Palma de Mallorca is one of the most liveable cities in the Mediterranean. One reason would be the fact that it’s one of the biggest cities of the Balearic islands, then there’s the weather, the accommodations and the numerous marinas which line up the shore to welcome yacht charter tourists from around the world.
![Palma de Mallorca - One of the most liveable cities in Europe]()
General Info Also known simply as Palma to residents of Mallorca, the city is the largest settlement on the island and the capital of the Balearic Islands autonomous region of Spain. Though settled in prehistoric times and taking its name from the Romans, the town began to prosper as a tourist center beginning with the 50s. Since then it almost doubled in size and population.
Nestled safely in the bay of Palma on the northwestern part of the island, Palma de Mallorca saw the passing of many cultures over the years, including the Moors, the Ottomans and finally, the Spanish. What this means to the curious visitor is that he will find here a place of incredible diversity and beauty, an intriguing mixture of modernity and ways of the old.
Travel & Arrival Air travel is not a problem if you’re thinking of a holiday in Palma. The city’s international airport San Juan (PMI) is located just 9km out of town and it has flights from all major European destinations on a daily basis. Arriving tourists can take the Airport Bus line 1 to town (5 €), rent a car or catch a ride with one of the taxis waiting outside of the airport terminal. The cost for a taxi to the city centre is about 20 €.
Since Mallorca is an island, there is no way to travel here by land as there are no bridges or causeways connecting it to the neighboring islands. However, there are roads, bus services and railway tracks on the island to connect the city with other places on the island. The only other way to get to Mallorca is by sea. There are lots of cruise boats that drop anchor in the harbor, as well as a number of ferries that connect with different locations. Some of the routes include Denia, Barcelona, Mahon, Valencia and Eivissa.
Avant & Apres Sail Downtown Palma is wonderful to behold, as is the old quarter, the so called "Casco Antigo". You’ll find the overall architecture is a blend of the intricate eastern style and the imposing western style. Here is a list of the most important sights to see while in Palma: The Castel de Bellver, the Pueblo Español, the Paseo Maritimo (boardwalk, great for nighttime entertainment), the Catedral de Mallorca (La Seu) and "Es Baluard", the Museum of Contemporary Arts.
Most of the city’s shopping is concentrated in the El Corte Ingles. Here, you’ll find two branches of the biggest Spanish department stores that sell everything you’ll ever need. Many international fashion brands are aligned at the Paseo Born and the Jaime III in the historic town centre of Palma de Mallorca. Of course, for those more nostalgic orientated shoppers, there is some souvenir shopping to be found along the narrow streets of the old town, in quaint little shops.
Once in Palma, you won’t be able to leave without trying the “lomo” or pork loin, the local specialty being served in any restaurant. Among the other delicacies there are the "Sobrasada" which is a sausage made out of pork, the sopas mallorquinas which is basically any type of soup made out of greens and thickened with bread. Connoisseurs will revel in the local wines, Mallorca being the only of the Balearics which makes its own wines.
As mentioned before, the nightlife in Palma is very exciting and one needs only to head on over to the promenade known as Paseo Maritimo. This is where you’ll find the best clubs, bars and terraces, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and all packed with international and national tourists.
Events & Actions Not a summer day goes by in Palma that there isn’t some sort of party between Eastern and End of October. Out side the season there is the World Press Photo exhibition in November and December, the Caja Madrid Gospel Festival in December and many more.