Palma Holidays & City Breaks

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Palma Holidays & City Breaks

Best hotels in Palma

Holidays to Palma embody the perfect balance as a city break destination. Steeped in tradition with its wonderful architecture, it radiates an air of class and style, yet still succeeds as a sunseekers’ paradise fit for all. The centrepiece of the Old Town is the Gothic-style cathedral, completed in 1601. Plus, there’s impressive culinary and nightlife scenes.

History & Culture 

Palma was founded as a Roman base, on the remains of a Bronze Age settlement. Since then the city has been the subject of numerous conquerings. The oldest buildings you can see today date from the 13th century. These were constructed following the Conquest of Majorca, led by James I of Aragon. 

Things to do

With a Palma City Break you can soak up the local history and culture with a walk around the Old Town. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina (closed Mondays) is the official residence of the King and Queen during their stays in Mallorca. Head up to Castell de Bellver to see a rare example of a circular castle, also boasting fantastic views over the city. Standing tall on the waterfront is the stunning Palma Cathedral. Its nave is 44m high, even taller than the Notre Dame in Paris. 

Food & Drink

Palma's Old Town is a treasure trove of delicatessens, where you’ll find regional cheeses, olives, honey, liquors and much more. Mallorcan cuisine is largely based on pork, fish and regional vegetables. Local favourites include Arros Brut (Rice Stew) and Llom amb Col (made with pork loin and cabbage). Visit one of the city’s bakeries for the chance to sample Quartos Embetumats. These traditional lemon cakes are both gluten free and vegan friendly. For the nightlife scene head to Paseo Maritimo.

Shopping

Small boutique stores sell a range of traditional Mallorcan arts and crafts. Choose from coloured vases, traditionally made espadrilles (sandals), wicker hats and small decorative items. As with most Spain city break destinations, you’ll find an El Corte Ingles department store, stocking almost everything you can think of.

Beaches

When you feel the urge to relax, Cala Major Formentor provides a 200m stretch of white Majorcan sands, suitable for the whole family. If you fancy a romantic seaside walk or open water swimming head to Platja de Can Pere Antoni, also known as Palma City Beach.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Majorca | Menorca

 

Map of Palma

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30 ℃

Best time to visit: If you’re seeking warm sunshine, July and August are the hottest months.

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2.5 hours

Fly to: Palma airport, located 8km east of the city of Palma de Mallorca.

Other popular city breaks

Palma is best for...

History enthusiasts: Stroll around the maze of the Old Town to see landmarks dating back to the 13th century, or even earlier. 

Art lovers: Collections, open to the public, include everything from paintings by Piccaso to sculptures by Henry Moore, as well as contemporary pieces by local artists.

Foodies: Tapas is a firm favourite for both locals and tourists, allowing you to try a wide variety of tasty foods in a single meal.

Fast facts for Palma

Language: Both Spanish and Catalan are spoken in Palma.

Currency: The currency used in Palma is the Euro (€).

Local time: Palma is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Palma Airport is located 8km east of the city of Palma de Mallorca

Flight time from UK: 2.5 hours

Tourist information: Further Palma tourist information can be found at Visit Palma website. 

Visa / health: Before you travel, it’s worth visiting The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Getting around Palma

By bus: The local bus network connects Palma with most places on the island.

By metro: There’s two short Metro lines connecting the city centre with the suburbs.

On foot: The best way to explore the Old Town is on foot.

Events in Palma

Cavalcada dels Reis Mags (Three Kings Celebration): The Spanish save their Christmas present giving until Epiphany (6th January). The evening before Palma hosts an extravagant procession of floats to mark the feast.

Fira del Ram: The annual funfair runs from February to April and is the third largest in Spain. There’s over 170 thrill-seeking rides and attractions to choose from. Don’t miss the 60m ferris wheel.

Nit del Foc: ‘The Night of Fire’ takes place on 23 June. Palma is set alive with fireworks, bonfires, burning torches and human towers. There’s even a special cake for the celebration.

TaPalma Tapas Festival: Tapas is so popular here, it even has its own food fair, held in November. You can follow a trail around the city that leads you to the bars and restaurants taking part. The best bit is they offer special deals during the festival.

Palma safety and security

Do I need a passport?

Yes, UK travellers will need a passport to enter Palma. Your passport will also need to be less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check ‘date of issue’) and valid for at least three months after the day you leave (check ‘expiry date’). You will also have your passport stamped upon arrival. For more Palma passport information and details of entry requirements to Spain, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Should I get travel insurance?

We always recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday. That way, you’ll be covered for any medical expenses or emergencies while you’re away. Make sure to thoroughly check what is included in your policy, especially if you plan to take part in excursions and activities that require you to be insured.

Palma weather

Temperature: 26°C

Best time to visit:If you’re looking for warm sunny weather, without it being too hot to explore an Old Town then June is a good option. With a warm daytime temperature and a low risk of showers.

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