Palma de Mallorca Travel Guide

Why Palma?

Palma de Mallorca has shed its package-holiday reputation and emerged as one of the Mediterranean’s most stylish city breaks. The old town is gorgeous — all honey-coloured stone, Gothic churches, and hidden courtyards. Beyond the city, the island offers mountain hiking, turquoise coves, and charming villages. Flights are cheap and plentiful, especially if you time it right.

Getting There

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is one of Europe’s busiest, served by Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Eurowings, and Vueling.

Cheapest months to fly: November to March (excluding Christmas). Returns under £25 from the UK are achievable.

Most expensive periods: July and August — prices double or triple. June and September offer a much better balance.

Pro tip: PMI has huge seasonal price swings. The Fair Finder’s Deal Score is especially useful here — a score of 7+ in shoulder season means you’re getting a genuine bargain.

Best Time to Visit

April to May: Warm (18-23°C), almond blossoms, great cycling weather, low prices
June: Beach season without peak-summer prices or crowds
September to October: Warm seas (24-26°C), quieter beaches, falling fares
Winter: Mild (12-16°C), perfect for hiking and exploring Palma without tourists

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €18/night in the old town. Guesthouses from €35/night.

Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Santa Catalina or the old town from €70-100/night.

Splurge: Converted palace hotels in the old town from €150/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

Palma Cathedral (La Seu) — stunning from outside (entry €9/£7.70 if you go in)
Wander the old town — Passeig des Born, patios, and hidden squares
Santa Catalina market and neighbourhood — Palma’s trendiest district
Es Baluard contemporary art museum terrace (free views)
Bellver Castle exterior and surrounding pine forest (castle entry €4/£3.40)

Worth Paying For

Palma Cathedral interior (€9/£7.70, Gaudí contributed to the design)
Fundació Miró Mallorca (€10/£8.50)
Sóller vintage tram and train (€32/£27 return — tourist priced but scenic)
Boat trip to Cabrera National Park (from €45/£38)

Food & Drink

Mallorcan food is distinct from mainland Spanish cuisine, with its own pastries, wines, and traditions.

Ensaïmada: Spiral pastry dusted with icing sugar, from €2 at bakeries
Pa amb oli: Bread with tomato, olive oil, and Serrano ham — the island’s signature snack, from €4
Sobrassada: Spreadable cured sausage with paprika — buy some to take home
Hierbas: Local herbal liqueur, €2-3 per glass

Budget meal: Menu del día at neighbourhood restaurants runs €11-14 for 3 courses plus a drink. Santa Catalina and the streets behind the Llotja have the best options.

Day Trips

Sóller & Port de Sóller (30 min by car, or scenic train): Mountain town, orange groves, harbour
Cap de Formentor (1 hour): Dramatic cliff-top drive with lighthouse views
Valldemossa (25 min): Picture-perfect mountain village where Chopin stayed
Cala Mondragó (1 hour): Protected turquoise cove, one of Mallorca’s best beaches
Deià (30 min): Artists’ village in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains

Getting Around

Airport to centre: EMT bus 1 (€5/£4.30, 25 min). Taxis cost €20-25.
Local transport: Single bus ticket €2/£1.70. The TIB bus network covers the whole island.
Car hire: Essential for exploring beyond Palma. From €15/day in low season.
Cycling: Mallorca is a world-class cycling destination. Bike hire from €10/day.

Money-Saving Tips

Avoid July and August — shoulder season offers the same weather at half the price
Use The Fair Finder’s Deal Score to time your Palma booking — price swings are huge on this route
Eat ensaïmadas for breakfast from bakeries instead of hotel breakfasts
Take the public bus to beaches instead of renting a car if you’re only visiting one or two
Explore Palma’s old town on foot — it’s free and endlessly interesting
Drink local wines and hierbas instead of imported spirits
Visit the cathedral at opening time to avoid cruise-ship crowds