Travel Guide Palma de Mallorca - Quaint streets, sunny beaches
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Travel Guide
Palma de Mallorca
Quaint streets, sunny beaches
02 Quick view 05 Top 10 sights 11 Hotels
02 Spain 07 Shopping in Palma 12 GEO Tip
04 Travel etiquette 08 Restaurants 12 Snapshot
04 Health 09 Nightlife
05 Phone calls & Internet 10 Calendar of events
© Jürgen Fälchle/ Fotolia
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Travel Guide
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02
Quick view
Palma de Mallorca: Quaint streets, sunny beaches
Perched on the beautiful Bay of Palma and benefiting from tiered rows of pretty
stone streets, Palma is chocolate-box Spain. Unlike Magaluf with its flesh pots and
high-rise hotels, Mallorca’s capital retains its old-world charm, with winding alleys,
traditional flower-filled courtyards and sunny squares among its many beauties.
Then there’s a slew of world-class
monuments and museums, among them the La Seu cathedral which dominates the
skyline. Equally lovely, though, are the many little cafés and restaurants, many
seemingly intent on proving that it’s not just Barcelona where impressively good
tapas are to be had. Like its Catalan neighbour, Palma has beautiful beaches,
good food in abundance and more than one fabulous place to shop.
Spain
General Information
Country overview
Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Endless beaches,
brilliant sunshine and azure waters draw beach lovers to the Mediterranean coast,
and the Balearic and Canary Islands. But visitors also flock to see the historical
architecture of cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Leon, Seville and
Segovia.
If you want to experience the real Spain, don’t go to bed too early. In these parts,
people stroll the city squares and dine out late into the night.
Geography
Spain accounts for roughly four-fifths of the Iberian Peninsula, with Portugal,
Andorra and Gibraltar occupying the remainder. In the northeast, the Pyrenees
form a natural frontier to France. The state territory also encompasses the Balearic
Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) located southeast of Barcelona,
in the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. Ceuta,
Chafarinas, Melilla and Ladu are tiny Spanish exclaves in North Africa, relics of the
former Spanish Empire.
Spain is a mountainous country. The Pyrenees extend for 400 kilometers from the
Basque Country in the northwest to the Mediterranean. Some peaks rise more than
3000 meters above sea level; the highest elevation here is the Pico de Aneto at
3404 meters above sea level. The country’s interior consists of a vast plateau, the
Meseta, which is intersected by a number of mountain ranges.
In the north and northwest, the Meseta is bordered by the Cantabrian Mountains
and the Iberian Mountains, and in the South by the Sierra Morena, beyond which
lies the Guadalquivir Valley. Galicia’s mountainous landscape runs along the
jagged Atlantic coast. The extreme south is also mountainous; the Sierra Nevada
southeast of Granada belongs to the Betic Cordilleras, which run parallel to the
Mediterranean and include the highest mountain on the Spanish mainland, the
Mulhacén (3481 meters above sea level). The highest elevation on Spanish
territory is the Pico del Teide (3718 meters above sea level) on Tenerife.
Spain has just under 5000 kilometers of coastline. The Mediterranean coast
extends from the French border to the Rock of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar
connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and divides Spain from
North Africa.
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General Information
Key facts
Population: 46.33 million (2017)
Capital: Madrid.
Language
The official language is Spanish (Castellano, Castilian). In the Autonomous
Communities of the Basque region, Galicia, Catalonia, Valencia, Navarra and the
Balearic Islands, the relevant regional languages are also used as second official
languages according to the Statutes of Autonomy. In tourist areas, English and
German are commonly spoken foreign languages.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz (sometimes 110/125 V in older buildings in smaller places)
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents
Currency sign/abbreviation: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes are available in the
values 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins, in the nominal values 1 and 2
euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Public holidays
The public holidays for the period January 2018 through December 2019 are listed
below.
Please note
a) Several regional public holidays also exist.
b) It is usual for public holidays which fall on a Sunday to be substituted by work-
free days on subsequent weekdays.
