Spend a weekend in Palma and fall in love with Spanish island living

Begin your weekend in Palma, where the city feels the most theatrical, in the historic centre. As daylight softens into an early evening glow, let the slow pace of this neighbourhood invite you to explore the best things to do in Palma.

Perched above Parc de la Mar, the 14th-century cathedral, known by locals as La Seu, rises unexpectedly, its honey-hued stone glowing as the sun drops behind the city. It is one of Europe’s largest Gothic structures and is a visual anchor within the city of Palma. While its facade is breathtaking, it is the 61 stained glass windows that really give the cathedral its name, the ‘Cathedral of Light’. 

The most iconic stained glass window is the central rose window, which looks stunning in the morning light. During the 20th century, Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí worked on a few refurbishments inside the cathedral and later in the 21st century, Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló also got the chance to refurbish the building, creating a very modern style for the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament. Entry to the cathedral is granted for a small fee and an audio guide, museum and gift shop all help to enrich the experience. 

After admiring one of the top sights in Palma de Mallorca, head further into the Old Town. Here, the streets tighten almost immediately, medieval in scale and logic, designed for foot traffic long before cars or maps. Use your instinct and walk through the winding streets leading to hidden patios and courtyards. If you arrive in time for a spot of late-night shopping, the Passeig del Born is considered the ‘golden mile’ for high-end shops and other lanes offer excellent artisan boutiques full of quirky wares. 

While exploring the Old Town, you will be sure to stumble upon the Plaza de Cort. This square is home to the town hall and centred around an ancient olive tree, a living symbol of continuity in a city shaped by conquest, trade and reinvention. 

It’s an ideal place to pause for a drink, watching the evening unfold around you. After taking in the comings and goings of daily life here, hop into one of the local tapas bars for a drink and a quick bite, but don’t linger too long; the night is young. 

Discover the heart of Palma’s nightlife scene in La Llotja, an area named after an old maritime trade exchange building of the same name. Here, as night falls, this area comes alive with a friendly buzz of people frequenting the mind-blowing choice of places to eat and drink. The main street, known as Apuntadores, is full of businesses vying for your attention, but the side streets, away from the madness, are where you can find some real hidden gems for a Mediterranean dinner.

Short breaks in Palma de Mallorca call upon you to be selective about what you see. With so many things to see in Palma in such little time, these are the highlights that deserve a place on your travel list. 

You will spend a lot of time in the Old Town when visiting Palma and one of the top attractions in Palma is the Palacio de Almudaina, opposite the cathedral. Originally an Islamic fortress from the 14th century, later adapted as a royal residence, the palace embodies Palma’s layered past. Today, it is the official royal residence for the King and Queen of Spain during their visits to Mallorca. The building is formed from a rectangular tower, home to the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Palace, a Royal Chapel, an additional room called Tinell and the beautifully manicured courtyards. While you are visiting Mallorca, book onto a guided visit and walk through its rooms slowly, noting how Muslim, Gothic and later influences overlap rather than compete. 

Nestled between the palace and the cathedral lies a small public garden known in Catalan as Jardines de S’Hort del Rei, or the King’s Orchard. Once a royal orchard located within the palace grounds and used to provide fruit and vegetables for the King, it is now an oasis of calm within the city. In the 60s, the garden adopted its current Moorish-Andalusian style with fountains, pergolas and cypress trees. Take a stroll through the grounds and spot the sculptures dotted around the paths. 

Hidden behind an unassuming entrance lies one of the last remains of Palma’s muslim era. Located in the Old Town, the 11th-century Arab Baths are packed with centuries of history, despite their small size. Explore the single domed room, supported by columns and begin to imagine what life was like in this bygone era, long before the palace or the cathedral. The surrounding garden is a nice place to stop and relax under the shade of palm trees before heading on to more Palma de Mallorca sights.

Another green oasis, located at the foot of the cathedral, is the iconic Parc de la Mar. Surrounded by the old city walls, enclose a grassy space for children to play and a large saltwater lake, built in the 1970s to mirror the sea. The ocean is not far from the park and from here you can access the streets back to the Old Town or head down to the port for a boat trip around the island. 

Step inside the private world of Mallorca’s high society and explore the emblematic home, Can Vivot, during your Palma city break. Here, open, Gothic-style courtyards, stone staircases and arched galleries reveal how Palma’s elite once lived. Unlike a public museum, this private mansion has remained in the family since the 14th century and is a designated Historic-Artistic Monument and a Site of Cultural Interest. Take time exploring the various spaces inside the palace, many of which have the same decoration and artefacts from over 300 years ago. 

Stroll over to Santa Catalina, Palma’s chicest neighbourhood, offering a local village feel, mixing old and new on every corner. Once the city’s fishing neighbourhood, this area has had a glow-up in recent years and is now one of the top places to visit in Palma. 

Expect art nouveau mansions, independent boutiques and museums like the art gallery Es Baluard. At night, revellers flock to the martini bars and live music bars while the trendy restaurants serve global cuisine to a bohemian crowd. It is easy to let the hours of the night run away from you here. 

Your last day can be spent watching the world go by from one of the city’s cute cafes, or you could hop to one of these Palma attractions.

Of course, you cannot spend a weekend in Palma and not visit the beach. If the weather is nice, just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Can Pere Antoni Beach offers a golden stretch of sand with views of the cathedral. While away the day here or just dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea before heading off to explore other landmarks. Looking for more sandy spots? Palma Beach, further along the coast, is home to some of the city’s best beachfront hotels. Even further out, the Illetas coastline offers travellers an even more secluded escape with adult-only hotels and tiny coves to explore. 

Head out of the city centre to Bellver Castle, a 14th-century structure that surprises visitors with its unique circular layout, the only one of its kind in Spain. Surrounded by a pine forest and with the sea as a backdrop, the castle offers one of the best panoramic views of Palma and its bay. In addition to the views, inside you'll find the City History Museum, ideal for understanding Palma's evolution from its Roman origins to the present day. At sunset, this spot becomes one of the most romantic and photogenic on the island.

Art lovers spending a weekend in Palma will want to stop off at the Miró Mallorca Foundation before heading home. It was the last studio of the Catalan artist, who spent his final years on the island. Today, his works, sketches, and creative spaces coexist harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Beyond its artistic value, the place exudes an inspiring sense of calm. If you're up for a bit of Palma de Mallorca sightseeing, this artistic haven is a stop that connects you with the island's more introspective and serene side.