Discover Palma in 24 Hours - The Cultural Heart of Mallorca

Dinogo Planet's destination editor, AnneMarie McCarthy, has just returned from a brief trip to Palma de Mallorca. Here, she shares the highlights of her action-packed day in Mallorca's vibrant capital, showcasing how to make the most of just 24 hours.

In May, I traveled to Mallorca with a friend as part of a broader journey through the Balearics, starting with Ibiza. Due to the ferry schedule, we arrived in Palma late Friday night, giving us only a full day to explore the city before our early flight on Sunday.

I quickly discovered that Palma is the ideal destination for a sunny city getaway. While a few days would be best to fully explore everything the city offers, even those focused on a beach vacation in Mallorca should consider a day trip here. Its compact layout and consistently pleasant weather allow for a perfect blend of relaxation, shopping, delicious dining, and cultural experiences. Plus, with the island’s excellent public transport, reaching Palma from nearly any major beach resort is a breeze.

I truly wished I could have stayed longer, but we made the most of the limited time we had.

Where did you stay and what was the atmosphere like?

I stayed at INNSiDE Palma Bosque, located near the waterfront and just a 30-minute stroll from the Cathedral. This makes it convenient to access the main tourist attractions while enjoying a serene and quiet street.

The standout features were the stunning indoor and outdoor aquamarine pools, which are visible from all the rooms. The hotel also boasts an excellent restaurant named Syndeo and a surprisingly lively gym, tempting you to relax and sip cocktails at the poolside bar all day. So be cautious—you'll need to be disciplined if you want to explore beyond the hotel.

What was the best dish you tried?

We dined at Vida, right by the port, and shared a Côte de Boeuf along with a variety of sides. Typically, I’m hesitant to order meat that requires further cooking, but since it arrived already seared, it was quite easy to finish it off to my preference on the hot plate.

Regrettably, it was so scrumptious that I forgot to snap a photo as I dove right in. However, we did enjoy cocktails at their sister bar, Tree House, located just upstairs with a view of the harbor—so that sort of counts as dessert, doesn’t it?

What was your favorite activity from the trip?

A delightful two-hour yachting excursion with Swiss Yachting. We departed from Puerto Portals (just a 25-minute taxi ride from Palma) and sailed southeast along the coast. It was breathtaking to view the iconic rugged cliffs from the sea, and we passed many kayakers and other boat tours sharing the same experience. Our boat picked up quite a speed in open water, which only added to the thrill.

We made a stop for swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by numerous other yachts with the same plan, enjoying some rosé wine in between.

Did you pick up a souvenir?

Absolutely! I found a lovely market in Parc de la Mar, which also offered stunning views of the cathedral. While some exquisite pottery seemed too delicate to bring back, I did purchase a beautiful light jacket from one of the stalls. The owner mentioned she’s been selling here for years, and all the clothing featured vibrant, unique patterns.

What was the most touristy activity you engaged in?

We started our day by exploring Castell de Bellver early in the morning, before the heat made the steep hike up the hill challenging. This impressive circular fortress from the 14th century houses the city's history museum, but the real highlight is the breathtaking 360-degree views from the top, showcasing the harbour and surrounding mountains. The €4 entry fee is definitely worth it.

By the time we finished our visit, the temperature was rising and the day was slipping away, so we decided to take the hop-on-hop-off bus back to central Palma for €20. This option not only saved us time but also allowed us to see more along the way. The ticket lasts for 24 hours, so I wish we had made better use of it.

What’s the best advice for someone planning a similar trip?

Honestly, try to allocate more time! There’s so much to explore in Palma, and the lovely weather combined with easy access to the sea means you could effortlessly spend a weekend or longer enjoying the sights, markets, and either the pool or the beach. If you're only in Palma for 24 hours before heading elsewhere on the island, consider scheduling activities like the yacht trip for when you’re outside the city to make the most of your time. However, since we weren’t staying longer in Mallorca, I don’t regret our itinerary at all; it was a fantastic introduction to both the city and the island, and I can’t wait to return.

AnneMarie visited Mallorca at the invitation of We Are Indigo. Contributors to Dinogo Planet do not accept free gifts in exchange for positive reviews.