| Why go to Palma de Mallorca? Visit the island of | | | | reading up about the history of the Cathedral before |
| Mallorca's capital city and visit the historic buildings, | | | | you go, but on your checklist should be to see the |
| restaurants and bars, and the cosmopolitan marina - a | | | | giant rose window - the largest of the seven |
| truly intriguing city. | | | | windows found in the cathedral with 1,200 pieces of |
| When to go? The months of May to September are | | | | stained glass. Also the Baldachin which is a ceremonial |
| really the best times to visit Palma, although the | | | | canopy of lights, and a multi-coloured crucifix |
| month of June, early July and September seem to be | | | | suspended about the main alter which is the creation |
| the busiest [late July and August can be extremely | | | | of Gaudi, and the Trinity Chapel which contains the |
| hot in the city, and therefore people tend to avoid | | | | tombs of the Mallorcan kings - Jaume II and III. |
| these weeks]. | | | | Dine out at: La Cueva in the old town - quite an |
| Getting there: Son Sant Joan - Palma de Mallorca's | | | | insignificant exterior, so be careful not to walk |
| International airport - is approximately 11km east of | | | | straight by. Once inside the restaurant, you will find |
| the city and there is a highways linking the two which | | | | the temperature is much cooler than outside as you |
| runs parallel to the coast. A taxi from the airport to | | | | step inside rooms lined with stone walls. You will be |
| the centre of Palma de Mallorca will cost | | | | provided with an extensive menu of typically Spanish |
| approximately 20 euros. | | | | food and an excellent wine list. Try their Spanish |
| Spend the morning: Start with breakfast at | | | | omelette, pimientos de pardon, garlic prawns, |
| Cappuccinos on the Paseo Maritimo [just across from | | | | manchego in oil and especially their jamon Iberico |
| the marina]. A freshly squeezed orange juice, café | | | | pata negra - complemented with a Mallorca wine |
| con leche, and a toasted cheese and ham sandwich | | | | from Binissalem - AN2 Anima Negra. |
| under a large umbrella shading you from the early | | | | Stay up late at: There are endless places to spend |
| morning sun will set you up nicely before wandering | | | | the evening. The pavements are lined with bars and |
| the old town lanes and courtyards. Take a stroll along | | | | restaurants although one of the more popular places |
| Passeig d'es Born which is one of Palma's most | | | | is Plaza Llotja which is lined with fish restaurants and |
| beautiful corners and is one of the cities main | | | | romantically lit bars. A "must-see" is Abaco in the old |
| promenades, forming the heart of the city. The | | | | town - one of Palma's [indeed Mallorca's] most |
| appearance of the buildings and narrow lanes are the | | | | famous and imposing bars which lies close to the |
| main appeal, and there is always a shady area in | | | | Plaza Llotja. Abaco is an old manor house which is |
| which to rest and take in the atmosphere. | | | | adorned with flowers and fruit [be sure to look in |
| Have lunch at: If a typical tapas bar is what you are | | | | every room when you go in - especially the small |
| after, then look no further than Patxi. This small | | | | terrace where you can sit and enjoy a drink] .... |
| restaurant can be found at the Plaza Pont. Outside | | | | Beware as you may find drinks very expensive and |
| may look unappealing, but as soon as you step | | | | you will not be able to take photographs inside the |
| through the doors you are in a different world. If you | | | | establishment. Take a leisurely stroll along the Paseo |
| are looking for something more substantial, there is a | | | | Maritimo [away from the Cathedral] and you will |
| formal dining room to the rear. However, after a | | | | come across La Bodeguita del Medio - where you can |
| couple of drinks and tapas you should be suitably | | | | sample mojitos and dance the night away to salsa |
| enthused to continue finding out what more Palma de | | | | music. There isn't much room, but this is more than |
| Mallorca has to offer. | | | | made up for by the atmosphere. |
| Spend the afternoon: Nobody will argue that a trip to | | | | So after your first day in Palma de Mallorca, you will |
| this city is incomplete without visiting the Cathedral | | | | feel quite exhausted. However, after a good night's |
| [La Seu in Catalan] which is one of the most imposing | | | | rest you will be ready to find more hidden secrets |
| buildings in the city and is one of the most treasured | | | | that this magical Spanish city has to offer. |
| Gothic structures of the Balearic Islands. It's worth | | | | |