Palma holidays

Popular holidays

Holidays to Palma offer a city break with a difference. Shop in the sunshine at the most exclusive districts, then relax with a glass of wine along the portside bars and enjoy the cool evening breeze. And with flights direct from Dublin, Cork, and Shannon, you're never far away from this Mediterranean adventure.

Palma's most famous landmark

La Seu Cathedral is Palma's most striking architectural landmark. Designed by Antonio Gaudi and later renovated by contemporary artist Miquel Barcelo, this impressive gothic structure towers above the Palma city skyline. The cathedral opens at 9am for visitors. Inside you'll see 61 stained glass windows, including the famous central rose window. Get there early to witness the morning sunshine flooding through, creating a rose coloured shadow across the church interior.

The royal residence

The Palau de l'Almudaina is the ceremonial residence of the King of Spain. It was built way back in the 13th century as a fortress against foreign invaders. This imposing structure sits opposite the cathedral and overlooks the bay of Palma. Visitors can wander through dozens of stone-walled rooms, where you'll see artifacts and paintings depicting hundreds of years of Spanish culture.

A city break in the sunshine

As the capital of Majorca, Palma is the perfect place for a city break with a Mediterranean twist. Enjoy a stroll down the most exclusive shopping districts lined with designer stores, or explore the farmer's market in Santa Catalina. Grab a cocktail in the trendy bars and hip nightspots, or relax with a glass of wine in the tavernas around the Old town. And for a real treat, book a table at Marc Fosh restaurant. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves globally inspired culinary masterpieces made with locally sourced produce.

How long does it take to fly to Palma?

The flight time from Ireland to Palma is around two hours 30 minutes.

When is best time to visit Palma?

If you're looking for a beach break then the best time to visit Palma is June to September but if you like it a little cooler, try visiting in May or October. Check the weather in Palma month by month.

Popular hotels in Palma

Top things to see and do in Palma

Beaches

City-side beaches

City breaks to Palma do the double – the city’s centre sits a stone’s throw from the shoreline, so you can chop and change between sightseeing and sunbathing with ease. It’s a 15-minute stroll to the city’s sands from its centre, and around the same distance to Playa de Palma’s five-kilometre stretch in a car.

The big beach

Playa de Palma headlines the beach scene on Majorca’s south coast – this long stretch of sand passes by a series of towns, with a pedestrianised walkway running all the way along it. It’s lined with bars, ice-cream parlours and souvenir shops, so there are plenty of places to rest your legs on seafront strolls.

The secret beach

Majorca’s coastline is peppered with a collection of coves, some of which barely see any footprints. Set the sat nav for Cala Estellencs – if you’re lucky, you might even have the beach all to yourself on quiet days.

Shopping

Bargain buys

Markets are a big game in Majorca, so you won’t be short of options when it comes to bargain buys. Inca’s market is one of it’s biggest, offering a selection of fresh fruit, leather goods and handicraft souvenirs. It’s only around 30 minutes’ drive from the capital.

Mid-range buys

Local and international high-street chains join forces on Avenida Jaime III – the city’s main shopping street. Shops line both sides of a wide pedestrianised boulevard, stretching out for more than a mile.

Designer buys

Passeig del Born hosts a haul of high-end shops, with big names like Hugo Boss and Louis Vuitton all making their mark on the map.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Palma’s seafront is fitted with a collection of easygoing bars and restaurants, perfect for watching the sunset with a cold drink and a freshly caught seafood supper.

Lively evenings

La Lonja is the city’s resident party animal – the places in this neighbourhood generally like to keep the party going until sunrise. Alongside nightclubs, music venues and wine bars are all part of the scene, too.

Food & drink

Ensaimada

You’ll find these in bakeries on every corner of the island. They’re made with sweet pastry, which is shaped into a circle before being dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally they’re served without any filling, but there are cream-stuffed options to try out, too.

Trempo

This salad only uses four simple ingredients – tomatoes, onions and Majorcan green bell peppers are tossed together with a dash or two of olive oil. It’s a great pick for a light lunch, or as a side alongside your main dish.

Sobrasada

This dish is a top pick with locals, it’s made with ground pork mixed with salt and paprika, before being shaped into a sausage. It’s usually spread on bread, but you’ll find it stuffed in croquettes or even as part of a pasta sauce, too.

Palo de Mallorca

Back in the 16th century, this drink was used as a medicine to treat cold and flu symptoms, but these days it’s a go-to aperitif for locals. It’s made with cinchona bark, gentian root and sugar, and it can be served with ice, or as part of a cocktail.

Majorcan soup

This soup’s a popular pick once the temperature start to take a dip. It consists of cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, fresh spinach and onions – it’s often served up on a bed of wholemeal bread.