Insider's Guide:
24 Hours in Palma, Mallorca

Christine Tucker

Spain | Mallorca

Mallorca’s sun-soaked capital city offers all the culture and history you’d expect from an island that played host to both Moors and Mallorcan kings – and the restaurant scene you’d expect from a Spanish seaside resort town.

Below, we’ve collected a few of our favourite things to do in Palma and took the liberty of recommending a few great places where you can refuel after a day spent sightseeing. See if you can get through all of these in a day!

SITES:

A Few Great Things to Do in Palma

All these sites are worth a visit, but be sure to leave enough time to simply soak in the atmosphere—lingering with the locals in any of the lively outdoor cafés or friendly bars, sampling the wide variety of delicious tapas and finding yourself constantly entertained by the hustle and bustle that surrounds you.

Old Town

On any visit to Palma, a walk through these ancient maze-like lanes and alleys is essential. Many of the Renaissance mansions, baroque and gothic churches are currently being refurbished.

Museo de Mallorca

Mallorca’s largest museum is very highly regarded, and with good reason. Housed in a Renaissance mansion, it boasts a large collection of gothic paintings and various Mallorcan artifacts.

Palau de l’Almudaina

Located opposite the cathedral (more on that below), this palace was originally built for the Moorish governors and later used for the Mallorcan kings. To this day it is used to house visiting dignitaries and royalty.

The Cathedral

Built of golden sandstone and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this jaw-dropping Gothic-style church was built on top of the Great Mosque in celebration of the 13th c. defeat of the Moors.

Balearic Blues & Biking

On our Mallorca Biking trip, we keep things mellow with flat stretches along olive groves, fruit orchards, with a few rolling hills amidst fertile vineyards. Along the way, you’ll stop for sips, swims, sunsets, and shops.

DETAILED ITINERARY

RESTAURANTS:

Where to Refuel

All that exploring making your stomach rumble? Below are a few of our favourite places to grab a bite.

La Boveda

This is a great place for tapas enjoyed in an authentic environment. Expect the restaurant to be full of people. Reservations are a must.

things-to-do-in-palma-la-boveda

El Lirico

This is a very popular place with locals, and for good reason – the food is terrific.

Real Club Nautico

As you might expect from a restaurant belonging to a yacht club, seafood abounds here. And as you might expect from a seafood restaurant in Palma, it’s fresh and absolutely delicious.

Can Joan de S’Aigo

Centrally located, this traditional café known for pastries, ice cream and thick hot chocolate is not to be missed if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try the hot chocolate with ensaimada (a traditional sweet bread).

See + Do

Christine Tucker

After growing up on the Texas shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Trip Designer Christine Tucker spent fourteen years working as a means to travel, and then travelling as a means to work. Her experiences are a testament to her approach to life—a subtle mixture of playfulness and seriousness.