The Best Things to do in Palma, Mallorca, in 2027
Mallorca is a beautiful Mediterranean island located just off the coast of Spain, in the Balearic Sea. The island is home to gorgeous coves with crystal clear waters, reefs perfect for snorkelling, and soft, sandy beaches.
Spain is known for having delicious food like tapas and paella, and Mallorca is no different, with tasty local dishes and fresh seafood found all over the island. The sun is shining nearly every day in Mallorca, and the locals are welcoming and friendly. All of these things, plus gorgeous churches, historic old towns and a safe community feel, make Mallorca an island that everyone seems to fall in love with after their first visit, me included!
Where to Stay
Palma is the biggest city on the island, and is also where the airport is based, so it’s the perfect base for a first-time trip to Mallorca. Palma old town is beautiful, but touristy. If you don’t mind being a bit further away from the city, I would recommend staying in Cala Major, which is a more local, beach neighbourhood, which is a 30-minute bus ride outside of the city of Palma.
We stayed in a basic, but clean, hotel called Hotel Lis Mallorca, that was 5 minutes from the beach, but there are quite a few beach-front accommodation options, if you have a higher budget.
Hesperia Mallorca - Outer Palma
Things to do in Palma, Mallorca
1. Palma Old Town
The old town in Palma is full of cobbled streets lined with old buildings with the characteristic Spanish-style shutters and balconies. Palma is a city filled with rich history, with influence from the Romans, Moors and Spanish, which can be seen in the many layers of architecture of the city. The old town is where you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars and artisanal shops. This part of the city is the busiest and most touristy, but it’s also where you can get explore and wader down quieter streets and get a real feel for the charm of Palma old town.
On your way to the old town, I’d definitely take a stroll down the tree-lined avenue, Passeig des Born. This is known as the “Golden Mile”, because all the high-end fashion stores are located here. Even if you’re not a big spender, this avenue will still take your breath away with its beautiful setting. You’ll also find the two main plazas, Plaza Mayor and Plaza De Cort, in Palma Old Town, where you can sit and enjoy a relaxing coffee to soak up the atmosphere.
2. Palma Cathedral
La Seu, or Palma Cathedral, is a Gothic Roman-Catholic Cathedral that overlooks the seafront of Palma. The cathedral sits between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the Episcopal Palace of Mallorca and is an iconic feature of the city of Palma.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1229 and continued into the 1600s. The interior of La Seu is quite muted in design, when compared to other European churches, but the beautiful rosette window and intricately designed alter welcome visitors to quietly reflect while inside.
3. Boat Trip and Snorkelling Around Palma Bay
Mallorca is famous for its gorgeous sea waters and reefs, making it the perfect island for a boat trip and a day of snorkelling. There have been reports of sea turtles nesting on a few sandy beaches close to Palma, so look out for them while you’re snorkelling!
There are many boat trips on offer around the area of Palma, but these are the highest-rated ones on GetYourGuide:
- Palma: Deluxe Catamaran with Snacks, Drink, SUP & Snorkelling
- Palma de Mallorca: 5-Hour Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Swim
- Palma: Premium Catamaran to Cueva Verde & Cala Vella
4. Enjoy Local Food
Spanish food is flavourful, hearty and made to be shared. Tapas are small plates of food that are meant to be shared by the table. Tapas bring together friends and family, and allow for a relaxed, intimate meal shared around delicious local food. Each region in Spain is famous for having their own unique tapas, and in Mallorca, these include Pa amb Oli, rustic bread with oil, garlic and tomato, and Tumbet, a delicious layered vegetable bake. I highly recommend Bar Dia, a traditional Tapas Bar that we ate at in the heart of Palma Old Town.
Another famous Spanish dish is paella. Paella is a traditional dish that combines rice, vegetables and meat, cooked low and slow, all seasoned with saffron, to give the dish its vibrant yellow colouration. Whilst in Mallorca, we ate a seafood paella and thoroughly enjoyed it!
5. Beach Day
As I mentioned before, Cala Major is a relaxed local beach neighbourhood on the outskirts of Palma that I recommend basing yourself in for your stay on the island. Cala Major beach is family friendly, has soft, white sand and clear, turquoise water perfect for a sunny day the beach.
My husband and I really enjoyed Cala Major, because the water is calm and warm, and the beach is big enough to not feel overcrowded. There is a great beach bar on site with a big deck and seating, plus some local restaurants and cafés if you climb some stairs up to the main street, making Cala Major great for a full day at the beach. (Disclaimer: we noticed a few topless women on this beach, so if you or your family are sensitive to this, please be aware of this. This is quite common on European beaches.)
6. Connect with God in Local Churches
Although the Palma Cathedral is incredible, sometimes the touristy spots aren’t the most peaceful experiences, especially if you’re looking to truly connect with Jesus while you’re in the church. Palma has a few smaller churches that are just as beautiful, but more peaceful, perfect for prayer and quiet time with the Lord.
Basilica de Sant Miquel is located in the Old Town, and looks like a smaller, less grand version of the cathedral, but inside you will find a calm and inviting atmosphere, with free entry and quiet pews to sit and reflect. It is one of the oldest churches in Palma.
Esglesia de Sant Nicolau is a short walk away from Passeig des Born, and is a small church that sees very few tourists. It is very quiet in the morning time, making it the perfect place to worship and pray during your busy Palma visit.
Day Trips From Palma
1. Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a mountain village in the North West of Mallorca, filled with charm and history. This small but dreamy village is a must-see while you’re on the island and gives you a glimpse into the more relaxed, local life of Mallorca. The golden-coloured buildings and green painted window shutters contrast against the blue skies and green mountain forests.
The community in Valldemossa is friendly and welcoming, with a few small restaurants and cafes, and the most amazing artisan shops, perfect for finding something special to remember your time in Mallorca. The Carthusian Monastery sits in the heart of the village, surrounded by peaceful gardens, dates back to the 1300s, and makes for a beautiful photo back-drop.
2. Soller
Soller is another gorgeous mountain town in Mallorca that sits in a citrus-rich valley, surrounded by mountains. Soller is bigger than Valldemossa and has a grander feel to it, with a main square, Placa Constitucio and a gorgeous 13th century church at its centre.
Wander through the streets of Soller, enjoy lunch or coffee at one of the cafes in the square, and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. There are also a few stylish and upmarket accommodation options in Soller, if you want to spend a night here during your time in Mallorca.
There is a beautiful vintage train that you can take from Palma, that will wind up and down scenic mountainous tracks to reach Soller. You could also opt for the bus, which is the cheaper option.
3. Rent a Scooter to Explore Hidden Coves
Mallorca has an incredible coastline dotted with hidden coves and dive spots all around the island. Rent a scooter for the day and take a road trip to some of the most idyllic swim spots in the Med. Some places that are highly recommended near Palma are:
If you’re visiting the beautiful island of Mallorca for the first time, the main city of Palma is the perfect base for your stay. From gorgeous beaches to interesting history and intricately designed churches, to delicious food and super friendly locals, the city of Palma has something to offer everyone.
Mallorca is a small island, but it is definitely packed with charm and beauty around every cove and bay. I know, after your first visit to Mallorca, you’ll fall in love with this amazing Mediterranean island, just like we did, and you’ll be planning your next trip even before you leave!
