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Palma de Mallorca is the major city and port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The names Ciutat de Mallorca and Ciutat were used before the War of the Spanish Succession and are still used by people in Majorca. It is also the political and economic center of Menorca, lbiza, Fomentera and Cabrera.

Palma is the major city and seaport geographically located in the south-west of Majorca. The city lies on the larger coastal Bay of Palma in the western Mediterranean Sea. Although the City of Palma is the commercial and cultural centre of Majorca, the depth of history, culture and nightlife here often takes visitors by surprise, and with the increasing popularity of the long weekend city break.

The origins of the city can be traced back to before Roman times, and in even today inhabitants of homes in the old quarter are often still discovering Roman remains less than a metre beneath the ground. The city you see today, however, is a still a relatively new creation. The tree lined avenues of La Rambla and the Passeig des Born, were only built in the 19th Century on the site of a dried up riverbed, the original walls that once protected the city from invaders were pulled down to create the Las Avingudas ring road, and the waterfront promenade, or Passeig Maritim, was only reclaimed from the sea during the late 1950’s.

About 2,000 years ago Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered with his fleet Mallorca. One of his first official acts of the Roman consul founded the city of Palma. After the Romans came Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs,, Bourbons, Catalans and with them their builders, who left in the Balearic Islands, Palma, especially in their tracks. The architectural masterpieces of the city are mostly from the period of Gothic and Modernism.

Palma had been praised in the Middle Ages, a major international port, which are characterized by their precise nautical charts on all the seas. At that time, Palma became an important trading center in the western Mediterranean.

Palma de Mallorca, during the 19th century, more sea traffic would come in bringing in much economic growth for the island. Today, Mallorca is one of Europe’s major holiday destinations, with many tourists coming from everywhere, every year. Palma is a city of modern, hotel chains, and flashy shops, yet, is dated and still retains much of the old architecture, with the Old Town having narrow streets, and showing the restored cathedral standing proud in the center of town.

GO THERE FOR

Architecture: Palma has a unique blend of architecture from the historical, old town, through to the modernism movement.

Culture: The city has its own outlook on life; the capital of the isle Palma de Mallorca, Palma is a cosmopolitan city, whose inhabitants like to work and play hard as they make their mark on Palma and on life.

Cuisine: With some of the finest dining on the planet, including the critic’s favorite restaurant in the world, Palma de Mallorca cuisine comes highly recommended. Specializing in the national Spanish cuisine but also offering cutting edge international dishes, Spanish’s high quality ingredients and perfect execution ensure one of the dining cities in the world.

Atmosphere: With a sunny disposition, Mallorquin are extremely friendly and enjoy a high standard of living. Palma keeps its own hours; late rise, evening siestas, a late supper (starting around 10pm) and then late to bed. With the city opening onto the beach and the high quality local produce, Palma is a place to indulge.

DON’T MISS

Cathedral - The cathedral La Seu, the undisputed landmark of Palma de Mallorca, and a visit to the port located directly on the cathedral is almost a must. Already in the 13th Century began with the construction of the magnificent cathedral, but only in the 19th Century were the work shall be final.

Old City – This charming part of the old city is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Closed to regular traffic and with many stores this area is extremely pedestrian friendly.

Castell de Bellver – is a Gothic style castle on a hill 3 km northwest of Palma on the Island of Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. It was built in the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, and is one of the few circular castles in Europe.Rebuilt after fire has claimed it twice, Palma this theatre was most recently

Atelier Joan Miro – The Mallorcan’s people are proud of the famous artist Miró, lived for many years on the island. In three buildings works are from his estate - but in the main house over 6000 exhibits. Beside the art on the architecture of the building is very interesting. The main building, the actual museum is considered one of the few concrete examples of modern architecture on the island.

Mercado de Olivar – Amateur chefs and gourmets just do not come past the "Mercado de Olivar," the market halls of Palma de Mallorca. Here you can find everything you can think of - especially up local produce and products from the mainland. The market halls are a must in any case, if you look at the beautiful city of Palma look at what you should do in each case before – because Palma is sometimes the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean.

BASICS

Country Code: +34
City Code: +93
Emergency: Ambulance – 061, Fire – 080, Local Police – 092
Directory Enquiries: 010
Electricity: 220V 2-pin
Language: Mallorquin, Spanish
Currency: Euros (EUR)
Exchange Rates: 1 EUR = 0.88 GBP; 1 GBP = 1.14 EUR (General, subject to change)
Time: CET (UTC +1), CEST (UTC +2) Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October

Palma de Mallorca International Airport:
Palma de Mallorca 07000 Spain

General Enquiries: +34(0)971 789 000
Fax: +34(0)971 789 014
http://www.aena.es/
mailto: pmi_info@aena.es

GETTING AROUND

From the Airport…
There is no train connections at the airport. From Palma there are two train services, the customary tour and the tourist tour. A ride with the old wooden train to Puerto de Sóller is a must for most tourists. The usual train rides from Palma to Inca and further to Sa Pobla and Manacor.

The airport is eight kilometers east of Palma de Mallorca. From the city you follow the direction of Santanyí. The exit to the airport is clearly indicated. Outside the Arrivals Hall (Exit D) is the bus stop. Bus line 1 goes to the center of Palma (Paseo Mallorca) in approximately 30 minute and to Porto Pí. For further information (tel: +34(0)971 431 024).

Taxis are outside Exit D. A ride to Palma de Mallorca is approximately 15 minutes and costs around €15.00. To other destinations it is advised to make a clear agreement about the price! Indications of other prices: to Santa Ponsa €32.00, to Alcudia €53.00 and to Cala Bona €62.00.

Around Town…

If you are travelling short distances, the best way to get around is on foot. Palma is a vibrant city with many shops and people in the streets both day and night. Some of the best areas are closed to traffic making walking an even bigger advantage. The beautiful Palma city makes a great base to discover any part of the stunning island of Mallorca with the new Metro, local buses, taxis & trains or even hire a car. The harbour city stretches around the bay, with its lovely promenade ‘Paseo Maritimo’, where you can walk, bike, skate or simply relax in one of the many café terraces watching the busy harbour.

WHEN TO GO
Palma de Mallorca’s Mediterranean climate means warm, dry summers (average high 27˚C/80˚F) and mild, humid winters (average low 5.5˚C/42˚F). Either side of July and August are the best times to visit, taking advantage of the balmy, sunny weather but avoiding the high summer smog and crowds of tourists.

Public Holidays:
1st January - New Year's Day
6th January – Epiphany
19th March - Saint Joseph
Good Thursday (Thursday before Easter Sunday)
Good Friday
1st May - Labour Day
Whit Sunday (Observed seven weeks after Easter)
15th August – Assumption
12th October - National Day
1st November - All Saints' Day
6th December - Constitution Day
8th December - Immaculate Conception
25th December - Christmas Day