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Spain : Palma de Mallorca - November 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Despite temperatures dropping, Palma de Mallorca in November will leave you with a warm glow, not least because this month, the sizzling Jazz Voyeur Festival is in full swing. Scott Adams mops his brow

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

Let the sea views and Mediterranean atmosphere sweep you along as you discover this colourful, historic area of the city. Combine 1,000-plus-years of culture with great food and drink.

Sleep soundly – Tucked away in a quiet street, Hotel San Lorenzo (14 Calle San Lorenzo, tel. , hotelsanlorenzo.com, rooms from €150) is just a hop, skip and a jump from all the restaurants and bars. The rooms are stylish and the garden courtyard is the perfect place to retreat with a glass of local wine.

Culture vultures – The Jazz Voyeur Festival (jazzvoyeur.com) showcases some of the world’s biggest talents, including Hiromi (6 November), Diana Schuur (7 November) and the Terence Blanchard Quintet (13 November).

Must eat – The menu at El Pilon (4 Calle Cifre, tel. ) is weighted towards quality seafood and fresh fish. Don’t miss the octopus served with sweet paprika and olive oil.

Must drink – A must while in Palma, Abaco (1 Calle San Joan) is an extravagant, centuries-old mansion turned bar and nightspot. The strawberry daiquiris are heavenly.

Shop til you drop – Sinatra (12 Calle Jaume III) stocks labels such as Versace and Canali.

PASEO MARITIMO

Take a seat along the waterfront and watch the boats and yachts glide past.

Sleep soundly – Positioned right on the water’s edge, Nixe Palace (269 Avenida Joan Miró, tel. , hotelmallorcanixepalace.com, rooms from €140) is perfect for relaxing. Unwind in the luxurious spa and fitness centre or just chill out by the pool with a caipiriña. The modern rooms offer Wi-Fi and sea views.

Must drink – Warm yourself up at Cappuccino Café (1 Paseo Maritimo). Choose a table outdoors and indulge in coffee, home-made desserts and ice cream. The rum and chocolate cake is especially wicked.

Dance the night away – Live out your fantasies at the stunning nightspot Abraxas (42 Paseo Gabriel Roca). Live electronic music comes from DJ Jaime Colombas, while weekends see special theme nights; the hedonistic action goes on until late.

BORN AREA

Born is one of the most beautiful areas in Palma, the tree-lined streets are full of boutiques – shop here for clothes, accessories and jewellery.

Culture vultures – Images of Kate Moss and Marilyn Monroe, among others, are given a highly original treatment on canvas by artist Nina Hoffmann (Galería Kewenig, Carrer Sant Feliu, until 17 November).

Must eat – It’s always summer at Escape (13 Plaza Drassana, tel. ). Decked out with beach and boating paraphernalia, it’s a popular haunt for the sailing crowd. Go for the tuna and tomato pie.

Shop til you drop – At Zenana (8 Calle Jaime III) you’ll find jewellery by Spanish designers, crafted from silver and semi-precious stones and worked into fascinating pieces.

PLAZA ESPAÑA

Bag an outdoor table on this lively square and enjoy a coffee and ensaimada (sugar-dusted pastry). The surrounding streets are packed with trendy shops.

Culture vultures – Get a taste of traditional Mallorcan life at the Mercado del Olivar (Plaça del Olivar). Stroll around the stalls which offer fresh local produce, bread and fish.

Must eat – El Botxo (14 Carrer Velázquez, tel. ) does a wide range of delicious tapas, as well as a beer tap on each table for metered selfservice. Good if you’re in a big group.

Must drink – With spectacular views across the square, Café 1916 (4 Plaza España) is a great place to warm up with a traditional carajillo (coffee laced with cognac) and an ensaimada.

Shop til you drop – Girls in the know make a beeline for Dunas (65 Carrer Sant Miguel) for stunning handbags and accessories. You’ll be spoilt for choice with fashionforward colours and the latest styles.

Compiled by Scott Adams