* not in all parts of the country
2018
Año Nuevo (New Year’s): 1 January 2018
Epifanía (Epiphany): 6 January 2018
Día de San José (St. Joseph’s Day): 19 March 2018*
Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday): 29 March 2018*
Viernes Santo (Good Friday): 30 March 2018
Domingo de Resurrección (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018
Día del Trabajo (Labor Day): 1May 2018
Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption Day): 15 August 2018
Fiesta Nacional de España (Spanish National Day): 12 October 2018
Fiesta de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2018
Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day): 6 December 2018
La Inmaculada (Feast of the Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2018
Navidad (Christmas): 25 December 2018
2019
Año Nuevo (New Year’s): 1 January 2019
Epifanía (Epiphany): 6 January 2019
Día de San José (St. Joseph’s Day): 19 March 2019*
Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday): 18 April 2019*
Viernes Santo (Good Friday): 19 April 2019
Domingo de Resurrección (Easter Sunday): 21 April 2019
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Día del Trabajo (Labor Day): 1May 2019
Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption Day): 15 August 2019
Fiesta Nacional de España (Spanish National Day): 12 October 2019
Fiesta de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2019
Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day): 6 December 2019
La Inmaculada (Feast of the Immaculate Conception): 8 and 9 December 2019
Navidad (Christmas): 25 December 2019
Information subject to error.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
It is polite in Spain to shake hands in greeting. The usual courtesies should be
observed. If you are invited to someone’s home, your host will appreciate a small
gift. Flowers are given only on special occasions.
Clothing
Casual dress is appropriate almost everywhere, although some hotels and
restaurants require men to wear a jacket and tie; evening dress is only required for
particularly formal occasions. Swimwear belongs without exception on the beach.
Smoking
A smoking ban applies in all public institutions, on public transportation, in
telephone booths and in rooms containing ATMs, as well as in children’s
playgrounds and schoolyards. The smoking ban also applies to all bars, cafés and
restaurants. Smoking areas inside bars and restaurants are no longer permitted.
Tipping
Tips are generally included in hotel and restaurant bills. It is nevertheless usual to
leave a small tip for the service staff. Porters receive a small sum per item of
luggage. The usual amount tipped in restaurants is between 10 and 15 percent.
When the waiter brings your change, you leave some as the tip. It is considered
extremely rude, however, to leave two- or five-cent pieces. When tipping your taxi
driver, simply round up the fare.
Health
Health
Emergency telephone number: 112
Lyme disease, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) and leishmaniosis are all diseases
which are passed on by ticks and mosquitoes and also occur in Spain. Clothing
that covers the skin and insect repellents provide protection.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur all over Spain. A hepatitis A vaccination is
generally recommended. Visitors planning an extended stay and close contact
with the local population, and generally with children and young people, should
also have a hepatitis B vaccination.
Measles and whooping cough occur in Spain. Before traveling to Spain, visitors
should definitely check whether their vaccinations are up to date and if necessary,
get a booster shot.
Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur in Spain. Visitors should
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seek protection by getting a vaccination and avoiding large crowds. Children and
young people, in particular, should be vaccinated. According to the latest
recommendations, the vaccination applies as required travel vaccination for
extended stays for certain groups of people (teenagers, school and university
students). Visitors should consult their physician regarding the need for
vaccination in the light of recommendations in the country of destination.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +34
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway
and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without
incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for
phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do
apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on
data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your
country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the
new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using
public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all
passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or
security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Palma de Mallorca
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca
Although born in Barcelona, Joan Miró spent much of his life in Mallorca.
Following his death, his Palma studio was turned into a tiny museum and houses a
permanent collection of his work.
Carrer de Saridakis 29 Opening times:
07015 Palma de Mallorca Tues-Sat 1000-1900
Spain Sun 1000-1500 (16 May-15 Sep)
Tel: +34-971/70 14 20 Tues-Sat 1000-1800
Sun 1000-1500 (16 Sep-15 May)
miro.palmademallorca.es
Catedral La Seu (Cathedral)
Dominating the Palma skyline is La Seu, the city’s majestic sandstone cathedral.
Begun by James I of Aragon in 1229, it wasn’t finished until 1601 and was
remodelled by Gaudi 400 years later in 1901, although that took until 1914 to
complete.
