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A seductive sea-front city stretching the length of its fabulous yacht harbour. Submerge yourself in the historical gothic quarter, strolling around the narrow, shaded streets crammed with countless bars and restaurants.
The stylish and sophisicated city of Palma, capital of Mallorca, is home to half the islands population and yet has retained a friendly village atmosphere. Recently voted in a spanish poll The Most Pleasant City To Live in Spain, Palma is fast becoming a popular destination for both national and international tourists alike, reknowned for its vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan shopping centre and fascinating old town. The city is dominated by the magnificent sea-front cathedral as it rises majestically from the gothic quarter, a maze of narrow streets sprinkled with bars and restaurants, art galleries, museums tucked into corners and wrought iron gates opening onto beautiful courtyards. Getting lost is no hardship - it simply adds to the intrigue of the place. But step out into the bright sunshine of wide avenues and squares and there's a tremendous sense of energy and confidence, no different from any bustling european city.
 
 
Places of interest

Bellver castle: Just three Kilometres from the city and perched on a wooded hill sits the castle of Bellver offering the best views over the bay of Palma. The simple circular form and austere defensive exterior marks a stark contrast to the palatial architecture inside.

bell
La Llotja:
This small, gothic building was once Palmas stock exchange. With its sprial pillars and rib vaulting it now holds temporary exhibitions and is one of the cities cultural centres.


La Seu Cathedral:
The glory of Palma, a magnificent Gothic cathedral whose sandstone walls and flying buttresses seem to rise out of the sea to watch over the old city walls.
Parc de la Mar: Until the 1960s the sea reached up to the city walls, providing the perfect reflection for the cathedral. When the building of a new road changed all that, an artificial lake was constructed to reproduce the effect. The park around the lake is a popular spot, with several cafes, outdoor concerts, a mural donated by Joan Miro and an art gallery in the vaults of the old city walls.
 

Palau Almudaina: Dating from the 14th centry and built on the site of a large Arab fortress, this palace overlooks the harbour and and is one of the many outstanding waterfront features. The courtyard, laid out in 1309 and flanked by palm trees, is at its best in late afternoon when the sun falls on the cathedral towers overhead and just off the courtyard is the royal chapel, Santa Ana.
City Walls:
Following the lines of the ancient medieval walls built to protect the island from invaders, Palma's impressive city walls include a popular walkway, with fabulous views over the cathedral and the old town.
Placa de Sant Francesc:
The narrow streets around the Placa de Sant Francesc, close to the Santa Eulalia church, are a must for experiencing the spirit and character of old Palma.
Basilica de Sant Francesc: With a typical mallorcan façade you enter this 13th century church through gothic cloisters dotted with orange and lemon trees and a well at its centre. Inside is the tomb of Ramon Llull, the Catalan mystic and outside the basilica is a statue of the mallorcan missionary who founded California, Fray Junipero Serra, who once lived in the monastery here.
Placa Cort: One of Palmas typical lively shopping areas dominated by the cities 17th century town hall. Arab baths: Dating from the 10th century, the small, intricate chamber has a high dome supported by large columns and the ancient floor would originally have had underfloor heating. There is also small, attractive garden with tables and chairs.
Mercat Olivar: In the large Placa del Olivar this has to be one of Palma's most enjoyable markets with a dazzling array of fresh produce and spectacular fish displays. It's a great place to pick at tapas and watch the locals do what they do.
Passeig d'es Born: This wide tree-lined avenue is Palma's main promenade. It forms an axis dissecting the whole city and features many shops, restaurants, cafés and bars.
March Collection: This small collection of 20th century Spanish art belonged to the Mallorcan banker Joan March, once one of the world's richest men. There are just 36 pieces, each by a different artist, including Picasso, Dali and Miro.
Miró Foundation:
The foundation incorporates the home and workshop of Joan Miró where he spent most of his life. There's a permanent exhibition of his work and the foundation also holds temporary exhibitions.

 
más info
 
Best beaches

Cala Gamba
Magalluf
Arenal
Portitxol
  Markets
Palma: Saturday morning
Pont d'Inca: Friday morning
S'Arenal: Thursday morning
Can Pastilla: Thursday morning

 
Major Festivals

05 January: Evening Procession celebrating the arrival of the kings (wise men)
19-20 January: San Sebastián patron saint of Palma largest fiesta of the year.
February: Carnival celebrated throughout the island.
Holy Week: Various events and processions.
July: Jazz festival with various performances by famous artists

 
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