Free walking tours in Palma and what to see

Must-sees

Mallorca Cathedral, La Seu, presides over the bay. It’s Gothic, has a huge rose window, and inside there are interventions by Gaudí. Next to it is the Almudaina Palace, Moorish in origin and now a royal residence, and at its feet the Parc de la Mar. From there the promenade follows the water towards the port.

Behind the cathedral the old town begins, with grand courtyards, the Arab baths, the church of Santa Eulàlia and the basilica of Sant Francesc. The Gothic Llotja and the Santa Catalina district, with its market, have a good atmosphere. Bellver Castle, circular and on a hill, offers views over the whole bay. To eat, try the ensaïmada and pa amb oli.

Free tours and guided visits

Palma’s free tours cover the old town: the outside of La Seu, the Almudaina, the courtyards, the Plaça de Cort with the town hall and the city’s history since the conquest by James I. Some focus on legends or the old Jewish quarter. A guided visit inside the cathedral is worth it. As for day trips, the classics are the Sóller train, the Serra de Tramuntana with Valldemossa and Deià, the Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo and the coves in the south of the island.

How long to spend

The city can be seen well in two days: one for La Seu, the Almudaina and the old town, and another for Bellver, Santa Catalina and the promenade. But Palma is above all a good base for exploring Mallorca. With four or five days you can add the Tramuntana, Sóller, the Caves of Drach and a day or two at the beach or in the coves.

Where to stay

The old town is the best area for seeing the city on foot, with hotels in historic houses and everything close by. Santa Catalina is younger, with lots of restaurants, and close to the promenade. If you want the beach, Cala Major or Playa de Palma are a few kilometres away, although you’ll need the bus to get into the centre. If you’re touring the island by car, look for somewhere with parking, as it’s hard to park in the centre.