Carrer de Palau Reial 29 Opening times musuem and cathedral:
07001 Palma de Mallorca Mon-Fri 10:00 – 18:15
Spain Sat 10:00 – 14:15 (1. Jun – 30. Sept)
Tel: +34-971 723 130 Mon – Fri 10:00 – 15:15
Sat 10:00 – 14:15 (2. Nov – 31. Mar)
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Mon – Fri 10:00 – 17:15
Sat 10:00 – 14:15 (1. Apr – 31. May and
Oct)
catedraldemallorca.org/
Passeig Maritím
A pretty promenade flanked by a curious mix of yachts and fishing boats on one
side, and upmarket boutiques and restaurants on the other.
Passeig Maritím
Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Palau de l’Almudaina (Almudaina Palace)
Originally a Moorish fortress, the Almudaina Palace was rebuilt as a royal
residence by James I following the Reconquista in the 14th century. Highlights
include the beautiful surrounding garden.
Avinguda Antoni Maura 24 Opening times:
07012 Palma de Mallorca Tue – Sun 10:00 – 20:00 (Apr – Sept)
Spain Tue – Sun 10:00 – 18:00 (Oct – Mar)
Tel: +34-971/72 73 37 Closed on Mondays
www.patrimonionacional.es/real-sitio/p
alacios...
Museu Es Baluard (Baluard Museum for Modern Art)
Opened in 2004, Es Baluard is Palma’s contemporary art museum and is packed
with treasures by the likes of Picasso and honorary local boy Joan Miró.
Plaça de la Porta de Santa Catalina 10 Opening times:
07012 Palma de Mallorca Tues-Sat 1000-2000
Spain Sun 1000-1500
Tel: +34-971/90 82 00
www.esbaluard.org
Banys Àrabs
One of the last reminders of the Moorish rule, the columned baths were built using
recycled Roman stone and sit within a pretty Palma garden.
Carrer Can Serra 7 Opening times:
07001 Palma de Mallorca Daily 09:30 – 19:00 (Dec bis Mar)
Spain Daily 09:30 – 20:00 (Apr bis Nov)
Tel: +34-971/72 15 49
Museu de Mallorca
Mallorca has a long and fascinating history and this small museum covers most of
the important moments. Set within a 17th-century palace, highlights include the
Moorish ceramics.
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Carrer de Portella 5 Opening times:
07001 Palma de Mallorca Tues – Sat 1000 – 1800
Spain Sun 1000 – 1400
Tel: +34-971/17 78 38
museudemallorca.caib.es
Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village)
A cultural theme park, the Poble Espanyol contains replicas of Spain’s most
famous buildings, among them the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Poble Espanyol 39 Opening times:
07014 Palma de Mallorca daily 0900-1800
Spain
Olivar Market
Palma’s biggest covered market is the place to go for fresh, local produce such as
huge juicy strawberries and strings of plaited garlic.
Plaça de l’Olivar 4 Opening times:
07002 Palma de Mallorca Mon-Sat, 0700-1430
Spain
Tel: +34-971/72 03 14 www.mercatolivar.com
Ca'n Pere Antoni
Palma’s city beach has a blue flag award for cleanliness and views of La Seu. It’s
not the biggest beach however: Playa del Palma 10km (6 miles) away is a better
bet for serious swimmers and sun worshippers.
Ca'n Pere Antoni
Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Shopping in Palma
Shopping in Palma de Mallorca
Key Areas
Plaça Major is the hub for shoppers in Palma thanks to its array of quirky
independent boutiques and thrice-weekly craft markets. Big-name international
and designer brands are clustered along the Avinguda Jaume III, as is El Corte
Inglés, the most popular department store in Spain. Just off Avinguda Jaume III is
the Passeig des Born, which is home to scores of luxury boutiques.
Markets
Mercat Olivar is the main place for fresh food in Palma, while the nearby Las
Ramblas is dotted with flower sellers and craft stalls all week long.
Shopping Centres
The Centro Comercial Porto Pi, is a 2km (1.2-mile) taxi ride from the city centre.
Palma’s biggest mall ist he Fan Mallorca Shopping in Coll d’en Rabassa.
