Perhaps one of the most memorable and unique places to stay is Palma de Mallorca. Reviews of this resort town can be found in any booklet about tours to Spain. Today we offer a closer look at this place.
Palma de Mallorca: photo, description
This city is the capital of the largest of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca, and the entire archipelago, including Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and a number of small islands. Palma de Mallorca is located in the bay of the same name, which reaches 20 in width and 25 kilometers in length. The local gulf, along with the Gulf of Naples, is considered one of the most picturesque in the whole world. Palma de Mallorca is very loved by tourists for its magnificent and unique nature (clear sea water, pine forests, palm alleys, magnificent beaches, picturesque bays and cliffs) and due to the developed infrastructure and an abundance of entertainment for every taste.
This resort town is not only a popular holiday destination for hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the world. In Palma de Mallorca, the entire royal family of Spain spends their vacations every year. At this time, there is a sailing regatta and special receptions. The capital of Mallorca did not leave indifferent many celebrities. So, Michael Schumacher, Michael Douglas, Boris Baker, Claudia Schiffer and other sports and show business stars regularly rest here.
History of the founding of the city
Palma de Mallorca has a very rich and ancient history. So, this city was founded in the second century BC by Cecil Metill, the consul of the Roman Empire. Arriving here, he pointed with a palm leaf to a picturesque hill overhanging the sea, and ordered to lay the city here. It was in honor of the palm leaf of the Roman consul Palma de Mallorca that got its name.
Palma de Mallorca: map, how to get
Just eight kilometers from the town is an international airport. Flights from Barcelona, Madrid, Moscow and many other capitals regularly fly here. Also, the local airport (Palma de Mallorca airport) has excellent communication with other air harbors in Spain. Therefore, you can easily get here from almost anywhere in the world.
In addition, in the bay of the capital of Mallorca is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. A huge number of cruise liners regularly come here. In addition, there is a regular ferry service between all islands of the archipelago.
Beaches and resorts of Palma de Mallorca
A beach holiday is, of course, what Palma de Mallorca boasts . Reviews of numerous admired tourists only confirm this fact. The most picturesque, calm and respectable resort of the capital of Mallorca is located in the bay of Palma Nova, 14 kilometers from the city. These magnificent beaches framed by magnificent nature smoothly pass into a resort called Magaluf, which boasts an amusement park and the best casino "Palladium" on the whole island.
The resort called Playa de Palma is famous for its snow-white beach, stretching for eight kilometers. Here is the tourist complex "Arsenal", famous for its excellent cuisine and a variety of entertainment. Near the beach you can find golf courses, tennis courts, as well as a water park.
Another popular resort of Palma de Mallorca called Illetas cannot boast long beaches. But then the coastline is replete with small cliffs and coves, forming many secluded and quiet places for relaxation. By the way, it is in Illetas that the summer royal residence is located - Marivent Palace.
Local Attractions
Due to the fact that for many centuries of its existence, Palma de Mallorca has been a place of mixing of different cultures, today the city boasts unique architecture. So, on the very shore of the bay there are two architectural monuments: the Cathedral, built in the XIII century in the style of primitive Gothic, and the Belver Castle of the XIV century, which is a round-shaped fortress. Also noteworthy is the church of St. Eulalia, which is an example of Catalan Gothic and has become the first Christian church in the entire region. When taking a walk in the historic center of Palma de Mallorca, be sure to pay attention to the ancient churches of St. Michael, St. Francis, Salvation and St. Clara. It is also recommended to visit the Museum of Mallorca, located in the ancient palace of Brul, and the colorful building of the Municipal Council in the Baroque style called Corte.
On the central square of the city is the palace of the Moorish rulers of the island. Today it is one of the resort residences of the royal family of Spain. In addition, the Balearic Islands Military Command is located here, as well as gala receptions.
In Palma de Mallorca is also one of the most outstanding buildings in the civil Gothic style of the whole Mediterranean. We are talking about La Lonja del Mar (Commerce Exchange). The structure consists of six columns supporting the arch, thereby creating the image of a palm grove of stone.
Shopping
The most crowded and popular shopping streets of Palma de Mallorca are Jaime III, San Miguel and Syndicato. Here you will find a lot of various shops, as well as cafes, restaurants and clubs with a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. As for purchases, most often tourists buy handmade furniture, ceramics, national embroidery, handmade sandals, products from palm leaves, as well as world-famous Majorcan pearls in Mallorca.
What you need to do in Palma de Mallorca: tips from experienced travelers
- Take a tour bus around the city (a ticket is bought for the whole day);
- walk around the entire historic center of Palma de Mallorca, sightseeing and looking into tiny courtyards;
- visit the round Belver Castle and the Historical Museum located in it;
- take a ferry to the island of Ibiza, where you can have fun all night long;
- taste the delicious seafood dishes offered in all restaurants in the city;
- enjoy the view of the world's only cathedral, built directly on the seashore;
- To buy as a souvenir is not a familiar souvenir in the form of a fridge magnet or plates with a view of the island, but a handmade craft in the form of a ceramic product, sandals or embroidery.