Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Palma & the Badia de
Palma
Why Go?
Petite, sea-splashed, party-loving Palma is one of Europe's most underrated capitals. For a
city of its size, its sights play in the premier league with major metropolises. Take its im-
mense Gothic cathedral, moored like the prow of a great ship on the Mediterranean's
edge. Or its astounding galleries: fortified Es Baluard with its Mirós and Picassos, and
Museu Fundació Juan March with its Dalís and Barcelós are just tip-of-the-iceberg stuff.
In the labyrinthine backstreets of Old Palma, medieval palaces jostle for space with patri-
cian mansions that hide some of Spain's most beautiful inner courtyards.
If the sights don't grab you, the soulful sea views, fabulous food and happening bar
scene surely will. Need a breather? Within minutes you can be at a hilltop castle, on a vin-
tage train rattling through the mountains or stretched out on a beach, which means Palma
is permanently switched on relaxed mode.
When to Go
Unlike the rest of the island, Palma's energy levels remain fairly constant throughout the
year; most sights, hotels and restaurants are open year-round. That said, the city does have
an irresistible feel-good atmosphere when the weather's warm, the yacht harbour is filled
with masts and one of the numerous sailing regattas brings the beautiful people to town -
this applies from April to October. Scarcely a month passes in Palma without a festival of
some kind: pre-Lenten carnival parades in February, the crazy pyrotechnics of Nit de Foc
in June and December's Christmas market are top diary dates. The beach resorts of the
Badia de Palma effectively shut down in winter.
Best Places to Eat
»
Simply Fosh (
Click here
)
»
Can Cera Gastro Bar (
Click here
)
»
Wine Garage (
Click here
)
