A short history
Romans founded Palma in 123 BC. Moors ruled until James I of Aragon took it in 1229. He began the cathedral soon after. Tourism grew from the 1950s.
Gothic cathedral, coves and island charm
Palma is the capital of Mallorca, with a huge Gothic cathedral on the sea, a lively old town and a marina. The island's coves and mountain villages make easy day trips. The guide covers the whole island.
Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.
Palma Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral over the bay, with a huge rose window. Gaudi worked on the interior.
The official site lists several visit options in 2026, from 11 EUR to 25 EUR depending on the route.
The Almudaina is a royal palace built on a Moorish fort. It is used for official events.
Entry.
Palma's old town has narrow streets, courtyards and churches. It is easy on foot.
Walking is free.
Bellver Castle is a round Gothic castle on a hill. It has views of the bay.
Entry.
Valldemossa is a mountain village where Chopin spent a winter. It has a monastery.
Charterhouse fee.
Soller is a town reached by a vintage train through the mountains. A tram goes to the port.
Train.
Calo des Moro is a small cove with turquoise water. It is very popular.
Free.
The Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO mountain range with villages. It is good for hiking.
Free.
The Caves of Drach are caves with an underground lake and concert. They are on the east coast.
Entry.
Santa Catalina Market is a local food market. It has bars.
Free.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it.
Choose how many days you have.
Add Valldemossa, Soller and coves.
Old walls and beaches.
34 mi · Bus about 1 hour
Lighthouse views.
47 mi · Car about 1.5 hours
Large caves with a boat concert on an underground lake.
Car or bus about 1h15
A small village in the mountains near a coast cove.
Car or bus about 45 min
Small coves with clear water on the south east coast.
Car about 1h15
Best: May to June and September to October. Warm sea, fewer crowds.
Daily high and average, by month
Typical inches per month
Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.
June 23
Bonfires on the beaches.
January 19 to 20
Street parties, bonfires and concerts in the squares.
March or April
Solemn processions in the old town.
April to May
Large yacht show in the harbour.
September
One evening when galleries and venues open late.
December
Small markets in the main squares.
The US State Department rates Spain at Level 2 (increased caution) for terrorism and unrest; Palma is safe; watch for pickpockets and drink responsibly.
The old town is walkable.
EMT buses and island buses.
The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.
Best for: first-timers
Near the cathedral.
Best for: foodies
Market and bars.
Best for: couples
Seaside.
Best for: families, budget
A long beach with many hotels, farther from the old town.
| Main airport | Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), 6 mi from the center |
| To the center | Bus A1 takes about 20 minutes. |
| Around town | Walk in Palma; rent a car for the island. |
| Ride apps | Uber, Cabify, Bolt, FreeNow |
Spiral pastry.
Spreadable sausage.
Vegetable bake.
A soft spiced pork sausage, eaten on bread.
A rich rice stew with meat and mushrooms.
Bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, with ham or cheese.
| Plugs | Type C and F, 230 V |
| Tap water | Safe to drink |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional; round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good service. |
| Payments | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. |
| Etiquette | Cover up away from the beach. Dinner is late. |
Romans founded Palma in 123 BC. Moors ruled until James I of Aragon took it in 1229. He began the cathedral soon after. Tourism grew from the 1950s.
Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.