Destinations · Spain · Things to Do · Culture · Mallorca · Mediterranean
May 14, 2024 Words: Katie Altman

Palma Perfect

Experience the best of Palma de Mallorca in one amazing day.

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Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, has been called one of Europe’s most underrated cities. We could not agree more — it's exciting, charming, unique, and a perfect introduction to the wonderful island of Mallorca.

When you have a day to spend in Palma, you’ll want to not only see some key sights, but to experience its incredible culture, cuisine, and beauty. Luckily, it is a fairly compact and wonderfully walkable city, and we have some recommendations for how to curate your perfect Palma day.

Start your day with Palma’s historical center and the city’s most iconic landmark, the gothic Cathedral-Basilica of Santa Maria, also known as La Seu, which rises to 44 meters — taller than Notre Dame. While this enormous cathedral was begun by King James I in 1229, it wasn’t completed until 1601, and the interior went through several stages of refurbishment over the centuries. You may be surprised by the massive sculptural crown that lights the altar — designed by Antoni Gaudí, though never completed with the materials in his original plan. Gaudí’s stained glass windows in the Royal Chapel are a beautiful addition to this majestic cathedral.

After your Cathedral visit, be sure to spend some time wandering the historic center’s narrow, high energy streets where you will find surprises around every corner from stunning architecture to peaceful courtyards to incredible bakeries. Walk a bit north beyond the Old Town to visit Plaza Weyler, a hub of modernist architecture, including the Gran Hotel (now the CaixaForum cultural centre), a striking example of the style.

But for a delicious treat, make sure to cross the street for Fornet de la Soca, a small bakery that is brimming with authenticity with a focus on local and organic ingredients, including different kinds of Mallorcan flour. The breads and pastries are based on Mallorcan gastronomic traditions and are a simply unforgettable taste of history.

There are so many other amazing sights to consider visiting: the Arab Baths, the King’s Gardens the Royal Palace of L’Almudaina, Plaza Mayor to name a just a few — you will have your choice of historical riches.

If shopping is on your agenda, you must visit Cross Passeig des Born. This gorgeous tree-lined boulevard is home to many luxury stores and restaurants. For more trendy shopping and dining opportunities, head to the Santa Catalina neighborhood. If you are hungry, do not miss the Santa Catalina Market, with a dizzying array of food vendors where you can try local specialties from seafood to sweets. Modern art lovers may prefer to grab a taxi to the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, where Miro’s hilltop studio remains in a nearly untouched state, and galleries and a sculpture garden showcase this renowned artist’s work.

No matter what you put on your list for a day in Palma, your whirlwind tour of this enchanting city will surely be a highlight of your Seabourn Mediterranean ultra-luxury voyage.

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Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Two ensaimada, typical and traditional pastry product from the Balearic Islands Ensaïmada, a traditional pastry from Mallorca and Balearic Islands
Palma de Mallorca cathedral indoor. Balearic islands. Spain Cathedral-Basilica of Santa Maria
Passeig des born - Palma de Mallorca Passeig des Born

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