Palma City Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Forget the beach resorts for a minute; Palma is where Majorca delivers its whopping dose of metropolitan chic and historic grandeur. This isn't just a place for arrivals; it's the island's beating, vibrant heart.

Why do people love going on holidays to Palma?

The La Seu Cathedral: This immense, jaw-dropping Gothic masterpiece dominates the waterfront—a mahoosive 10/10 sight that’s unmissable.
Top-Tier Shopping: From high-end designer boutiques on the Passeig del Born to quirky local shops in the old town, the retail therapy is seriously swanky.
Vibrant Tapas Culture: The city centre is packed with proper, authentic tapas bars, offering an evening food scene that is simply delish and buzzing with life.
Easy Access to Beaches: You are just a short cycle or taxi ride from excellent sandy beaches like Cala Mayor and Ciudad Jardín for a dose of sea and sand.

What is the best time to visit Palma City?

Choosing the moment for your Palma City holidays is all about finding the perfect mix of sunshine and comfort for exploring the narrow streets and grand avenues. Majorca’s climate is smashing, so the choice is between the intense heat for poolside relaxation or the milder periods that are bang-on for sightseeing and enjoying the city’s electric atmosphere.

Spring

Weather Vibe: The air is getting warmer quickly, offering pleasant temperatures around 18–22°C—just right for leisurely sightseeing and soaking up the sunny atmosphere.
Holiday Vibe: The city feels vibrant but relaxed; the café terraces are buzzing, and it’s a calm, top-tier time for visitors who want the culture without the summer crowds.
Jolly Focus: Walking the historic walls and exploring the narrow streets of the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), stopping for a coffee and people-watching in the sunny squares.
Foodie Focus: Seeking out a traditional Mallorcan bakery for a strong coffee and a delish ensaimada (sweet pastry), enjoying the morning sunshine from a quiet, old-town spot.

Summer

Weather Vibe: Prepare for absolutely booming heat, with temperatures flying past 30°C; the sun is fiercely intense and relentless.
Holiday Vibe: The city is lively and full of energy; the bars are popping off, and the evening atmosphere is electric, perfect for enjoying a late-night, posh dinner outdoors.
Jolly Focus: Spending the afternoon seeking refuge in the cool, impressive interior of the La Seu Cathedral, followed by a fancy evening drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the bay.
Foodie Focus: Grabbing a cheeky ice cream to keep cool, followed by a late tapas crawl in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood, sampling local sobrassada and olives.

Autumn

Weather Vibe: The main intensity of the heat mellows beautifully, settling into a comfortable 22–26°C; the sea remains lovely, making it easy breezy for boat trips and beach days galore.
Holiday Vibe: A glorious period where the crowds have significantly chilled-out, offering a sophisticated environment that’s perfect for couples and relaxing late-season shopping.
Jolly Focus: Ideal for a relaxed cycle ride or walk along the Paseo Marítimo (waterfront promenade), enjoying the stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline.
Foodie Focus: Visiting a fancy wine bar for a top-notch tasting of the regional Mallorcan wines, pairing them with rich, tasty local cheeses and hams.

Winter

Weather Vibe: Cooler and generally quiet, with daily high temperatures hovering around 13–16°C; you'll need a coat, but the clear days are often bright and sunny.
Holiday Vibe: A truly intimate, authentic feel takes over; the tourist buzz is drowned out, allowing you to see the real local life, with the city dressed up for Christmas and local festivals.
Jolly Focus: Exploring the various art galleries and museums, like the Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art, without any distractions from the crowds.
Foodie Focus: Finding a cute, inviting spot for a traditional, whopper bowl of Mallorcan soup or a hearty stew to warm up properly like a local.

What are the best things to see in Palma City?

Palma is a city of layers, offering a rare mix of ancient history, modern art, and vibrant seaside life. Your holidays here are perfectly placed for cultural immersion and swanky urban fun.

La Seu Cathedral & Almudaina Palace: Visit the immense Gothic cathedral and the royal palace right next door, a mahoosive double act of history dominating the waterfront.
Passeig del Born: Wander down Palma’s most snazzy avenue, lined with tree-shaded café terraces, high-end shops, and luxury boutiques—the heart of the city's glamour.
Bellver Castle: Take a short bus or taxi ride up to this circular Gothic castle for spectacular, 360-degree views over the city and the Bay of Palma, the views are simply on-point!
Santa Catalina Neighbourhood: Explore this buzzing area known for its traditional market, its brightly painted houses, and its vibrant, delish selection of modern bars and restaurants.
Es Baluard Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art: Discover this stunning museum built into the old city walls, offering a fantastic collection and gorge views from its terraces.

