Palma de Mallorca, the vibrant capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is a place that feels like a dream mix of sun-soaked beaches, historical gems, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. From its stunning coastline and bright-blue waters to the medieval architecture that dots the cityscape, Palma offers plenty to discover around every corner. The city’s character blends modern style with rich traditions, creating a unique atmosphere that draws visitors in year-round.
Wandering through Palma’s streets, you’ll find everything from bustling local markets filled with fresh produce to winding lanes lined with artisan shops and tapas bars. The city’s heart is the impressive Gothic-style Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, which stands proudly overlooking the bay. But Palma has more than just classic sights; the waterfront promenade, boutique-lined shopping streets, and thriving food scene keep things fresh, with plenty of spots for enjoying a long, lazy lunch in the sun or a late-night drink by the sea.
Whether you’re after outdoor adventure or want to soak up the local art and culture, Palma has it all. Day trips to explore nearby beaches or simply people-watching in one of the city’s lively plazas make every day feel like an adventure. With warm weather almost year-round, Palma de Mallorca is a destination that always promises something exciting to see, taste, and experience.
Palma De Mallorca
We landed in Palma at 1pm and caught the bus into the centre of Palma. The bus was easy to find just outside of the terminal. You can pay with cash to the bus driver or by card at the machines. There are ticket machines at the bus stop and it costs 4 euros for a one way trip. The bus goes around the outside of the old town, one of the main stops being Plaza d’Espanya.
We stayed at Protur Naisa Palma Hotel and got off at stop 19 – passeig Mallorca which was just down the road. The hotel was great and perfect walking distance from all the main sights in Palma. The few complaints were the slow lifts and having to keep the blinds closed all the time due to facing an office block! There was no privacy curtains, just a singular blind in the main room and also the bathroom.
The breakfast was great and the rooftop pool looked lovely, although we didn’t end up spending any time there. We did head to the spa and the heated pool and sauna though, which were all excellent.
After checking in, we headed out for some food. We ate at Alubia, a plant-based restaurant that was just down the road from the hotel.
After lunch, we wandered around the old town in search of gelato. We did a bit of shopping and headed along the beautiful Born passage. It is a gorgeous, tree-lined avenue with a promenade down the centre. It is a must-see in Palma! Whilst exploring the old town, we stumbled across ‘the best sangria in town’ and ate gelato from Gelateria Rosario. We looked at reviews for the best ice cream places and found this one. I always lean towards pistachio, caramel or a fruity cheesecake flavour and this place did not disappoint!
We continued our walk around the old town and stumbled across a beautiful old book shop called English Fine Books. The little streets of the old town in Palma could be explored endlessly. Around every corner, there seems to be a beautiful church or a pretty square or some other wonderful sight to see. Two pretty squares near to one another are Palma Square and Plaza de Santa Eulalia. Palma City Hall is in Palma Square and it is a lovely old building.
To conclude our first day of exploring, we headed to the sea front to see the Catedral de de Santa Maria. It is a stunning, gothic basilica overlooking the sea. We didn’t go inside but we walked all the way around the outside, admiring the view.
Afterwards, we headed back to the Born passage and sat outside in one of the restaurants, soaking up the atmosphere and people-watching. There was a saxophonist moving up and down the Born passage playing outside each restaurant. It was lovely!
My Favorite Day in Mallorca: Riding the Vintage Train to Sóller and the Port de Sóller
When people ask me what they must do on a trip to Mallorca, I don’t hesitate: take the old wooden train from Palma to Sóller, wander the town, and then hop the tram down to the Port. This trip turned out to be one of the most enjoyable days of my time on the island. It’s not just about the destinations; it’s the journey, the history, and the small surprises along the way that make it unforgettable.
The moment I stepped onto the Ferrocarril de Sóller, I knew this wasn’t an ordinary train. The polished wooden carriages, brass fittings, and clattering wheels made me feel like I’d time-traveled back to 1912, when the line first opened to connect Palma with the orange groves of Sóller. The train slowly pulls out of Palma, passes through the countryside, and then climbs into the Serra de Tramuntana, slipping in and out of tunnels until suddenly you’re treated to sweeping views of mountains, citrus groves, and stone villages.
