Planning to visit the stunning capital of the Balearic Islands? Then this is the guide for you. Picture this: Clear blue skies and history etched into every stone. Sounds enchanting, doesn’t it? Follow our guide to two days in Palma de Mallorca and we’ll help you make sure that you really make the most of your time in this Mediterranean delight of a city.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Discover the historical brilliance of Palma!
Palma Cathedral
Our journey begins in the ornate heart of Palma – the Cathedral, fondly named as La Seu. Irresistibly photogenic, this towering emblem of history gazes out at the ocean with an undeniable grandeur. Remember to tip your hat to the mesmeric rose window. It provides a light show that transforms it into a radiant, colourful 8, a spectacle reserved only for the luckiest visitors in February and November.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Next up, say “hola” to the Royal Palace of the Almudaina (or the Royal Alcazar) – the epitome of noble elegance. A walk through the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Chamber, and a detour into the restored Arab baths are a trip back in time to a world of Arab rulers, catholic kings and royal feasts.
This magnificent palace has Roman roots, but its current version was built on the site of the Muslim Alcázar by King James III of Majorca. Soon, it became one of the palaces of the kings of Spain. In fact, it’s still a royal residence to this day and is the official summer residence of the King. It’s definitely a cut above most Airbnbs!
Parc de la Mar
No holiday is complete without some memory-conjuring holiday snaps. Parc de la Mar sits between the cathedral’s medieval walls and the sea. It’s the perfect spot to get It’s where you secure that killer shot of the Cathedral and Almudaina. And a few fantastic selfies too.
Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the beating heart of Palma. This attractive square is the perfect place to sit for a while and enjoy a coffee or have something to eat and watch the Balearic world go by. If you’re there in April or May, you’ll be able to check out the craft market that’s open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We’re not sure what happened to Wednesday!
Plaza Mayor is also a great place to start exploring the city’s historic centre. Take a stroll along the tree-lined Paseo de la Rambla and you’ll feel the echoes of Barcelona. The street is a blooming paradise, lined with flower stalls selling their fragrant wares.
Not too far away is the Mercat del Olivar, which is the city’s treasure-packed food market. There’s so much here for your eyes to feast on. If you weren’t hungry when you went in, you soon will be! It’s the perfect place to buy the ingredients for a tasty and healthy picnic lunch.
You Buy We Cook Restaurant
If you’d prefer to eat in a restaurant to a picnic, then you’re really spoil for choice in Palma. If we had to stick our necks out and recommend somewhere, it’d be You Buy We Cook, which offers a different kind of dining experience. See any seafood you like the look of it, but it and take it to this restaurant, which is located, in the market and they’ll cook it for you for a very reasonable price!
Llotja de Palma
Wherever you decide to have lunch, an excellent place to head next is the Llotja de Palma, which is a fascinating historical building and one of the finest examples of medieval architecture on the island. It was initially used as a place where merchants could trade their goods. Today, the building houses temporary exhibitions so if one’s on make sure you go inside and check out this architectural treasure.
That’s it for Day 1. Time to rest up, grab some dinner and recharge your batteries for Day 2.
Day 2: A harbour-side stroll, a castle visit, Miró and more
The Port
After a delicious breakfast in a bar – we recommend toast with some delicious sobrasada, a local delicacy it’s time to start your day. Palma’s port is one of the city’s jewels, as you’d expect in a such a sea-faring city. It’s always full of life. And, of course, boats! From charming old weather-beaten fishing boats to the swankiest of swanky yachts. Take a stroll along the front and enjoy the atmosphere and let the fresh air fill you with energy for the day ahead. You can even take a cruise on the harbour on our boat!
Bellver Castle
One of the places you just can’t miss when visiting Palma is Bellver Castle, a castle like few others, which stands out from the crowd due to its circular shape. This impressive circular construction was built in the 14th century as home to the kings of Mallorca. As well as a royal residence, it’s also served as a prison before becoming one of the island’s most important tourist attractions. You’ll also be able to visit the castle’s museum which is dedicated to the history of the city.
Bellver means “beautiful view”, and they’re not kidding! The views from the castle are spectacular. You can see out over the castle and the sea. As well as over the stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which lies behind Palma. It’s definitely somewhere to stop and take in the views.
Being so high up means, it’s not someone you’d necessarily want to walk to. That’s why on stop for our hop-on hop-off bus there is one of the most popular on the route. Some of our most popular tickets include entrance to the castle as well as the bus!
Fundació Miró Mallorca
If you love art, then our next stop is guaranteed to please. The Fundació Miró Mallorca is not just one of the highlights of art in Mallorca, but also in all of Spain. Though not from the island, Miró made it his home for nearly the last thirty years of his life. One of the 20th century’s most important sculptors and painters, Miró’s influence still lives on his day.
The Foundations´s museum is built on the land where Miró lived and it contains an incredible 6,000 works from right across his long career. It’s a place to go for inspiration and to see something of just what the human imagination is capable of.
