Best Areas to Stay in Palma and Nearby Tourist Attractions

Palma is the vibrant capital of the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca. With its rich history, culture, architecture and natural beauty, it’s no wonder Palma is a top holiday destination for travellers from the UK and around the world. Wondering what to explore in Palma? Are there any tourist places nearby? Then you are at the right place. This guide shares the best areas to stay in Palma for easy access to key attractions. It also covers top sites within the city and nearby day trips showcasing more of Spain’s beauty. Read on for recommendations on where to go, what to see, shop and eat with Spain Visa UK!

Top Areas to Stay in Palma, Spain – A Quick Guide

Palma offers many great areas to stay during your Spanish holiday!

The top neighbourhoods close to key attractions, restaurants and shopping are the Old Town, Plaça Major and Paseo Marítimo.

• Old Town is perfect for wandering cobblestone streets past historic sites.
• Plaça Major puts you just steps away from the bustling city centre.
• Paseo Marítimo lines the oceanfront promenade.

Each of these best areas to stay in Palma boasts lots of dining and accommodation options from hostels to luxury hotels. Make Old Town or Plaça Major your base to explore the port, museum, palace and cathedral by foot.

Or wake up to sea views each morning from accommodations along Paseo Marítimo. All you need is a Spain Visa from UK to start your unforgettable Palma vacation!

Also see, First Time Visit in Madrid: Ultimate Guide for Holidaymakers

Major Attractions in Palma You Shouldn’t Miss!

Top attractions bringing history and culture to life in Palma include:

• La Seu Cathedral – Dating back to the 13th century, this impressive Gothic cathedral overlooks the bay. Don’t miss seeing its elaborately carved stone façade.
• Bellver Castle – Perched on a hilltop, this grand 14th century castle offers panoramic views and lush gardens to explore.

Apart from these hotspots like the Pueblo Español entertainment complex and Portixol Marina keep things modern. Here you can enjoy exploring bars, nightlife and yacht watching!

Popular Shopping Places in Palma – Shop till You Drop!

Shopaholics usually flock to Palma for its fabulous retail therapy options. You can check out some exciting places like:

• La Cera – For traditional Spanish wares, browse colourful ceramics, woven baskets and decorative tiles at La Cera.
• The big department store El Corte Inglés is a one-stop shop for everything from designer fashions to gourmet food items.
• Avinguda Jaume III is lined with boutiques and famous brand stores like Zara and Mango.
• Don’t miss haggling for deals at the Rastro weekly flea market overflowing with clothes, crafts, antiques and more.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Spain Visa Appointment today to go on a shopping spree in Palma!

Also see, 7 Best Places to Stay in Madrid for Tourists

Must-Try Restaurants & Foods in Palma

Palma’s dining scene excels with fresh seafood, regional delicacies and tapas galore. For iconic local flavours, you must try pa amb oli – crusty bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil.

Top restaurants for savouring Spanish cuisine in Palma include:

• Marc Fosh Restaurant – Enjoy a sleek and modern fine dining experience curated by the acclaimed Michelin-starred chef March Fosh.
• La Bodeguilla – It’s a creative tapas plates venue where tapas are usually paired with extensive wines by the glass.
• La Lonja Restaurant – Harborfront setting with some of the best seafood and other gastronomical delights.
• Make sure to grab some Ensaïmadas. These are sweet flaky pastries dusted with powdered sugar. You can find these at the iconic Forn des Teatre bakery!

Best Day Trips from Palma for an Extended Spain Trip!

Beyond Palma, stunning coastal and mountain landscapes offer quick day trips. Top day trip options include:

• Sóller – Ride the historic train through mountains and orchards to reach this charming village.
• Valldemossa – Easy day trip through the countryside dotted with monasteries and olive groves.
• Deià – A charming village with galleries, botanic garden and rugged coastal trails.
• Alcúdia – Walled old town and beaches overlooking a large bay farther up the coastline.
• Pollença – Pretty port town at the foot of the northern Tramuntana mountain range.

Also see, 10 things to know before you go to Spain

Nearby Tourist Attractions to Palma Spain: Sóller & Magaluf

Two small towns that you can stay in, apart from Palma are the delightful Sóller and lively Magaluf. Let’s explore why they also deserve to be on your Palma holiday Itinerary:

Sóller – A Delightful Town Near Palma

The popular day trip from Palma to Sóller takes just over an hour on the wooden Ferrocarril de Sóller train. A drive from Palma will take around 40 minutes so if you are renting a car, you can easily reach there via road.

Departing a few times daily from Palma’s Plaça d’Espanya station, the charming vintage train crosses scenic countryside views on its way to the northwest village of Sóller!

What are Some Best Areas to Stay in Sóller?