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Restaurants
Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca
Barcelona isn’t the only place where tapas rule the roost and Palma’s more robust
take on the Spanish classic are just as good.If tapas aren’t your cup of tea, there
are plenty of restaurants serving everything from seafood to truffles.
Zaranda
In 2010, star chef Fernando P. Arellano relocated with his restaurant, the Zaranda,
from Madrid to Mallorca. The restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars in 2018
and resides at the luxurious Castell Son Claret hotel, which is beautifully situated
on the stunning Serra de Tramuntana. The restaurant has various themed menus;
reservations recommended. The Zaranda opens only in the evening and is closed
during the winter months.
Hotel Castell Son Claret Price: Luxurious
Carretera Es Capdellá-Galilea, km 1.7
07196 Es Capdellá, Calvía
Marc Fosh
Palma’s poshest dining spot is run by British chef Marc Fosh.
Carrer de la Missió 7 Price: Luxurious
07003 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
La Bóveda
Mallorcan tapas at the front, formal dining at the back.
Carrer de le Botería 3 Price: Moderate
07012 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Ca n’ Eduardo
Excellent seafood served up from its perch atop Palma’s biggest fish market.
Carrer Contramuelle Mollet Price: Moderate
07012 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
C'an Joan de s'Aigo
A quaint backstreet café that has been serving up delicious ensaïmadas (pastries)
since the 1700s.
Carrer de Can Sanç 10 Price: Budget
07001 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
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Nightlife
Nightlife in Palma de Mallorca
If you’re looking for Bacchanalian all-night parties, head to Magaluf – Palma is
considerably more sedate.Nevertheless, the city is awash with chic bars and even
the odd nightclub.
Bar Bosch
One of Palma’s buzziest bars, Bar Bosch boasts a huge drinks menu and outdoor
seating.
Plaza Rei Joan Carles I, 6
07012 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Gibson Bar
A tiny Palma nightspot popular with the cool crowd.
Plaça del Mercat 18
07001 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Costa Galana Lounge Bar
Piped jazz, white leather seats and a laid-back atmosphere make this a good
place to kick back.
Avinguda Argentina 45
07013 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Tito’s
The waterfront promenade is lined with clubs, but this one is particularly popular –
probably for its three floors, high-end sound system, big-name DJs and sensational
lighting concept.
Avinguda de Gabriel Roca 31
07014 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Bar Portixol
If you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and discreet music, then the bar of the Portixol
hotel should be right up your street. Head here after a stroll along C’an Pere
Antoni, Palma’s local beach, to take in the view across the bay.
Calle Sirena
07006 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
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Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Fiesta of Sant Sebastia
It is the most popular festival in Palma. The big day coincides with Palma’s patron
saint on 20 January. On the eve of this day, the famous bonfire is lit and several
live music events are held throughout the city. The fiesta starts with the Correfoc
(fire parades) and continues with barbecues, firework displays and street carnivals.
Over the length of the festival, there are also exhibitions being held displaying
local handicraft, folklore, and art.
13 – 21 January 2019
Venue: Throughout Palma
Fiesta of Sant Antoni
The Fiesta of Saint Antoni Abad is an important event in most of the villages
around the Part Forana area of Mallorca and it marks the beginning of the winter’s
solstice. Saint Antoni is the patron of the animals and the celebration connects with
ancient fertility rituals. It starts in the afternoon on 16 January with the burning of
bonfires around the villages and goes on for the rest of the night as locals feast on
sobrassada (cured sausages), demons and dances.
17 January 2019
www.mallorcaweb.com/sonderberichte/popular-fe...
Venue: Throughout Palma
Semana Santa
La Semana Santa in Mallorca is not only a religious celebration but also a long
lived tradition with a strong following in almost every Spanish city. There are
processions held every day of the week but the highlights are the Santo Cristo de
la Sangre on Thursday and Santo Enterramiento on Friday. During the week-long
celebrations, it is also customary to feast on typical Easter products in Mallorca like
panades, robiols and crespells.
