Mallorca features in almost every tourist brochure that covers Spain and in some people’s minds, it is full of lager louts and loud bars. But in reality, that image of the island is somewhat outdated and where, in pockets, it does still exist, the Mallorcan tourist board are doing their best to stamp out unsociable behaviour out.

In reality, the island is a gem, which offers something for everyone, all year round, with the capital city Palma being a historic city of beauty and culture. Palma oozes sophistication and charm and those who land at Palma airport and hop off to the seaside are missing out on one of the highlights the island has to offer.

1. The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma

Lying to the eastern side of the city, the Palma skyline is dominated by the Cathedral and your eye is naturally drawn to the size and sheer architectural beauty of the building.

This cathedral was completed in 1229, around 900 years ago and is in the Levantine Gothic style. In Catalan, it is known as La Seu. The front of the Cathedral facing the sea has a small lake which adds to the splendour of the building. It is definitely worth walking through the large building and the gardens to the side, which have a Moorish style. The tranquillity of the gardens is a peaceful haven from the buzz of the city only yards away.

2. Palacio de la Almudaina

One of the official residences of the Spanish Royal Family it was originally built around the 11th century as a Muslim fortress.

The Palace, once the seat of the independent kingdom of Mallorca until it passed, in the times of Pedro IV, to the King of Aragon.

The building is made up of a rectangular tower that housed the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Palace, a room called Tinell, the Royal Chapel and the patios. Inside, the walls are adorned with several tapestries and period furniture from history. It is currently used by His Majesty the King as a residence for official ceremonies during the summer.

3. Bellver Castle

This castle is an imposing fortress built in the 14th century in Gothic style, located less than two miles from the city and was built to defend the inhabitants and is iconic to the local history.
Its name consists of two words belonging to the old Catalan, which are bell and veer, translated as “beautiful view” and that is of course still true today. Affording the visitor perhaps some of the best views of Palma City and harbour, even if you don’t go in for castles, it is worth the walk up the hill to see.
In the past, it was home to James II, Sancho I, James III and John I of Aragon. During the Spanish War of Independence it was used as a prison. Within the castle is the Museum of History of the city of Palma. The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday.

4. Plaza Mayor

The traditional main square, found in most Spanish cities, the Plaza Mayor in Palma has been the centre of city life throughout the centuries. Surrounded by traditional yellow buildings with green shutters, the buildings feature arches, creating a covered corridor on the ground floor.
The square is host to traditional craft markets, and offers a great selection of cafes and bars, where you can sit and watch the world go by. In the summer there will also be many street performers found here.

5. Palma Old Town

The Old Town is extremely picturesque with its medieval narrow streets. To the locals it is known ‘El Casco Antiguo’. This is a great place to wander on a hot day as the sun rarely reaches you. The streets are a maze and without a map you could be spending a long time there!

Within the Casco Antiguo you will find lots of old houses with internal patios, which are very typical of Spain. Do take a little nose through the railings at the beautiful flowers and tiles. You will also see signs to the Banyes Arabes – an ancient Arab Bath, which you can go in and explore. The baths are the only remaining example of Muslim architecture in the city and have been declared a Site of Historic and Cultural interest.

6. Palma Aquarium

The aquarium opened in 2007 and has approximately 55 separate aquariums and is home to 700 species of marine life belonging to the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans are preserved and exhibited, around about 8000 specimens. The aquarium organises activities such as shark diving and children’s camps.
The Aquarium is a 5 minute stroll from one of the nicest and longest golden sandy beaches which goes on for miles and miles. If you do visit the aquarium, take your bathing costume. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can typically see kite surfers and windsurfers flying by. There are lots of places to hire bikes and you can cycle along the seafront for miles and miles, with cafes and restaurants all along the way for refreshments.

The aquarium, beach and bike ride make for the perfect day out!

7. Paseo Maritimo

It is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on the island, which stretches from the centre of Palma for 4 miles to the east. The Paseo Maritimo is the broad walk that follows the beach and is a great place to go for a stroll, bike ride or even roller skating. As you walk along the beach, you will reach the village of Portixol, with its quaint fishermen’s cottages and large range of fish restaurants. Even if you don’t like a long walk, it is a great place to sit and people watch. Just let everyone else do the walking as you sit in a bar and sample the local cuisine.

8. Santa Catalina Market

If you love food or just the experience of soaking up the atmosphere in a Spanish market, Santa Catalina market is the place for you. Palma’s oldest food market, traditionally, it was lived in by fishermen, due to its proximity to the sea, but today it is a bustling food market where you will find everything from fresh fish and seafood, to meat, cheese, fruit, spices, bread and cakes plus much more.

It is a delight to behold with its myriad of colours and smells and you will also have the chance to taste some of the things you have smelt and seen whilst wandering around, in one of the many tapas bars.

9. Passeig des Born

A wide, elegant tree-lined avenue full of bars, pubs and cafes and not surprisingly many luxury designer shops. The area has been nicknamed the Golden Mile.

Continue your stroll round to the Ramblas which runs parallel and you will find a daily flower market and many side streets leading to some more traditional shops and restaurants.

The area is vibrant with life and the many cafes and restaurants are ideal places from which to do your people watching as they stroll up and down the avenues.

If you happen to there in the run up to Christmas, the lights create a wonderful atmosphere in this pedestrianised area of the city.

10. FAN Shopping

Opened in 2016, this large retail shopping outlet located near the airport really has everything.

Spend a few hours walking around these familiar shops all in one location

FAN Mallorca brings a unique shopping experience to Mallorca that appeals to all types of shopper, from those looking to do their grocery shopping at the huge hypermarket, to anyone looking to update their wardrobe at the several global fashion stores.