Palma de Mallorca Spain Information.

Palma.

Although the City of Palma is the commercial and cultural centre of Majorca, the depth of history, culture and nightlife here often takes visitors by surprise, and with the increasing popularity of the long weekend city break amongst travellers.

Visitors arriving at the Son Sant Joan International airport, some 8km from the city centre, have a number of transfer options available to them. The cheapest route into the city is undoubtedly on the shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes from 6.10am to 2.15am, and costs around 2€ per person. Its route takes it from the airport on to the Plaza Espana in the centre of the city, then on to the ferry terminal and port area. Whilst we appreciate that this may be the most cost effective option available, for most independent travellers however, the most convenient option would certainly be the door to door service offered by any of the numerous taxis waiting outside of the arrivals hall.

Whatever method of transport to choose for this transfer, your first impression of Palma will be of its busy and often crowded streets, although in all fairness over half of the islands 600,000 residents do live here before taking in to account the large number of visitors.

The origins of the city can be traced back to before Roman times, and in even today inhabitants of homes in the old quarter are often still discovering Roman remains less than a metre beneath the ground. The city you see today, however, is a still a relatively new creation. The tree lined avenues of “La Rambla” and the “Passeig des Born”, were only built in the l9th Century on the site of a dried up riverbed, the original walls that once protected the city from invaders were pulled down to create the “Las Avingudas” ring road, and the waterfront promenade, or “Passeig Maritim”, was only reclaimed from the sea during the late 1950’s.

Although being at the centre of the huge Bay of Palma, the city does not have its own beach. Although, for most visitors this isn’t really a problem as a day on the beach wouldn’t really hold much appeal. However, for those who do wish to escape for the day, the more traditional beach resorts of Can Patilla and Cala Mayor lie approximately 4 miles away to the east and west of the city centre respectively.

Unlike many of the popular coastal resorts around the island, the city of Palma does have a surprisingly efficient public transport system operated by the Empresa Municipal de Transports Urbans de Palma de Mallorca,

Nightlife here is often described as being vibrant, but don’t expect to find all night karaoke bars and foam parties, you’ll have to travel west into either Palma Nova or Magaluf if that’s what you are looking for. There is however, a good selection of clubs, restaurants and lively bars in the El Terreno district of the city, which visitors should also be aware is the centre of the islands gay and lesbian community, and some may find the area somewhat “seedy”. Throughout the year there is also a full programme of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, ballet and theatre productions that should appeal to most tastes.

Hotels throughout the city are usually of a good standard, with little if any choice falling below the 4 star standard. However, of these the best hotels to tend to be concentrated on the Paseo Maritimo to the west of the centre..

Attractions in and around Majorca Mallorca Spain

Coves del Drac

Coves del Drac or Dragon Caves are located in the municipality of Manacor south of the village of Porto Cristo and have become one of the top tourist attractions in Majorca. Open throughout the year, there is a small entrance fee charged to enter the caves. The guides inside explain the interpretation of the bizarre stalactite formations in four different languages. The whole one-hour tour ends up with a violin concert on Lake Martel and visitors can take a boat ride steered by a gondolier.

 

Serra de Tramuntana

‘Mountains of the north wind’, the Serra de Tramuntana is a mountain range running from southwest to the northeast region, thus forming the northern backbone of the Spanish Island of Majorca. Around 88 km long, this range runs from Andratx to Pollenca, with pine covered trees and the rocky protrusion of Cap de Formentor and Sa Dragonera along with peaks mostly concentrated around Lluc area, with the highest in the Puig Major and Puig Massanella. As one climbs higher, the forested hills devolve into barren land and peaks. One can get the best view on foot with the smell of rosemary, sound of the sheep bells, the fresh air, the marvel at pine trees growing through the red rock and the lovely Majorcan village houses. The drive through these mountains gets exciting from the Soller to Lluc through tunnels and ravine making its way between the Puig Major and Puig Massanella. The roads are dangerous and driving through the parade of the harpin bends and calls in for total concentration.

 

 

 

Cap de Formentor

Located on the North-Eastern coast of Majorca, these natural landscapes can offer wonderful views and are definitely worth a visit. Another unforgettable experience is to have a safari-tour. There are many spectacular view points and do not forget the lighthouse at the end of road.

 

 

S'Albufera d'Alcúdia

S'Albufera d'Alcúdia is the largest and most important wetland area of the Balearic Islands. This natural park stretches itself across 1708 hectares of marshy land and was well separated from the sea with the belt of dunes for many centuries. The entrance is free but with a special visiting permit, which can be applied for in advance and can be collected at the reception centre. Way inside the park is either by bicycle or by foot. Cars can be parked on the side streets, adjacent to the park entrance or in the dedicated parking area opposite to hotel Parc Natura. The park consists of variety of birds, and wildlife.

Tel. No: +34 971 89 22 50

Opening Hours: April to September, 9:00 to 18:00, October to March, 9:00 to 17:00

 

 

 

Magalluf Beach

Magalluf Beach is one of the nicest beaches of Majorca. It mostly attracts the youngsters. The beach looks beautiful day and night.

 

Ferrocarril de Sóller

Ferrocarril de Sóller is a train powered by electric locomotive, created on a time machine in 1895 by H.G. Wells and is the only one of its type ever. Moves on its narrow gauge track with beautiful landscapes on the sides, the soller railway takes you to the north side of Majorca, across the plains and then into the mountains crossing thirteen tunnels of Serra de Tramuntana to reach the valley of Soller. The whole journey starts from Palma de Mallorca and it takes exactly one hour to complete the track.

 

 

 

Sa Calobra

Sa Calobra is a beautiful bay on the northern coast of Majorca. The journey to the Sa Calobra makes its way through a twisting road around Puig Major which loops under itself turning 270 degrees at a point in just 12 km after Puig Major. The easiest way is by boat that goes from Port de Soller passing many isolated bays along with excellent views of Puig Major. Once there, a short walk through a tunnel leads to the Torrent de Pareis, a spectacular ravine that devolves in a small pebble beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mallorca Climate and Live webcam