Spain · PMI

Palma

Mallorca’s capital - a Gothic cathedral over a yacht-filled bay.

✈️ 2.3h from London🏨 Hotels from £130/night🗓 Best: May to June and September to October for warm sea and quieter streets

Palma is far more than the gateway to Mallorca’s resorts - a genuinely beautiful island capital with a vast Gothic cathedral, a maze of an old town, a marina of superyachts and a foodie quarter that rivals the mainland.

Why UK travellers go

A 15-minute drive from a huge, well-connected airport, a walkable historic city, beaches and the Tramuntana mountains within easy reach, and a long season from spring to autumn.

Best time to visit

May to June and September to October for warm sea and quieter streets. July-August is peak season; winter is mild and very calm.

🔍 Scout ReportLife, not lodging — our on-the-ground intel for Palma
🌅 Morning Ritual

A pour-over in Santa Catalina, then the seafront cycle path along the bay before the day boats leave.

🧘 Wellness

Palma is a base for road cycling and running into the Tramuntana mountains; spas hide inside the old-town palace hotels.

🔒 Privacy

Stay in Santa Catalina or Portixol rather than the package resorts east along the bay.

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Where to stay in Palma

Old Town (La Seu)

The historic core around the cathedral - boutique hotels in restored palaces and the prettiest streets to wander.

Santa Catalina

The foodie district - a buzzing market, cafes and bars in a former fishermen’s quarter just west of the centre.

Portixol

A relaxed seaside neighbourhood - a former fishing harbour with a sea-view promenade, a short walk or cycle along the bay.

Palma travel FAQ

Do I need a visa for Palma from the UK?+

No - UK visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area.

How far is Palma airport from the city?+

Just 8km - about 15 minutes by taxi, or a frequent airport bus straight into the centre.

Are there beaches in Palma itself?+

Yes - the city beaches of Can Pere Antoni and Cala Major are close, and the whole bay is lined with sand within a short drive.

Ready to book Palma?

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