Category: Tours

Category: Tours

Cala Deia

Cala Deia Beach

Cala Deia – updated 23 January 2023.

Cala Deia, located on the northwest coast of Majorca, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a peaceful and secluded getaway. The small bay is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, making it the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

Rocky beach

The beach is not considered to be family-friendly due to the rocky, shingle beach and lack of sand; it also has multiple jellyfish sightings during the summer months. The beach also has no umbrellas, lounge chairs, water sports activities or lifeguard and access to first aid is minimal. The beach does have toilets and showers.

The tiny cove beach is mostly made up of large rocks and small pebbles with glistening rock pools and great views.

Restaurants

 It has two restaurants, which both provide local cuisine such as tapas, paella and an assortment of fish.

Artists

Located just outside the beautiful village of Deià, the beach is very popular with locals and visitors and is a favourite destination for artists. It is not unusual to see the occasional celebrity on the beach.

Swimming, snorkelling & diving

Cala Deia is an ideal location for swimming, snorkelling and diving due to the crystal-clear waters; however, there are no equipment rental facilities on the beach so you will need to bring your own.

Climbing, hiking & cycling

The surrounding cliffs are popular with climbers and hikers, offering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside. The area is also popular with cyclists and mountain bikers, with a number of trails and routes to explore.

Getting there

You can get to the beach by car and if you arrive early enough, there is a small car park or you could park in the village and walk, it is around 3 km.

Deia

The village of Deia, located above the bay, is also worth a visit. The small village is home to a number of traditional restaurants and bars, serving local food and drink. Visitors can also explore the local history and culture by visiting the local church or the artists' houses that dot the village. One of the prettiest villages in Mallorca, Deia is part of a landscape awarded World Heritage Site status. The writer Robert Graves famously lived in the village twice with many of his creative, artistic friends coming to visit and Deia quickly gained a reputation as an artist’s retreat.

Deia

Northwest coast

Cala Deia is also a great base for exploring the rest of the northwest coast of Majorca, with a number of other beaches and villages within easy reach. Cala Tuent, Cala Soller and Fornalutx are just a few of the many nearby places worth visiting.

Tours & experiences

Inca Market

Inca Weekly Market

Inca Market – updated 24 January 2023.

Inca Market in Majorca is one of the island's most popular and vibrant destinations for shopping and cultural exploration. The market, which takes place every Thursday in the charming town of Inca, is a true feast for the senses, with a wide variety of local vendors selling everything from traditional handcrafted goods to delicious food and drink. Whether you're looking for souvenirs to bring back home or just want to soak up the lively atmosphere, the Inca Market is a must-visit for anyone visiting Majorca. So come and explore the colourful stalls, haggle with the friendly vendors and discover the rich culture of this beautiful island.

Inca Market

Inca

Inca is the third largest town in Mallorca and is located in the heart of the island. Inca is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and charming streets lined with shops and restaurants. The town is particularly famous for its leather goods, with many workshops and factories producing high-quality leather products. Visitors can also explore the town's many churches and museums, or simply stroll through the picturesque streets and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Inca is mostly a residential town, full of native Mallorcans living alongside a small expat community and has excellent public transport links with the rest of the island.

You will find Inca on the main road from Palma to Alcúdia if you are driving. By train, there are direct connections from Palma, Sa Pobla and Manacor.

Quely biscuits & Ensaimada

They say that the best way to get to know the island is through its traditions and local products, if that’s the case then Inca is all about the market, leather, wine, Quely biscuits and some of the best Ensaimada on the island.

Inca Market

Leather Factory Store

A combined visit to Inca market and the old Leather Factory store is recommended to make the most of your visit inland.

Camper

The brand 'Camper' famous for footwear began life in Inca and you can visit the Camper Outlet Village and Factory when you are there. You’ll find lots of bargains in a wide range of styles for men, women and children.

Inca Market

Colourful & vibrant

The market is the biggest open-air market in Mallorca and is held on the streets in the town centre from 8am to 1pm. It’s a colourful, vibrant and lively experience with hundreds of stalls and to make the most of it, you should put aside a few hours of your time.

Local crafts

There’s an abundance of leather goods for sale ranging from jackets to bags to shoes; however, there is also a wide variety of other products for sale such as local crafts, textiles and fruit & vegetables.

Don't forget to haggle

Prices on the stalls are set; however, the traders love to haggle, there’s some great deals to be made especially if you get there early in the morning.

Day trip

Whether you're looking for a day trip or planning to stay longer, Inca is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Majorca. Come and discover the rich culture and history of this beautiful town, and experience the true essence of the island.

Tours

Inca Market Mallorca Half Day Tour

Don’t waste valuable time navigating public transport to get to Inca for market day; instead, travel there comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle and combine souvenir shopping and culture during this half-day, hassle-free excursion. In Inca, the Mallorcan town known for leather products, wine, and the island’s biggest open-air market, take part in a tapas, wine, and liquor tasting, before enjoying free time to roam the stalls.

Majorca car rental

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

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, Palma

Bellver Castle – updated 23 January 2023.

