Palma de Majorca, Balearic Islands » Entertainment » Attractions

Palma (or Palma de Mallorca) offers plenty of tourist attractions, catering to every kind of traveller. Discover the heritage of the city through a wide range of cathedrals, castle ruins, museums and galleries. On the other hand, amazing cave formations, nature parks, golden beaches and botanical gardens put a modern twist on Palma's ancient past. Here are some of the most visited attractions to get you started.

La Lonja (La Llotja) ( Visit Site )

La Lonja is one of the main examples of civil Gothic. The works started in 1420 and were finished in 1452. Its design continues the tradition of Catalan Gothic. Today, La Lonja is a cultural centre hosting art and cultural exhibitions.

La Almudaina ( Visit Site ) ( Wikipedia )

Palau de l'Almudaina stands opposite to the cathedral entrance. The Palace was originally a citadel built by the Moorish governors. It was converted into a palace at the beginning of the 14th century on the orders of King James II. Today, the Almudaina Palace houses the "Capitania General" or Harbour Office of the Balearic Islands.

La Seu ( Visit Site )

La Seu is a beautiful and magnificent Roman Catholic Cathedral in Palma that radiates the glory of the city. Designed in Spanish levantino Gothic and in southern French Gothic style, the sandstone walls and the flying defences seem to ascend from the sea. Built on an Arab mosque, the cathedral is about 121 metres high, 55 metres wide and 44 metres of nave height. The entrance is through the side door passing by a small museum. Struck by the play of light, the rose window studded with 1236 pieces of stained glass and 12 m wide, is one of the world's largest windows. The columns are looped with wrought-iron candelabra by Gaudi. The most controversial addition done by Gaudi is the unfinished crown of thorns that is suspended over the altar and shaped with cardboard and cork. Going towards the south front, there is a 15th century door, by Guillem Sagera, that showcases the scenes from the Last Supper.

Majorca Museum (Museo de Mallorca) ( Visit Site ) ( Visit Page )

Museo de Mallorca is believed to be one of the best museums on the Balearic Islands. This famous museum, located near to the La Seu Cathedral, displays a superb collection of prehistoric artefacts.

Church of Santa Eulalia ( Visit Site )

Located just northeast of the Town Hall is the 13th century High Gothic church of Santa Eulalia. Access to this church is through Plaça de Santa Eulalia, one of the oldest squares in the city. It was the first church to be built after Jaume's arrival. The Jews of Palma were baptized here in 1435 after they converted to Christianity to avoid being burnt at stake.

Cap de Formentor ( Wikipedia )

Located on the North-Eastern coast of Mallorca, Cap de Formentor forms the eastern end of Frometor peninsula. The natural landscape provides many wonderful lookout points with stunning views. The prehistoric cave at Racó de Xot, the sandy beaches, weird rock formations and scary drives through the pine woods are some other attractions of this spectacular wild peninsula.

Cala Agulla

Cala Agulla is one of the most beautiful beaches in Palma. It is surrounded by pine trees and mountains. The sea has clean deep blue waters. Tourists can enjoy swimming and participating in marine sports. The beach is especially popular during the summer season.

Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation ( Visit Site )

An excellent selection of art work donated by Joan Miro himself can be seen here. This is one of the important museums in Palma.

Arab Baths ( Visit Site )

Arab Baths is one of the best sites to admire Muslim architecture. The ruins have been carefully preserved and it is one of the few places on the island where such architecture can be seen.

Port de Soller ( Wikipedia )

Port de Soller is a delightful little village situated on Mallorca's harbour. Surrounded by the Tramuntana Mountains, this is good spot to enjoy the calm and shallow beaches. Besides the weekly market held inland in Soller, one will find a quite a few al fresco restaurants and touristic shops on the beach. The warm, sheltered bay is good for swimming, yachting and luxury cruising. In fact, it is the starting point for many boat trips that travel to Sa Calobra. The views of the bay, the town and surrounding mountains are lovely.

Es Baluard ( Wikipedia )

Es Baluard is Palma's favourite museum for modern and contemporary art and attracts many visitors every year who come to admire paintings by famous artists. The building premises also include one of the best restaurants in Mallorca, BLD - The Es Baluard's café-restaurant. Guided tours of the museum can be arranged.

Cales de Mallorca

Situated on the east coast of Mallorca (or Majorca), Cales de Mallorca is a land of wonderful beaches. Around 70 km away from Palma international airport, this is an excellent choice for a family holiday and the best place to explore the east coast of Majorca. This is a place for beach lovers; Cales de Mallorca has three small sandy bays called Cala Antena, Cala Domingos Grans and Cala Domingos Petis that offer facilities like water sports and pedal boats.

Palau March ( Visit Site )

This museum displays a range of contemporary sculptures. Also, look out for the book room which features unique manuscripts and nautical maps dating back from the 15th-18th centuries.

Convento de San Francisco ( Visit Site )

This 13th century Gothic convent houses one of the most important churches in Palma. San Francisco is located to the east of Santa Eulalia. It was built between 1281 and 1317.