Palma

Palma de Malllorca the island’s capital has a most intriguing history, with influences from the Romans, Jews, and Arabs.

Palma’s two greatest landmarks, visible from sea, land or air are the Cathedral and Bellver Castle the latter of which stands majestically on a hill above the bustle of the port. The Cathedral, built on the site of an Arab Mosque and which took approximately 370 years to construct, literally dominates the bay; alongside it stands the Palau Almundaina, an ancient palace of the Mallorcan monarchs.

For the historians there is a wealth of things to whet the appetite. One can take a ride in a horse drawn carriage and enjoy a tour of the old quarter. Conversely Palma is a shopoholics heaven on earth, Jaime 111, the main street, is home to some of the most exclusive shops one can hope to find. When finally exhausted from a serious bout of retail therapy there are many fascinating tapas bars and restaurants tucked away in the labyrinth of streets. Palma is a perfect destination for a weekend break; you will find many hotels to choose from including some fine boutique hotels.

Best Restaurants

Fabrica 23
Tel: 971 453 125
In the heart of Santa Catalina this intimate bistro restaurant of renown is hugely popular with locals, indigenous and foreign!

The menu changes daily depending on availability of fresh produce sourced from
the nearby Santa Catalina market. Its excellent Mediterranean menu is in the
higher price range, but there is a set luncheon menu priced at around 18 euros. Due its undoubted popularity, it is essential to make your reservation early

Cellar Sa Premsa
Tel: 971 723 529
This is one of the oldest established and well known restaurants in Palma.
Owned and run by the family Mayol this eating place is truly authentic, as you sit amongst the huge wine casks which adorn the walls the wine cellar atmosphere
will envelope you.

There is always a tremendous buzz about the place, especially at lunch time
when the locals descend. The food is medium priced, and you can enjoy typical Mallorca fare from the Mediterranean style menu.  On street parking is a
little tricky; however there is an underground car park in the Plaza. 

Restaurant Club Nautico

Tel: 971 718 783
At the Royal Yacht Club situated on the upper floor with wonderful views over the bay. Dine indoors or on the terrace. Specialities to savour are fish soup and paellas, which are superb

Casa Gallega

Tel: 971 718 783

Close to Plaza Weyler and Gran Hotel this Galician restaurant was founded in 1966 and has always been a firm favourite with the locals and tourist alike. The ground floor is the bar and tapas area, which means that you can pop in and have a delicious array of dishes accompanied by a drink. Upstairs is the restaurant serving superb seafood and fish dishes for which it is famous. Medium price range.  Best to reserve a table. 

Restaurant Mediterraneo 1930

Tel: 971 718 783
This elegant restaurant with its Art Deco dining room is situated on the Paseo Maritimo;
summer pavement dining is  a pleasant experience. Quality cuisine at sensible prices. .

Bar Cappuccino
In Calle San Miguel, this exquisite old town house has been sympathetically renovated, retaining its ancient cobbled floor. The whole building is a thing of beauty; one can dine indoors, or by the fountain on the patio. The menu is an excellent mix of healthy salads, and to die for desserts, with Cappuccino’s myriad specialist coffees.

Best Bars
The area known as La Lonja has many interesting bars and restaurants, its lively atmosphere will thrill you, and this is definitely the place to head for!

Abaco
Situated in the La Lonja district of Palma, just off the Paseo Maritimo is the most romantic and surprising place that you will have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, because the moment you walk through the heavy centuries old olive wood doors, you will be transported into another world.

I shall refrain from further description because it would spoil things for you, all I will say is, put this at the top of your to do list! A smart casual dress code is upheld.

The cocktails served therein are quite expensive, but believe me it is indeed well worth the extra cost. Abacanto, the sister establishment out on the old Bunyola Road, close to the Poligono is equally fascinating, set in beautiful gardens, and with fountains playing lazily it is a perfect place to relax with a glass of something cool on a balmy summer’s evening.
 

Bar Bosch
Is simply a typical city bar;  a wonderful place to watch the world go by and situated at the junction of the Borne and Jaime 111. It is an extremely convenient and popular meeting places