Palma, Spain
Region: Balearic Islands
Geographic Coordinates: 39.566700, 2.650000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Population: 550000
Language: Spanish
Palma is the capital city of the island of Mallorca, Located in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. The city is known for its stunning architecture, Beautiful beaches, And vibrant nightlife. Palma has a rich history dating back to Roman times and has been influenced by various cultures over the years. One of Palma’s most iconic landmarks is La Seu Cathedral, A Gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral features stained glass windows designed by Gaudi and boasts an impressive rose window that measures over 12 meters in diameter.
Another must-see attraction in Palma is Almudaina Palace, A former Arab fortress turned royal palace that showcases Gothic and Renaissance styles. Palma’s historic center offers visitors a glimpse into its past with narrow streets lined with traditional buildings adorned with wrought iron balconies and colorful shutters. The area also features numerous shops selling local goods such as ceramics, Leather goods, And jewelry. For those looking for relaxation or adventure on their visit to Palma, There are plenty of options available.
The city boasts several beaches including Playa de Palma which stretches over four kilometers long with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Visitors can also take part in water sports activities such as windsurfing or paddleboarding. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Palma offers visitors an array of dining options ranging from traditional Spanish cuisine to international fare influenced by various cultures throughout history.
There are also plenty of bars and clubs where visitors can enjoy cocktails while taking in views of the Mediterranean Sea. one cannot talk about Palma without mentioning its festivals which take place throughout the year. One such event is Sant Joan Festival held on June 23rd where locals light bonfires on beaches across Mallorca to celebrate midsummer’s eve with fireworks displays lighting up the night sky. Overall, Whether you’re interested in history or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Palma has something to offer everyone.
With its stunning architecture, Beautiful beaches, And vibrant nightlife, It’s no wonder why this city is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Important Landmarks
- La Seu Cathedral
- Almudaina Palace
- Bellver Castle
- Paseo del Borne
- Plaza Mayor de Palma
- Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Palma Aquarium
- Mercat de l’Olivar
- Parc de la Mar
- Fundació Miró Mallorca
Primary Industries
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Real estate
- Retail
- Transportation
- Finance
Palma is a renowned tourist destination with an exciting nightlife scene and numerous attractions like the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. The city also boasts a thriving port industry that regularly receives cruise ships. In addition to this, there are several large shopping centers as well as luxury boutiques located in the city center. Real estate development is also significant due to its desirable location on the Mediterranean coast. Lastly, there are various financial institutions headquartered in Palma that cater to both local residents and international clients.
Noteable History
- The Arab Conquest: In 902 AD, Palma was conquered by the Moors and became part of the Islamic empire.
- King James I: In 1229 AD, King James I of Aragon conquered Palma from the Moors, making it part of the Kingdom of Aragon.
- Antoni Gaudí: The famous Catalan architect designed several buildings in Palma, including the Episcopal Palace and Park Güell.
- Joan Miró: The renowned artist lived on Mallorca (the island on which Palma is located) for much of his life and created many works inspired by its landscapes.
- Robert Graves: The British poet and novelist lived in Deià (a village near Palma) for over 30 years and wrote several books set on Mallorca.
- Cathedral de Santa Maria de Palma: This impressive Gothic cathedral was built between 1230-1601 AD and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- La Rambla de les Flors: This pedestrian boulevard is lined with flower stalls selling beautiful blooms year-round.
- Bellver Castle: Built in the 14th century, this circular castle offers stunning views over both Palma Bay and Tramuntana Mountains.
- The Battle of Lepanto: Miguel de Cervantes fought in this battle which took place on October 7th, 1571 where Christian forces defeated Ottoman Empire naval forces.
- The Balearic Islands Statute: It was enacted to establish a self-government regime for Balearic Islands including Majorca where Palma is situated.
Museums and Things To See
- Palma Cathedral: A Gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of Palma.
- Bellver Castle: A unique circular castle built in the 14th century, located on a hill overlooking the city.
- Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: A museum featuring works by local and international artists.
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina: A beautiful palace used by Spanish royalty when visiting Mallorca.
- Pueblo Español (Spanish Village): An open-air museum showcasing replicas of Spain’s most iconic buildings and landmarks.