Marivent Palace
It’s a lucky king that has two royal residences in one city! Especially, when it’s one as beautiful as Palma. As well as the Palace of La Almudaina, the royal family also has the Marivent Palace. For some years now you have been able to visit the palace and its gardens. The visit is free and not very long, but it’s worth it to see how the other half live! Though maybe that should be a lot less than half! You can stroll around the gardens, which are full of different botanical species and see more sculptures by Joan Miró. It’s the epitome of tranquil grandeur.
Pueblo Espanyol
Our second day of sightseeing ends in Pueblo Español – what’s the main attraction? You can see the country’s great monuments all in one place! Here you’ll find a large open-air museum where you’ll find recreations of Spain’s main monuments, such as the Alhambra in Granada, Puerta Bisagra in Toledo and the Plaza del Cristo de los Faroles in Cordoba. It’s an unusual and fascinating place where you can take a tour around the country in just a few hours.
Celler Sa Premsa
As we said before, there are so many amazing places to eat in Palma de Mallorca. It’s always good to try some traditional local fare so visit Celler Sa Premsa and be instantly transported to the rustic charm of Palma de Mallorca’s culinary past. This bustling eatery is adorned with rustic barrels, vintage wine presses, and traditional Mallorcan memorabilia, emanating an irresistibly warm and authentic atmosphere. Patrons can relish generous portions of classic local dishes, including frito Mallorquín, succulent slow-roasted lamb, and the legendary paella that’s sure to leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
Palma has so much to offer
As you can see, it is possible to visit the main tourist attractions in Palma de Mallorca in just two days. If you have time left and you have transport such as a hire car, we recommend that you also discover the surrounding villages, such as Valdemossa, Port de Sóller, Port de Andratx or Alcudia.
After exploring Palma, you’ll appreciate that it’s a cosmopolitan city, which is full of tradition and history from the different cultures and civilisations that called it their home. All this history merges with the modernity of the city, making it one of Spain’s most attractive destinations. And you can see it all on our hop-on hop-off bus route!
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Frequently asked questions
Here’s a broad idea of what the weather in Palma de Mallorca is like in different seasons:
Spring (March – May): Spring in Palma de Mallorca gives way to pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C. The final spring month of May sees a rise in temperatures, and it’s a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities and the vibrant craft market at Plaza Mayor.
Summer (June – August): Summers are usually warm and dry, perfect for a beach vacation. The temperatures can range from 24°C to a high of around 31°C. Nights can be warm too, at about 19°C.
Autumn (September – November): Autumn witnesses a gradual fall in temperature from the hot summer but remains relatively warm and ideal for sightseeing. September still enjoys some summer residual heat with average temperatures around 27°C, dropping steadily to 15°C by November.
Winter (December – February): Winters in Palma are mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C. Sunshine is still abundant but expect some rainfall. This period is excellent for exploring the city and its attractions without battling crowds.
This is a general guide, and weather can change from year to year. It’s always best to check the forecast closer to your trip.
The cost of living and visiting Palma de Mallorca can vary greatly based on your lifestyle and budget choices.
From a tourist perspective, Palma de Mallorca can be more affordable compared to other popular Mediterranean destinations. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury resorts, catering to diverse budgets. Similarly, dining can be inexpensive if you stick to local cafes and markets, but prices go up in high-end restaurants or tourist-heavy areas.
Admission fees for most historical sites and museums in Palma are relatively modest, and beach access is typically free. Local transport, such as buses or bicycle rentals, is also economical. However, taxi fares and private vehicle rentals are higher.
Like any other city, prices soar during peak tourist season (mainly summer) and drop during off-peak times (autumn and winter). So, the time of your visit could also significantly impact your budget.
In sum, while Palma de Mallorca offers options for budget-conscious travelers, it isn’t necessarily cheap if you prefer more luxury or convenience. Planning ahead and making smart choices based on your budget can help you maximize your experience.
Here are some typical foods you can expect to enjoy when visiting Palma de Mallorca:
- Frit Mallorquí: A traditional dish that dates back centuries, it’s like a hash made from offal—liver, blood, and lungs—and local vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. Each ingredient is chopped and fried together with garlic, olive oil, cinnamon, chilies, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Sobrasada: A fat-rich cured sausage made from mincing the ham, shoulder, belly, loin, and back fat of the Negre Mallorquí pig. It’s seasoned with salt and paprika and often used as a spread for bread.
- Arròs brut: This rustic and hearty dish includes rice and an assortment of meat, cooked in a rich broth filled with various local spices.
- Tumbet: A beloved summertime dish, Tumbet comprises layers of sliced potatoes, aubergines, and red bell peppers baked in tomato sauce. It showcases the bountiful fresh produce of Mallorca.
Remember, Mallorcan cuisine extensively uses pork, fish, and vegetables, with generous helpings of garlic and olive oil, reflecting the island’s abundant produce and seafaring heritage.