It’s no wonder that the Spanish Royal Family vacations annually in the capital city of Palma de Mallorca, as this cosmopolitan city (on the highly popular cycling island of Mallorca) has much to offer. Think of the famous cathedral and the vast marina.
Check out our favorite Palma de Mallorca attractions for your city trip
Mallorca, Palma, or Palma de Mallorca: what’s the difference?
Mallorca is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest of the Balearic Islands, renowned for its beautiful beaches, bays, and nature parks.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island of Mallorca, featuring historical landmarks, museums, shops, and restaurants, offering plenty of culture and entertainment. So while Mallorca refers to the entire island, Palma de Mallorca specifically refers to the city on the island.
The regional parliament decided in 2016 that the official name of the city is Palma.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a city trip full of culture and adventure, both Mallorca and Palma de Mallorca offer unique and unforgettable experiences!
Palma de Mallorca attractions
The Cathedral of Palma
The Cathedral of Palma is highly recommended by travelers who have visited before you. You’ll need some time to take it all in, as the stunning details, beautiful layout, stained glass windows, and the world’s largest rose window are not something you can absorb quickly!
For as little as 9 €, you can take a look inside the Cathedral. The Cathedral also has an accompanying museum, filled with impressive paintings and sculptures.
On the second floor of the museum, you have a truly stunning view of the sea! You can, of course, also visit this beautiful location by bike, for example, during one of the tours in Palma de Mallorca.
During a tour, you’ll naturally stop to take in the Cathedral of Palma and listen to the beautiful stories from the guide. :)
- Book your tickets here to visit the cathedral
Mallorca attractions Cathedral of Palma
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor in Palma de Mallorca is a replica of the Plaza Mayor in the Spanish capital, Madrid. The square is undoubtedly the coziest and most beautiful square in the city of Palma de Mallorca. In the video below, you can see what it looks like. During busier days in the summer, it’s filled with lovely terraces. Additionally, there are street performers, jugglers, and living statues that you might encounter. Plaza Mayor is located in the old town and connects the surrounding shopping streets. It’s definitely worth spending some time here, enjoying the Spanish sunshine!
Palma city
Palma is located in the south of the island and features charming squares, delightful shopping streets, and beautiful historical landmarks. Additionally, the harbor of Palma de Mallorca is also situated here. So, if you’re looking to spend an afternoon shopping and strolling through the charming streets, this is definitely a recommendation!
La Rambla
Do you enjoy beautiful flowers and cozy stalls? Then La Rambla is a ‘shopping street’ in Palma de Mallorca that you shouldn’t miss. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the flower stalls and then have a nice meal or drink at one of the top restaurants on La Rambla. It can get quite busy with tourists here, but La Rambla in Palma de Mallorca is much less touristy compared to the Ramblas in Barcelona. Good to know if you want to avoid (too much) crowds and prefer to relax!
During a walk or a Palma de Mallorca Surroundings Bike Tour, you’ll come across some of the most beautiful buildings in the city along La Rambla. These buildings are constructed in the Catalan modernist style, which was popularized by Gaudi!
Drach caves: las Cuevas del Drach
These caves are among the most popular attractions in Mallorca that you must visit during your city trip. It all starts with stunning stalactite formations in various places, even above the water.
During the tour, you follow a path and eventually arrive at a lake, Lago Martel. Here, a classical concert is performed with musicians in boats that sail across the lake. The total duration of a visit to these caves is about an hour.
Bellver Castle
Castell de Belver is located just three kilometers from Palma de Mallorca. From the castle, you can enjoy a stunning view of the entire city. This castle has stood since the 14th century and is renowned for its unique circular shape. It features three large towers and a central courtyard. Inside, you can visit the armory, chapel, and historical museum. In the summer, concerts are regularly held here!
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Looking for a touch of history and royal splendor during your stay in Mallorca? Then the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a must-visit! This historic building is filled with stories and secrets from the times of Moorish and Catalan rule. Admire the stunning architecture and view the amazing artworks and antique items.
But that’s not all! The Royal Palace of La Almudaina also offers breathtaking views over the city and the bay of Palma.
So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket today and experience the Royal Palace of La Almudaina in person! You won’t be disappointed.
- Buy tickets online for the Royal Palace
Mallorca Aquarium
Want to take it easy during your city trip and stroll among sea creatures? The Palma Aquarium is divided into different seas, featuring 8,000 different specimens and 700 different species from all over the world. It is one of the few aquariums in Europe where the coral is real and alive, with over 300 species of coral to admire. It’s a great outing if you’re on a city trip in Palma de Mallorca with kids!
- Buy tickets online and skip the line
Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience
Are you a fan of tennis player Rafa Nadal? Then the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience is an absolute must-visit! Here, you get a unique behind-the-scenes look at this tennis sensation. From interactive displays to trophies and personal belongings, everything is on display here. It’s like taking a tour of Rafa’s own museum. So put on your tennis shoes and get ready for a spectacular Xperience you won’t soon forget.
- Get your tickets here for the Museum
Mondrago
Do you love hiking? In this nature park, you can take a beautiful coastal walk and pass by some of the most stunning beaches in Mallorca. There are various hiking trails to explore, some longer than others. It’s also a great idea to make a day trip and combine it with visiting the beaches near Mondrago. Cala Mondrago is the most popular beach. Here, you can rent sunbeds and there are also restaurants.
Parque del Mar
A wonderful place to walk or cycle in Palma de Mallorca is Parque del Mar!
From the waterfront, you have an impressive view of the Cathedral and can see beautiful boats entering the marina. It’s also a great spot for snapping a beautiful selfie. ;-) It’s a lovely place to relax. Tip: bring a picnic basket full of goodies!
Parque del Mar: Attractions Mallorca
Discover Palma de Mallorca by bike!
The island of Palma de Mallorca is known for its excellent cycling opportunities.
Does cycling in Palma de Mallorca sound appealing to you? Then just decide whether you want to rent a bike in Mallorca or join the Palma de Mallorca Highlights Bike Tour!
During such a bike tour, you will be guided by a Dutch-speaking guide who lives in Mallorca. You’ll discover both the highlights (like those mentioned above and more) and the hidden secrets of the island.
Get a feel for the atmosphere by watching our video! :)
Baja Bikes bike tours in Palma de Mallorca from Baja Bikes Tours on Vimeo.
- Tip: Also check out the reviews from tour customers of Baja Bikes!
Map overview of Palma de Mallorca attractions
Below, we share the locations and hotspots in Palma de Mallorca. With the help of Google Maps, you can easily find and visit the attractions. We’ve listed it all for you. So come along on a journey of discovery and be amazed by everything Palma de Mallorca has to offer.
Which attractions in Palma de Mallorca appeal to you the most?