Bay of Palma Tourism Guide - Palma de Majorca Tourism

History of Palma de Majorca

The History of Palma de Majorca is diverse, and it's difficult to know where to start. Palma has been touched by history, including Moorish, and Roman roots, so there's an array of ornate buildings for viewing including of course the gothic cathedral, looming large overlooking the harbour and the Majorca Baths. Gaudi famously designed the Baldachin in Palma Cathedral with ceremonial canopy, lights and a multi-coloured crucifix suspended from the main alter of the cathedra. A truly magical visual experience. Check out also the royal palace and some art galleries and museums to die for. The latest addition on the art gallery front is the Es Baluard, Palma's Contemporary and Modern Art Museum.

Palma's museum of modern art is set on the ancient fort known as El Baluarte de San Pedro, within a charming Palma enclave. This area of Palma is experiencing some serious urban renewal, and the area is a beautiful public space with outdoor terraces, and a mix of modern and ancient architecture. Great views across towards the castle and bay as well! The building is still developing, but the exhibition is open, and is most important as it's the first fully fledged display of twentieth-century Majorcan artwork. Most of the work is by native Majorcan artists or by visiting artists. No doubt something to do with the sublime light and landscapes on Majorca. There's an international flavour here as well, with a comprehensive journey through twentieth-century art, nodding simultaneously to avant-garde art and young native artists. Superb, a must visit!

Do you like shopping designer style? Or how about a bit of people watching in a de-luxe waterside cafe along the Palma promenade from Parc de al Mar near Palma cathedral to Portixol. If so, Palma is for you. The Parc de la Mar evolved in the 1960s and stretches from the southern section of Palma's city walls and Ronda Litoral to Badia de Palma. This park was designed by Josep Lluis Sert and renowned 20th century artist Joan Miro. See the cathedral reflected in a man-made lake, and a giant Miro mural - pure pleasure, and free! Lots of Palma attractions and activities are based within the Avingudas, the Avenues.

Getting around in Palma couldn't be easier than on foot. Cars not recommended here, and best left in one of the many car parks, for example the central Parc de la Mar one. Buses are particularly good and there are a number of bus routes running along the Passeig Maritim. Hop on the number 2 to the centre of the old city, or the number 15 along Platja de palma to S'Arenal, or the number three to the Joan Miro Museum in Cala Major. There are a selection of tourist buses as well which run every 20 minutes. For late night party goers there's a night bus as well which is really handy for bobbing about. Taxis, unlike in the UK, are cheap and there are a lot of them so this is another option. Ranks are scattered about the city, including one at the bottom of Avda d'Antoni Maura, one on Passeig d'es Born and one in Placa Weyler.

Eating and Drinking in Palma

Eating and drinking in Palma is about choice, and whats more choice from an impressive number of excellent restaurants serving everything from traditional Majorcan food to simple tapas. There's a selection of international restaurants as well as a huge number of delectable cafes - coffee is serious stuff here, as are hot chocolates and ensaimadas.

Check out the many restaurants with outdoor tables under arcades centred around the Placa Major which is the major central square in Palma. There's a variety of arts and crafts stalls, accompanied by live entertainment in this 19th century square, and a few souvenir shops dotted about.

Palma Tourist Information

The city council of Palma de Mallorca and the Council of Tourism offer a selection of cultural guided tours of Palma. These make a superb start if you're new to Palma de Majorca. Expert guides will escort you to various well known sites such as the Majorca Baths and Palma Cathedral. These tours will give you the chance to really get your bearings, then you can scoot off on your own to discover more of this cultural marvel of a city. Well worth a go! Check with Palma Tourist Information centre. The guided tours are ever so cheap as well, just 6 or 7 Euros. Fantastic!

The tours are quite specialised. Why not do them all. Choose from The City and the Sea, just 6 Euros. This tour takes you on a journey of Palma de Majorca's port, and it's maritime history. A must is the Jewish Quarter Tour, just 6 Euros again. This tour takes you around one of the most important Jewish areas in the whole of the Mediterranean, and includes a trip to the Museo de Mallorca - superb. Explore the modernist architecture in Palma de Majorca, and hop on the Modernism in Palma tour for just 7 Euros. The meeting point for these tours is the Placa de la Reina (Miro sculpture), and the duration is estimated for all at 2 hours. Tel: 00 34 636430 000 for information and booking from 9am to 6pm. For dates of tours see the Palma de Majorca website. All tour dates are guaranteed, and a selection of the tours run in Spanish, English and German.

Airport T.I.O (Majorca Island Council), Aeropuerto Palma de Majorca, 07000 - Palma de Majorca, Tel: +34 971 789556, Fax: +34 971 789267 Email: oita@conselldeMajorca.net

Majorca T.I.O (Majorca Island Council), Placa de la Reina, 2, 07012 - Palma de Majorca, Tel: +34 971 712216.