Bellver Castle is a 14th century Gothic-style castle located in the city of Palma on the island of Majorca, Spain. Built by King James II of Mallorca, it is one of the few circular castles in Europe and offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle has a rich history, having served as a royal residence, a prison, and a military academy. Today, it is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, cultural events and exhibitions. With its unique architecture and panoramic views, Bellver Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Palma.

Bellver Castle Palma

Round Castle

Surrounded by fragrant pine woods, the castle is unique in design and is Spain’s only round castle. Now a renowned Palma landmark located at the top of the hill Puig de Sa Mesquida, the former grand fortress and Catalan Gothic masterpiece attracts visitors by the hundreds who come to admire the architecture, the views and visit the interesting ground-floor museum.

Pere Salva

King Jaume II gave the order for Bellver Castle to be built back in 1300 and the job was given to Pere Salva, the architect who designed the Almudaina Palace (The Royal Palace).

Bellver Castle Mallorca

Three towers

Bellver has three large towers surrounding a two-level central courtyard and a moat. You’ll see a contrast of architectural design as you explore the castle ranging from Gothic arches to rib-vaulting to semi-circular arches. The best way to see these contrasts is to look down at the courtyard from the roof.

Royal Residence

The castle was built to serve as a royal residence; however, with the exception of residencies by King Sanç and Joan I of Aragon, the building has spent more time as a prison than a home. Bellver Castle has hosted many prisoners over the years including King Jaume IV & King Jaume III’s widow and sons and has been used as a penal institution during both the Napoleonic and Spanish Civil wars and World War II. If you visit the roof of the castle, you can see prisoners’ graffiti, carved into the stonework.

Museum

On the ground floor is Palma’s museum of municipal history (Museu d’Història de la Ciutat) which follows the development of the city from the prehistoric Talayotic civilisation to the present day via its artefacts including pottery from Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods and classical statues from the Despuig Collection.

Classical music concerts

The central courtyard is the stage for a series of classical music concerts performed by the Balearic Symphony Orchestra each July. These open-air evening concerts are very popular.

Getting there

The best way to get to Bellver Castle is via car, there is parking available, alternatively combine your visit with the Palma City Sightseeing open-top bus, which stops at the castle as part of its circuit. If you use public transport, then the closest you will get is Plaça de Gomila, from there it is a 15 minute, 1km walk up a steep hill.

Majorca car rental

Palma City Beach

Palma Beach

Palma City Beach – updated 14 February 2023.

Palma City Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the heart of Palma, Majorca. With crystal-clear waters, soft golden sands, and a vibrant atmosphere, this beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, Palma City Beach is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport. The beach offers a range of amenities, including sun loungers, parasols, showers, and changing rooms, making it a comfortable and convenient spot for a day out.

Incredible views

One of the unique features of Palma City Beach is the stunning backdrop of the city skyline. The beach provides a panoramic view of the historic city center, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Bellver Castle. At sunset, the view is particularly breath-taking, with the golden hues of the sky reflecting off the water.

Palma City Beach

Two sections

The beach is split into two sections – the western end, known as Can Pere Antoni, is a more lively area with a variety of bars and restaurants nearby. The eastern end, known as Ciudad Jardín, is a quieter and more family-friendly area, with plenty of space for children to play.

Being located in Palma, the 750m long and 15m wide beach can get very busy during the summer season so the advice is to get there early to claim your piece of sand. If it is too busy, don’t worry, there is another beach just 1/2km further along at Portixol.

The beach is also known for its water sports activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. For those who prefer a more relaxing day out, there are plenty of opportunities to simply soak up the sun, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many beachside cafes.

Beach clubs

You’ll find everything that you need there including toilets, showers, lifeguards, sunbeds and parasol hire plus a good selection of bars and restaurants including two beach clubs, which provide top-notch food and entertainment.

Bay of Palma

Being close to the Bay of Palma and the numerous ships and boats that travel these waterways, the water at the beach is not as clean as it is in some of the island’s more remote bays; however, it is perfectly OK for swimming

A promenade called Avenida Gabriel Roca and a cycle path run along the length of the beach and there are two small car parks at either end of Ca’n Pere Antoni, which fill up quite quickly.

Palma 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. Climbing high above the old city walls, the cathedral is the glory of Palma, a magnificent demonstration of the wealth and strength of the island’s Christian conquerors, from the sea, it is a superb sight.

Overall, Palma City Beach is a fantastic destination for those looking to combine a beach holiday with a city break. The combination of sun, sea, and city provides a unique and unforgettable experience, and one that should not be missed when visiting Palma, Majorca. So, pack your sunscreen and head to Palma City Beach for a day of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable views.

Tours & experiences

Playa de Palma Parasailing Ticket with Life & Sea

Packed with beautiful beaches, bays and a shining city skyline, Palma is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better from above. Get a different perspective on Majorca with this exciting parasailing experience. Soar up to 50m above the waves and feel the wind in your hair as you enjoy 10-minutes of incredible views from the air – Book now

Out on the water experiences