Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca is one of the great European playgrounds
and over 6 million tourists visit this Balearic Island in the Mediterranean every year. On a busy summer day, over 700 flights land at Palma airport, and the harbour is packed too with cruise ships. No other capital city is as underestimated as Palma. It is a truly cosmopolitan city, rich in culture and outstanding virtues. Her long history, her majestic harbour, her beaches, her elegant shops, her shady avenues and café society, all make Palma a surprise and a delight. It is stylish, sophisticated, intimate, yet bursting with life , and half of Mallorca´s population live here, enjoying the best of the island´s restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Palma is named for the Roman city of Palmeria, but it has both Moorish and European flavours
The city is dominated by its wonderful Gothic cathedral, La Seu, which rises majestically over the luxurious harbour. Most of the main sights are located within the area bounded by the old city walls, especially to the north and east of the cathedral. A half-day walk around the old city can start and end at the Plaça d'Espanya. It is a popular gathering point, and is the terminating point for many buses and the train to Sóller. Grab your map of the city, and amble back towards the harbour from the Plaça d'Espanya, taking time to have a coffee in one of the outdoor cafes. Both the cathedral La Seu and the Palau de L'Almudaina (Royal Palace) are on the harbour and worth a visit, as are the nearby ancient Moorish baths (Banys Arabs).These baths are open 9.30am - 8pm and are very cheap to visit. They are hidden away in the tiny streets, east of the cathedral. The baths date from the 10th century and are surrounded by well tended gardens.
As you stroll away from the palace area back towards Plaça d'Espanya, you might want to take the (Passeig des Born), a tree-lined boulevard that many see as the heart of city life. Another must-see site on this walking tour is the old Gran Hotel, Palma's first luxury hotel, now a museum of modern art called the Fundació la Caixa. Its trendy cafe-bar is a good choice for lunch or a snack. Turn right off the Passeig des Born onto Carrer Unió. The Fundació la Caixa is on Carrer Unió near the Teatre Principal and the Plaça Weyler.
Other Palma sites worth a visit include:
Basilica de Sant Francesc, a massive sandstone church built in the 13th century.
Castell de Bellver, a well-preserved 14th century royal fortress. For a small admission charge, this castle is a must-see. Built in 1309, it is the only castle in Spain that is totally circular in design. The castle began as a summer Royal residence and was later used as a prison. Look out for the graffiti on the walls, carved by French prisoners of war. The castle also houses the principal museum and is often used for concerts. The castle is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
La Llotja, a 15th century seafront building that was once Palma's merchant's exchange.
Mercat Olivar, a covered market full of flowers, fruit, fish, and lots of local colour. Here you will find flowers, piles of oranges, buckets full of olives and fish you never knew existed. This is a great place to buy Spanish cheese and ham or to stop for a tapa at one of the local stalls.
Parc de la Mar, a popular park near the cathedral. Here until the 1960's, the sea reached up to the city walls, giving the perfect reflection of the cathedral. When the building of the new road changed all that, an artificial lake was constructed to produce the effect. The park is now a gathering place for the Mallorquins at weekends and especially during the summer times and many local concerts are held here.
Poble Espanyol, a Spanish Village theme park that serves as a microcosm of Spanish architecture. Similar to the Spanish Village in Barcelona, here you will findreproductions of famous buildings fromCordoba,Toledo and Madrid and other typical houses from other Spanish regions.
Palma offers interesting narrow streets, quiet courtyards, and a lively harbourfront with a nice selection of restaurants. If you are interested in Spanish history or just enjoy the harmony in an old town, the many restored historic buildings will impress you. It is always enjoyable to walk through the lovely city of Palma.