Palma’s not just for summer!
Undoubtedly, the most alluring aspect of Palma, the compact coastal capital of Mallorca, is that its star shines brightly all year round. With its mild Mediterranean climate, the lively and cosmopolitan city even packs a punch out of season, offering a rich cultural and authentic visitor experience without the crowds. Here are just four of many year-round adventures to have here…
GET ACTIVE
The best way to explore the medieval old town is on foot, via the labyrinth of cobbled streets that run like pulsating veins through the districts of La Calatrava and La Lonja. From lively Paseo del Borne, the city’s pedestrianised central avenue, head for Calle San Feliu and its surrounding lanes that are home to art galleries, artisan ateliers and cafés. Here, erstwhile Renaissance palaces rub shoulders with Moorish and Art Nouveau architecture and private patios resplendent with stone arches and decorative paving. From here, it’s just a five-minute walk to the sea-flanked Paseo Maritimo and 15th-century Sa Lonja with its vaulted ceilings and spiral-shaped columns. Don‘t miss the nearby neighbourhood of Calatrava, where the Basilica of Sant Francesc and the ancient Arab baths await exploration.
For an alternative perspective on the city, hire a bike and take the seafront cycle path that runs about three kilometres east towards Portixol harbour, with views to the bay of Palma, and westwards to the ferry port. Cycling in the city couldn’t be easier, thanks to a growing network of routes around the historic quarter, Paseo Mallorca and Santa Catalina, the old fishing zone.
A FOODIE’S HEAVEN
One of the delights of Palma is its gastronomy. Whether it’s Michelin-starred eateries, authentic restaurants touting traditional Mallorcan stalwarts or innovative bars and (bars specialising in vermouth) offering vegetarian fare or tapas, there’s something for all tastes and budgets. For the sweet-toothed, it is to sample the island’s famed (snail-shaped sugared pastries) or (almond cake) at old school café, 18th-century Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo. Lunchtime tapas can be enjoyed all over town at popular bars such as Andana, or perched on a bar stool at renowned joint El Camino, with its slick service and sweeping marble counter. Here you can enjoy crispy green peppers, mouthwatering croquettes, and (locally-cured paprika sausage), served with a glass of cava or wine.
