Many people associate Mallorca only with beach resorts and forget that Palma de Mallorca has a seaside Gothic cathedral, a historic center that resists mass tourism, and turquoise coves less than an hour’s drive away. This guide brings together what to do in the city, when to go, and how to avoid the classic mistake of spending just one day there.
Palma de Mallorca combines a Gothic cathedral, a historic center with Arab ruins, and quick access to the island’s most beautiful coves — the ideal is to set aside at least 3 days, with 1-2 in the city and the rest on excursions along the coast and the Serra de Tramuntana.
How to get to Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of the busiest in Spain and sits about 8 km from the center. The EMT line 1 bus connects the airport to the city center in roughly 20-25 minutes, with a fare of around €5. A taxi costs about €20-25 and takes around 15 minutes in normal traffic.
If you’re already on mainland Spain, you can arrive by ferry from Barcelona (about 7-8 hours on an overnight crossing) or Valencia — a great option if you’re traveling with a car. There’s no train connecting Mallorca to the mainland — flying remains the fastest way to reach the island.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
May, June, and the first half of September offer the best balance: the sea is warm enough for swimming, temperatures range between 22°C and 28°C, and accommodation prices are still reasonable. July and August pack both the city and the most famous coves, with flights and hotels getting significantly pricier.
Set aside at least 3 days: one for the historic center and the cathedral, another for an excursion to the Serra de Tramuntana (Sóller and Valldemossa), and a third for the beach, whether at the island’s inland coves or the lively Playa de Palma. With more time, you can also include the Cuevas del Drach in the east of the island.
What to see in Palma de Mallorca
Cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu)
The seaside Gothic cathedral is the city’s postcard image and one of Europe’s largest Gothic temples, with stained-glass windows that include a 12-meter-diameter rose window. General admission runs around €9, with a higher fee for those who want to go up to the rooftop. It’s worth booking a morning slot, when the light streams straight through the main stained-glass windows.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Right next to the cathedral, this former Moorish fortress was converted into a royal residence and is still officially used by the Spanish royal family during summer visits. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina ticket grants access to the historic halls and the gardens overlooking the harbor.
Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
The narrow streets of the old center hide inner courtyards, smaller churches, and the Passeig des Born, the city’s main tree-lined avenue. It’s the right area to wander at a leisurely pace between stops, and where you can sense the Arab, Christian, and Jewish heritage layered over centuries of history.
Banys Àrabs and Palma Aquarium
The Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) are one of the few physical remnants of the island’s Muslim occupation, featuring a small domed bathhouse set within a tropical garden in the historic center — a quick 15-20 minute visit, but worth the detour for the contrast with the rest of the city. The Palma Aquarium ticket, meanwhile, delights those traveling with kids, featuring one of Europe’s deepest shark tanks.
What to combine with Palma
The Sóller and Sa Calobra excursion is the classic day trip for those staying in the city: a historic wooden train to Sóller, followed by a winding road to the Sa Calobra gorge, with a boat ride or hike down to the pebble beach at the end of the canyon.
If you prefer something shorter and don’t have a car, you can opt for a free walking tour of Palma’s historic center, with a guide covering the cathedral, the royal palace, and the main highlights of the Casco Antiguo in about two hours.
Where to eat in Palma de Mallorca
The ensaimada, a spiral pastry dusted with sugar, is the island’s signature sweet and worth trying at a traditional bakery in the center, not the industrial versions sold to tourists at the airport. Sobrassada, a cured pork sausage with paprika, shows up on tapas boards and in hot dishes all over the city.
The Mercat de l’Olivar, a municipal market just a few minutes’ walk from Plaça d’Espanya, brings together stalls of fresh fish, fruit, and small restaurants with fair prices — a great option for a quick lunch without paying the tourist prices of the restaurants around the cathedral.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
The Casco Antiguo is the most practical base for those who prioritize walking to the cathedral and the main historic sights. The marina and Passeig Marítim area appeals to those who want restaurants and nightlife with views of the sailboats, just a few minutes’ walk from the center. If the beach is your top priority, you’ll find more resort options along the lively Playa de Palma, about 20 minutes by bus from the historic center.
Practical tips
Book your La Seu Cathedral ticket in advance online — the price usually includes a small discount and helps you skip the line that forms at the door during peak hours, between 11am and 1pm. To explore the island’s most beautiful coves (like Cala Mondragó or Cala Torta), renting a car is more worthwhile than relying on tourist buses, since many of them are off the public transport routes.
The EMT bus network covers the city center and Playa de Palma well, but for the island’s interior and the coves in the north and east, a rental car (or a taxi arranged in advance) remains the most practical option. It’s worth booking your vehicle ahead of time during high season, since rental demand skyrockets in July and August and prices climb quickly as your travel date approaches.
Brazilians don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Spain and the rest of the Schengen Area — always double-check the current rules on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel. Travel insurance with medical coverage is also recommended, a common practice among travelers from outside the EU.
If you want to see all the tour options available on the island before deciding, check out the full catalog below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to see Palma de Mallorca?
Ideally, at least 3 days: one for the historic center and the cathedral, one for a trip to the Serra de Tramuntana, and one for the beach or coves.
Is Palma de Mallorca worth visiting outside of summer?
Yes — May, June, and early September offer pleasant weather, already-warm waters, and much lower prices than July and August, when the island is packed.
Do I need to rent a car in Mallorca?
It’s not required for exploring Palma, but it’s recommended for reaching the more secluded coves and the Serra de Tramuntana, since much of the area has no direct public transport.
What’s the difference between Palma and the rest of Mallorca?
Palma is the capital, with a historic center, cathedral, and urban life. The rest of the island is home to beaches, coves, and mountain villages — the two sides complement each other perfectly on a 4-5 day itinerary.
Conclusion
Palma de Mallorca proves the island is so much more than beachfront resorts: it has a Gothic cathedral, a rich historic center, and serves as the perfect base for exploring the coves and mountains around it. If this guide helped you plan your trip, keep browsing the other Spanish destinations here on voyagevoyage.