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Spain : Palma de Mallorca - April 2008

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Whether you want to mingle with the gilded people around the port, or soak up the antiquated charms of the imposing La Seu cathedral, April’s the perfect time to visit Palma. And spring means long sunny afternoons, just right for relaxing in palm-filled squares or strolling along the waterfront. Scott Adams catches some rays

Getting around

Son Sant Joan Airport is about 8km east of the city.

Bus: The line 1 bus links the airport to Palma. It runs every 15 minutes from 6am to 2am, and costs €1,85. For island-wide bus connections, alight at Plaza España.
Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the city centre will take about 15 minutes and cost around €20.
Tourist information: The main office is at 2 Plaça de la Reina (tel. , illesbalears.es).

CASCO ANTIGUO

Still bearing the stamp of former Roman and Moorish settlements, today’s Casco Antiguo is all chic shopping, art and great local food.

Sleep soundly – Set in a quiet street just a short walk from the cathedral, the Hotel Born has a beautiful garden patio, perfect for breakfast and evening drinks.

Culture vultures – The well preserved Moorish Baths (3 Calle Serra) date from the 11th century, and offer a glimpse of city life during Arab times.

Must eat – La Bodeguilla (3 Calle San Jaume, tel. ) does fantastic Mallorcan food in bright, modern surroundings.

Must drink – Abaco (1 Calle San Joan) is a breathtakingly extravagant 18th-century mansion, filled with flowers and fruit displays. One of Palma’s most decadent night spots, it’s got an extensive cocktail list, too.

Shop til you drop – Bagatela (24 Passeig des Born) sells locally produced glassware, ceramics and hand-painted fans and resembles an Aladdin’s cave

PASEO MARÍTIMO

Great for an afternoon stroll, the waterfront comes alive at night.

Sleep soundly – The comfortable and modern Tryp Bellver hotel (11 Paseo Marítimo, tel. , www.solmelia.com, rooms from €120) offers fantastic sea views.

Must eat – The award-winning Mallorcan restaurant Koldo Royo (3 Paseo Marítimo, tel. ) is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to splash out. Choose from either the informal lounge downstairs, which serves wine and tapas, or the full-scale à la carte upstairs.

Must drink – Mar Salada (Muelle Pelaires) pulls in a jet-setting crowd. Take your drinks onto the terrace before hitting the dance floor.

Dance the night away – Head to Abraxas (42 Paseo Maritimo) to hear international DJs spin tunes over two dance floors. There’s also a café here if you need to refuel.

PLAZA MAYOR AND THE VICINITY

Palma de Mallorca’s colonnaded square is surrounded by tree-lined avenues, packed with boutiques and cafés.

Culture vultures – The exhibition space of the Fundación la Caixa (3 Plaza de Weyler) is housed in one of the city’s most beautiful art nouveau buildings. This April, there’s a major exhibition of Joan Miró’s work.

Must eat – This charming area is full of historic bakeries serving typical sugar dusted ensaimadas (round cakes filled with sweet cream or chocolate) and other mouth-watering pastries. Try Forn de la Glòria (7 Calle Forn de la Glòria) and Forn des Teatre (9 Plaza Weyler).

Must drink – The old-world Bar Central (10 Plaza Weyler) is popular with arty types and actors. The outdoor tables are perfect for people-watching.

Dance the night away – Night owls can head for Tito’s (Plaza Gomila), which is open until early morning.

CALLE APUNTADORES

Popular with young travellers and locals, this bustling street comes alive at night when the bars and clubs open.

Sleep soundly – The Hostal Ritzi (6 Calle Apuntadores tel. , hostalritzi.com, rooms from €55) offers clean, bright rooms and internet access, with breakfast included.

Must eat – Try robust regional dishes at La Paloma (16 Calle Apuntadores, tel. ). You can choose from tasty tapas or a full meal.

Must drink – One of the many hot bars along this vibrant drag, Bar Barcelona (5 Calle Apuntadores) stocks a large selection of imported beers, and often stages live music at weekends.

Shop til you drop – For beautiful leather goods, handmade shoes and local crafts, look no further than Alpargatería la Concepción (17 Calle La Concepció). The shop’s a good place to buy traditional Mallorcan rope shoes.

Compiled by Scott Adams