With its phenomenal cathedral, stunning architecture, amazing restaurants, beautiful shopping area and so much more, you will definitely be making plans for your next visit to this Balearic island when you’re back onboard at the end of the day.
Ask the captain to drop you off really early and have a coffee with the locals at one of the many outdoor cafés before you head over to the Palma Cathedral, La Seu, which you probably already spotted while onboard the yacht. The cathedral, originated between 1229 and 1346, is built on the site of a previous mosque, which was constructed on top of a church.
The dimensions of the cathedral are impressive, at almost 110 meter long and 33 meter wide and with a height of 44 meter, it is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. A striking feature of the church is the Gothic rosette window on the eastern side of the building, it is composed of more than 1,200 colorful glass fragments and when the sun shines through the window the light conjures up fascinating, kaleidoscopic reflections in the interior.
The cathedral is open for worship, so ask your chief stewardess to check ahead of time and buy tickets if you would like to visit. The church closes early, so if you would like to visit plan accordingly.
On the well-maintained grass of the Parc de la Mar , tourists and locals mingle, playing chess, doing yoga, celebrating a family birthday, soaking up some rays, or just taking in the beautiful area around them. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the cathedral as a backdrop, it is the perfect photo op!
After visiting the cathedral area, walk the winding streets of the Old City. The Arab past is still lingering in this quiet maze of streets. You will be surprised by how private and silent this area feels for being part of such a bustling city as Palma de Mallorca is. Stately homes dating back to the 17th and 18th century are sensitively restored and a prominent feature in this part of town. As this area is slightly elevated, you will have spectacular views from Palma de Mallorca and the sea beneath you. Maybe you can spot the yacht that brought you to this fantastic city!
The ancient Mills of El Jonquet nearby are some of the characteristic windmills you probably already spotted when your were docking or when the captain was dropping the anchor. The old windmills are very symbolic to Mallorca and are actually water-extraction mills. These windmills with their picturesque wooden vanes are still operating, although the newer ones look a bit more modern.
Now that you have worked up an appetite, let’s not forget about lunch! Of course you are already spoiled by your chef onboard, but in Palma de Mallorca fusion cuisine, creative tapas, sophisticated tasting menus and traditional dishes all compete for your attention. You might want to consider lunch at Michelin star restaurant Sumaq, which offers Peruvian food at its best in Palma.
What would be better after lunch than a little shopping? A day in Palma de Mallorca would not be complete without a stroll down Passeig del Born. Visit this beautiful tree-lined boulevard to take the pulse of the city, admire the elegant architecture, and relax at one of the chic outdoor cafés while watching the world go by.
Known as “Golden Mile”, the leafy avenue is one of the busiest shopping streets in Palma, its graceful Modernista structures housing everything from art galleries to upmarket Spanish brands to world-famous designer stores. Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, and Hugo Boss are all here, and so are national treasures like Zara, Zara Home, and luxury fashion house Loewe.
For the highest concentration of brands, head to Avinguda de Jaume III, Palma’s most glamorous shopping strip. Only a stone’s throw from Passeig del Born, it entices visitors with its beautiful, symmetrical architecture and luxury designer shops selling fashion, jewelry, and accessories. Under its emblematic arcades, you will find Guess, Cartier, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Loewe, Mont Blanc, as well as the chic local shoemaker Camper or the emblematic Spanish department store El Corte Inglés.
You will find all the perfect outfits for your next days at the yacht here, while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
After a last cocktail during sunset you can stroll back to the port or call to be picked up to be brought back to the yacht. While being welcomed back by the chief stewardess and telling her about your amazing day, you will probably agree, a next visit to Palma de Mallorca should be on the agenda!
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