Mini Break to Palma

Whether you are a culture vulture, art lover, history buff or simply want to while away a weekend moseying around pretty, cobbled, colourful streets, Palma is the place to go. 

Mallorca’s sandy beaches and turquoise waters made it the top summer holiday destination for Brits in 2022, but its vibrant capital, Palma – bursting with character, history, art, architecture and a bustling food scene – is the ideal choice for a few days away at any time of year.

Where to stay

Palma has accommodation to suit every need – from boutique hotels, converted palaces, and mansions with rooftop pools nestled in the old town, to slick modern apartments overlooking the harbour and more traditional resort-style complexes on the beach.

As we were in town for a couple of days, we wanted everything on our doorstep so, after much research and review-reading, we booked the Hotel Basilica, a former stately home converted into a luxury boutique hotel which has a swimming pool on a rooftop terrace that boasts panoramic views. Be sure to take advantage of the local bike hire to explore hidden corners of this spectacular city.

What to eat

As you’d expect from a Mediterranean island, Mallorcan cuisine is a mix of mountain and sea. The style of food is also heavily influenced by those who lived in or conquered the region: Romans, Moors and the Catalan.

Seafood is abundant and the Pica-Pica stew-type dish of cuttlefish and tomato is a must. 

The island isn’t short of great local ingredients, so a Trampó Salad, though simple, is delicious. Made with tomatoes, Mallorcan peppers and onions diced and seasoned with garlic, local cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, it’s a perfect side. 

The suckling pig, baked in the oven or grilled, is also a traditional dish found in various guises in many Palma restaurants. Then there are the pastries, soft and citrus fruits, nuts, artisan cheeses and decidedly palatable red and white wines.

Try Cappuccino Grand Cafe for an elevated take on Mallorcan brunch, perfect for people-watching.

What to see

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, known as La Seu, is Gothic architecture at its best. Opened in 1601 this magnificent golden sandstone structure is the most emblematic in the city. Often referred to as the Cathedral of Light, due to its 61 stained glass windows, we’d recommend visiting before noon when the morning sun floods the building with beams of coloured light.

Where to shop

Palma has an abundance of beautiful designer boutiques and stunning branches of your favourite high street stores such as Mango, Zara and Massimo Dutti, situated on tree- lined avenues and nestled in historic squares. But for us the indie shops hidden along cobbled lanes are the ones worth looking for. Rialto Living is one of our favourite stores, for fashion, interiors and more. When you’re all shopped out enjoy a glass of Cava in the cafe.