WHAT MAKES PALMA SPECIAL

Palma de Mallorca plays an important role in the Autonomous Island Group as this city is considered as the main economic and cultural hub of this Catalan-speaking territory. With Palma’s airport, Son Sant Juan, used as jump off point to access, Minorca, Ibizza and Formentera the three other vibrant islands that comprise the Balearic Islands, it is not a wonder that this airport is one of the busiest in Europe.

Palma has captured the hearts of many tourists by virtue of its quaint and rustic charm. No where else in Spain can you witness the perfect juxtaposition of progress and history: a modern, vibrant and bustling city that has not lost any of its old world culture and charm. It is home to several architectural masterpieces, from the aristocratic Royal Palace and Castle of Bellver, to ancient mansions and gothic Cathedrals that never fail to attract visitors from all over the world.

By virtue of the number of local and foreign tourists the Island welcomes every year, Palma has become one of the most important holiday destinations and commercial ports of Spain. Palma’s contribution to the Balearic Island’s tourism industry; and Spain’s overall economic status simply can not go unnoticed.

WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN PALMA

Most tourists, upon their arrival at the Palma International Airport, immediately hie off to the beaches to soak up the sun or immerse themselves in the crisp blue waters of the Mediterranean as the Island is known for its spectacular beaches and winding coastlines. However, apart from the wonders of the sea, the city itself has so much more to offer.

A visitor of Palma will not want for activities in the city centre. Whether you travel by foot or by car, you will always find something interesting or find yourself in a place that is worth exploring. Excellent shopping centres, fabulous museums, relaxing gardens and parks are all within your reach at Palma. Not one for culture but interested in food and drinks? Palma has the best choice of hotels and has several restaurants offering a wide range of local and international cuisine. Truly, you will never experience a dull moment at Palma.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and ask your travel agent to book you a flight to Spain and surround yourself with the intoxicating beauty and magic of Palma.

Palma formerly called Palmaria was founded in 123 BC as one of the two cities on the Island of Mallorca. The other city, called Pollentia, was located on the Northeast. Both cities were used as Roman Ports: Pollentia served as a gateway to cities on the northwestern parts of the Mediterranean Sea; while Palmaria opened the doors of trade to countries like Africa.

When the Roman Empire fell, the island of Mallorca, particularly the city of Palmaria suffered immensely in the hands of vandals. Later on, the city was conquered and colonized by the Byzantine and Moors respectively. While Palma was under Moorish rule, the island was called Medina Mayurqa. Palma remained under the Moorish influence from 707 to 1229. On the eve of the new year, James I of Aragon conquered the moors and called Medina Mayurqa Palma de Mallorca, the name by which the city is known today.

Palma de Mallorca witnessed much progress under the rule of James I and his son, James II. Several architectural masterpieces, including the Bellver Castle, Palace of Almudaina, the Cathedral of Mallorca and other churches, statues and monuments were built under the reign of James II. Much of these architectural wonders can still be seen today.

After the reign of James II, the city experienced its own share of troubles and uprisings, which greatly affected the industry of the island. It was only in 1715, when Philip V issued a decree that separated the island and municipal government that the island experienced a rebirth. By the 18th century, due to increasing commerce with the United States, Palma de Mallorca became a bustling port once again. Further economic development was driven by the advent of mass tourism in the 1950’s and this helped mould Palma into the tourist destination it is today.

Before embarking on any journey, you must always try to find out more about your destination. You do this so you would have a better understanding of the culture and appreciate all that you would see, taste, feel and experience. This should be the case, whether you go on a business trip or one that is purely for pleasure.

Every city and every town has one or a few points of interest that every tourist must take time to see and visit; and Palma de Mallorca is not exempt from this rule. It is already a given that a visit to the island is incomplete without dipping into the azure Mediterranean Sea, but, there is more to Palma de Mallorca than the sea and sand. There are museums, gardens, parks, cathedrals and other historical landmarks that you, as a tourist, should not miss out on.

If you’re going around the city centre, it is impossible for you to miss the massive 13th century Gothic Cathedral La Seu that was commissioned by James I. The Cathedral is famous for its high arches, elegant columns and impressive list of ‘permanent residents’ as James I and James III are entombed in the Cathedral. If you’re keen at looking at tombs, you can pay a visit to the museum located within the cathedral or marvel at the fountains and sculptures found at the Parc de la Mar, which is found in front of the cathedral. Next to the Cathedral is the Palau de l’Almudaina, which was once a Royal residence but has now been converted into another museum.

Another must-see spot in Palma is the Castell de Bellver. Built in 1309, almost at the same time as the Cathedral, the Castell is unique because of its circular design. Though the castle was built to be a Royal family’s summer retreat, in later years, it served as a prison. Today, the castle no longer holds prisoners of war but, on occasion, it holds prisoners of art and music as the castle now functions as a museum and a venue for concerts.

Other sites you must see are the Arab Baths which are located just east of the main Cathedral. These places attract tourist because the interiors have remained unchanged since these were built in the 10th century. The well tended gardens that surround these baths are worth seeing as well.

The Town Hall, which was built in the 17th Century and has not lost any of its original charm and character, is also another place you must visit when you are in Palma.