When traveling the world for work, especially over a weekend, I find it’s necessary to find opportunities to explore new places when possible. Therefore, when I learned that I needed to be at a trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany over an almost two-week timeframe, I knew I had to use the weekend as an opportunity to explore a new place.
So, I headed to Scott’s Cheap Flights to find the best flight deal from Dusseldorf. Lucky for me, I found a direct flight for an amazing solo weekend in Palma de Mallorca.
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Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?
Yes, Palma de Mallorca is worth visiting!
There are a variety of things to do in Palma de Mallorca:
- Beautiful beaches and caves
- Mountains and trails
- Vineyards
- History and architecture
- Delicious food
- So much more!
Is Palma de Mallorca Safe?
Spain is a very safe country for tourists to visit, and Palma de Mallorca is no different. If you abide by normal safety practices and protocols, then Palma de Mallorca is very safe for families and solo travelers.
The biggest threat to tourists in Spain is generally petty theft, so make sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Palma de Mallorca?
If you’re looking for warm weather, then the best time to visit Palma de Mallorca is between May and September. I visited in early May and it was comfortable. During the day it was in the high 70’s, and low 80’s. At night, you may need a light jacket as it falls into the 60s.
Is It Expensive To Visit Palma de Mallorca?
Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Spain (such as Barcelona, Seville and Madrid), Palma de Mallorca is known as one of the most expensive.
Personally, I felt many of the items cost about the same as destinations within the United States.
I stayed at the Melia Palma Marina, a 4-star hotel with a daily rate of about $200/night, in May.
Similarly, most of the activities that I participated in, including the full-day boat and train tour, were under $100.
Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca
In researching things to do in Palma de Mallorca, I knew it would be worth visiting.
Activities ranged from outdoor adventures like boat rides and hikes to historical experiences like cathedrals and caves, and so much more
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Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain Range: Tour Details
The Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range is home to several unique villages and offers a wonderful combination of the mountains and sea, making it the perfect place for hiking, cycling, water activities, and all-around relaxation.
If you choose to explore this mountain range outside of a day tour, there are several quaint and picturesque villages that you could visit, including but not limited to Valldemossa, Deia, Banyalbufar, and Fornalutx.
The below details the stops of my day tour.
✔️ Click here to schedule an Island Tour with Boat & Train Ride ✔️
Sa Calobra
Sa Calobra is a winding, single-lane, picturesque road in the Tramuntana Mountains. As the tour bus made it’s way up the charming road, there were several cyclists conquering this route. This is one of the hardest, most sought paths for cycle enthusiasts as it leads to the cove of Torrent de Pareis and offers amazing views.
Torrent de Pareis
Torrent de Pareis is the home to the opening of a beautiful sandy beach in the bay of Sa Calobra. Its three-mile stretch of breathtaking views, steep walls, caves, and rock formations is known as one of the most scenic hikes in Mallorca. On the tour, there is not enough time to do the actual hike, but you have about an hour to explore and experience some of its beauty.
The beauty of Torrent de Pareis alone makes visiting Palma de Mallorca worth it!
Port de Soller and Soller Valley
Port de Soller is a picturesque seaside village located at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains.
It’s home to sandy beaches, cafes, restaurants, shops, and hotels- the perfect place for a slower-paced vacation. Most arrive either via boat or the town’s tram from the inland village of Soller which provides beautiful views of the olive, lemon, and orange groves.
On my particular tour, we did both. We took a boat there from the bay of Sa Calobra and left for Soller via the tram.
Soller is a lush valley nestled between the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains and the sea. In addition to its numerous cafes and tapa bars, this quaint village is also known for its beautiful architecture and museums.
Upon returning to Palma, we took one of the most popular modes of transportation between Soller and Palma, a 1912 vintage train. It’s impressive how well maintained it was.
Personally, I could not have asked for more from a day trip. The day trip alone made Palma de Mallorca worth visiting as there are not many day tours where you can experience mountains, beaches, villages, a boat ride, and a vintage train all within a day.
If you’re in Palma de Mallorca for only a weekend, this is the best way to experience the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain range.
