Palma: Your Complete Guide

Autumn (September to November) offers a wonderful balance, with temperatures starting warm at around 27°C in September and gradually cooling to about 18°C by November. While there's slightly more rainfall than summer, it remains generally dry, making it ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and taking leisurely walks. The sea remains warm well into autumn, and the grape harvest brings local festivities.

Spring in Palma (March to May) brings mild and pleasant temperatures, ranging from 13°C to 22°C, with reduced rainfall, creating ideal conditions for exploring. The island blossoms with almond trees and wildflowers, and the city hosts events like the PalmaVela regatta. It's a fantastic time for sightseeing, enjoying alfresco dining, and experiencing a quieter charm before the summer crowds.

Summer (June to August) is Palma's peak season, characterized by hot and dry weather with temperatures typically between 25°C and 30°C, often reaching 35°C. This is perfect for enjoying Palma's beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, rooftop dining, and lively music festivals such as Festa de la Verge del Carme. Be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, especially in July and August.

Palma's winters (December to February) are mild, with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, though it can be windy and wetter than other seasons. This off-peak period means fewer crowds and lower prices, offering a tranquil time for cultural exploration. The city twinkles with holiday lights and Christmas markets, and it's a great season for hiking in the nearby mountains or enjoying orange and lemon picking.

The historic heart of Palma, a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets filled with Gothic architecture. Home to La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and charming plazas like Plaza Mayor, it’s perfect for boutique shopping and tapas discoveries.

Once a fishing district, Santa Catalina is now Palma's trendy and bohemian hub, renowned for its vibrant food scene. It features the Santa Catalina Market, numerous cafes, cocktail bars, and boutique shops, attracting both locals and expats with its cosmopolitan vibe and lively nightlife.

An elegant and historic neighborhood adjacent to the Old Town, characterized by its stunning Gothic maritime exchange building, La Lonja de la Seda. Its secretive streets host a tantalizing selection of restaurants, cozy bars, and luxurious boutique hotels, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and dining.

A former fishing village transformed into a stylish seaside retreat, located just east of the city center. Portixol offers a picturesque promenade ideal for walking and cycling, beautiful beaches, and an array of waterfront cafes and seafood restaurants, providing a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of modern sophistication.

Nestled between Bellver Forest and the Paseo Marítimo, El Terreno is a bohemian district with a rich history and artistic heritage. It offers peaceful green spaces, proximity to Bellver Castle with panoramic views, and a mix of traditional charm and urban revival with emerging restaurants and galleries.

Palma is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of 43.5 km of cycling lanes. The public bike-sharing system, BiciPalma, offers both mechanical and electric bikes through an app. Registration is free, and an annual subscription is €30, with the first 30 minutes free for mechanical bikes (then €0.50 per 30 min) and a small fee for e-bikes from the start. Numerous private rental companies also offer bikes. Popular routes include the flat, traffic-free coastal promenade from Palma to Portixol and Ciudad Jardín (approx. 16 km). More challenging routes, like those in the Serra de Tramuntana, require greater fitness. Always wear a helmet, use lights at night, and adhere to traffic regulations for a safe cycling experience.

Palma is an exceptionally walkable city, especially its historic center (Casco Antiguo), which features numerous pedestrianized streets. Major attractions like La Seu Cathedral, La Almudaina Palace, and Plaza Mayor are all within easy walking distance of each other. The scenic Paseo Marítimo promenade, stretching along the waterfront, is also ideal for leisurely strolls. When walking in areas with vehicle traffic, always stay to the side of the street and be mindful of local cars and public transport to ensure safety.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is well-connected to the city center. Taxis are available outside arrivals, costing approximately €28-€37 for a 15-20 minute journey. The EMT A1 bus service offers a budget-friendly option, with a one-way ticket costing €5 and a journey time of 20-30 minutes, dropping you at Plaça d'Espanya. For convenience, private transfers can be pre-booked for around €25-€38, ensuring a seamless, door-to-door experience in about 15-20 minutes. Shared shuttles are also available to various resorts, offering a cost-effective choice with longer travel times due to multiple stops.

Palma's public transport network is efficient, primarily consisting of EMT city buses (blue and white/green) and TIB intercity buses (red and yellow), which also manage the metro and train. EMT city buses operate from approximately 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with a NightBus service on Friday, Saturday, and eve of public holidays (11:30 PM - 6:30 AM). A single bus ticket for EMT costs €2 within the city, €5 to the airport, and €3 to the port; drivers only accept cash, with a maximum change for a €10 note. A 10-trip prepaid card costs €15 and allows one free transfer within 90 minutes (not valid for airport/port routes). TIB intercity buses connect Palma with other towns on the island; tickets can be paid for in cash or by credit card on board, with card payments often offering a lower fare (€1.80-€8.10 depending on zone). The metro operates from Palma's Plaça d'Espanya and single tickets cost €1.80, purchasable from station machines with cash or card. The free MobiPalma app provides real-time bus arrival times, route planning (including bus, bike, and parking combinations), and public bicycle station information.