Mallorca’s capital Palma has become one of the short break destinations in the world thanks to the fantastic year-round climate, stunning hotels, haute couture, shopping and nightlife. In a city where style meets sophistication, Palma is also home to a lively arts scene and has a thriving cafe society. Here are a few of the recommended calling points to enjoy on a short break to this beautiful city:
- Banys Arabs (Arab Baths)
- Basilica de Sant Francesc: A typically ornate Mallorcan 13th Century church, which is situated on the Palma seafront.
- Palma Cathedral: The crown jewel of Palma. A magnificent Gothic cathedral whose sandstone walls and flying buttresses appear to rise from of the sea.
- Colleccio March: A collection of 20th century Spanish art belonging to Joan March, one of Mallorca’s richest men, comprising 36 pieces of work by the likes of Picasso, Dali and Miro.
- Fundacio La Caixa: Once the building of the Gran Hotel, now an art gallery featuring exhibitions and paintings, including a collection by Herman Anglada Camarasa. Be sure to visit its upmarket cafe and bookshop.
- La Llotja: A beautiful building resembling a castle thanks to its twin turrets. Designed by Guillem Sagrera, La Llotja is a cultural centre and hosts temporary exhibitions.
- Mercat Olivar: Palma’s celebrated indoor market, offering fresh produce from the local area.
- Museo De Mallorca: An amazing 17th century palace built on the foundations of one of Mallorca’s earliest Arab Houses. This museum contains fascinating artefacts, providing an interesting overview of Mallorcan history.
Shopping
The main areas to shop in Palma are Avinguda Jaurne III and the Passeig des Born, where you will find numerous upmarket boutiques, labels and fine jewellery amongst a host of wonderful cafes and eateries. Head to the Placa Major for smaller shops, and for a wide array of stores and restuarants; the modern Centro Comercial at Porto Pi (2km from the city centre) caters for almost all needs.
Another busy commercial district popular with shoppers is Plaza Chopin and Carrer Tous i Maroto. Here, high fashion boutiques such as Carrer Verl reside along streets containing stunning architecture and more of Mallorca’s cafe society.
Also central is the Placa Major, which contains an outdoor craft market on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Here you will also discover a small indoor shopping mall, and just around the corner; Carrer Sindicat - a shoe lovers paradise, where the boutiques and shops appear to go on forever!
Luxury Holidays in Mallorca
Although places such as Magaluf remain popular for ‘lads holidays’, Mallorca also has the scope, culture and accommodation to provide for a more luxurious experience.
Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Boris Becker, Patrick Stewart and Claudia Schiffer all have their own retreats in Mallorca, and with picturesque villages and hidden-away villas it’s no surprise.
In Soller there are many four and five star hotels which vie for attention, while its market square is plentiful of gourmet food and wine shops.
Pollensa in the north east of the island is equally splendid. A short drive from the shore, the town is framed by spectacular mountains and beautiful foothills - the ideal spot for couples and families wanting to enjoy the peaceful and unspoilt Mallorca. Old winding streets, stone buildings and pastel-washed houses populate its centre along with historic chapels and pretty central square, complete with upmarket eateries and al-fresco dining.
Just a short distance from Pollensa are hidden villages such as La Font, where attractive whitewashed villas, small fincas and luxurious four and five star hotels are situated.
Cala d’or is an area that has managed to avoid the excesses of large scale tourism and development. Situated on the south-east coast of Mallorca, this small town is awash with stylish bars and shops, and its sandy beach is served by the impressive Hotel Rocador and Rocador Playa. As well as a number of luxurious, private residential properties, there are many beautiful villas available to rent within an area of controlled development to preserve the surrounding countryside.
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