Heading away on a Jet2CityBreak to Palma and need some itinerary inspiration? That just happens to be something we can help you with. From skyline-dominating architecture to glitzy boutiques, trendy dining spots to a suntrap beach, you can pepper your Palma stay with a bit of everything.
Eager to squeeze the pips out of Palma’s points of interest? This weekend guide covers four full days of musts, so if you’re just going for a few nights, read on…
Day one
Depending on what time you arrive, you’ll want to check into your hotel, unpack your bags and freshen up. Then get your bearings by pottering around the Old Town, smoothly paved streets, eye-catching buildings and palm tree-dappled walkways.
At the mouth of Palma, various spots are studded with sprinkling fountains. But it’s the swish shops that’ll beckon, from high-street faves to upmarket designer stores. Browse clothes rails or even just make a beeline for dinky souvenir shops and pick up local knick-knacks.
The city boasts warrens of stylish restaurants, where you can go for Spanish classics, sharing platters, fine dining and everything in between. San Juan Food Market specialises in nibbles and tipples, with Japanese morsels, Vietnamese dishes, Italian snacks and pintxos among the lip-smacking choices. Glass of sangria, anyone?
Day two
After a good night’s rest, make for the marina – it’s simple to spy, with all the superyachts glinting in the rays. Wander around the promenade and snap some photos, then who’s for the beach? It shore is a winner, if you’re keen to experience all that Palma holds. Lay down your towel, slap on the sun cream and bask in the sun from the sand. Does it get any better?
Well, it actually does if you’re a self-confessed foodie. Can’t turn a corner without peering through restaurant windows? Palma’s culinary scene is bursting at the seams, so make room for as many courses as you can manage. Dishes are to-the-point but done deliciously at Bar Espanya, where croquettes and tomato breads are among the staples. It’s all about the innovative wine pairings with entrées like veal cheek and sardines at Gustar, while Ombu is on Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice list for 2021 – and for good reason! Saffron arancini, Iberian ham shoulder, octopus carpaccio… The to-chew list goes on.
How about something to sip to round off the evening? There are so many glam bars and hip clubs for ice-cold cocktails around Palma, so you won’t struggle to pull up a pew somewhere fun. But if a venue with an edge is your vibe, go for a glass of champagne among vintage antiques at Zonasander.
Day three
A day of adventures has to be on the cards in Palma. Head straight to the epic walls and buttresses of the waterfront La Seu Cathedral, which is one of the city’s most staggering landmarks. The gothic sandstone building is a point of interest and a half, so get it in your holiday snaps!
You’ll be surrounded by churches and basilicas here too, so getting your history fix is a cinch. The Church of Santa Eulalia has a narrow spire and plenty of stained-glass windows, while the Basílica de San Francisco is one of the oldest in Palma.
And for something Moor, traipse over to the Arab Baths and wander through the network of underground caverns and paths. You’ll also have a quaint walled garden to amble around too.
Day four
And when all’s said and done, give in to breakfast or lunch. Depending on what time your flight is, you can’t top a last bite in the city before jetting home. There are many options for on-the-hop coffee and croissants, so why not stretch your legs down the ochre-splashed avenues or the flower-strewn boulevard of La Rambla?
If you’ve got a particularly sweet tooth, we won’t tell anyone you tried the local spiral pastry, ensaïmada. It’s often filled with finger-licking crème pâtissière. Yum!
What’s that – brunch is more your bag? Dozens of eateries serve fuller plates. Order all sorts from classic Spanish omelettes to dishes using local sausages. You can even tuck into topping-laden bagels.
It’s time to put our weekend guide to use – go on, get that well-deserved Palma city break booked now!