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Previous issues for Palma de Mallorca

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Spain : Palma de Mallorca - March 2010

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Along with the weather, the action in Palma de Mallorca starts to heat up in March. Begin the day by hitting the shops, and then discover the mouth-watering cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood. As night falls, the city is a playground for music lovers and those who want to party. This month also sees a major exhibition of German Expressionist artists at the CaixaForum. Scott Adams explores

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

Walk the streets where Romans, Moors and many others have left their mark. Today, scattered between the beautiful historic monuments, you’ll find chic shopping and great local food.

Sleep soundly – At the Hotel Tres (3 Calle Apuntadores, tel. , hoteltres.com, doubles from €160) you can sit on the rooftop terrace while taking in the views of the Gothic cathedral and marina, before slipping into the pool. And the rooms, dressed in pure white, are quiet havens.

Culture vultures – Well preserved, the 11th-century Moorish Baths (3 Calle Serra) are a tranquil retreat and offer a glimpse of life in Palma during Arab times.

Must eat – Serving up excellent Mallorcan cuisine, La Bodeguilla (3 Calle Sant Jaume, tel. ) is a great place to discover the Palma’s local gastronomic traditions, such as cod cooked with ratatouille or octopus carpaccio.

Must drink – Inside an 18th-century mansion you’ll find Ábaco (1 Calle San Joan), one of Palma’s most decadent nightspots. The extensive cocktail list includes heavenly strawberry daiquiris.

PASEO MARÍTIMO

Catch the afternoon breezes along this seafront promenade and marina. At night, this area bursts into life with drinks, discos and internationally famous faces.

Sleep soundly – The fantastic sea view to be had from the modern Tryp Bellver (11 Paseo Marítimo, tel. , solmelia.com, doubles from €120) is just one of the reasons to stay in this hotel, which also boasts a swimming pool and garden terrace.

Must drink – Attracting the jet-setting crowd, Mar Salado’s (Muelle Pelaires – Club de Mar) lounge and waterfront terrace are perfect for a drink to warm up your motor before hitting the dance floor.

Dance the night away – Famous for its night-time scene, Abraxas (42 Paseo Marítimo) offers beautiful people, international DJs, two dance floors and a café in which to refuel.

AROUND PLAÇA DEL MERCAT

Lose yourself for a morning in this tangle of ancient stepped streets that holds plenty of pleasant surprises, before emerging into the tree-filled Plaça del Mercat to enjoy a cool drink.

Culture vultures – Discover the beauty and irony of the paintings of the German Expressionist artists at the CaixaForum (3 Plaça Weyler). More than 40 early 20th-century artists, including Ludwig Kirchner and Paul Klee, are represented.

Must drink – Pop a cork at Gibson (18 Plaça del Mercat). This super-cool bar specialises in champagne and heavenly cocktails, including an unusual Martini infused with spring onions.

Shop til you drop – Perfect for gift shopping, Picarol (1 Calle Form del Racó) has traditional handmade items from Mallorca. Stock up on espadrille sandals, straw caps and eco baskets.

SON VIDA AND AROUND

Take in the beautiful pine forest scenery, medieval history and city views from the mountains just a short taxi ride from Palma.

Sleep soundly – Discover what it’s like to stay in a historic castle at the Castillo Son Vida (Urbanización Son Vida, tel. , luxurycollection.com, doubles from €270). Take a dive into the pool or wander the lush gardens, before dining in style at the terrace restaurant.

Culture vultures – An important part of Palma’s past, the circular Bellver Castle (Bosque de Bellver) has witnessed much during its 700-year-history: gruesome battles as well as splendid royal rituals. The towers offer impressive views of the city, while a walk in the surrounding forest is a great way to relax.

Must eat – Built around an historic mansion and lush palm-filled gardens, Rei Jaume (3 Calle Son Serra Parera, tel. ) offers a relaxed outdoor setting, where you can enjoy creative cuisine such as Iberian ham with figs and mushrooms, or oven-baked fish.

Compiled by Scott Adams