Travel Tips for Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Cost: €€ (expensive)

Safety: 4/5 for solo female travellers

Mallorca (Majorca) is the largest island of the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Palma city is located in the south of the island, looking out over the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea.

I travelled to Palma de Mallorca for my friend’s wedding in July 2023, and it truly was an amazing trip. The vibrant city has a wealth of history, a thriving art scene and fabulous architecture.

I would recommend visiting the city for 3 days, however consider booking for longer if you are planning day trips. I felt mostly safe throughout my trip, but I would not recommend staying out too late at night. 

How to get there

You can fly from Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock to Palma – Majorca (PMI) Airport via Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The flight length is usually about 2 hours and 30 minutes. I flew direct from Shannon Airport. 

Language, Currency & Weather

The official languages of Mallorca are Spanish (also called Castilian) and Catalan, however I got on perfectly fine with English. Spain’s currency is the Euro.

Summer is usually hot and humid in Palma, with little rainfall. Temperatures range between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius and the evenings are balmy. This weather is perfect for cruises or water sports.

The weather is milder in winter, with temperatures ranging between 6 and 20 degrees Celsius. 

Public Transport

Palma provides an extensive bus network which is pretty straight-forward to use. It is run by the Empresa Municipal de Transports (EMT). The city also offers metro services, but they only run to polygonal and residential areas.

To pay for transport (on the bus) you can buy single tickets (usually 2 euro, but if you go to Palma Airport it will cost 5 euro and the Port of Palma costs 3 euro). You can also buy a prepaid card for 15 euro which allows you to travel on 10 trips.

Where To Stay

I found accommodation in Palma to be very expensive, particularly in the city centre. Prices will also vary depending on the time of year you travel.

I would recommend booking INNSiDE by Meliá Palma or Hotel Palladium (both located in the Old Town).

Palacio Avenida, Hotel Joan Miró Museum, Hotel Palma Bellver or Meliá Palma Marina are also good options. They are excellent hotels, but are a little bit away from the centre.

I came across a few hostels in the city, including El Josemari Youth Hostel and The Boc Hostels.

Where To Go & What To Do

From historical landmarks to stunning beaches, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.

My first recommendation is to explore the Old Town. Stroll through the charming streets known as La Lonja and visit La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the picturesque courtyards.

Take a trip to the circular Bellver Castle, located on a hill overlooking the city. You have the option of exploring its museum or sitting out on the castle’s terrace.

Visit attractions like the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Joan Miró Foundation or the Museum of Mallorca. Here, you can learn all about the island’s artistic and historical heritage.

Gaudi’s influence is very evident in Palma, so take a stroll around the city and admire the modernist (Art Nouveau) architecture such as the Fundació La Caixa.

Stop by the Arab quarter, Plaça Cort and the legendary old olive tree (it’s believed to be about 800 years old).

For a relaxing day, travel to the beach for a swim or water sports (the most popular beaches are Playa de Palma, Cala Major, and Illetas).

In the evening, walk along the waterfront promenade called Paseo Marítimo. It’s lined with palm trees and you have a great selection of bars and restaurants.

Another great way to see the city and discover its beautiful coastline is by taking a boat tour. I travelled on a cruise around Palma with my sister and friends – the views were stunning.

What & Where To Eat

Palma has so many restaurants to choose from, so expect a large range of cuisines.

In my opinion, it’s essential to visit the Mercat de l’Olivar, which is an indoor market full of fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional crafts.

For lunch travel within the old town, particularly to the area of La Llonja where you will find traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Try Café La Lonja, which has Art Nouveau décor, a large terrace, marble tables and a friendly atmosphere. Its chorizo sausage with eggs is delicious, along with a glass of house wine.

On my first night, I travelled to the Carrer del 31 de Diciembre street for dinner, and enjoyed heavenly sangria and tapas.

For traditional Spanish paella, go to the former fishing villages Portixol and Molinar, which are located only 3km from Palma Cathedral.

Meanwhile, for dessert (although not the sweet kind!) go to Bistro 13% in Calle San Feliu for an exquisite cheese and meat platter, as well as red wine.

Enjoy Palma de Mallorca!