Most of the time, when we hear Palma de Mallorca, we are tend to think of beautiful beaches, restaurants, and clubs to party. However, this island is full of places where you can have a walk alone, with your love or with your family, contemplating the beautiful landscapes or the local architecture. Here is a list of the 5 must-sees to discover during your trip to Mallorca.
Palma Cathedral
Palma is the capital of the island. This is also where the island’s airport is located, only 10 km from the city center or about 15 minutes by car (but it depends on traffic and the season of course). Whether you are staying in Palma, or in another coastal city, the capital is an essential part of your stay. Once there, don’t miss the beautiful Cathedral. With a bit of luck, you can also attend a wedding. It will take you about 2 hours to make the most of the beauty of the cathedral, take photos in front of the water jet fountain or the small canal on the side of the Cathedral, where you can see some swans.
Bellver Castle
Let’s stay in the city of Palma and discover another beautiful place. About 3 km from the city center by car, you have another must-see of the island, the Bellver Castle. As its name suggests, “castle beautiful view” offers a magnificent view on the city’s port. You can come during the day and visit the castle or in the evening and enjoy the romantic lights of the city. The entrance for adults is 4 euros and for young people between 14 and 18 years old, 2 euros. Please note that there is a free entrance on Sundays.
Sanctuary of Sant Salvador
Let’s get away from the capital now and go to the eastern part of the island, about 60km from Palma or 55 minutes by car. We can now spend a day away from the crowd and discover the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador. In our days weddings are celebrated there and for this reason, you may be refused to enter the church. This former monastery is located on a hill, at an altitude of about 510 meters. The winding roads offer beautiful views. On the south, you will see the island of Cabrera, on the north, the port of Alcudia and also Cap de Formentor. The Sanctuary of Sant Salvador is a beautiful place for your Sunday stroll.
Cap de Formentor
Cap de Formentor is located at the northeast end of Palma de Mallorca, about 76 km from the city center (1h15 by car). You can stay here beetween 30 minutes and 1 hour, to contemplate the beautiful views. This part of the island has many beautiful beaches, for example Cala Figuera or Cala Murta. So Cap de Formentor can be your next stop, after a day spent on the beach. You can also take a trip there after visiting the beautiful village Valldemossa, located about 82 km (or 1h25) or 20 km (28 minutes by car) from Palma city center.
Valldemossa
There is no doubt that this is one of the prettiest villages in Mallorca. Located inland and about 20 km from the city of Palma, it is also very well-known thanks to Georges Sand and Frédéric Chopin who lived there for a while. You can also see Chopin’s statue during your walk in the village. The village is a pedestrian area, and here you can find absolute calm. Well, let’s be honest, only when there are not a lot of tourists. My favorite part is the lovely garden where you can sit and gaze at the flowers and greenery.
These were the 5 must-see places (not beaches) on our to-do list. It is true that I love the beach but the older I become, the less time I can spend on the beach. Last time, I barely stayed for 2 hours. So I want to discover other places, restaurants, and gardens and enjoy them quietly with family or friends. I hope this list has given you some ideas for your next trip to Palma de Mallorca.
