24 Hours in Palma de Mallorca: A Quick Guide

iBestTravel destination editor AnneMarie McCarthy recently returned from a flying visit to Palma de Mallorca. Here she shows you what you can squeeze into 24 hours in Mallorca’s cultured capital by sharing highlights from her jam-packed day trip.

I visited Mallorca in May with a friend as part of a longer trip to the Balearics, taking in Ibiza first. Due to the ferry schedule, I arrived in Palma late on Friday night, meaning we only had 24 hours to explore the city before flying out early Sunday morning.

I immediately realized that Palma is the perfect place for a sunny city break. Ideally, you’d need a few days to explore all the city has to offer. However, even if you’re planning a beach holiday in Mallorca, I highly recommend taking a day trip here. Its compact size and reliably good weather make it easy to combine relaxing resort time with shopping, great food, and cultural activities. Thanks to the island’s excellent public transport network, accessing Palma from almost any major beach resort in Mallorca is simple and quick.

Where to Stay

I stayed at Innside Palma Bosque. Situated near the seafront and about a 30-minute walk from the Cathedral, it is easy to reach the main tourist sights while enjoying a quiet, peaceful environment. The highlights include the beautiful indoor and outdoor aquamarine pools that all rooms overlook. The hotel features an excellent restaurant called Syndeo and a surprisingly active gym, which may tempt you to relax all day at the hotel with cocktails being served poolside. Therefore, be sure to maintain your discipline if you intend to explore beyond the hotel’s amenities.

Culinary Delights

We indulged in dinner at Vida, located right on the port, where we shared the Côte de Boeuf with a variety of sides. Initially, I hesitated to order meat that required self-cooking, but the pre-searing made it easy to prepare to my liking on the hot plate. Unfortunately, it was so delicious that I neglected to take a picture as I savored every bite. We also ventured for cocktails at their sister bar, Tree House, which offers views overlooking the harbor, serving as a delightful end to our meal.

Favorite Activity

We enjoyed a two-hour yachting experience with Swiss Yachting. Setting off from Puerto Portals, only a 25-minute taxi ride from Palma, we traveled southeast along the coast. It was spectacular to see the rugged cliffs from the ocean, and we encountered numerous kayakers and boat tours sharing the same scenic views. The vessel sailed quickly in open waters, adding to the adventure. We made stops for swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by other yachts, sipping on rosé wine as we basked in the sun.

Shopping for Souvenirs

Yes! We found a vibrant market in Parc de la Mar, amplifying its charm with beautiful views of the cathedral. While some delicate pottery was deemed too fragile to take home, I did acquire a stunning light jacket from one of the stalls, owned by a vendor known for selling colorful and unique prints for several years.

Touristy Experiences

We began our adventure at Castell de Bellver early in the morning before the heat set in. This impressive 14th-century fortress is home to the city’s history museum, and the panoramic views from the top present stunning vistas of both the harbor and mountains. The €4 admission fee is undoubtedly worth it. However, after our visit, we opted for a hop-on-hop-off bus to return to Palma’s center more quickly, which cost €20 and allowed us to see more of the city during our descent.

Final Tips

If you plan a similar trip, I recommend allowing more time! With so many attractions to see and excellent weather, you could easily spend a weekend or longer enjoying the sights, markets, and the beach or pool. If you are in Palma for only 24 hours, arrange your activities efficiently to maximize your experience. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed our itinerary, as it provided a wonderful introduction to both the city and the island, leaving me eager for my next visit.