From tapas bars to art galleries and rooftop cocktails, we share tips for a perfect weekend in Palma
THE Mallorcan capital of Palma is a beautiful city that boasts breathtaking views, incredible artwork a vibrant night life.
With tapas restaurants, art galleries and rooftop bars, Palma is the perfect choice for a relaxing weekend break and it just so happens to be where you'll find the Love Island villa.
Feast on tapas
Palma is one of the best cities in Spain for hitting the tapas trail.
Start your night at La Rosa Vermutería, with a line-up of vermouths to wash down perfect tortilla española and jamón ibérico, £14.
Then head on to Quina Creu for pinchos – tapas-sized bites served on sticks at the bar, from £4 – as well as don’t-miss patatas bravas, £3.95 ().
Finish the night with the locals at Molta Barra, munching calamari as a black-and-white film plays in the background.
Explore the art scene
You can’t miss La Seu, the towering Gothic cathedral that dominates Palma’s waterfront.
Poke around among the columns, stained-glass windows and candelabra before heading to the rooftop for a guided tour of the flying buttresses with superb views over the city and the Mediterranean, £10.50 ().
A 10-minute walk away is Es Baluard, a museum of modern and contemporary Balearic art, entry £5 ().
Alternatively, take a taxi a few kilometres along the coast to the Miró Mallorca Fundació to check out the work of Joan Miró, who achieved global fame for his colourful, fantastical paintings and sculptures. Entry costs £6.50 ().
Make tracks
Look up from Palma’s cityscape and you’ll see a spectacular mountain range.
But skip any neck strain by hopping on the Tren de Sóller, a gorgeous vintage railway, for a journey through olive and orange groves to historic Sóller, surrounded by the peaks of the Tramuntana, £44 return ().
From here it’s a short tram ride to Port de Sóller, £6, where you can swim out into the Med. This is also one of the best spots on the island for seafood – try the local red prawns at Ses Oliveres, £24.
Hit the roof
Palma’s tight tangle of streets means some of the best views are from the rooftops, and no night here is complete without sipping a cocktail as you stare out at the floodlit cathedral.
The Nakar Hotel’s ninth-floor bar has potent negronis and heady espresso martinis, £8, plus dance music around the pool ().
Hit Hotel Almudaina’s SkyBar for a lounge-style vibe (), while back at Es Baluard you can get any tipple from local beer to champagne atop the city’s ancient walls ().
Shop for sneakers
Browse the high-street brands you know and love on Avenida de Jaime III, or find exclusive, high-end pieces among the curated collection at Position Concept Store – they really know their stuff ().
The eco-conscious should head to Suite 13, the first fair-trade store in Palma (), while shoe lovers won’t be disappointed by EZ/Lab’s funky trainers, designed in the city itself ().
Sleep chic
Purohotel’s central location and chic rooms make it the perfect base.
The spacious split-level bedrooms have huge baths, double sinks and floor- to-ceiling windows, while the spa offers dreamy massages and there’s even a rooftop hot tub.
Opio serves tasty steaks and Mallorcan wines, plus you can tuck into delicious Spanish ham for brekkie. Doubles cost from £106 B&B ().
FYI
- The Love Island villa costs around £3,000 for a week’s stay and is on the east of the island.
- Plan your trip at Visitpalma.com.
- Flights start from £50 return ().