Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the island’s cultural, historical and cosmopolitan heart. Once a strategic Mediterranean trading hub, today it’s a vibrant blend of Gothic architecture, seaside promenades, Moorish heritage, designer boutiques and a thriving culinary scene. With its iconic cathedral rising above the marina and maze-like old town, Palma offers a rich mix of the ancient and the modern, where narrow cobbled streets give way to contemporary art galleries, tapas bars and rooftop terraces.

While many visitors head straight to Mallorca’s beach towns, I think skipping Palma would be a mistake - even a short stay here reveals layers of history, sophistication and local life that feel distinctly different from the island’s rural or resort areas. Whenever visiting Mallorca, I always make sure to spend a day or two in Palma.