Things to Do in Mallorca

Also known as the Palau de l’Almudaina, this ancient palace was originally built as a citadel on the hill by the Romans sometime around 123 BC in Palma, the capital city of the island of Majorca, Spain. Later conquered by the Moors, and then again by the Catalans in 1229, the citadel began to fade as a mere fortress, but transformed into a palace and residence for Majorcan Kings. Today, it stands as a great example of rustic architecture that has survived the ages and overlooks beautiful Palma Bay.

International visitors and residents alike routinely flock to the Almudaina Palace in order to see how antiquity lived throughout the centuries and to catch a glimpse of this venerated architecture. Muslim kings living in Roman-built archways lead to a unique blend of culture which has infused the palace, as told by the magnificent tapestries on the wall telling stories long lost to time. The throne room from the 14th century, with huge pointed-arch ceilings, and the Santa Praxedis Chapel are  highlights of any tour, and walking out into the courtyard with the smell of the ocean salts just beyond the parapet is second-to-none.

Playa de Muro is a beautiful six-kilometer-long sandy beach with turquoise water in northern Mallorca; it is one of the island's newest resort destinations. It is a "Blue Flag" beach, meaning that it meets certain criteria in regards to the water quality, safety and services. Although quieter than neighbor beach Alcudia, Playa de Muro is less sheltered and can experience bigger waves during high winds. Playa de Muro is very popular with families thanks to its warm shallow waters; because of this, water-sport enthusiasts abound, be it for water-skiing, jet skiing, scuba diving, pedal boating or paragliding. There is also a wooden jetty for boats, and boat trips around the coast are offered.

The Plaza Mayor is Palma’s true epicenter. Others might claim the geographic center of the city to be located elsewhere, but it is from this large plaza that all the excitement of old-town Palma generates. There’s a saying in Palma that “all roads lead to Plaza Mayor” and if you’re taking a stroll through old town, you’ll sure find this to be true.

Enter the plaza and the first thing you’ll notice is its imposing size. The enormous square is surrounded by old Spanish buildings of the 14th century and once housed the offices of the Spanish inquisition. Today, this area is known as the artist’s quarter, so you’re bound to spot a few galleries highlighting some of the local talent. In addition, a weekly market is held in the square, and a variety of notable goods can be purchased from colourful vendors here.

Labyrinthine streets emanate out from Plaza Mayor and the cobbled walkways are known to be a confusing but enjoyable jaunt down winding streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and evening revelers. Costumed street performers and street musicians typically help fill the plaza in daylight and night-time hours and locals and tourists together can be seen enjoying evening cocktails and music in the plaza.

The Plaza Mayor is now one of Palma’s main attractions and few can contend that a visit to Palma without seeing the Plaza Mayor is a visit at all.

Arguably the most beautiful beach on the Balearic island of Mallorca "“ and certainly its most unspoiled "“ the three-km (1.75-mile) stretch of Es Trenc is found on the southwest coast near the resort of Colonia Sant Jordi. Thanks to the soft, sugar-like golden sand and the pristine, shallow water, this is a favorite beach for families; there are sunbeds and parasols to hire as well as lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Facilities also include several bars and restaurants along the beach, including the popular chiringuito (casual beach restaurant) of S'Embat in the purpose-built enclave of Ses Covettes, where several areas of the beach are given over to nudity. Despite its length, Es Trenc becomes very crowded in high summer, but a quiet spot can always be found. The beach also gets packed with wind surfers when the sea breezes start blowing. In winter it is often completely deserted apart from the migrating birds stopping over among the dunes, marshy wetlands and pine scrub backing the beach, which are protected as an Área Natural de Especial Interes (Natural Area of Special Interest).