Header by Cristian Bortes (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Palma is a beautiful resort city and capital of the Spanish island Majorca, which is located off the coast of Spain in the western part of the Mediterranean.

This beautiful coastal city is known as a hot destination for tourists who want a relaxing beach vacation with an infusion of history.

Dating back to the 13th century, Palma has a rich Gothic history, and many of the city’s buildings maintain their original baroque influence. Honeycolored stone and medieval streets makes for an incredibly unique look for a beach city.

Despite being a historic town, Palma has a modern soul, with an endless list of modern culture, entertainment and gastronomy.

There are a lot of things you can do in Majorca, though you’ll want to spend time in Palma if you’re a beach lover and / or history buff.

When you arrive at Palma airport the easiest and often cheapest way to get to the center or your accommodation is with a private airport transfer. Solhop allows you to prebook via their website, lock in the price, and to pay in cash or card at your destination.

Things to do in Palma Majorca

Visit the Gothic Cathedral

The La Seu cathedral is an interesting place to visit based on its architecture alone.

A magnificent building with honey colored sandstone that seems to rise out of the sea, this is an 800 year old symbol of  the might of the Christian conquerors who arrived in Majorca by sea. It is a dominant building that took 600 years to build, and it’s impossible to miss it.

The cathedral combines a number of different styles, from Gaudi’s signature architecture on the interior to the stained glass windows which are a focal point for the cathedral.

Visiting the cathedral isn’t expensive, you can get in for a little as €4. It’s well worth the walk around this beautiful structure, especially if you have an appreciation for architecture.

Photos by Cristian Bortes (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Visit the Arab Baths

As you move on from the Cathedral and make your way through the maze of streets of the medieval quarter, you may stumble across an ancient bath house dating back to the time the Moors were in charge.

During the 10th century Palma was an Arab city known as Medina Mayuraq. Despite the widespread destruction of the Moors when King James invaded in the 12th century, there still remains pieces of the past that are tucked away on this island gem.

The Arab Baths were only rediscovered in the 20th century, and are virtually all that remain of the Arab city of Medina. They’re a mashup of architectural styles, having been built with materials salvaged from the ruins of previous periods (Muslim, Byzantine and Roman capitals).

You can enjoy this beautiful piece of history for mere €2.50, making it an affordable stop while you’re in Majorca.

Enjoy the Beach

No trip to Majorca would be complete without a visit to the beach. If you’ll be in Palma on a Sunday, this may be the perfect time for a beach day, as most other attractions close on this day.

There are plenty of family hotels in majorca that overlook the pristine waters and beautiful sands, so you don’t have to worry about a long commute to the water.

Simply wake up, put on your suit, and take a quick stroll to the beach to see why so many people flock to Majorca for their family vacations.

You can find a list of Iberostar hotels for your family vacation online to make booking easy.

Image by Andrés Nieto Porras (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

Visit Old Town

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Majorca’s culture, take a stroll through its Old Town, which is lined with cobbled streets, old archways, and beautiful squares.

You may even stumble across an old medieval church or two, which further illustrates their beautiful, rich, Gothic-influenced past. Train your eye to pick on the small details like ancient doorways as you make your way past aristocratic townhouses in each neighborhood.

You’ll find plenty of souvenirs in Old Town, such as traditional Majorcan baskets, their famed ensaimadas from their many bakeries, and man-made Majorcan pearls, one of their most well-known export.

When you’re finished shopping, stop at one of their many restaurants to enjoy the Spanish tradition of tapas.

Image by Tommie Hansen (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Visit Casal Solleric

If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss Casal Solleric, a former palace from the Baroque period that’s since been converted into an art museum.

You’ll find the best in contemporary art from artists such as Frida Kahlo, Perez-Villalta, and Plessi, nestled inside this beautiful historic building that’s complete with gorgeous marble columns, a grand mezzanine, and intricate wrought iron staircases.

Entry into this beautiful museum is free, making it an easy place to add to your list of things to do while in Majorca.

Stop by Castell de Bellver

The Castell de Bellver is a beautiful circular tower that offers a breathtaking 360° view of Majorca. The site is aptly named, with Bellever in Catalan meaning ‘lovely view’.

Its architecture has Roman, Spanish, and Arab influences, making it an interesting destination if you’re into historic buildings with a rich culture. There is also a museum that displays a range of artefacts from each of these civilizations.

If you’re up for a climb and have €4 for admission, this tower is well worth the visit.

Photos by Cristian Bortes (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Check out Cuevas del Drach

Cuevas del Drach, known in English as the Dragon Caves, is a short trip away from Majorca and one of their most interesting attractions.

Discovered in the 19th century on the edge of Porto Cristo on the east coast of the island, this is a very affordable day trip, starting at €8 for children and €15 for adults.

You’ll find beautiful natural stalagmites and stalactites as well as Europe’s largest underground lake. Quite alien like in appearance, the formations only grow around 1 cm every 100 years, though certain regions of the cave have grown in such a way that resembles a flag, and a snowcapped mountain.

At the end of your tour you’ll float through Lake Martel for an underground violin concert.  This concert has been offered since 1935 and is backed by the ethereal sound of dripping water that constantly seeps into the cave.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.