- Joan Miró Foundation: A museum dedicated to the works of famous Spanish artist Joan Miró, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
- Plaça Major (Major Square): The main square in Palma with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops surrounding it.
- Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): Ancient baths dating back to the 10th century that showcase Islamic architecture in Mallorca.
- Parc de la Mar: This park is situated next to the Cathedral with a large lake where you can feed ducks or just relax under palm trees.
- Cuevas del Drach: These caves are one of Mallorca’s top attractions with underground lakes and guided tours available.
Sports Teams
- Real Club Deportivo Mallorca: Founded in 1916, RCD Mallorca is the most popular football club in Palma and has played in La Liga for several seasons. The team has won the Copa del Rey once and reached the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final twice.
- Atlético Baleares: Established in 1942, Atlético Baleares is another football club based in Palma that currently competes in Segunda División B.
- Club Natació Palma: Founded in 1954, Club Natació Palma is a water polo team that competes locally and nationally.
- CB Bahía San Agustín: This basketball team was founded in 2000 and plays its home games at the Polideportivo Germans Escalas.
- Real Club Marítimo de Palma: Established in 1927, this sailing club hosts international regattas such as Copa del Rey MAPFRE and Trofeo Princesa Sofía Iberostar.
- Inca Trail Running Team: This running club organizes trail running events throughout Mallorca’s mountains and countryside since its establishment in 2015.
- Padel Center Balears: A paddle tennis center with two courts located near Son Moix Stadium that offers lessons for all skill levels since its founding year of 2016.
Cultural Events
- Sant Sebastià Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Palma, celebrated every year in January. It’s a week-long festival that includes concerts, parades, and fireworks.
- Fira del Ram is an annual fair that takes place in Palma during February and March. It features carnival rides, games, food stalls and live performances.
- Nit de l’Art takes place on the third Thursday of September each year and marks the opening of the art season in Palma. Art galleries stay open late into the night for visitors to explore.
- Festes de la Mare de Déu d’Agost is celebrated annually on August 15th to honor Our Lady of August with processions, concerts and cultural events.
- Festival Internacional de Música de Deià is located nearby Deià village which holds a world-famous classical music festival every summer featuring renowned international artists.
- La Nit dels Focs or The Night of Fireworks held on June 23rd where people gather to watch fireworks displays along with bonfires throughout the city’s streets marking St John’s Eve celebrations.
- Palma Marathon is one of Spain’s most popular marathon races held annually around October or November attracting runners from all over Europe to run through some breathtaking scenic routes across Mallorca Island including Palma City streets.
Cuisine
- Sobrasada: a cured sausage made from ground pork and paprika.
- Paella: a rice dish traditionally made with seafood or meat.
- Ensaimada: a sweet pastry made with flour, sugar, eggs, and pork lard.
- Tumbet: a vegetarian dish made with potatoes, eggplant, red bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- Frito Mallorquín: a dish of fried liver and vegetables.
Some popular restaurants in Palma include:
- Ca’n Eduardo – known for its seafood dishes
- Celler Sa Premsa – serves traditional Mallorcan cuisine
- La Boveda – offers tapas and Spanish specialties
- Forn de Sant Joan – specializes in Mediterranean cuisine
- Simply Fosh – Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Spanish dishes
- Parc de la Mar: This park is located near the Cathedral and offers stunning views of the sea. There are also plenty of benches to sit and relax.
- Bellver Castle: This castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with walking trails and picnic areas. It’s a great place to explore and take in some history.
- Palma Beach: This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a stroll along the promenade.
- Passeig des Born: This boulevard is lined with trees, shops, cafes, and restaurants making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Palma Aquarium: The aquarium has over 8,000 animals from 700 different species making it an exciting day out for all ages.
- Cycling tours: There are many companies that offer guided cycling tours around Palma allowing visitors to see the city from a different perspective while getting some exercise at the same time.
- Boat tours: Visitors can take boat tours around Palma Bay which offer amazing views of the city skyline as well as opportunities to swim in crystal clear waters.
- Golf courses: Palma has several golf courses including Son Gual Golf Course which has been rated one of Europe’s best golf courses by Golf World magazine.
- Santa Catalina Market: A vibrant food market where you can buy fresh produce, tapas etc
- Es Baluard Museum: A contemporary art museum that houses works by Picasso, Miro etc