The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): Step into this small, magical ruin, one of the few remaining examples of Moorish architecture in the city—a quiet, historic gem.

Popular Palma City hotels

More Palma City hotels

Weather in Palma City

JAN

13^°C

FEB

15^°C

MAR

16^°C

APR

18^°C

MAY

21^°C

JUN

24^°C

JUL

27^°C

AUG

30^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

20^°C

NOV

16^°C

DEC

13^°C

With Palma City, you can look forward to a Mediterranean climate that is seriously reliable, promising proper, top-tier sunshine for the majority of the time! The warmth starts building beautifully from late spring, giving you perf conditions for exploring the stunning architecture. When summer really gets going, expect it to become genuinely scorchio, with temperatures that will have you seeking out shade in the cool cathedral or on a breezy terrace. What's brilliant is that the city's coastal position means a generous amount of wind often cuts through the worst of the heat. Even as the high heat retreats, the glorious warmth lingers well into autumn, ensuring the evenings are perfect for al fresco dining. And even during the quieter winter, you'll still get mild, sunny days, which is a welcome break from the drab weather back home!

FAQs

It takes around 2 hours to fly to Palma from the UK/Ireland, which is quicker than a train from Manchester to London! And we know which we'd pick...

The local time in Palma is just 1 hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, so you don't have to worry about jet lag.

The official language spoken in Palma is Spanish.

The official currency used in Palma is the Euro.

Fill your boots on Tapas Tuesday

We know what you're thinking: you're already in. Same here! Tapas Tuesdays were brought in to spice up the quietest night of the week in Palma. Taking place in Gerreria right in the middle of the Old Town, it's like a bar crawl but for tapas. Venues serve up beer or wine with a bangin' tapas dish for as little as €2-€3, so pull on your stretchiest trousers and get ready for a whole night of deliciousness.

Take a train ride through history

Unlike back home, there's no faffing about with train strikes here. Head over to the station in Palma and hop on the most popular tourist route from Palma to Soller - a pretty town that's all orange groves and mountains and cute little buildings. The ride itself is an absolute treat, with the vehicle resembling more of what we'd consider a tram back home, serving up absolutely gorg views of the countryside along the way. Trust us, getting there is half of the adventure!

Go for a walk in the park

You'll find Parc de la Mar tucked between the cathedral and the sea, offering a pretty urban park space in the centre of town. With a manmade saltwater lake, fountains, and loads of palm trees and benches, it's a top-notch spot for some peace and quiet. Perfect for chilling after a day of sightseeing, this is your spot to either grab a coffee, some delish ice cream, or just enjoy a bit of people-watching! And when summer's in full swing, this place is host to a bunch of events too, like concerts and festivals.

Set sail on the oldest ship in Spain

Boat trip, but make it educational. What better way to take in all that gorg Majorcan coastline than from the sea, are we right?! Any why hop on any old boat when you could hop on the old boat (the oldest active ship in Spain, to be exact)? The Rafael Verdara launched back in 1841 and registered in Ibiza, and it's since been restored to perfection for an authentic experience. You'll hear all about its history along the way, and it's available for all kinds of trips - including sunset cruises, day trips and whale-watching excursions. Bon voyage!

Explore the caves of Genova

We're gonna give it to you straight: these are the smallest caves in Majorca, but remember that little old saying about how good things come in small packages? Yeah, it applies here. You can book yourself in to see this place up close, and it's completely self-guided so you can explore the underground paths for as long as you like! Some trips even throw in a music performance while you're down there (the acoustics are off the scale), and a traditional bite to eat from the nearby restaurant.

See if you can find Nemo at Palma Aquarium

If you've got the kiddos with you (and who are we kidding, even if you haven't), then a trip to Palma Aquarium is a must. It's split into 8 different zones to represent different habitats, including Mediterranean, Tropical and Jungle-themed areas. It's also home to one of the deepest shark tanks in Europe (no biggie), and if you've got any little daredevils in your squad, then they won't want to miss the daily feeding of the sharks, rays, turtles and piranhas. Plus, you'll get entrance to the 3D Cinema Aquadome included with your ticket, where you'll be thrown into an immersive underwater world with creatures right there in front of you.

