Palma City Breaks

Palma is the one real city of the Balearic Islands and recent investment has provided Mallorca with a genuine year-round citybreak destination to rival the very best in Europe. An attractive, bustling and historic city whose refurbished grand mansions, handsome palm-lined streets, medieval walls, café-life and a toweringly impressive cathedral defy the expectations of so many visitors. As well as the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, Palma is home to a beautifully restored old town where cobbled streets are lined with designer shops, boutique hotels, trendy bars, delightful, shaded restaurants and Es Baluard, a stunning contemporary art gallery.

Mustsee sights of Palma include the glorious Le Seu Cathedral, Bellver Castle, the 14th century fortress overlooking the Bay of Palma,the 10th century Arab baths and the 13th century Basilica of Saint Francesc. More modern attractions include the March Collection of 20th century Spanish art and the Fundacio La Caixa, the first luxury hotel ofthe city, now an art gallery, and a gem of art nouveau architecture.

The cultural centre around La Llotja is the hub of the old town; do visit Abaco, a wonderful cocktail bar boasting theatrical and operatic themes, and a visit to Mercat Olivar, the fruit, flowers and fish market, should not be missed. The short tree-lined promenade of Passeig de Born and the Parc de la Mar are ideal for relaxing strolls and the Poble Espanyol or Spanish Village, on the outskirts of the capital, invites you on a whistle-stop tour of Spanish architecture including a reproduction of the salon, baths and patio of the Alhambra Palace.

Those looking for some retail therapy will find a range of Spanish high street fashion shops as well as a plethora of chic boutiques selling top designer brands, plus a selection of quality artisan hand-made goods and products making Palma an ideal destination for shopping. Every visitor to Mallorca should try to spend a whole day in Palma at the very least, but it really merits a much longer stay, at any time of the year, and is the perfect city for a weekend or short mid-week break. And with daily flights from many UK airports it's easy for us to tailor-make a city break to suit.