Sneak PEEK
A palace tour or a picnic on the beach? Do both in Palma
IT’S small and very perfectly formed. Palma, the warm-hearted capital of Majorca, is a time-capsule of a town, easy to explore and full of Spanish surprises. That’s why it works so well for a weekend break – and why no holiday to the island is complete without a visit.
GRAND DESIGNS
Two huge, honey-coloured stone buildings dominate the city’s skyline.
Go gothic at the cathedral, La Seu, which towers over Palma. Inside are dozens of stunning stained-glass windows plus a crown-of-thorns sculpture by Antoni Gaudí. A top tip is to visit early and see the morning sun flood the interior in coloured light.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is the other building that looms large.
When the Spanish h royals aren’t staying, it is open n for tours.
Alongside these e two landmarks, walk through a rabbit warren of streets in the old town. Or stroll along Paseo o del Borne, the ‘golden mile’ boulevard that’s home to chic stores, churros urros stalls and pavement cafés fés galore.
FRESH FOOD OOD
Farmers’ markets s abound in Palma. The best include nclude Mercat de l’Olivar and Mercat ercat 1930. Stock up for a picnic cnic beside the superyachts in the e harbour, or head to golden Ca’n Pere Antoni, the city beach locals use.
If you want Michelin-star food, Palma has a wealth of world-class restaurants. Many locals also enjoy a very British G&T before dinner, so join the regulars for swift one at sunset. Art is another passion. At the Fundació Miró Mallorca you’ll see the surrealist’s old workshops. Inside are hundreds of his works, many left on easels as they were on his death. For something different, try the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience. Launched by local hero Nadal, it’s a mix of tennis trophies and cutting-edge sports technology.
OUT OF TOWN
See another side of the island by hopping on the vintage train from Palma to Soller, taking you into the heart of the countryside. It’s a scenic, hour-long journey through a dozen tunnels and stations as all pretty as the train’s original, wood-panelled carriages. Soller is surrounded by orange groves. Drink a glass of juice in a sunny café before heading back to Palma. Fans say it’s the sweetest juice in the world.