Capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, is home to about half of the population of these wondrous Islands in the Mediterranean. Palma takes its name from a Roman settlement from antiquity, but the site is actually much older. Over the centuries, this marvelous place has changed hands many time, and understandably. Paradise is a priceless commodity.
Conquered by Arabs, Valencia, Aragon, attacked by Berber Pirates, even the Turks, Mallorca has seen its share of upheaval, yet today not many places exemplify a relaxed atmosphere better. Since the 1950’s Palma de Mallorca has been a favored touristic destination for Europeans, especially those in Scandinavia and the colder regions. April to October, this place is a hotspot for sunbathers and beachcombers.
Do It All
A modern city, Palma is a shopping and sightseeing paradise, as well as a seaside resort. Chic boutiques, classy restaurants, charming narrow streets that amble past wonderful architecture and historic character, Palma is everything anyone dreamed life on the Med would be. For ancient historic pondering, there’s Bellver Castle, a 14th century remnant of Palma’s past. For the lover of culture, there’s Pueblo Español, an architectural museum designed to show off the village cultures of Mallorca. And for those enthralled with the night time, Palma has Paseo Maritimo, where party time meets the yachting set along the city’s ancient port.
More museums, and historic attractions include; Catedral de Mallorca, Banys Àrabs, Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo, as well as myriad others. If there’s one thing Palma de Mallorca has, it's an endless array of courtyards and shady city center sites to see. And for the kids?
Parks, Beaches, and the Great Outdoors
Whether it’s an amusement or water park you’re interested in, or a lush green space to sit down to a picnic, Palma has something for everyone. The water slides and wet fun of Aqualand provide a superb departure from the city center’s sometimes chaotic hum. Yacht charters and other boating pportunities on the port, are a great chance to see the Island from the sea too. And suntan oil and beach volleyball are your thing, Can Pere Antoni, and the other great beaches of Palma are the biggest attractions. Be sure and not miss the nearby vineyards, villages, and markets of the Mallorca countryside outside the city too.
Like any Island getaway in the Med, Mallorca is inextricably linked to the sea. There are literally dozens of pristine, secluded, and seemingly untouched stretches of sand along the Island’s coastline. In the interior, the mountains of the region provide diversity that is even more naturally beautiful. But, the most precious gift of Palma de Mallorca, like so many places, is her people. You’ll make friends easily here. Come see.
Main attractions: Catedral de Mallorca, Plaça d'Espanya, the Old City, Museo Catedralicio, Banys Àrabs, Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo, Aqualand, Windward Islands Yacht Charter, Cala Major, Can Pere Antoni, and many others.
Currency: Euro
Official language: Spanish
Area: 208.63 km2 (80.6 sq mi)
Population: 401,270
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Type: Europlug, Schuko
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc)
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Other pllaces to see & things to do: Plaça del Mercat, Ciudad Jardín, Marineland, and many, many more.
Images courtesy: Pakmor - Fotolia.com, seiho, Wikipedia.
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