The main sights of Palma can be seen in one day. And to avoid getting lost in the city, start exploring Palma by visiting one of the tourist centers (oficinas de informacion turistica), where you can get a free map:
- Palma Airport. Opening hours: Monday — Saturday from 8:30 to 20:00, Sunday from 9:00 to 13:30.
- In the center of Palma. Mode of operation: Monday — Friday from 8:30 to 20:00, Saturday from 8:30 to 15:00, Sunday — day off.
Cathedral (Catedral de Mallorca, La Seu)
On the seashore sits the Cathedral, Palma’s most recognizable building. Its construction began in the 13th century and lasted four centuries. Because of this long construction period, the architecture of the building features Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic elements. Unlike traditional gloomy Gothic cathedrals, the halls of La Seu are filled with light.
- The cathedral is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily.
- Admission is free.
- Cathedral website
Royal Palace of Almudaina (Palacio Real de la Almudaina)
The Royal Palace is located near the Cathedral. It was built by the Arabs in the 9th century as a fortress. Nowadays, the building is divided into two parts: one is the residence of the royal family, the other houses the National Museum, where you can get acquainted with the life and life of the Spanish monarchs. After visiting the palace you can visit the Royal Garden.
- Mode of operation: April — September from 10:00 to 20:00, October — March from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Admission: 7 € for adults, 4 € for children from 6 to 16 years old, children under 6 years old are free.
- Royal Palace website
Castell de Bellver (Belver Castle)
This castle is one of the first Gothic-style castles built in Europe. Its construction was completed in the XIV century, and the castle has been preserved in its original form until today. The peculiarity and uniqueness of the castle is that it has a circular shape, this kind of defensive structures have not been built in Spain.
The Belver rises 140 meters above Palma and from its observation deck you can see the coastal part of the city and the port. Until the 1970s, it was the site of a military prison, and later the city’s Historical Museum was opened.
- Mode of operation: April-September, Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00. October-March, Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00. Monday is a day off.
- Admission: 4 € for adults, 2,5 € — from 14 to 16 years old, free under 14 years old.
- Sunday is free admission.
- Belver Castle website
Marine Park (Parc de la mar)
Palma Marine Park covers an area of 9 hectares and is located near the Cathedral. There is a large salt lake with a fountain in the middle of the park, and hundreds of palm trees grow along the alleys. It is one of the main parks of the city, where festivals and concerts are often held. You can visit the Marine Park at any time and it is absolutely free of charge.
Passeig de Born (Passeig de Born)
Paseo de Born is the busiest promenade in the city, the analog of the famous Rambla in Barcelona. The boulevard appeared in the XIX century on the site of a dried up river. There are numerous stores, restaurants and cafes. From time to time, Paseo de Born becomes a platform for festivals and performances of artists, folk festivals and celebrations are held here.
Palma Aquarium (Palma Aquarium)
The aquarium of Mallorca’s capital is considered one of the best in Europe. In 55 aquariums live representatives of 700 species of marine fauna. The aquarium has halls with sea creatures of the Mediterranean Sea, halls with the fauna of tropical seas, an open-air garden with Mediterranean flora, a pavilion with the Amazon jungle and the largest shark aquarium in Europe.
- Entrance fees: adults 22,5 €, children 14 €.
- The Aquarium’s opening hours are from 9:30 to 18:30, no weekends.
- Palma Aquarium website