Sóller makes for a peaceful countryside escape from the city. Its accommodations range from hostels to boutique inns clustered around the main plaza or tram stop. For rooms with a view, head to lodges along the coastal road towards Port de Sóller.

From here, you can catch a tram or tourist train. They’ll whisk you between the village, beaches and port areas where restaurants and attractions are located.

Top Attractions in Sóller You Must Definitely Visit!

Beyond pretty architecture and laidback vibes in Sóller village, top attractions include:

• Jardí Botànic – Established in 1985, this blossoming botanical garden has over 3,000 diverse plants.
• Museu de Sóller – Get insight into Sóller’s past at this museum housed in an 18th century manor home.
• Tramuntana Trails – Lace up hiking boots and head into the nearby Tramuntana Mountains on foot or bike.
• Save some time for lemon sorbet and people-watching in lively Plaza Constitución. You’ll certainly enjoy it after a long day of exploring Sóller.

Want to explore these interesting places? Then apply for Spain Visa today. Go on a Spanish vacation that you will remember for a lifetime!

Where to Shop & Eat in Sóller?

• In Sóller, shop for Mallorcan pottery and olive wood creations on Carrer de Sa Lluna and Carrer Isabel II.
• Weekly Open-Air Market – Here you can browse the stalls of fruit, vegetables, cheese and more
• Seafood rules menus in Port de Sóller. So, make sure to try them out. But don’t miss the homemade ice cream stands dotted around town either!
• For terraces with a view, cafe culture thrives around Plaza Constitución.

You can also grab an outdoor table for Mediterranean dishes at these top-rated restaurants in Sóller:

• Sa Cova – Ultra fresh catches cooked simply to let bold flavors shine.
• Ca’n Boqueta – Family-run favorite for authentic local cuisine since 1885.
• El Guia – Creative riffs on Spanish tapas paired with craft island-made beers.

Magaluf – A Famous Resort Town of Europe

Magaluf sits about 45 minutes southwest of Palma by car or bus, making it another tempting easy day or overnight escape. Visitors usually fly to Palma or other Balearic Islands. From here, you can travel to the resort town situated on Mallorca’s southwest coast easily.

Also see, 15 Top Most Popular Dishes in Spain

Best Areas to Stay in Magaluf

Accommodation options usually cater to all types of budgets in this beachfront party capital. Some areas where you can stay comfortably are:

• Along the main beach strip – For a lively atmosphere and waterfront views
• Around the main square – In the heart of bars, clubs and shops
• On the outskirts – For a quieter vibe away from late-night revelry

Look for all-inclusive deals including food, drinks and activities if you want to enjoy everything Magaluf offers without worrying about costs.

What to See & Do in Magaluf?

Magaluf knows how to show tourists a good time with its sunny climate, golden sands and vibrant nightlife.

Fill your daytime trips in Magaluf with:

• Beach lounging
• Watersports
• Boat cruises, and
• Fun at Theme Park

When the sun goes down, nightclubs, bars, casinos come alive. So, do check them out for a vibrant nightlife!

Must Visit Attractions in Magaluf

• Magaluf Beach – White sand stretches for over a mile with ample water sports equipment for rent.
• Western Water Park – Thrilling water slides and pools including the “Crazy Race” and “Boomerang.”
• Pirates Adventure – Enjoy Interactive pirate shows aboard a Spanish galleon replica.
• Katmandu Park – Rides, games and 4D cinema inside this elaborate theme park.

So, grab a Spain Tourist Visa and check out Magaluf’s exciting attractions. The clock is ticking. Apply now!

Where to Shop & Eat in Magaluf?

Magaluf boasts incredible seafood delights that are a treat. La Dorada is famous for lobster paella and all-you-can-eat shellfish. On the other hand, Ponderosa slings burgers and generous Sunday roasts for those missing British pub grub.

If you love to shop then here are some interesting things you can get in Magaluf:

• Head to Playa de Magaluf for towels, hats and sunglasses.
• And snag cheesy “I Love Magaluf” tees or Mallorca-themed trinkets at shops flanking the main plaza.

Apart from these places, you can also check out other shopping places like:

• La Vila Centre Comercial
• Momentum Plaza
• Cinderella’s Shop
• Carola Boutique

After dark, just follow the crowds migrating between nightclub mainstays like Boomerang and Magaluf Strip. They will be blasting top hits and current dance remixes. So, dance your heart out in these exciting places!

Conclusion

Wherever you choose to stay across the Mallorca district, moving between towns via bus, train and tram ensures ease of island holidays. If you love driving, you can also rent a car and explore these charming places. With this ultimate Palma travel guide in hand, start planning your Spanish island adventure today with a Spain Schengen Visa!

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