Things to do in Palma, Majorca

Beaches and Coastline

Palma is easily accessible to some really great beaches. We went to a small inlet in Cas Canar which was at that time free to enter but with sunbeds you can rent. It was sheltered and the water beautiful but you can find places like this get somewhat crowded. There are plenty of alternatives nearby including the up-market resort of Illetas and the not-so-smart Palma Nova. Just before Sant Agusti on the road west out of Palma is a very cool beach in front of the Nixe Palace Hotel. Staying there would eliminate any need to search for the beach, and it’s a really smart hotel. Try also the beach at Santa Ponsa, or if you really want to experience what Magaluf is all about, pay a visit – it’s just 20 minutes by car.

If you’re staying in the city of Palma you will be drawn to the sweeping marina and coastline that lies in front of the city. It’s well worth walking especially in the evenings. You can watch the ferries heading towards Mahon or to Barcelona and admire the magnificent yachts. 

Churches, Palaces and Castles

The most striking structure in the city of Palma is the “Le Seu” or the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, set right at the centre of the bend of Palma Bay. Built in the Gothic style, it rests on the site of a former mosque. James I of Aragon started construction in 1229 soon after his re-conquest of the island but it wasn’t until 1601 it was declared complete. It has since been given extensive restoration. It’s a truly impressive building at 121 metres long and 55 metres wide. It has a knave 44 metres in height. It has been said that James I was inspired to build it after surviving a terrible storm at sea on the way to Majorca, prompting him to vow that he should build a cathedral to thank God for salvation. His son James II and grandson James III are buried here. 

Bellver Castle, built by James II in the 14^th Century was used as a residence for the Kings of Majorca, is unique in that it’s circular in shape, one of the few in Europe built in this way. It’s high up on a hill overlooking the city of Palma offering fantastic panoramas in all directions. James II and his family didn’t hang on to it for long. It was fought over and used a prison for centuries later. Ownership was granted to the city of Palma during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 and is now doubles as the city’s museum. On the Sunday after Easter a large catholic festival takes place here called Angel Sunday. 

Another fine example of gothic architecture is La Almudaina Royal Palace. Like the Cathedral it was built on the site of a former Moorish building, but this one managed to hold on to its Arab name. It is still used by the current King of Spain to hold ceremonies during the summertime. To fing out more about this grand building and other heritage sites in Palma visit the Patrimonio Nacional website.