Palma, the capital of Mallorca, has often been named one of the best cities in the world in which to live. Would you like to know why? At Zafiro Hotels, we would like to share with you the things that make it such a special place.

Alongside the sea and bathed by Mediterranean light that fills it with warmth all year round, the heritage of the city and its architectural wealth, shopping areas with top international brands, terraces where you can take a break at any time and a load of must-see attractions that you will love.

Index

1. Palma, city of legends
2. Cosmopolitan city in every way
3. Bars and restaurants in the centre of Palma

Palma, city of legends

Given its strategic location in the Mediterranean, Palma has been invaded by numerous cultures on their way to the Spanish peninsula. This has made it a very culturally rich city, with architectural remains from the Arab occupancy to the present day.

Strolling through its old town, you will see La Seu, the imposing Gothic Cathedral with some unique features: alongside the sea, with a spectacular 13.5m diameter rose window, modernist incursions by Gaudí and a chapel recently remodelled by the prestigious international artist Miguel Barceló. If you carry on wandering around, you will come across ancient mansions with huge shaded patios that, even today, carry the crests of the nobles that inhabited them throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

In front of the Cathedral is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, an official residence of the King and Queen of Spain, although now only used occasionally for certain events and for the famous cocktail reception for Mallorcan society held every summer.

Cosmopolitan city in every way

In the centre of Palma there is a wide range of famous brand stores and art galleries with a very special charm.

At Zafiro Hotels we propose you start your shopping trips in the Plaza de España and head down to Jaime III, passing along the way the Plaza Mayor, La Rambla and the Paseo del Borne. The latter has become the area for luxury brands and is known as "the Palma golden mile". Great brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Carolina Herrera, Escada or Uterqüe are here, along with very interesting designer stores.

Bars and restaurants in the centre of Palma

You must not miss a few recommendations for enjoying the best Mallorcan cuisine. Palma has two major areas to choose from with a wide range of bars and restaurants: La Lonja, in the historic centre of the city, and the nearby Santa Catalina district. Santa Catalina is one of the best places for a great atmosphere for enjoying some tapas and a drink, or to eat out at some of the best Peruvian, Italian, Japanese and, of course, Mallorcan restaurants.

And if you love haute cuisine, Mallorca has 8 Michelin-starred restaurants, two of which are located in Palma and run by the chefs Marc Fosh and Adrián Quetglas.

During your walks around Palma, you must also stop for a home-made ice cream or savour typical Mallorcan cakes and pastries such as the ensaimada or cuartos, a cake that melts in your mouth.

Discover all the suggestions we have for you to enjoy your trip to Mallorca to the full!