Category: Palace

Category: Palace

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.

Royal Palace La Almudaina

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.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

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

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

Majorca car rental

Things to do in Palma

Paseo Maritimo

Paseo Maritimo

Paseo Maritimo – updated 14 February 2023.

Paseo Maritimo is a beautiful waterfront promenade in Palma, Majorca. Located on the south coast of the island, the promenade runs along the edge of the sea, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and the city skyline.

The Paseo Maritimo stretches for over four kilometers and is lined with palm trees, parks, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The promenade is a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading, and is a hub of activity both day and night.

Paseo Maritimo

Avinguda Gabriel Roca

Also known as Avinguda Gabriel Roca, this 4 km stretch of promenade is the most popular walk in the city. There is so much to see along the way such as the wonderful harbour with row after row of yachts, Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle and the stunning Mediterranean Sea framed by pink sunrises or golden sunsets.

What to see

The recommended starting point for a walk along Paseo Maritimo is Porto Pi.  You’ll pass a number of attractions such as Tito’s; which is the hottest club in town (some would say, on the island) and Palma’s Auditorium; where you can watch shows and concerts and towards the end of your walk, you’ll pass the 16th century wall around Es Baluard Museum. The final part of the 4km walk includes the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the magnificent ‘La Seu’.

Parc de la Mar

Forty plus years ago, the sea came right up to the walls of the Cathedral until the sea was pushed back in the 1970’s due to construction. City planners created an artificial lake called Parc de la Mar at the foot of La Seu, which today provides a great area for concerts and fairs plus a superb photograph opportunity.

The beach

Just beyond the cathedral at Ca’n Pere Antoni, is Palma City Beach. It is a golden, sandy beach that is very popular with the locals and visitors who are staying in Palma and fancy a quick dip in the sea.

Playa de Palma

From Palma City Beach, the wide pedestrian promenade joins the popular resorts of C’an Pastilla to El Arenal, this part of the seafront is known collectively as Playa de Palma. Look out for the ‘Balnearios’; which are a series of open-air huts serving drinks and snacks.

Each year the Paseo Maritimo becomes alive due to the Palma International Boat Show; which takes place at Moll Vell, close to La Lonja and central Palma.

Overall, the Paseo Maritimo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Palma, Majorca. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a night out on the town, or a peaceful retreat, the promenade offers something for everyone. So, take a stroll along the Paseo Maritimo and experience the beauty and charm of Palma, Majorca for yourself.

Things to do in Palma

Passeig Des Born

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.

Passeig Des Born

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.

Palma Cathedral

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

Old Town Palma

Palma Old Town

Old Town – updated 13 February 2023.

Old Town Palma in Majorca is a stunningly beautiful historic district located in the capital city of Palma on the Spanish island of Majorca. This area is steeped in history and is home to some of the most impressive architecture in the region. Whether you are interested in learning about the history of the area or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, Old Town Palma is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Majorca.

Palma tourist information - Old Town

Unique culture & architecture

The district is surrounded by ancient walls and is home to numerous landmarks that have been preserved for centuries. The area is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the unique culture and architecture of the island. One of the most famous landmarks in Old Town Palma is the Palma Cathedral, which is also known as La Seu. This impressive Gothic-style structure was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is a symbol of the city's rich history.

Almudaina Palace

Another must-see destination in Old Town Palma is the Almudaina Palace, which was built by the Moors in the 10th century and was later expanded by the Christian kings of Majorca. The palace is open to the public for guided tours.

Royal Palace La Almudaina - Old Town Palma

Arab baths

For those interested in history, a visit to the Banys Arabs is highly recommended. These ancient Arab baths were built in the 10th century and are some of the oldest structures in the area. The baths are an excellent example of Islamic architecture and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived on the island.

Arab Baths

Nightlife

In addition to the landmarks, Old Town Palma is home to a vibrant nightlife and a thriving arts scene. The area is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine. The streets are lined with boutiques and artisan shops selling locally-made crafts and artwork.

Festivals & events

Visitors to Old Town Palma can also take part in various festivals and events throughout the year. The Feast of Saint Sebastian, which takes place in January, is a colourful and lively celebration that involves parades, music, and fireworks. The Fira de la Ram, which is held in October, is a massive agricultural fair that showcases the best produce and livestock from the region.

Old Town Palma is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it an excellent destination for tourists looking to experience the unique culture and history of Majorca. Whether you are interested in learning about the island's rich history or simply want to relax and enjoy the local culture, Old Town Palma is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Majorca.

Things to do in Palma