The city of Palma de Mallorca, locally known simply as ‘Palma’, is the capital of the island of Mallorca. It stands at the head of bay on the south coast of the island, which is the biggest of Spain’s Balearic archipelago lying in the Mediterranean, around 100 miles east of the mainland. It’s the biggest city of the Balearics, so Palma serves as a regional centre for transport, business, politics and culture. If you have a hire car in Palma de Mallorca you’ll find it spreads back across a coastal plain from a waterfront and harbour. It’s also the hub for all the island’s main roads, so it’s easy to drive anywhere on Mallorca from here.
Much of the Bay of Palma is covered with mass tourist development, but the city itself is a surprisingly relaxed and authentic place to explore. If you have a hire car in Palma de Mallorca you’ll be able to visit resorts like S’Arenal and Palmanova but the history, culture and style are all to be found in the city itself. The main attraction is the waterfront La Seu Cathedral, a huge gothic structure overlooking the waterfront. Inside you’ll find one of the world’s highest naves. The Old Quarter nearby is a chance to wander narrow historic streets lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. There’s even a medieval Moorish bath-house amid verdant gardens.
