PALMA DE MALLORCA : La perla del Mediterraneo .....


Location: On the south coast at the centre of the wide Bay of Palma. International airport of Son Sant Joan is 5 miles east. ( See Maps ) ( TOURISTIC CITY MAP .PDF FREE)

Telephone IDD code from UK: 00 34

Position: Built on undulating land, extending into pine-clad foothills to the west. Flatter agricultural land to the north and west. ( Link )

General description: The island's capital city with a population of 325,000 and a sizeable port, Palma offers a rich mix of history, culture and nightlife. There is also ready access to the nearest resorts of Ca'n Pastilla (5 miles) and Cala Mayor (4 miles). Fascinating central area with narrow streets between the high walls of ancient buildings. This compact, easy to walk historic core of the city extends inland from the commercial port and the most prominent of landmarks - the cathedral and royal palace. These fine monuments were built over the sacked remains of the Moorish Alcazar and mosque, razed to the ground when the Christians regained the island from the Moors. Websites: www.balearides.com Palma City Hall www.a-palma.es

Market/Suitability: Those who prefer a central location for its convenience, nightlife, cultural events and its historic interest. Business visitors in particular are well provided for; besides the facilities in the larger hotels there is an auditorium with six convention halls at the port and a similarly well-equipped Palace of Congress at Pueblo Español.

Accommodation: The best hotels are concentrated on the Paseo Marítimo to the west of the centre. Moderate hotels are here too, so is much of the nightlife. Golfers will find top-class accommodation at the Son Vida course.The best sea views are at La Bonanova ( See views from Hotel Horizonte)

Shopping: In the atmospheric and often pedestrianised streets of the old city. Further options are available in the Avenidas surrounding the area. Via Sindicato, Calle San Miguel, Calle Jaime II, Calle Colon, la Rambla, are some of the streets to head for. Saturday market, el Baratillo. (Recomended link )

Beaches: Can Pastilla and Cala Mayor are the most populars , Es Molinar, Ciutat Jardi , Can Pere Antoni , EL Arenal ( See Palma Beaches web sites )

Entertainments: Daytime: any sightseeing itinerary should take in the cathedral (la Seu); Almudaina palace; la Lonja and the Arab baths, all of which are in the old centre and close to the port. Slightly further are the hilltop castle of Bellver and the Pueblo Español (reproductions of typical buildings from various parts of Spain). Nightlife: most vibrant, and sometimes seedy, in the El Terreno district. The old centre and tree-lined avenues around it are also lively at night. A full programme of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, ballet and theatre performances is published monthly by the tourist office. ( Links ) Discos

Eating out: El Terreno, the centre and the Paseo Maritimo provide plenty of choice. The Casino-Palladium, along the coast by Magalluf, is a glitzy venue for dining, gambling, watching shows and spectaculars. (recomended linkl )

Public transport: Trains to Soller and Inca (the former highly scenic). Regular buses to most resorts. Roads radiate outwards from Palma making it an excellent base. Good city bus service. Links - transports - Train - AIRPORT-Ferry - Rent a car

Local Excursions: Most parts of the island can be reached in little more than an hour. Some popular ones are the Caves of Drach (Porto Cristo); Marineland (Portals Nous); Inca market (inland); Valldemosa, Deya, and the mountains of the northwest. Recomended link ( excursions )