Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour of Palma in Majorca

I have just flown back from Palma de MallorcaAvinguda Joan Miro, Estacion Maritima, Avinguda
Airport after spending a very entertaining weekend inGabriel Roca and Avinguda Rei Jaume 111.
the capital city of the same name. There are lots ofHighlights for me were Poble Espanyol and Castell de
things to see and do in its immediate environs andBellver: Poble Espanyol is a fabulous place to visit if
more than enough to keep you occupied for a longyou re interested in Spanish architecture as you
weekend.suddenly turn into this Spanish village contains
Because I was only there for a few days I did notreproduction houses from Cordoba, Toledo and
want to spend the whole time exploring the islandMadrid together with typical houses from the Spanish
and did not hire a car and opted for the bus fromregions. Bullfights are held in its corrida on summer
Palma Airport into the city centre (which runs verySundays and there are representations of a number
frequently and it very cheap at EUR1.25 single fareof famous structures including the Alhambra in
for the 30 minute journey. One of the best ways IGranada, Torre de Oro in Seville, and El Greco's
found to get a quick view on what the main sightsHouse in Toledo It is a fascinating place to wander
were was to go on the open top sightseeing busaround the very well put together.
which has 15 stops at the main tourist attractions inThe Castell de Bellver is the next stop and is perched
Palma.on top of the hill overlooking the Bay of Palma. It has
For just EUR13 you can stay on the bus for thespectacular views over the island and the word
duration of the tour which lasts for about one hourBellver meant "lovely view" in ancient Catalan.
and 20 minutes or hope on or off at any of theIt is a circular castle which was built in the 14th
stops as many times as you want during the day stillcentury for King James II of Aragon. It was used as
using the same ticket which is valid for 24 hoursa military prison during the 18th and 19th centuries
from the time it was purchase. A set of headphonesand is so well preserved that it is hard to believe it
are provided so that the guided tour is pre-recordedhas been standing for almost 700 years. It is unique
and translated into Spanish, Catalan, English, French,among Spanish castles because it is entirely round
German, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish: you simplywith three large towers surrounding a central
plug them into the socket at the side of our seatcourtyard, connected by an arch to a free standing
and twiddle the know until you get the right language.keep. The courtyard is on two levels: the ground
The bus leaves at 20 minute intervals from May tofloor has semicircular arches and a flat roof and the
September starting at 09:30 with the last bus atupper level has Gothic arches and rib-vaulting. To get
20.00 and every 30 minutes during the low seasonthe full effect walk around the moat then climb onto
from October to April between 09:30 and 19:00.the roof and look down into the courtyard to
I boarded the bus at the main stop in the city centrecompare the contrasting styles.
on the Avda Antonio Maura (Placa de la Reina) whichThen you walk a few metres down the hill to catch
provides access the Cathedral and Alumndaina Palace.the bus which then wends its way back towards the
The bus travels through Paseo del Bourne to thecity centre via the sea front promenade and past
shopping area of Juan Carlos I and into the Citythe ferry port.
Centre to Plaza Espana. Its actual route and stopsAt the end of this tour I really felt I had a good
are: Muelle Commerciale, Placa de la Reina, Placa Joanoverview of Palma and it left me free time to
Carles 1, La Rambla / Carrer dels Oms, Placa deexplore the amazing Seo Cathedral which dominates
Espanta, Avinguda Alexandre Rosello, Avingudathe entrance in the city centre as well as any
Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga, Avinguda Gabriel Roca,museums I fancied wandering around.
Poble Espanyol, Castell de Bellver, Placa de Gomila,