A surprise to many people – it is stylish, sophisticated, intimate, yet bursting with life. Located on the southern shores of Mallorca, the island’s capital city looks out over the sparkling blue seas of the Mediterranean. Half of Mallorca’s population live here, enjoying the island’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife as well as a thriving arts scene and a lively cafe society.

Country: Spain

Surface area: 208.63 km²

Time zone: UTC + 1

Language: Catalan and Spanish

Currency: Euro

The Balearics were inhabited since ancient times. The Romans, who called the city Palma soon became the hub of trade with the cities of the western Mediterranean. After the ups and downs of the Romans, the Vandals followed, followed by the Byzantines. Very little is known of this period even if mosaics are preserved in the Cathedral that were previously in an early Christian church. In the 18th century Palma became the capital of the Balearic province; moreover, with Charles III, trade was liberalized, favoring the economic recovery of the city. In the following century, the French occupation of Algeria made the trade routes in the Mediterranean safer, which until then the Turkish and Maghreb piracy, the bases of which were in North Africa, had made insecure. This led to an increase in trades and maritime traffic in the western Mediterranean, of which Palma de Mallorca benefited due to its geographical position.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria di Palma, also known as La Seu, is the most famous monument of the city. The place of worship was consecrated only in the nineteenth century, later it was subjected to works for the damage caused by an earthquake the facade was rebuilt. The work maintains its original Gothic structure; the interior, with three naves, is lit by a 12-meter rose window, one of the largest in the world by diameter. Next to the Cathedral is the Palazzo de l’Almudaina, the residence of the King of Spain when he visits the island. It was built by James II of Majorca on a project by Pere Salvà on the site of a previous Arab fortress. The building is Gothic but suffers from Arab influences. Inside you can admire the Flemish tapestries of the seventeenth century and the chapel of Santa Ana which has a beautiful Romanesque portal. The Belvedere Castle, located on a hill outside the city, is considered a rare example of a Catalan Gothic style castle with a circular plan. The building, surrounded by a moat, has three semicircular spurs and is connected, by a bridge, to a tower independent from the central body, the tower of the Homenaje, which in the intentions of those who designed it was to represent the last defensive bulwark in case of enemy attack.

At the traditional cuisine restaurants, there is no lack of sucking pig, Majorcan fried fish, a fine bullit de peix (Ibiza), lobster soup (Menorca), snails or ali-oli. Rice, stews and fish dishes make for exceptional menus, ideal to give yourself a treat after a relaxing siesta. However, the typical dish that always accompanies the visitor from island to island is pa amb oli (bread with oil). Its simplicity is achieved by combining the traditional brown bread in llesques (slices) with extra virgin olive oil from the islands. Ramallet tomato is spread over the bread and you can add whatever you like, from Mahón cheese to sobrasada (spicy pork sausage), as well as tuna or camaiot.

The airport of Palma de Mallorca is one of the most important in Spain. The traffic is mainly seasonal, linked to the tourist influx in the summer months, and the flights most of the time are charter. The airport is only 8 kilometers from the city and is connected to the center by a bus service that takes about 30 minutes to travel the route. Alternatively, you can use a taxi service that takes less time. For those who want to take a trip on the journey, the preferred vehicle is the car. To get to embark in Barcelona, ​​you will pass through some of the most beautiful places in Italy, France and Spain. The entry into France takes place through the Autostrada dei Fiori (A12) which crosses the Ligurian Riviera in a panoramic way. Entered in France, the 700 km of the E80 motorway will take you straight to Spain. Entered Spain, there are still 150 km to go to Barcelona. The “Mediterranean Autopista” takes you to Barcelona; near the city, follow the signs for the Ronda del Litoral and take the Port exit. The other ports of access to the Balearics are ports. There are no direct connections from Italy so you have to stop at Barcelona or Valencia and board them on the Transmediterránea or Baleària ships.

S’Arenal is the largest beach in the Balearic capital, Palma. S’Arenal is 4,600 meters long, 50 meters wide, of very fine sand. Along the beach was born the tourist center of s’Arenal, the place with the highest density of hotels in the Balearics. In the summer the tourists of the hotels, especially Germans, are pouring out on the beach of light sand, very fine, and in the sea, often calm. Next to the beach there is a Passeig (promenade) with palm trees and numbered bars (from 1 to 16). The locality of s’Arenal has obtained the recognition of the blue flag for several consecutive years. Furthermore, in the s’Arenal area there is Aqualand s’Arenal: the park offers over 20 water attractions surrounded by greenery. Children can have fun in a themed and very colorful area specially created for them. Worth noting is the largest Jacuzzi in the world, which has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Cala Estància is a white sandy beach about 5 km from the center of Palma. Very busy it is well connected with Palma by the public bus service. The beach is about 250 meters long. It is Blue Flag thanks to the quality of the sea, the beach and ancillary services.