I recommend grabbing a seat on the right-hand side when leaving Palma as the scenery is spectacular. The ride itself is about an hour.
The railway is privately run, and while it’s not the cheapest activity, it’s absolutely worth it:
- Train Palma ⇄ Sóller return: €30
- Tram Sóller ⇄ Port de Sóller: €10 each way
- Combined Train + Tram return: €40 (this is what we bought- it’s the simplest and best option in my opinion).
Tickets can be purchased at the station in Palma or online in advance (a good idea in high season). We purchased them online the day before. We travelled in October so it was generally quieter in Palma but the train was pretty busy despite this!
Sóller: A Town Full of Surprises
Arriving in Sóller, the train rolls into a handsome old station right by the town. Before I even stepped outside, I discovered one of my favorite hidden gems: inside the station are two small rooms displaying original works by Picasso and Miró, completely free to see. Don’t skip this- it’s a treasure.
Sóller itself is charming. The main square, Plaça Constitució, is buzzing with cafés, and the neo-Gothic/Modernist church of Sant Bartomeu dominates the scene. Right opposite it stands the striking Banco de Sóller, built in 1912 in a Modernist style. This square was our first stop for a coffee, and watching the vintage tram roll right through the middle of it made me smile – where else do you see a tram literally glide past your table as you sip?
Around midday, we hopped onto the Tranvía de Sóller, the electric tram that’s been trundling down to the Port since 1913. Wooden benches, clanging bells, orange trees flashing past the windows; it feels more like a joy ride than transport. In about 20 minutes, we were at the Port de Sóller, a horseshoe-shaped bay with calm water, sandy beaches, and a lively promenade.
For me, the Port is all about slowing down. We chose to linger over a long seaside lunch, and there are plenty of excellent options. Here are some recommendations for restaurants:
- Patiki Beach – Laid-back, right on the sand, with farm-to-table small plates. Perfect if you like sharing dishes and a casual vibe.
- Kingfisher – Fresh seafood and harbor views; I loved their tuna ceviche. Book ahead, as it fills quickly.
- Es Passeig – Refined but relaxed, overlooking Platja d’en Repic. Ideal if you want something a little special without being too formal.
- Randemar – Trendy Mediterranean food and cocktails with a fun lounge feel.
If you’re celebrating, you could even splash out on Béns d’Avall, a Michelin-starred restaurant perched between Sóller and Deià. The views and food there are on another level.
After lunch, we strolled the promenade and ate gelato. You can swim, rent a kayak, or just get gelato and people-watch. If you’re more energetic, there’s a path up to the Cap Gros lighthouse, which rewards you with stunning views over the bay.
By late afternoon, we caught the tram back up to Sóller, enjoying the ride in reverse, before heading for the evening train back to Palma.
My Suggested Day Plan:
Here’s roughly how my day went, and it worked perfectly:
- 09:30 – Arrive at Palma’s Estació Intermodal, collect tickets.
- 10:10 – Vintage train departs Palma. Sit on the right for the best views.
- 11:10 – Explore Sóller: coffee in Plaça Constitució, visit the church and bank façade, and check out the free Picasso & Miró exhibits at the station.
- 12:30 – Take the tram to Port de Sóller.
- 13:00 – Lunch at Patiki Beach, Kingfisher, Es Passeig, or Randemar.
- 15:00 – Swim, stroll, or walk up toward the lighthouse.
- 16:30 – Tram back to Sóller.
- 18:30 – Train back to Palma in the golden light of the evening.
This trip is one of those experiences that stays with you. It isn’t just about getting from Palma to the beach- it’s the romance of the old train, the beauty of Sóller’s square, the charm of the tram clattering past orange groves, and the simple joy of a seafood lunch by the sea.
If you’re visiting Mallorca, don’t miss it. And if you’re like me, you might just find yourself thinking, as I did on the ride back, this is the Mallorca I’ll always remember.
