Palma de Mallorca

A Gothic cathedral, buzzing old town and Mallorca’s best beaches within reach.

Overview

Why go to Palma de Mallorca

Palma is the elegant capital of Mallorca, with a huge Gothic cathedral, a lively old quarter and a marina lined with bars. Mountain villages and quiet coves are an easy drive away, so it works for both city breaks and beach weeks.

BeachCity breakCouplesFamilyFood & drink

Where
Balearic Islands, Spain
Recommended stay
4–7 nights
Best time to go
May–June and September–October; July and August are hot and very busy.
Approx. daily budget
£65–135 a dayPer person, excluding flights. Indicative.

What does Palma de Mallorca cost?

Full cost guide
  • Budget traveller£60–85a day
  • Mid-range traveller£120–175a day
  • Luxury traveller£245+a day

Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.

Things To Do

Top picks in Palma de Mallorca

See all 12
Must See~£10

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

Old town

A huge Gothic cathedral on the seafront, with a giant rose window and a Gaudí-designed canopy.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Culture lovers · Photographers

Monday–Saturday, roughly 10:00–17:30

View Tickets
Must See~£4

Bellver Castle

Bellver

A rare circular Gothic castle in pine woods above the bay, with panoramic views.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Culture lovers · Photographers

Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–19:00

Hidden GemsFree

Old Town Wander

Old town

Sunny plazas, hidden courtyards and small shops in the lanes behind the cathedral.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples

Open-air; shops keep their own hours

Shopping & MarketsFree

Mercat de l’Olivar

Centro

The city’s main food market, with fresh fish, local produce and a lively tapas scene.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Food lovers

Monday–Saturday mornings to mid-afternoon

Hidden Gems

Beyond the checklist

See all 3
Hidden GemsFree

Old Town Wander

Old town

Sunny plazas, hidden courtyards and small shops in the lanes behind the cathedral.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples

Open-air; shops keep their own hours

Day Trips~£25

Sóller Train and Tram

Sóller (30 km)

A vintage wooden train through the mountains to a pretty town, then a tram to the port.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Booking recommended
  • Suits: Couples

Trains run several times daily; check seasonal timetable

View Tickets
Day TripsFree

Cap de Formentor

Formentor (65 km)

A twisty mountain road to a lighthouse at Mallorca’s rocky northern tip.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Road open daily; some limits in peak season

Hotels

Best-value hotels in Palma de Mallorca

Well reviewed and fairly priced for what you get: not simply the cheapest.

All 3 hotels
Palma de Mallorca (illustrative photo: example hotel)
Best Luxury ValueBest for Couples
Example listing

Palacio La Seu

Old town, Palma de Mallorca

9.3Guest rating 9.3/10 · Exceptional

Excellent valueValue score 85 out of 100

Rated 9.3/10, priced in line with similar 5★ hotels in Palma de Mallorca, in a central location.

From £200 per night · check current availability
Palma de Mallorca (illustrative photo: example hotel)
Best ValueBest Mid-Range Hotel
Example listing

Hotel Puerto Palma

Portixol, Palma de Mallorca

8.5Guest rating 8.5/10 · Excellent

Very good valueValue score 76 out of 100

Rated 8.5/10, priced in line with similar 4★ hotels in Palma de Mallorca, right by the beach.

From £110 per night · check current availability
Food & Restaurants

Where to eat

See all 4
Churros with hot chocolate (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo

Bakery · Old Town

£ Inexpensive

Palma’s historic café, open since 1700, famous for its ensaïmadas (spiralled pastries) and ice cream.

Known for: Ensaïmadas, almond ice cream, hot chocolate

Under about £14 per person

Local favourite Good for Couples · Families

A selection of tapas (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Mercat de l’Olivar

Market · Centre

££ Mid-range

The city’s main food market, with fresh fish, produce, and small bars serving tapas.

Known for: Fish, cheeses, tapas

About £14–30 per person

Local favourite Good for Families · Groups

Fresh pastries and croissants (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Forn des Teatre

Bakery · Plaça Weyler

£ Inexpensive

A beautiful Art Nouveau bakery and pastry shop, with a stained-glass interior.

Known for: Pastries and ensaïmadas

Under about £14 per person

Local favourite Good for Couples · Families

A cup of coffee at a café (illustrative photo)
Illustrative photo

Bar Bosch

Restaurant · Plaça Joan Carles I

££ Mid-range

A classic Palma café-bar, a long-time fixture on one of the city’s main squares.

Known for: Sandwiches, coffee

About £14–30 per person

Local favourite Good for Families · Groups

A suggested Palma de Mallorca itinerary

3 nights Couple

Palma de Mallorca · Highlights

Palma de Mallorca in 3 nights

A balanced first-visit plan built from our Palma de Mallorca picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.

  1. Day 1 · Palma Cathedral (La Seu), Old Town Wander, Es Baluard Museum, Passeig des Born and Santa Catalina
  2. Day 2 · Sóller Train and Tram, Bellver Castle
  3. Day 3 · Mercat de l’Olivar, Es Trenc Beach

Plan Palma de Mallorca your way

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