Beaches
Mallorca is home to over 200 beaches. Yes, 200! That quantity by itself would make the average beach-goer think Palma de Mallorca is worth visiting.
To make things even better, there are seven beaches within walking distance or a short car ride from the city center. According to Mallorca-beaches.com, the top ten beaches in Mallorca are:
- S’Aramador
- Es Trenc
- Es Caragol
- Playa d’Alcudia
- Cala Mondrago
- Cala sa font Celada
- Cala Pi
- Calo d’es Moro
- Porto Cristo
- Cala Xinxell
Palma de Mallorca City Center
If history and beautiful architecture is required to make Palma de Mallorca worth visiting, you won’t be disappointed.
One of the popular attractions of the city center is the Catedral de Mallorca, a gothic architectural work of art whose interior was designed by Gaudi. In addition, it is located on the seaside, which offers one-of-a-kind views from its roof terraces. It is one of Europe’s largest cathedrals.
While taking in the gothic architecture, I walk passed the boy’s choir practicing. It was such a treat to experience the sounds of their angelic voices as I toured the grounds.
Be sure to tour the rest of the city center as well. It’s very walkable and filled with beautiful architecture, restaurants, shops, and more.
Wine Tours
Mallorca is home to more than seventy wineries. There are a couple different ways to learn about the various wines from the region:
- Full-Day Winery Tour- this is a more expensive option but it immerses you into multiple vineyards while learning about the history and culture of the island.
- Wine and Tapas Experience- these experiences last about 2-3 hours and include various local wines, cheeses, and food. This is the most economical way to experience Mallorcan wines.
A bonus option is horseback riding and wine tasting. After an one-hour horse ride, you get the opportunity to taste several local wines and cheeses.
If you will travel for wine (like me), the various wine tasting options available make Palma de Mallorca worth visiting.
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about the full-day winery tour ✔️
✔️ Click here to book and learn about the wine and tapas experience ✔️
✔️ Click here to book and learn about the horseback riding and wine tasting experience ✔️
How to Get Around Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a small-island, making it easy to get around. Below are a few options:
- Airport Transfers/Taxi- The ride from the airport to the city center is about 15 minutes.
- EMT Airport Bus- The bus runs every 15 minutes from the airport and stops at Placa d’Espanya, located in the city center.
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour- This is a great way to get around and explore the key attractions of the island
- Segway or Scooter Rental
- Rent a Car- Driving in Mallorca is safe. However, many of the roads in the mountains are steep, and narrow. Thus, only rent a car if you’re comfortable driving on these type of roads.
Note that the biggest thing is getting to the city center. Once you’re there, most things in they city center are within walking distance. For attractions outside of the city center, you can take a tour, including the hop-on hop-off, or a taxi.
Uber is not available in Palma de Mallorca
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about an airport transfer ✔️
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour ✔️
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about Segway Tour ✔️
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about Vintage Scooter Tour ✔️
Where to Stay in Palma de Mallorca
There are a plethora of large chain and boutique hotels in Palma de Mallorca that can fit the budget and requirements of any traveler.
Budget Friendly Lodging
👉 Hostal Bonany
Hostal Bonany fresh and bright interior offers clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. And the pool is perfect for those who want to soak in the Mallorcan sun.
Centrally located, it’s within walking distance to Palma Marina and a short bike or car ride from the beach and city center.
This hotel has one of the best guest rankings for hotels with the average nightly rate less than $150.
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about Hostal Bonany ✔️
4 Star Lodging
👉 Melia Palma de Marina
The Melia Palma Marina has a modern vibe and beautiful views of the seaside from both the pool and guestrooms. This 4-star hotel doesn’t fall short of amenities with a spa, fitness center, restaurant, lounge, and more.
Located directly across from the marina, the Catedral de Mallorca and city center are within walking distance. Along the path, there are a variety of restaurants and shops.
✔️ Click here to book and learn more about Hostal Bonany ✔️
Conclusion: Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?
Yes, Palma de Mallorca is worth visiting!
This Balearic Island not only offers beautiful beaches and architecture, but also mountains, vineyards, delicious food, and more.
