few hours you'll have, alas, I don't think you'll make it out of the city in time. But don't worry: in Palma there are many beautiful things to do and see. Keep reading and I'll tell you a couple of them! BOOK YOUR TOUR If you want to know Palma de Mallorca as a local and spend a couple of hours with me and other readers of the site, walking through the streets of the historic center of Palma, I organized the Free Walking Tour Palma de Mallorca Viveremaiorca! If you want to book your tour, fill out the form below! Book the tour! photos of the city from the top view from the Ingles Court of Jaume III Small "travel tip": the most beautiful view from the top of Palma... on the top floor of the Corte Inglès of Jaume III! It is the capital of the island, its largest city and economic and administrative centre. It has about 860,000 inhabitants and its official name in Spanish is "Palma de Mallorca". Be careful, I'll never tire of saying it: Palma is the name of the city, while Mallorca is the name of the whole island. Unfortunately, I don't know why, but we Italians are very confused and the locals don't always take it very well... Palma is the eighth largest city in Spain and the first in the Balearic Islands region, of which it is also the capital and is located in the center of the Bay of Palma. Its origins are rather uncertain, although the most probable hypothesis is that it was founded by the Romans around 123 B.C., then conquered by the Muslims (as evidenced by the Palacio Real de La Almudaina) and finally, in 1229, by King Jaime I de Aragón.It is a very nice and livable city, equipped with all the services and that you can easily turn around in a short time. I wouldn't say it's the first thing you'll ever see in Mallorca, but it's right to put it at the top of the list because it will most likely be your access point to the "isla". Its Son San Juan airport is the third largest airport in Spain in terms of number of passengers, after Madrid and Barcelona, while its port is reached every summer by many cruise ships. My advice, if you have a limited time, is to dedicate a day, to visit Palma, two if you want to do some shopping. Here's what to see in Palma.

LA SEU: THE CATHEDRAL OF MAJORCA

Remember very well my first day in Palma when, walking along the promenade, at a certain point I found myself in front of the cathedral. Imposing, beautiful, La Seu stands in a raised position, overlooking the port and the sea. The rose window that dominates its facade, the largest in the Gothic style with 13 meters in diameter, is like a big eye looking at the sea. And from the balcony in front, the view is simply wonderful, especially at sunset: the most romantic place in Palma! I also recommend you to visit it internally, always having a look at the opening hours on the official website. It's unlikely to happen, but if you're in Palma on November 11 or February 2, you'll see an incredible event taking place in the Cathedral. It is the "Vuit de la Seu" or the "Fiesta de la Llum". Every year, on these two dates, the sunlight that enters the rose window casts the coloured shadow of the rose window on the opposite wall of the cathedral. A wonderful chromatic spectacle, very rare, a real event for the city of Palma in which I, alas, have not yet had the fortune to participate!

CASTILLO DE BELLVER

One of the most beautiful walks you can take in Palma is the one leading to Bellver Castle.It is located on a hill not far from the centre, 112 metres above sea level: a pleasant walk through nature at the end of which you will find the most beautiful view of Palma. The castle houses the Museum of History of the city, which can be visited from 10 am to 6 pm, at the price of 4€. It's worth it! PALACIO REAL DE L'ALMUDAIRA A stone's throw from the cathedral stands what is one of the most important historical buildings in Palma, which in the course of its history has gone from a Christian castle to a Muslim palace, to become the -Head of the Crown.

CASTILLO DE BELLVER

A stone's throw from the cathedral stands what is one of the most important historical buildings in Palma, which in the course of its history has gone from a Christian castle to a Muslim palace, to become the -Head of the Crown. The entrance ticket costs 7€, reduced to 4 for students, children and the elderly. It is here, moreover, that the Royals arrive on their traditional Easter visit to the island of Mallorca.GARDENS OF S'HORT DEL REICathedral, Palazzo Almudaira and here we are at the gardens: a triptych that in my opinion is one of the most beautiful places in the center. This garden, crossed along by a fountain, has an evident Arabic touch. From the two bridges over the gardens you can take beautiful photographs, especially at sunset!

ES BALUARD

Literally "the tower", although in reality it is what remains of the ancient wall that, in the past, surrounded the entire historic centre. They are very suggestive walls, especially for the large swimming pool and the promenade that extend at their feet. Moreover, inside the Bastion de Sant Pere building, you can visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Palma.

FONDACION JOAN MIRÒ

Speaking of museums, this is a must for lovers of the Catalan artist. Inaugurated in 2012, in addition to hosting many works by the artist, it offers the opportunity to visit two studios where Joan Mirò worked for over 20 years, until his death LA LLONTJA DE PALMA It is the place where the fish market used to be. A Gothic-style building, whose construction dates back to 1426. If you have been to Valencia, you will be quite familiar with it, and perhaps a little less interesting from an artistic point of view. Inside, however, there are often exhibitions of local artists on display, with free admission. Lontja de Palma axa-insurance-trip ANTIGUO HELMET It is the soul of Palma, that is to say its historical centre, made of narrow alleys, often impossible to drive through by car, and squares that open around the corner, unexpectedly. The people of Palma are convinced that this is the largest historic centre in the country. Will this be true? If you have a car, I advise you not to venture for the anti-guo helmet, both for the impossibility of finding a parking space and for the high possibility of getting some "bumps". The old town is a district to live, with its bars that come alive on Tuesday evenings for the Ruta Martiana, the special aperitif on Tuesday, and with its many churches: Santa Eulalia, Santa Cruz, San Francesco, Sant Jeroni ... An open-air museum! A tip: if you find some semi-open doors, try to take a peek! Being of Arabic origin, the Antiguo Helmet hides some beautiful courtyards that are a bit reminiscent of the famous "patios" of Cordoba! Palma is a great base to stay! ? By clicking this link you can book hotels and apartments in Palma directly from Booking.com! If you still do not know where to stay, read my article at this link where I recommend the best areas to stay in Mallorca.

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