Discovering the Hidden Gems of Spain: This Spring's Must-Visit City Beyond Barcelona

In spring, over 4 million almond trees bloom across Mallorca, transforming the largest Balearic Island into a breathtaking expanse of white flowers. This season also invites travelers to enjoy its 20-plus golf courses and numerous bike routes, attracting professional cycling teams from around the globe to train at various cycling facilities. Palma, the island's capital, stands out as an irresistible destination for a spring escape.

Palma de Mallorca boasts a rich array of attractions. Discover Spain’s sole round castle, an ancient sandstone cathedral nearing 800 years old, and local seafood shops showcasing the island's unique catches. Here, 17th- and 18th-century homes coexist with stylish boutiques, Gothic churches, and vibrant restaurants, creating a seamless landscape perfect for a weekend or extended stay.

With abundant activities in Palma and its surroundings, here’s a guide on how to enjoy your time in Mallorca's capital this spring.

Wander Through Palma’s Historic Old Town

Palma de Mallorca’s Old Town is rich with landmarks from the eras of the Romans, Moors, and Christians. The most notable Christian site is La Seu, a sandstone cathedral that took nearly 400 years to complete. Begun in the 13th century, it ranks among Europe’s tallest Gothic structures, dominating the skyline with its impressive rose windows—some of the largest in existence. The exquisite details, like the crown-of-thorns canopy, are particularly striking, especially given that many 20th-century renovations were crafted by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí.

The Passeig del Born, known as the Golden Mile, is a tree-lined pedestrian street offering a tranquil atmosphere along with ample shopping and dining options. It leads to vibrant avenues such as Avenida de Jaime III, which are filled with luxury boutiques, tapas bars, and cafés serving delicious pastries (be sure to try the sugar-dusted sweet bread called ensaimada). A short stroll from this street toward the waterfront will bring you to the lively La Longja neighborhood, where alfresco nightlife awaits.

A brief 10-minute walk from La Seu takes you to Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum, a stunning architectural marvel situated in a former military fortress. The museum features over 800 artworks from artists dating back to the 19th century.

Bellver Castle is a 14th-century fortress located about a 10-minute drive west of Palma, perched on a pine-covered hill that offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Palma and the Tramuntana Mountains. This round castle is a prime example of Catalan Gothic architecture, complete with a moat, drawbridge, three towers, and a museum showcasing ceramics and sculptures from Roman, Arab, and Spanish eras.

Indulge in Local Seafood

After your adventures, swing by a tapas bar like Colmado Hispania in Old Town to savor regional delights such as grilled octopus served with creamy chickpea puree and spicy tartare, Iberian pork cheeks paired with sweet potatoes, and Andalusian squid drizzled with citrus aioli. Don’t miss out on treats like bunyols (Mallorcan doughnuts) and arroz brut (rice stew) along Palma’s scenic 2.5-mile seafront promenade.

For another culinary experience, visit Mercat de l’Olivar, the largest covered market in Palma. Seafood lovers will delight in the variety of fish, including the llampuga (mahi mahi), displayed on ice. As you stroll through the stalls, you’ll also find an array of fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, spices, teas, and coffees. Grab a quick bite or settle down with a glass of wine for a leisurely meal.

Celebrate Festival Season

Spring brings a variety of festivals to enjoy. Plan your visit in May for the Mallorca Live Festival, the island's premier music event showcasing a mix of pop, rock, dance, and indie artists from both Spain and abroad. In 2023, look forward to performances by The Kooks, Berlin’s DJ Peggy Gou, and Spanish rapper Quevedo.

On the second or third weekend of May, take a 30-minute drive north of the capital to partake in Es Firó in Port de Sóller. This four-day celebration commemorates the region's defense against Moorish invaders in 1561. Thousands don costumes to reenact the coastal battle and revel in the Moors’ defeat with music, dance, wine, and fireworks.

Explore the Trails

If you're looking to venture outside Palma, the spring weather is perfect for hiking. A 45-minute drive will take you to Puig Major, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the island's highest peak at 1,445 meters. Also nearby is the Torrent de Pareis, a picturesque two-mile trail that meanders through a deep canyon to the sea, culminating at a beach on the bay of Sa Calobra.

Where to Stay: Iberostar Grand Portal Nous

For a luxurious private stay along the Mediterranean coast, consider booking at the Iberostar Grand Portal Nous. This 66-room seafront hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Palma's historic center and boasts its own art gallery. An added perk is the charming cove beach it overlooks, Cala Bendinat.