Gardens Archives - Majorca Tourist Information

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

La Almudaina

Royal Palace of La Almudaina – updated 23 January 2023.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a magnificent fortress located in the heart of Palma, the capital of Majorca. Originally built as an Arab fortress in the 13th century, the palace has been expanded and renovated over the centuries and now serves as a royal residence. Visitors can explore the palace's impressive courtyards, grand halls, and opulent bedrooms.

The palace also boasts beautiful gardens, which offer panoramic views of the city and the sea. Inside, you can admire the richly decorated interiors, including the throne room, the chapel and the impressive collection of tapestries and ceramics. The palace is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the island's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to step back in time and explore this grand palace on your next trip to Majorca.

Roman Fort

A long time before the Moors arrived in the 10th century, the site had been utilised by both the Talaiots and the Romans and the area was once home to a Roman fort.

King of Spain

Symbolically, the King of Spain still resides here; however, it is unlikely that you will see him there with the exception of an occasional important ceremony, the Royals prefer to spend summer in the Palau Marivent (in Cala Major) instead. In fact, since King Jaume III died in 1349, no king has lived in La Almudaina on a permanent basis.

Balearics military command

Remodelled in the Levantine Gothic style by the Christians, The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is located opposite the magnificent Palma Cathedral, La Seu. Its elevated position has provided the palace with protection and strategic importance over the years and the building still serves as the Balearics military command.

Scenic views

Today, the palace is one of the capital's main attractions and tourists can enjoy incredible, scenic views overlooking the Bay of Palma in addition to exploring the inside of the palace and its numerous rooms.

Interior

Whilst exploring the interior of the palace, you will find three grand rooms with bricked-in-Gothic arches that have been cut off in the middle, they were once double their height and would have formed a vast hall. These rooms have been luxuriously decorated and furnished with period pieces and tapestries.

Courtyard

Within the main courtyard, you will find the 11th century lion fountain and the entrance to St Anne’s Chapel. This Chapel was built for the Queen at the beginning of the 14th century, as was St. James’s Chapel, which was for the use of the King.

Royal apartments

The grand staircase takes you up to the royal apartments with beautiful timber ceilings and lavishly appointed rooms, which are worth seeing as many of the palace rooms are completely bare.

Joan Miro

Beneath the palace are the S'Hort del Rei gardens which are a great place to sit, relax and watch the world go by. Look out for Joan Miro's Egg sculpture and the Arc de la Drassana, once the gateway to the royal docks.

Getting there

If you are staying in Palma, it's a short walk or public bus ride to the Royal Palace. There are also plenty parking spaces in front of the Cathedral along the Paseo Marítimo.

The palace is open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Friday (closed on Monday) and 10am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays.

Visitors can explore the grand rooms and apartments, and the chapel, at their leisure. See the opulent art, tapestries and furniture, then wander through the tranquil gardens.

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Free entrance: Wednesday all day and Sunday from 3pm to 6pm.

Further information can be found on the official website – patrimonionacional.es

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Things to do in Palma

Joan Miro King La Almudaina Roman fort Royal family Royal Palace

The Mallorca Insider

January 23, 2023

Passeig Des Born

Passeig Des Born – updated 14 February 2023.

Passeig Des Born is a stunning tree-lined avenue located in the heart of Palma, Majorca. This elegant pedestrian promenade is one of the most iconic streets in the city and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The avenue is named after the Battle of Baleares, which took place in 1229, and has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Today, Passeig Des Born is a hub of activity, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining the street.

The Golden Mile

Nicknamed ‘The Golden Mile’ but often just called ‘the Borne’, the street with wide promenade and pedestrianised section is busy with both people and traffic; however, it is still a great place to sit down in one of the many cafes and restaurant terraces and watch the world go by.

The location and style of the Borne have made it the most sought-after retail location on the island despite it having a lower footfall than other shopping areas.

King Jaume I

One of the most notable landmarks on Passeig Des Born is the impressive statue of King Jaume I, which stands at the center of the avenue. The statue is a symbol of the city’s history and culture, and is a popular spot for photos.

