There is a reason that Palma de Mallorca has recently been voted (again) as the best European destination for a weekend break, Mallorca is a beautiful Island and it's Capital, definitely leads by example.
Situated on the bay of Palma, with the resplendent Bellver Castle at one end, moving along the stunning Paseo Maritimo, home to so many multi millionaire super yachts, passing the magnificent Cathedral and finishing at Can Pastilla (the first family holiday destination on the Island). Palma de Mallorca is often compared to a smaller Barcelona, and its very easy to see why.
With such a huge variety of options, you will be in for a very busy and fun filled time, so here are our recommendations to help you.
1. Passeig des Born, Jäime III: Offering the perfect shopping experience, Passeig des Born, is lined with magnificent old trees creating some welcome shade, and wonderful coffee bars, also the worlds leading retail shops and brands are all here, Jäime III continues from the Born, and again both sides of this beautiful old street offers pure retail heaven, and the chance to dive into the many small alleyways to discover some incredible wine and Tapas bars.
2. Visit Santa Catalina district, one of the upcoming trendy areas of Palma and walking around you will enjoy the casual vibe, the centre is the magnificent food market, surrounded by small restaurants and cafes, all sourcing their fresh daily produce from the market, offering you the chance to try a "menu del dia" (food of the day) you can have a 3 course meal, with wine and water ranging from €12-€24, Mona Lisa very close to the market is huge favourite with locals, in the evening the restaurants all dress up, and become very sophisticated with delightful local food offerings and some wonderful "menu del noche" options, a great area to walk around and enjoy.
4. Cappuccino Grand Cafe in Calle San Miguel: For a coffee with a difference this is the place, situated in a wonderful narrow pedestrian street,(off Plaza Espana) located in an old Palace, Cappuchino's has long been a locals meeting place, the building is wonderful, with a lovely small garden to sit in, the coffee is great, the food offerings will tempt anybody to stay from coffee to lunch, this is really a place to stop and plan some more of your day.
5. Back in Palma centre, visit Parliament Restaurant. This incredible old building will give you the chance to eat with the local politicians, movers and shakers of the Capital, they are famous for Black Paella, this comes from squid ink and unusually, Paella can be ordered individually here, so you can try Black or Blind paella's. The atmosphere is always lively and busy, its worth waiting for a table if you need to.
6. Bullring Coliseu: We don't recommend bullfighting, however this place hosts amazing concerts and is the home of the ATP Mallorca tennis open, which is a real experience in its self, people are conducting business meetings court side while, Almagro, Verdasco and even Rafa Nadal can be seen hammering tennis balls past them, the surrounding area is filled with fabulous tapas bars.
7. Palma Cathedral: No visit to Palma is complete without walking around this magnificent place, dedicated to San Sebastian, the patron saint of Palma, enjoy the vistas, the architecture, take a coffee and soak in the atmosphere, its truly magnificent. You may be lucky enough to catch a concert on the lake, the locals say as long as you can see the reflection of the cathedral in the lake, the Island is safe from attack.
Evenings in Palma are very special with the warm wind blowing across the Med, the sounds, vibes and aroma's, creating an atmosphere that is truly unique, here are a few places worth trying.
8. Start with a cocktail in Abacanto , A real secret gem, not many people visit this wonderful old palace located on Poligono Son Castell which is an industrial estate! The surroundings are incredible, the cocktails are a tad expensive, but as you are on holiday, they are worth it, a very special place.
9. Hogans Irish Bar: Palma's oldest and most revered Irish bar, you simply have to go and indulge in a pint of the black stuff, live music good food and fantastic atmosphere, means you will always find new friends and experiences in Hogans.
10. Baisakhi (Indian Restaurant): This is an Indian restaurant like no other, the menu is a tasting menu allowing you to experience an incredible range of tastes and flavours, located on Paseo Maritimo, (not too far from Hogans) from the moment you enter and petals are thrown on the floor in front of you to the minute you leave, this is an experience you will love, the food is fabulous.
11. Visit Simpy Fosh, For the more sophisticated palate, this is one of Palma's coolest locations, Marc Fosh is the Island's premier Chef, English and renowned for his imaginative use of local produce, for that special occasion Simpy Fosh will most definitely tick all of your box's.
12. For a unique experience, visit Bar Abaco (not to be confused with Abacanto): This is one of Palma's magic places, located in the lively buzzy area of la Lonja (not too far from the cathedral) this trip takes you through some lovely little streets culminating at a large brown wooden door, once you step inside the magic really begins, the cocktails are fabulous, decor incredible and make a point of being here at midnight, you will find out why.
For accommodation Palma has it all, from 1* to 5*, from Unique to Boutique, budget to pushing the boat out its all here.
13. We recommend you to try Bronco Architect Hotel, located in the centre of Palma is a perfect option to explore and feel the heart of the city. The hotel have 26 rooms, with wonderful common areas and a unique Bohemian chic style. The Insider Restaurant is open all day, offering a great menu with local and mediterranean products. It also offers fabulous cocktails and great wines. Try the Gin Tonic, the speciality of the Bar.
14. If you are looking for a more elegant and chilled out experience try Hotel Cort. A quiet and inspiring property of just 16 rooms and suites, designed with cool splashes of ultramarine colour, reminding you Palma is a City on the Med, the restaurant is a busy social spot for locals because of the terrace that opens onto Placa Cort.
15. Other great option is Hotel Portixol, Located at the Cathedral end, located on the tiny fishing harbour of Portixol, this boutique hotel is seriously trendy, a local delight is lunch on the terrace, with a fabulous menu, evenings offer live music, warm air and a real holiday vibe, check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Palma de Mallorca, a truly magnificent city, no matter how many times you visit, there are always gems to be found.
Created by Huellas de Luz
Photography from each places websites
No comments:
Post a Comment