PALMA de MALLORCA
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain


Location:
On the S coast at the centre of the wide Bay of Palma. International airport of Son Sant Joan is 5 miles E.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Website:
http://www.balearics.com/mallorca/walk.htm

Position:
Built on undulating land, extending into pine-clad foothills to the W. Flatter agricultural land to the N and W.

Description:
The island's capital city with a population of 325,000 and a sizeable port, Palma offers a rich mix of history, culture and nightlife. There is also ready access to the nearest resorts of Ca'n Pastilla (5 miles) and Cala Mayor (4 miles). Fascinating central area with narrow streets between the high walls of ancient buildings. This compact, easy to walk historic core of the city extends inland from the commercial port and the most prominent of landmarks _ the cathedral and royal palace. These fine monuments were built over the sacked remains of the Moorish Alcazar and mosque, razed to the ground when the Christians regained the island from the Moors.

Suitability:
Those who prefer a central location for its convenience, nightlife, cultural events and its historic interest. Business visitors in particular are well provided for; besides the facilities in the larger hotels there is an auditorium with six convention halls at the port and a similarly well-equipped Palace of Congress at Pueblo Espaħol.

Accommodation:
The best hotels are concentrated on the Paseo Maritimo to the W of the centre. Moderate hotels are here too, so is much of the nightlife. Golfers will find top-class accommodation at the Son Vida course.

Shopping:
In the atmospheric and often pedestrianised streets of the old city. Further options are available in the Avenidas surrounding the area. Via Sindicato, Calle San Miguel, Calle Jaime II, Calle Colon, la Rambla, are some of the streets to head for. Saturday market, el Baratillo.

Beach:
None. Bus service to outlying areas is efficient if somewhat crowded.

Entertainments:
Daytime: any sightseeing itinerary should take in the cathedral (la Seu); Almudaina palace; la Lonja and the Arab baths, all of which are in the old centre and close to the port. Slightly further are the hilltop castle of Bellver and the Pueblo Espaħol (reproductions of typical buildings from various parts of Spain). Nightlife: most vibrant, and sometimes seedy, in the El Terreno district. The old centre and tree-lined avenues around it are also lively at night. A full programme of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, ballet and theatre performances is published monthly by the tourist office.

Eating:
El Terreno, the centre and the Paseo Maritimo provide plenty of choice. The Casino-Palladium, along the coast by Magalluf, is a glitzy venue for dining, gambling, watching shows and spectaculars.

Public-transport:
Trains to Soller and Inca (the former highly scenic). Regular buses to most resorts. Roads radiate outwards from Palma making it an excellent base. Good city bus service.

Local-excursions:
Most parts of the island can be reached in little more than an hour. Some popular ones are the Caves of Drach (Porto Cristo); Marineland (Portals Nous); Inca market (inland); Valldemosa, Deya, and the mountains of the NW.