City guide: Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Private jet charter
Palma is a perfect year-round city break destination. Located in the western Mediterranean, it benefits from an average annual temperature of 18C, and is within easy reach of most European capitals.
Palma is a city with a rich cultural history as well as its great beaches, eclectic restaurant scene, galleries, markets and museums.
Top five must-see sights and attractions
Catedral de Mallorca (La Seu)
Palma’s impressive sandstone cathedral – known as La Seu – dates from the 13th century and stands sentinel over the city’s old harbour. Construction of this Gothic-Baroque symbol of Palma began with the Royal Chapel and was completed in the 17th century.
Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to renovate the entire church in 1902. Among his many improvements was the moving of the choir and adding extra light via new stained glass windows. Spanish Kings Jaimes II and III are buried here in the Capilla de la Trinidad. Head to the terrace on the cathedral’s south side for stunning views of Palma Bay.
Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation
Just a short drive out of Palma’s city centre is the superb Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation. The artist loved Majorca and lived on the island for 40 years until his death in 1983. The collection comprises works that Miró donated from his workshops: these include 118 paintings, 1,512 drawings, many graphic works and 35 sculptures, all shown on rotation and reflecting the wide variety of techniques that Miró used.
The museum is divided into three main exhibition rooms that recreate Miró’s various studios: Son Boter the Majorcan house is a showcase for his sculpture and painting, while the Taller Sert studio and the Moneo building contain mainly paintings.
La Almudaina Palace
Located opposite the imposing Catedral, Palma’s Royal Castle – known as La Almudaina – has been home to many Majorcan kings, including James II and Peter IV. Built in Gothic style over the site of a 10th century Muslim fort, the interior of La Almudaina boasts priceless paintings, furniture and tapestries.
Head up the staircases from the grand reception rooms and explore the Royal Apartments. The rectangular turret houses the King’s Palace, while a western wing is home to the Queen’s Palace. The Arab baths are located where the King’s Palace and Queen’s Palace meet, and have been successfully restored.
Santa Catalina neighbourhood
Once home to Palma’s fishermen, rope makers and millers, Santa Catalina is now a vibrant village-like district with trendy shops, bars and restaurants. Head west off Avenida Argentina to discover the fabulous indoor market that supplies many of the local restaurants, as well as the yacht trade that regularly berth and stock up in Mallorca.
The traditional houses here are perfect Instagram opportunities with their flower-covered balconies and bright colours, while the Teatre Municipal Mar i Terra is an innovative theatre. Santa Catalina is also home to Mercat de Santa Catalina – the oldest market in Palma dating from 1920.
Stop for coffee and pastries at La Madeleine de Proust and soak up the atmosphere.
Best Palma markets
Markets in Spain tend to start early and finish just after lunch – before the heat strikes. The Mercado Artesanal located on the Plaça Major is a year-round craft market with street food and buskers.
Head early to Es Moll de Pescadors for the renowned Llotja del Peix fish market. Palma’s main indoor market is the Mercat de l’Olivar on the Plaça de l’Olivar close to the Plaça d’Espanya. Flowers are in abundance at the Rambla market (Passieg de la Rambla) while flea markets don’t come better than the Rastro, held Saturday mornings by the Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga ring road.
Don’t miss the Sa Bimbolla Night Fair and Market every Sunday during summer.
Getting around
The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot, or hire a bike. Taxis are numerous and there is also a metro with two lines. Board at Intermodal Station on Plaça d’Espanya and the UIB station. There’s also a fun sightseeing train: line 52 that runs along the seafront from Platja de Palma beach.
Best time to visit
Spring: Between March and May, Mallorca has low rainfall with decent sunshine. April is the perfect time for a beach holiday when the beaches are less crowded. Easter Week has colourful processions and festivals throughout Palma and the rest of Mallorca.
Summer: Enjoy long sunny days between June and August with warm nights, blue skies and temperatures between 27C and 30C. Avoid the crowds and drive out of Palma to hidden coves and countryside restaurants. Music, art and food festivals abound in summer, as well as the Copa del Rey, the largest sailing regatta in the Mediterranean.
Autumn: Enjoy 10 hours of sunshine a day in Palma in autumn. There are fewer tourists and temperatures of up to 24C in October – ideal for a beach holiday as well as hiking and cycling. The sea is warm enough to swim in during September and October, and have fun at Palma’s Nit de l’Art celebration in September, with free entrance to the city’s museums and galleries.
Winter: Mallorca has mild sunny winters ranging from 15C to 17C. Bring warmer clothing for mountain walking and layers for the city. Between late January and early March, the island’s almond trees begin blossoming creating a snow-like vista in the valleys between Sóller and Palma.
Final call
Palma boasts an average annual temperature of 18C making it a perfect year-round city break destination. Located in the western Mediterranean, Palma is within a two-hour flight of most European capitals and is an ideal base to explore the rest of the Balearics.
Five sandy beaches and eight bathing areas are within walking distance of the city centre, including Cala Major, Playa de Palma and the Playa del Arenal. Palma is a popular sailing destination and hosts international regattas. In addition, the city boasts a range of artistic and cultural attractions, superb cuisine, and sporting and leisure options.
Contact us today to arrange your private jet charter to Palma.