Trees

Another must-see attraction on Passeig Des Born is the beautiful arcade of trees, which provide a natural canopy over the avenue, offering a cool and shady respite from the sun. The trees, along with the beautiful fountains and flower beds, create a serene atmosphere that makes it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

Museums

For those looking to experience the local culture, the avenue is also home to several museums, including the CaixaForum Palma and the Fundació La Caixa. These museums offer a glimpse into the city’s art and history, and are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Long history

Passeig des Born has a long history and has been host to countless fiestas and also many demonstrations. It is particularly pretty at Christmas when the trees are decorated with lights. A walk along the boulevard is very pleasant during the summertime when it is completed shaded by the trees. There are also plenty of public benches so you can sit down and take a break.

At night

At night, Passeig Des Born comes alive with the sounds of live music and the chatter of locals and tourists. The many bars and restaurants along the avenue offer a range of dining options, from traditional tapas to international cuisine, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town.

Plaça de la Reina

Bookending Passeig des Born are two small squares, one of these, Plaça de la Reina is located just a short walk away from the Royal Palace Of La Almudaina and Palma Cathedral. Plaça de la Reina has a round central fountain and a pretty flower garden and is a good place to stop for a photo.

If you are planning on visiting The Royal Palace or the Cathedral, then the route there along the Borne is recommended.

Cathedral

The vast, beautiful and historic Palma Cathedral (‘La Seu’ in Catalan) is without question, the major architectural landmark in the capital city. The awesome predominantly Gothic 14th century structure is located in the heart of the city and the sheer scale of the golden sandstone building makes it impossible to miss.

Overall, Passeig Des Born is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Palma, Majorca. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to experience the best of the city. So, grab a coffee, take a stroll, and soak up the charm and beauty of Passeig Des Born.

Things to do in Palma

Palma Passeig Des Born

The Mallorca Insider

September 22, 2020

Jardi Botanic

Jardi Botanic – updated 04 February 2023.

Jardi Botanic, located in Majorca, Spain, is a botanical garden that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Mediterranean region's flora. Established in 1991, Jardi Botanic covers an area of 30,000 square meters and is home to over 4,000 species of plants from all over the world, particularly the Mediterranean region.

Mediterranean flora

It is a centre for the conservation, study and understanding of Mediterranean flora, specifically the flora of the Balearic Islands.

Cacti and succulents

One of the unique features of Jardi Botanic is its collection of cacti and succulents, which includes some of the rarest and most interesting species in the world. The garden is also home to several themed areas, including a rock garden, a tropical greenhouse, a palm grove, and a Mediterranean garden. These themed areas are designed to demonstrate the different habitats and ecosystems of the Mediterranean region, and to show how different plant species adapt to these environments.

Relax & enjoy

Visitors to Jardi Botanic can also enjoy a stroll through the many walking paths that crisscross the garden. These paths take visitors past stunning water features, towering trees, and lush vegetation. There are also several picnic areas, where visitors can relax and enjoy a bite to eat amidst the beautiful surroundings.

Educational & cultural activities

In addition to its beautiful gardens, Jardi Botanic also offers a range of educational and cultural activities for visitors. The garden regularly hosts exhibitions, workshops, and talks on topics such as botany, horticulture, and conservation. These events are designed to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the Mediterranean region's unique and diverse flora, and to encourage people to appreciate the beauty and value of the natural world.

Conservation biology

In addition to conserving the rare and endangered plant species of the Balearic and other Mediterranean islands, the foundation also educates adults and school children about the flora and also has a conservation biology research function.

Extinction

Jardi Botanic specialises in the management of plant species that are in danger of extinction with the objective of helping these species survive within their own natural habitats.

Sóller Botanic Garden has four collections on show, the seed bank, Herbarium, living plant collection and endangered flora.

Camp d’En Prohom

You can find Jardi Botanic in a country estate known as “Camp d’En Prohom”, on the outskirts of Sóller.

The gardens are very popular, and people interested in botany travel from far and wide to see the collections and learn about the conservation work carried out by the foundation.

Admission prices: €8 for adults & €6 for groups of more than 12 persons.

Opening times

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 pm / Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 2 pm. (Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Epiphany and Easter Sunday).