14 – 22 March 2019
Venue: Throughout Palma
Dia de Virgen de Carmen (The Virgen del Carmen
Festival)
The Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of seamen and fishermen, so
the ideal place to celebrate her festival is by the water. The people decorate the
saint’s statue, carry her down to the shore and sail with her out to sea. A parade of
fishing boats and the blessing of the boats is as much a part of the festivities as a
great firework display.
14 July 2019
Venue: Bay of Palma de Mallorca and all over town
Copa del Rey (King’s Cup)
Every year, the Bay of Palma witnesses some major nautical action during The
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King’s Cup or Copa del Rey. As one of the major cruiser class regattas in the
Mediterranean, it has become a huge event for sailing enthusiasts. Held at the
Real Club Náutico de Palma, the event sees more than a 100 boats competing in
the waters each year.
27 July – 3 August 2019
www.regatacopadelrey.com/index/index.php
Venue: Real Club Náutico de Palma
Hotels
Hotels in Palma de Mallorca
Palma has no shortage of hotels, some lovelier than others.Many are family run
and small, especially in the city centre, while bigger resorts are mostly found
further out.
Convent de la Missió
A former convent turned luxury white-painted boutique hotel.
Carrer de la Missió 7 Category: Luxurious
07003 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Hotel Bon Sol
Just outside Palma, the décor is a bit fusty but the service and sea views are
second to none.
Passeig de Illetas 30 Category: Luxurious
07181 Illetas
Spain
Petit Palace Hotel Tres
Scandinavia does Spain in a sunny central spot with beautiful views of La Seu.
Carrer d'Apuntadors 3 Category: Moderate
07012 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Hotel de Interior Dalt Murada
A small family-run hotel with huge rooms and a beautiful bougainvillea-filled
courtyard.
Carrer de l'Almudaina 6 Category: Moderate
07001 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Hotel Born
The décor is a little kitsch but two-star Hotel Born is central and comfortable.
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Carrer de Sant Jaume 3 Category: Budget
07012 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
GEO Tip
Bohemian café
Bohemian café
Once an antiques shop, today one of Palma’s favorite old-town spots, the Café
L’Antiquari is a small space crammed with vintage furniture and populated by guest
DJs, expats and locals from the creative scene. Outside, it has three hotly
contested tables right at the point where the street ends and a flight of steps begins.
Well worth trying here is the Mojito de Hierbes Dulces, a mojito with a
Mediterranean herbal liquor. If the tables are taken, just take a seat on the steps.
www.facebook.com/cafeantiquari
Powered by GEO.de
http://www.geo.de/travelguide/mallorca-inselkenner-verraten-ihre-tipps
Snapshot
Fun facts and sights in Palma
© Karol Kozlowski/shutterstock
Fine dining
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Restaurant Marc Fosh
Carrer de la Missió, 7A
07003 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Website
Five Mallorcan restaurants currently boast a Michelin star; one of them is British
master chef Marc Fosh’s in downtown Palma.
Worth the wait
Catedral de Mallorca
Plaza Almoina, s/n
07001 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Website
It took almost 700 years to build La Seu, Palma’s cathedral. The foundation stone
was laid in 1230, but the main facade was not completed until the early 20th
century.
Balearic Bohemians
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró a Mallorca
Carrer de Saridakis, 29
07015 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Website
Joan Miró was one of many artists who fell in love with Mallorca and lived there for
almost 30 years. Frédéric Chopin, however, was unimpressed and left again after a
few weeks.
Natural facts
Website
Mallorca’s coastline is 550 kilometers long. Palma’s Ca'n Pere Antoni beach
extends from the cathedral to the marina. The island has intermittent streams
instead of rivers.
What’s in a name?
Website
Until 2011, the city was just plain “Palma.” Then its name was officially changed to
“Palma de Mallorca,” but many locals don’t hold with that. They simply say ciutat
(city).
Golfer’s dream
Son Gual Golf S.L.
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Finca Son Gual
Ma 15, Palma - Manacor, Km 11,5
07199 Palma de Mallorca
Spain
Website
There are excellent golf courses just outside the city. Boasting 24 courses,
Mallorca has the highest density of golf courses of any region in Europe. One great
address: Son Gual.
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