Jan

10

Palma de Majorca Holiday & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Palma de Majorca
Palma is situated at Majorca’s southern tip and is the seat of the Balearic Islands’ government, as well as being the centre for major hotels, restaurants and the busy nightlife scene. Originally settled by the Moors, Palma was built in the style of a walled city, or casbah. This is a major destination for tourists from northern Europe and has been popular for decades.

Flights to Palma de Majorca
Palma’s airport - Son Sant Joan – handles more than 22 million passengers annually and is an Air Berlin hub. More commonly known as Palma de Mallorca Airport, it is Spain’s third largest air facility, and, during the summer season, one of the busiest airports in Europe. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Palma de Majorca try Expedia.

It’s quite easy to get around the Old Town and the Paseo by foot. To explore other parts of Palma, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the public bus service or a taxi. To venture farther out on the island, buses or hire cars are the only real options.

Sightseeing in Palma de Majorca
The Almudaina Palace at one time was an Arab fortress, but became a royal residence when the island was conquered by King James in the 14th century. Another highlight is the Palma de Majorca Cathedral, primarily Gothic in style, which was erected on top of the walls of the ancient city.

East of the cathedral, you’ll come across the Arab Baths; dating from the 10th century, the baths are tucked away on a small side street and surrounded by well-kept gardens. Spain’s only circular-shaped castle, the Castell de Bellver, is also in the area. Built in 1309, it was originally a summer residence for the royals, and later was converted for use as a prison.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
There’s no shortage of bars or dance clubs in Palma. There’s also no shortage of hangouts in the north of the island – but it’s Palma that’s the core of the serious night scene. The city is also a cultural centre, offering up an excellent variety of entertainment options – including cinema, opera, live theatre and rock concerts.

The majority of restaurants are clustered around the cathedral in the old town – as are most bars of interest to tourists. You’ll find foods from around the world available here, but give Majorcan cuisine a try! The most typical local dish - found on every menu - is lomo, or pork loin. Lomo con col is a style of preparation in which the pork is wrapped in cabbage leaves, and served with a tasty sauce of tomatoes, bay leaf, grapes and pine nuts. Another favourite is a local sausage, called sabrosada, made with pure pork and red peppers. If you like soup, try the sopas mallorquinas - a soup with mixed greens and olive oil that’s thickened with bread.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
In particular, elegant leather goods, fine jewellery, Majorcan pearls and needlework are the items to be on the lookout for in Palma. The best shopping is found on and around Carrer Platería, Carrer Sindicato, Jaume II, Jaume III, Passeig des Borne, San Miguel and Vía Roman. If you’re looking for a colourful local market, try the Mercat Artesanal on the Plaça Major.


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