What events can I go to in Palma?
Palma holidays have a whole line-up of annual events that'll make your holibobs one for the scrapbooks. Whether you're after singing, dancing, culture or just something to spice up your time in the Mediterranean sun, keep your eyes peeled (and your calendar marked) for these sizzling soirees:
- Sant Sebastià Festival (January) - kickstart the year with a proper good shindig honouring Palma's patron saint, with bonfires, live music and traditional dances that light up the streets
- Fira del Ram (March-April) - the funfair of dreams, with thrilling rides, games for the kiddos and a load of delish street food
- Palma International Boat Show (April-May) - one for the boujee bunch, showcasing the swankiest yachts and boats in the Med - prepare to dream big and hop aboard!
- La Nit de Vi (May) - wine-lovers, unite - dozens of wineries come together for this annual wine-tasting event, with around 200 local tipples to choose from
- Nit de Foc (June) - translating to the Night of Fire, this scorchin' affair sees fireworks, bonfires and fire-dancing devils take centre stage to kick off the Sant Joan festivities
- Sant Joan Festival (June) - summer solstice gets a proper send-off with beach parties, bonfires (are you sensing a theme?), and late-night swims
- Open-Air Cinema (July) - nothing says summer like watching your fave film on the big screen outside, and that's exactly what Parc de la Mar offers every year in July, from classics to documentaries, Blockbusters and even animations for the kiddos
- Nit de l'Art (September) - one for the artists and art-lovers of the world, celebrating all things creativity with museums and galleries opening their doors until midnight with brand new exhibitions on display
- Palma de Mallorca Marathon (October) - hey, we've gotta cater to everyone you know! If this sounds up your street then strap on your trainers and hit the road for a scenic run straight through Palma
- Fira de la Llum (November) - a fair celebrating the Feast of La Beata, with an enchanting parade of lanterns, traditional dances and local eats
- TaPalma (November) - an annual foodie event that showcases all things tapas (in both its modern and traditional form), with bars and restaurants coming together to flaunt their dishes and compete for first place, as chosen by a judging panel
- Christmas Markets (December) - a beach gem like Palma might not scream Christmas, but trust us - in December, it does. The Christmas markets go all out with twinkling lights, mulled wine and stalls stacked with crafts, gifts and tasty nibbles.
Where is the best nightlife in Palma?
Nightlife on Palma holidays is like one big cocktail of swanky bars, sizzling beats and dancefloors that'll have you grooving 'til the early hours. Whatever your vibe is, don't miss out on these top bars and nightclubs in Palma:
- Purobeach Palma - laidback beach club vibes with chilled beats, comfy loungers and the best sunset views around - best paired with a cocktail, says us
- Social Club Mallorca - a chic nightclub where all the cool kids go, serving up top-tier cocktails, live bands and a 10/10 atmosphere
- Brooklyn Club - this place brings the Ibiza vibes to Palma, with outdoor seating, multiple floors offering pulsing beats, AND it's open 'til late (or early - 4AM, to be exact), so you can literally dance 'til dawn
- Nikki Beach Mallorca - a boujee beach club where the champagne's always flowing, the beats keep coming and the DJs keep the party going
- Hostal Cuba Sky Bar - you can't go wrong with a trusty sky bar, and this one in Santa Catalina fills up FAST (so get in early). Just take the lift from the ground floor and prepare to be served by dapper waiters while you take in the panoramic views of the Old Town.
- Club de Mar Terrace & Night Club - a swanky marina nightclub with happy hour cocktails and a dancefloor that's always busy - this is one for those who like to party in style
- Sa Feixina Park Bar - a proper cosy pub serving good beer and rum sours - grab a standing table and sip away
- El Llorenç Hotel Rooftop Bar - tucked away in the historic Calatrava quarter, this hidden gem dazzles with gorg views of the city and an epic snack and cocktail menu - it's open to non-hotel guests after 11AM, but it's a popular spot, so you might want to call in advance!
- Made in Brasil - a vibrant bar that brings a taste of Brazil to Palma, with fine wines, unique cocktails, dancing and live performances
- Lunita - a top weekender spot that's open Friday through to Sunday in a location right near the airport, just in case you fancy stumbling off your flight and into the club, or vice versa
- Jazz Voyeur Club - a small, cool club offering live jazz music and delish cocktails (all the classics and more) in a cosy setting
What’s the food like in Palma?
Palma's food scene is a proper feast for the senses, with drool-worthy local dishes to dive head-first into. From traditional delicacies to modern bites, here's the lowdown on the must-try foods in Palma:
- Ensaimada - sweet, fluffy pastry that pairs perfectly with a morning coffee
- Sobrasada - a spreadable sausage (bear with us) that's all about pork and paprika and is downright delish on a slice of crusty bread
- Pa Amb Oli - rustic bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and topped with local cheese or ham
- Cocarrois - the Spanish take on an empanada, made up of crimped pastry stuffed with veggies, raisins and pine nuts - and they're baked, not fried, which means you have every reason to go in for a second or third...
- Tumbet - Majorca's answer to ratatouille, made with layers of aubergine, red peppers and potatoes in a rich, tomatoey sauce
- Frito Mallorquín - a traditional dish made with fried lamb or pork liver, potatoes, peppers and peas - proper hearty stuff!
- Arroz Brut - a tasty rice dish with a selection of meats and seasonal veggies in a rich, flavoursome broth
- Coca de Trampó - a flatbread topped with a fresh salad of tomatoes, green peppers and onions. It's light, it's fresh and it's delish.
Now you know what to look for on the menu, but what about where to eat? The age-old question. Don't worry, we've got you covered with these top restaurants in Palma:
- Celler Sa Premsa - step back in time at this traditional spot, serving up proper good Majorcan cuisine in a rustic, cosy setting.
- Marc Fosh - a Michelin-star gem dishing up modern Mediterranean food that's as gorg to look at as it is to eat
- Bar España - a buzzing tapas bar where the menu is as vibrant as the atmosphere, perfect for social meals where everyone shares
- Waina Tavern - mix it up with some tasty Thai food in Santa Ponsa, complete with epic views, a gorg menu and 10/10 service
- Adrián Quetglas - a top-notch venue offering traditional flavours with a modern twist. Tuck into tasting menus that'll whisk you off on a foodie adventure.
- Forn de Sant Joan - a family-run fave offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes, with a seafood selection that's out of this world
- Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo - a historic café known for its delish ensaimadas and hot chocolate - sweet-tooths, unite!

