Palma de Mallorca

Though Palma faces the sea and has a beautiful waterfront, its historic center deserves exploring. The medieval streets around the cathedral, the Baroque palaces and mansions, and the multitude of churches and convents make a stroll around the old city unforgettable. The barrios (districts) of La Bonanova and El Terreno, at the foot of the Castell de Bellver, conceal intriguing Modernista architecture. The renewed Sa Gerreria neighborhood has bars and restaurants much loved by locals such as design-led Guindilla and Es Pes de sa Palla, which has a sunny terrace.

The Wine Side, on Passeig de Mallorca, is a tranquil, urban restaurant with a New York-like energy. The grilled squid and prawns are incredible. Botànic is one of the island’s prettiest restaurants. It has vegetable-driven menus and is ideal on summer nights. With gardens under tall trees in the old Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden, it’s a real hidden treasure. The sea bass en papillote (in foil) with seaweed is excellent. A classic spot for traditional seafood in the port is Ca n’Eduardo, popular with local professionals and couples. Look out to the cathedral from the indoor dining room, and across the bay from the terrace. I adore the lobster paella.

Palma has a vibrant contemporary art scene with well-established independent galleries. For me, Xavier Fiol and Pep Llabrés Art Contemporani on Carrer de Sant Jaume stand out for their strong selections of local artists. From mid-July 2025, the Fundació Miró will host a celebration of Joan Miró in collaboration with Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, Casal Solleric, and La Llotja galleries.

The center of the island captures the essence of authentic Mallorca. You can feel how rural life hasn’t changed much in recent years. The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unites mountainous landscapes with traditional Mallorquín architecture. You can see this in small stone-built villages like Fornalutx and Biniaraix. In the north, Platja de Sa Canova is a beach with white sand and transparent water, near Son Serra de Marina village. It tends to be very quiet as you can only reach it by walking.