Informations de voyage et vidéo sur Palma

Palma

Located on the south coast of Mallorca, Palma is an important holiday resort and commercial port. The city offers the island’s best choice of hotels,
restaurants and widest choice of entertainment.

Despite having become a modern, vibrant city, Palma has managed to retain its old town and its ancient culture and charm. Palma’s airport handles millions of visitors each year and plays a major role in the Balearic’s tourism industry.

Palma is also the location for the island’s airport and the largest port in Mallorca. The port still has a working fishing fleet as well as a leisure marina for vessels of all sizes. There is also a sailing club.

Almost half the entire population of the Balearic Islands lives in Palma, and during the summer months the numbers swell. Palma was recently voted the best place in Spain to live!

About town
Palma offers interesting narrow streets, quiet courtyards, and a lively harbour front with a nice selection of restaurants.

If you are interested in Spanish history or just enjoy the harmony of an old town the many restored historic buildings will impress you. It is
always enjoyable to walk through the lovely
city of Palma.

Cultural attractions
Some of Palma’s best attractions are to be found near the port, including the Royal Palace, the Stock Exchange and the Castle of Bellver that has dominated the skyline since the 14th century; however, Palma’s pride and joy has to be
the Cathedral, one of the world’s finest and largest Gothic structures.

The old town of Palma fans out from the cathedral and is a maze of narrow streets, flanked by ancient mansions and hidden squares.

The Cathedral
Built in golden limestone in Gothic style it was begun in the 13th century by Jaime I and stands in a dramatic location near the waterfront.  It has high arches and elegant columns.

There are many interesting tombs including those of Jaime I and Jaime III of Mallorca. You will also find a museum inside the cathedral. The cathedral is closed on Sundays and holidays. In front of the cathedral is the Parc de la Mar with its impressive fountains and sculptures.

Next to the cathedral is the Palau de l'Almudaina which was the Royal residence in the Middle Ages. It now houses an interesting museum.

The Castell de Bellver
About 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the city centre this castle is a must-see. With a small admission charge. Built in 1309 it is the only castle in Spain that is totally circular in design. The castle began as a summer Royal residence and was later used as a prison. Look out for the graffiti on the walls carved by French prisoners of war. The castle also houses the principal museum and is often used for concerts. There is a small admission charge to the castle and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

The Arab Baths
These are open between 9.30am - 8pm and are very cheap to visit. They are hidden away in the tiny streets east of the cathedral. The baths date from the¡ 10th century and are surrounded by well tended gardens. The interior of the baths is pretty much as it was built.

The Town Hall
This building is of 17th century construction and is charming and full of character. It is surrounded by stone benches on which the locals love to sit.

Activities

Palma offers an excellent variety of activity, with every kind of entertainment possible, from cinemas to theatres, operas and rock concerts.

The only way to see the old town is by foot and you can be sure that around every corner is a quiet plaza or park to rest in.

Eating out
There are hundreds of bars and restaurant with cuisines from every corner of the globe.

Beaches
A long crescent of white sand lapped by cobalt blue and emerald green coloured water, the Bay of Palma is dotted with delightful seaside resorts, ideal for sailing, sunbathing and having fun.

To the west of Palma, lies Cala Mayor and Sant Augusti, with hotels, restaurants and discos.

Then Illetes, with three islands which can be seen from the beach.  Portale Nous, where you can probably go scuba-diving, Magaluf, crowded and famous, with water sports, swimming pools
and dolphin displays.

To the east, Ca n Pastilla offers good sports facilities. Las Maravillas and S'Arenal have the Son Veri water park.

Cuisine
Traditional food is being rediscovered in the
Balearics.  It varies from island to island, but reflects the cuisine of Catalonia, with its combination of sweet and savoury, pork being the main ingredient although vegetable dishes and soups are also typical fare. 

Langosta a la parrilla which partners spiny lobster with local home made mayonnaise is one such dish. 

With your breakfast coffee you must try an ensaimada (a spiral yeast bun) either on its own or with apricot jam – delicious.

Climate
Mallorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean weather, with mild winters and hot summers. During the months of July and August, the weather is
hot and beautifully sunny, boasting around 11 hours of sun daily.

During the winter, the weather can get chilly, but is generally you can enjoy fine, mild weather on most days.