| Originally founded as a Roman camp, what is now | | | | Many people come to Palma without huge |
| the major city of Majorca has seen a varied but | | | | expectations but leave very surprised and impressed. |
| interesting and sometimes violent history, with a | | | | With a very efficient and clean public transport |
| range of occupants including the Byzantines and | | | | system, Palma can be explored without needing to |
| Moors. In the Palma Cathedral, a marvelous and | | | | hire a car or to use taxis, while most public services |
| imposing structure built from 1229 - 1346; the Moorish | | | | and resorts around the city are take a low emission, |
| influence is evident in many of the original designs. | | | | carbon neutral approach. There is a great programme |
| Basing a holiday in Palma can be an adventure in itself | | | | of concerts, festivals, theatre and exhibitions |
| when it comes to exploring the city and its surrounds. | | | | throughout the year in many of the city's cultural and |
| The weather is fabulous all year round and for those | | | | arts venues. Given Majorca's status as a holiday |
| with an interest in culture, the natural environment | | | | destination for artists and writers well before the |
| and outdoor activities it is an ideal base for fun | | | | arrival of mass tourism in the 1960s, the Museum of |
| packed holidays in Palma. A key landmark in the city | | | | Contemporary Spanish Art should be visited for an |
| is the Placa de Espanya - a large and popular park | | | | insight into why creative artists and performers have |
| near to the railway station, which is the start point of | | | | flocked to the island for many hundreds of years. |
| one of the island's best eco-transport legacies. This | | | | For local food crops and artisan crafts, Palma |
| electrified railway features a well-preserved and | | | | features a range of markets, most of which start |
| stylish train that heads northwards through the city | | | | early in the day. For a range of seafood and |
| and suburban plains, then winding through the | | | | responsibly sourced fish, head to Llotja del Peix, a |
| spectacular mountains of Serra de Tramuntana | | | | busy and bustling fish market that serves an |
| before arriving at the town of Soller. From Soller | | | | excellent variety, from the familiar to the exotic. |
| there is a tram service that runs along the | | | | Palma's main produce market is the Mercat Olivar, |
| beachfront to the Port of Soller, a settlement that | | | | with some great local meats, cheeses and vegetables |
| includes some interesting wildlife and nature, including | | | | on sale over two floors. |
| a range of coastal birds that arrive in the bay and | | | | For those seeking comfort, pampering and luxury, |
| estuary. | | | | the city boasts a great range of chic boutique hotels |
| Sensitive and eco-friendly development is now a | | | | and some of the best Palma villas, complete with |
| watchword for Palma. Around the city, there is a | | | | services and facilities that allow for a comfortable |
| genuine sense that much of the development is | | | | retreat for a holiday that focuses on the |
| ecologically sensitive and in touch with the natural | | | | environment. With a choice of sandy beaches in |
| environment. Villas in Palma are often built in ways | | | | either direction and activities from tranquil coastal |
| that genuinely reflect a commitment to a green | | | | walks to the action packed water sports adventures |
| approach to tourism. The old town itself embodies an | | | | of kayaking and kite surfing, your impact on the |
| unspoilt charm and simple nature where history can | | | | environment of Palma can be as minimal as you want |
| truly thrive in a modern, visitor centered approach. | | | | it to be. |