An Incredible Day in Palma de Mallorca

What to do in one day in Palma de Mallorca

Cathedral de Santa Maria from the Cruise Ship

Welcome to Palma de Mallorca

Brief History:

Palma was founded as a Roman province in the first century. After the Roman Empire collapsed it was occupied by the Arabs. Later in the 13^th century, James 1 of Aragon returned the island to Roman rule and Christianity. Currently this Spanish island has as it capital, Palma de Mallorca, which was established in mid 1980s. The island is known for its beaches and bustling modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

How to get to downtown from the Cruise Port

Did you arrive on a cruise ship? Your first decision is how to get to town…shuttle bus or taxi? Shuttle buses from the ship usually run about $12 per person, so if you have more than two in your party, it might be more cost-effective to take a taxi (usually about 10 Euros each way). Just walk the short distance to the end of the pier and catch one there.

Cathedral de Santa Maria

(also known as Cathedral of Light or LeSeu) 8 Euros

Here’s where our taxi driver dropped us off, and we soon found out why. The Cathedral is massive, the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and contains work done by none other than Gaudi himself.

What makes the cathedral even more special is its massive rose window, the largest of its kind, measuring 14 meters in width and containing over a thousand pieces of glass.

The one seemingly miraculous event that occurs only two days a year (on February 2 and

***Stained Glass in cathedral de Santa Maria***

November 11) is that the sunlight from the smaller rose window on the opposite side of the cathedral reflects just below the massive rose window, to form a figure-eight of stained-glass perfection

The gardens and grounds surrounding the Cathedral are perfect for picture taking and beautiful to behold as well.

If you arrive on a sunny day, fear not, for many of the streets of Palma are shady and tree lined.

NOTE: for those with wheelchairs, many of the surfaces are smooth and allow for accessibility.

Cort Olive Tree.

In the Plaza de Cort, near the town hall, you will find a huge, gnarled olive tree, over 600 years old.

This olive tree was transported here in 1999 as a symbol of peace and as a representative of the olive trees that grow throughout Mallorca. This tree measures 6 meters in height and over 7 meters in diameter and is protected by law.

What do you shop for in Palma de Mallorca? Pearls and shoes! Palma has shops and streets for every budget and taste. The high-end designer stores populate the beautifully treelined Passeig des Borne, while Calle San Miguel (Look for this street by the Town Hall and the Cort Olive) offers more affordable Mallorcan souvenirs and shoe shops.

Mallorca is known for pearls, and the cruise ship will recommend very high-end authentic pearl vendors. If you are interested in costume jewelry, small locally owned shops offer better prices and opportunities to bargain.

Step into little shoe shops to try on locally handmade styles. This is a pair of leather hand-made shoes I purchased for under 20 Euros.

Part of the fun of visiting other cultures is sampling their native foods. Ensaimadas (pronounced “en-sigh-ma-duhs”) are spiral-shaped sweet pastries native to Mallorca.

Bottom Row in the picture to the left. Choose between plain or filled for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert.

Owned by a Mallorcan family who has been in the bakery business for over three centuries, Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo offers three locations where you can sample authentic ensaimadas, almond ice cream, and hot and cold drinks.

Close to the city center, the cafe on Carrer de Calle Sanc, 10, boasts all of the features from the original location, which opened in the 1700s.

Just a few minutes by taxi will land you at Playa de Cala Major, a small beach blessed with clear water and with shallow water perfect for children. Straw umbrellas and beach chairs are available for purchase, though sitting in the sand is free. Food and drink are nearby. A perfect family respite.

We had an Incredible Day in Mallorca