Palma – Mallorca’s Impressive Capital
In the western Mediterranean lies the sun-drenched Balearic island of Mallorca. The capital and largest city of Mallorca is Palma, where more than half of the island’s population can be found. The city is located on the south of the island and visitors will find trendy restaurants, great nightlife, excellent shopping and plenty of exciting things to do and see.
Visit Santa Maria Cathedral
The stunning Santa Maria Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city as it overlooks the glittering Bay of Palma. It dates all the way back to the 13th century when construction began, however, the cathedral underwent some changes in the early 20th century when renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi redesigned major parts of the interior.
Stroll along the promenade
Palma’s position on the coast of the Mediterranean is an enviable one, and the long stretch of palm-lined promenade makes the most of it. Stroll along the promenade or hire a bike and cycle along, enjoying the breath-taking views out towards the sea.
Wander the old town
The area surrounding the Gothic magnificence of the cathedral is known as Palma’s old town, and is full of ancient streets, historic monuments and fantastic architecture. This area is also mostly pedestrianised, making it a pleasure to explore on foot, wandering through the bustling lanes and stopping off in some of the adorable cafes or boutique shops.
Within the old town you can admire the architecture of L’Almudaina, a striking palace surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Visitors also shouldn’t miss seeing the Fundacio la Caixa building, Edifici Casasayas and Ajuntament de Palma, the 17th century City Hall.
Get your culture fix
For an island with a population of just over half a million people, Mallorca is certainly not short of culture. With the majority of island residents living in Palma, the city is the cultural hub for Mallorca. Es Baluard Museum of Contemporary Art can be found within a former military fort from the 16th century. Here, visitors will find works by renowned artists such as Miro, Cezanne, Gaugin, Picasso and Magritte to name just a few. Other galleries well worth a visit include ArtMallorca, Gerhardt Braun Gallery and the Museums of Modern Spanish Art.
If museums are more your thing, there are plenty of those in Palma too. Visit the Municipal History Museum, Joan Miro Museum and Museum of Mallorca to learn all about the history of this interesting island.
Find your favourite beach
There are dozens of beaches within easy reach of Palma’s city centre if relaxing on the sands is your idea of a perfect holiday activity. The urban beach to the east of the city centre is a great place to start, however, it can become rather crowded in the height of summer. Some more peaceful spots nearby include the beaches of Playa de Palma, Cala Major, Portixol and Illetas.
Let Chapman Freeborn handle your private jet charter requirements to or from Palma. Palma de Mallorca Airport and Son Bonet Aerodrome are both within ten miles of Palma, making it very well connected. Contact us today for a personalised quote.