Places to visit

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
Reigning supreme as Palma's best-known landmark, the Cathedral of Palma or La Seu as it's otherwise known, will have you snapping pics like there's no tomorrow. From the outside it's all intricate, golden architecture, while inside it's even more jaw-dropping - with 61 stained-glass windows to gawp at. The locals nickname it the 'Cathedral of Light' for this very reason, but the most breathtaking window of them all has gotta be the central rose window, which captures the sun just right and casts a warm glow over the whole place. Talk about a showstopper. It's open Monday-Saturday from 10AM (check ahead for closing times), and it's only €9 to peek inside - which also gives you access to a nearby museum! It's a bit extra if you want to do the full shebang and go up to the turrets, but totally worth it if you like a killer view (and can stand the heat!).
Bellver Castle
The name 'Bellver' literally translates to good view, so you already know you're onto a winner with this one. It dates back to the 14th century (but looks great for its age), and stands all prim and proper in the hilltops, surrounded by pines and overlooking Palma Bay. You can either take a tour bus to reach it, or go for the steps route, which - while tiring - is super rewarding (let's just say...views for days). You'll find a pretty two-storey courtyard when you arrive, with three whopping towers around the outside. Keep an eye out for all the traditional Gothic architecture (a nod to the Catalan history), and then head right to the top of the castle for killer views. It's the only round castle in Spain, and its circular terrace is the perfect spot for some panorama action. Seriously, get your camera ready (but don't drop it).
Passeig des Born
This short, tree-lined boulevard is one of the most photo-worthy spots in Majorca. Nicknamed simply as 'the Born' by locals, it's the perfect place to get a feel for the city vibes in Palma - it's giving Las Ramblas in Barcelona. If you know, you know. You'll find a bunch of designer shops along the street (from Rolex to Louis Vuitton and Sandro), plus some home faves like Zara, and plenty of cafés and bars with pretty outdoor terraces so you can get your people-watching on. It's also perfectly shaded in summer thanks to all the towering trees, and at Christmas time the whole place is strung with festive lights. Long story short? Whenever you visit, it's gonna look beaut.

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

The Balearic Government charge a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays which is payable on arrival in the hotel. From 1st January 2018 this increased to:

5-star & 4-star superior hotels: €4 per day
4-star & 3-star superior hotels: €3 per day
1-star, 2-star & 3-star hotels: €2 per day

Palma City Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Why do people love going on holidays to Palma?

What is the best time to visit Palma City?

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

What are the best things to see in Palma City?

Popular Palma City hotels

Weather in Palma City

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Palma?

What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Palma?

What language do they speak in Palma?

What currency do they use in Palma?

Fill your boots on Tapas Tuesday

Take a train ride through history

Go for a walk in the park

Set sail on the oldest ship in Spain

Explore the caves of Genova

See if you can find Nemo at Palma Aquarium

What events can I go to in Palma?

Where is the best nightlife in Palma?

What’s the food like in Palma?

Places to visit

Palma Cathedral (La Seu)

Bellver Castle

Passeig des Born

Key facts about Palma City

Flight Time

2 hrs

Time Difference

+1 hr

Language

Spanish

Currency

Euro

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Palma?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Palma?