Museum

Within the grounds of Jardí Botànic, you will find The Museu Balear de Ciències Naturals (Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences).

Jardi Botanic is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in botany, horticulture, or simply the beauty of nature. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or just a lover of the great outdoors, you'll find something to admire and appreciate at Jardi Botanic. So why not make a visit to Majorca and explore this beautiful botanical garden today?

Please visit the Jardí Botànic website for further information.

Sóller

After your visit to the Botanical Gardens, we recommend a trip into the town of Sóller it is an old Mediterranean town, designed around narrow streets with traditional style residential townhouses and is very popular with tourists & day trippers. It has a famous tram which connects the small town of Sóller with the Port de Sóller district.

In conclusion, Jardi Botanic in Majorca is a magnificent botanical garden that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Its diverse collection of plants, stunning walking paths, and educational and cultural activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world.

Tours & Experiences

Cacti and succulents Camp d’En Prohom Conservation biology Extinction Jardi Botanic Mediterranean flora Sóller

The Mallorca Insider

September 17, 2020

Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences

Balearic Museum – updated 04 February 2023.

The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences (Museu Balear de Ciències Naturals) is dedicated to the education, conservation and exhibition of the natural heritage of the Balearic Islands.

Location

The museum can be found in the grounds of the Jardí Botànic (Botanical Gardens); which is a centre for the conservation, study and understanding of Mediterranean flora, specifically the flora of the Balearic Islands.

This is all located in a country estate known as “Camp d’En Prohom”, on the outskirts of Sóller.

Natural World

The museum is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the study and preservation of the natural world. Established in 1985, the museum covers an area of over 8,000 square meters and houses a vast collection of specimens, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich biodiversity of the Balearic Islands and the wider Mediterranean region.

What to see

The Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences has five exhibition rooms, an audio-visual presentation room, conference room, library, classroom and various other spaces dedicated to storing collections.

Fossils

One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive collection of fossils and paleontological specimens. Visitors can see a range of fossils from the Balearic Islands, including those of ancient sea creatures, mammals, and reptiles, providing a unique insight into the region's geological history. The museum also has a collection of over 50,000 specimens of insects, reptiles, and birds, as well as a wide range of marine specimens, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms.

Collections

The museum has several collections including The Guillem Colom Collection (Micropaleontology), The Juan Bauzá Collection (Fossils) and The William Waldren Collection (also fossils).

The collections include fossils and artefacts that explain the history of natural sciences in the Balearic Islands, such as photographs, specimens, reproductions and documents of the naturalists who have visited or worked here.

Educational & cultural activities

In addition to its impressive collections, the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences also offers a range of educational and cultural activities for visitors. The museum regularly hosts workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on topics related to the natural sciences, such as ecology, botany, and zoology. These events are designed to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the Balearic Islands' unique and diverse flora and fauna, and to encourage people to appreciate the beauty and value of the natural world.

Library

The museum also has a well-stocked library, which provides visitors with access to a range of books, journals, and other resources related to the natural sciences. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just a curious learner, you'll find something to pique your interest in the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences.

Sustainability & conservation

Another notable feature of the museum is its commitment to sustainability and conservation. The museum has a range of initiatives in place to promote sustainable practices and to protect the environment, including energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, and recycling programs. The museum also works closely with local organizations and communities to promote conservation and biodiversity, and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the natural world.

Botanical Gardens

Once you have looked around the museum, the Botanical Gardens are worthy of further exploration.

Jardí Botànic specialises in the management of plant species that are in danger of extinction with the objective of helping these species survive within their own natural habitats.

Four collections

Sóller Botanic Garden has four collections on show, the seed bank, Herbarium, living plant collection and endangered flora.

The gardens are very popular, and people interested in botany travel from far and wide to see the collections and learn about the conservation work carried out by the foundation.

For further information about the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, please visit their website.

In conclusion, the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences in Majorca is a world-class institution that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Its vast collections, educational and cultural activities, and commitment to sustainability and conservation make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world. So why not visit the museum today and discover the wonders of the Balearic Islands' flora and fauna for yourself?

Sóller

Tours & Experiences

The Mallorca Insider

September 17, 2020