Palma: 7 Reasons It's a Top Travel Destination

The capital of the Balearic Islands is a truly Mediterranean destination that surprises visitors time and again. It's perfect for an extended holiday, but just as well suited to a weekend break: a city destination that also has a beach, offering every comfort you could wish for.

Sophisticated and multifaceted, yet at the same time authentic and captivating, Palma brings together a wealth of ingredients that make it a truly impressive destination. Here you'll find an abundance of attractions that leave few wishes unfulfilled. This is a city of unique character, home to countless experiences that connect visitors with the place, its people, its cuisine, its avant-garde spirit and its culture. So why not consider a visit to Palma?

1 - Artistic

The capital of the Balearics is a city with a wealth of ways to explore its art, its past and its culture. This sets it firmly apart from a mere sun-and-sand destination. It's an offering that deserves thorough exploration and never fails to surprise with its imposing, majestic and striking presence. Palma is full of courtyards, magnificent religious architecture, distinctive buildings, viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas, impressive art galleries and fascinating museums. Es Baluard, the museum of modern and contemporary art, holds a diverse and carefully curated collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by artists linked to the most significant international movements since the late 19th century. Admire some of the most outstanding works by Cezanne, Gauguin, Picasso, Miro, Magritte, Barcelo, Polke and Schnabel. The Miro Mallorca Foundation is home to the artist's creative studio - the work of Sert - located in Palma, the birthplace of his wife Pilar Juncosa. It's a space that encapsulates a whole universe on an island Miro particularly prized for its light.

2 - Exquisite

Palma, a city set on the shores of the Mediterranean, is a destination that delights its guests with exquisite regional cuisine. Signature dishes made from the finest produce that land and sea provide each day have given rise to much-loved specialities such as tumbet and frit, along with countless other delicacies. Not to be overlooked are the ensaimadas, sobrasada, oils, wines and almonds - Mediterranean products with protected designation of origin and outstanding quality, which blend seamlessly into the city's Mediterranean flair. At the same time, Palma is a culinary magnet for renowned international chefs, who present their most imaginative and innovative recipes in their restaurants here.

3 - Open to the sea and sporty

Palma's favourable position on the coast makes it an ideal place for sporting activities. Locals and visitors alike have plenty of opportunities to be active here: cycling, boating, running, golf, sailing, inline skating, hiking and many more. Major national and international sporting events are also held here. Are you a keen runner? Don't miss the chance to take part in the Palma Marathon Mallorca, scheduled for 15 October.

4 - Cosmopolitan, modern and innovative

A lively, cheerful, innovative and cosmopolitan place that not only sets European standards in sun-and-beach tourism but also works year-round as an excellent city-break destination. Palma offers a diverse cultural, culinary, sporting and leisure programme that makes it a uniquely appealing spot for short breaks and countless experiences: iconic shops, local craftsmanship, temples to tapas in the purest Mallorcan style, and boutique hotels with a family history. It's a city that holds a special charm for many, having successfully preserved its identity and its residents' quality of life.

5 - Gateway to an island of a thousand faces

Palma is the ideal base for discovering the rest of the island. Just about every sight on Mallorca is within an hour's drive on average, making the city an excellent hub for excursions starting from the capital. For example, you can head into the Serra de Tramuntana (with its walking and nature trails), explore the north of the island with its beaches and breathtaking landscapes, visit the coves and natural beauty of the east, enjoy the long beaches of the south, and immerse yourself in the rural and culinary world of the island's interior.

6 - Sustainable and responsible

The city of Palma is a destination that increasingly shows awareness of the environment and sustainable development, and actively commits to both. In this spirit, it champions responsible tourism, encourages a more even spread of the seasons and greater variety in tourism, promotes the use of local produce, works to protect wildlife, reduces the use of plastic, and supports the preservation of the marine ecosystem and historic sites.

7 - A city to enjoy with the family, by land, sea and air

The Mediterranean, that source of life in Palma, warmly invites you to enjoy every kind of outdoor activity with your family. Various operators offer boat trips or catamaran tours around the Bay of Palma, giving you the chance to admire the city and the Playa de Palma from a different perspective. For those who like to combine conservation with fun, Palma Aquarium - located on the Playa de Palma - runs projects to protect the albatross shark, a rescue centre for sea turtles, a seahorse breeding and reintroduction scheme and much more. The immersive 3D 360-degree humpback whale experience also conveys a passion for the world's oceans. For fans of bygone eras, the historic railway is an excellent choice. The wooden train connecting Palma with the coastal town of Soller carries its passengers back to a distant age as they travel through magnificent natural landscapes shaped by the island's characteristic orange trees. This is Palma with its Palma beach - a perfect destination for a family excursion where you can have fun, learn, share and relax in the best of company.