Why Palma should be your next city break

There is more to Mallorca than what meets the eye. For decades, generations of Brits took the annual pilgrimage to Mallorca, destined for the golden-sand beaches, all-inclusive seaside resorts and sapphire seas of the Balearics’ largest island. However, in recent times, Mallorca has undergone something of a cultural revival with holiday-makers asking, ‘What lies beyond those pristine beaches?’ Well, that question has been confidently answered by Palma de Mallorca, the Balearic Island’s answer to a city-break destination.

Palma may seem to be a new addition on the city-break circuit, but it has long been held in high regard, courted by the Romans, Byzantines and the Moors, who at one time or another controlled the city. And it were these people who shaped Palma into the honey-coloured gem it is today.

Visit Mallorca at any time of year and Palma is alive with the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolitan city, equal to that of any other European destination. Walk in any direction and you are confronted with reminders of Palma’s rich history as colossal cathedral spires and gothic castle towers dominate the skyline.

Below is a list of reasons why Palma should be your next city-break destination:

Sights to see in Palma

No list of ‘things to see in Palma’ is complete without first including some of Palma’s age old historic buildings and attractions. One such sight to visit is the monolithic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, or La Seu as it’s known, which is perhaps one of the most iconic and recognisable structures in Palma. It is said that other Cathedral notables including the Notre Dame de Paris pale into insignificance when compared with La Seu. Standing at 44 metres tall, La Seu towers over its famous counterparts and impresses as an example of Roman Catholic gothic architecture.

TICKETS: Idyllically situated overlooking the Parc de Mar and the Mediterranean Sea, La Seu is open to visitors all year round and costs are minimal with children granted free entrance and adults charged just €7.

Back at street level, the twisting, narrow medieval streets of the Arab Quarter offer a tantalising insight into the bygone era of the Moors. Often described as a treasure trove, Palma’s Arab Quarter or ‘Old Quarter’ is filled with many of the city’s hidden treasures, including segments of the remaining old city walls, quaint little museums and historical artefacts.

HANDY HINT:

For those hoping to see and do a lot during their stay, we would advise you to buy a ‘Palma Pass’ from the Tourist Office as soon as you arrive. This smart card enables visitors to access a whole manner of museums and attractions, but also grants holders free public transport and even discounts at selected stores and restaurants.