Majorca has consistently topped the charts as Europe’s favourite holiday destination, and Palma, its capital city, is proving as much of a draw for city-breakers as its famed seaside resorts. The city has remained remarkably Spanish but carries a cool, cosmopolitan air. Its stunning old town buildings nestle within a maze of map-defying cobbled streets, elegant avenues and pretty plazas. However, Palma has an alter-ego as a playground for the rich and famous, making this one of the best destinations to celebrity spot since its harbour is packed to the moorings with multi-million euro super yachts. It’s easy to see why visitors come to the city, not only to bask in its glory, but also in the year-round sunshine.
bestsouvenir: a fan Join the nation of fan flutterers and invest in the only way to keep cool during the hot summer months. Pick up a handmade Spanish fan from €6.50 in Palma’s best gift shop, Cachivache. Where >Cachivache, calle Morey 4A, Palma, Tel: +34 971 724 940. view map
bestplace for a coffee: Forn Des Teatre The recently refurbished Forn des Teatre is undoubtedly Palma’s prettiest and most photographed café/bakery, serving the best heart-starting coffee and delicious local pastry ensaïmadas. Later it transforms into a meeting place for the Palma’s hip and chic, who congregate for pre-dinner drinks and pinchos (nibbles). Where >Forn Des Teatre, Plaça Weyler 9, Palma, Tel: +34 971 715254. view map
besttourist must-see: Sa Seu (Palma Cathedral) Seen from every vantage point in the city, this wonderfully imposing Gothic masterpiece has become an iconic symbol on Palma’s skyline. Best viewed from the bar, The Guinness House in Parc de la Mar, late afternoon when the cathedral takes on a golden glow from the sinking sun. Plus stick around during hot summer evenings. Palmaites flock to Parc de la Mar to enjoy free movies beamed onto a giant screen on the lake as well as live concerts. With the cathedral as its backdrop, it’s a pretty cool view for zero euros.
Where >Sa Seu, The Guinness House, Parc de la Mar, Palma. view map
bestfamily day out: Palma Aquarium Explore the world’s eco systems and other watery habitats without getting your feet wet. With the deepest aquarium display in Europe containing over 3.5million litres of salt water, stroll through the waterproofed tunnel while sharks, sting rays and barracudas swim by over head. Cost:€19.50 adults, children 4 to 12 years €15, under 4s free. Where >Palma Aquarium, Calle Manuela de los Herreros i Sorà 21, Palma, Tel: +34 971 264 275. view map Website > www.palmaaquarium.com
bestouting on two wheels: Palma’s Cycle Route Work the buns for a day, and no, this has nothing to do with bakeries. Hire a bike, heading east on the easy 10 mile cycle path which hugs the coast from the Passeig Marítim passing through former fishing towns Portixol and Es Molinar, right up to the seaside resorts of C’an Pastilla and El Arenal. Bars and cafés provide tempting stop offs before reaching the three mile golden beach, Platja de Palma. Stay for a swim, top up the tan, and for the ultimate magical Majorcan moment, cycle back to Palma while the sun sets.
Where >Rent a bike for 12€ a day from Palma On Bike, Plaça Salvador Coll 8, Palma, Tel: +34 971 718 062. view map Website > www.palmonbike.com
bestday out: Formentor Beach Hire a car and head north east towards the Península de Formentor. Follow the winding road for breathtaking views along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range before descending to the beach, Platja de Formentor. It’s pure paradise with picture postcard turquoise waters, magnificent costal views, and the closest you can get to a Caribbean beach, without leaving Europe. It’s also home to the landmark Hotel Formentor built in 1929 whose famous guests included the likes of Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and the Royal Family. Holiday like a celebrity, if only for the day by renting a sun bed or dine at its (pricey) beachside cafe.
Where >Hotel Barcelo Formentor, Platja de Formentor 3, Port de Pollenca, Mallorca, Tel: +34 971 899 100. view map Website > www.barceloformentor.com
bestlive music: Blue Jazz Club Take the elevator in the Hotel Saratoga to the rooftop Blue Jazz Club every Thursday to Saturday night and soak up the wonderful views across the Bay of Palma while listening to island’s cool jazz groves. Free entry to the club, just buy drinks at the bar.
Where >Blue Jazz Club, Hotel Saratoga, Passeig Mallorca 6, Palma, Tel: +34 971 727240. view map Website > www.hotelsaratoga.es
Compiled by Alexandra Smith
besttrivia
Palma has a city beach, Platja C’an Pere Antoni, hidden on the other side of the Passeig Marítim, near the Cathedral and is one of the favourite beaches for city dwellers and those in-the-know.
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