Palma de Mallorca: The capital of paradise islands
...either chocking at explosive beach parties or rhythmically tapping to the beat of the Mediterranean waves.Palma de Mallorca is located in the bay of the same name, which, along with the Gulf of Naples, has trophy of one of the most beautiful in the world. The town was named Palma even under the Romans, who founded it on the top of the hill above the bay in 123 BC. Later, the city was fought for by the Arabs, Catalans... Each new owner considered it his duty to destroy all traces of the previous reign and rebuild all over again to his liking. As a result, the narrow medieval streets, Spanish houses with patios and an incredible number of castles of different styles entwined in Palma de Mallorca in order to mesmerize every new generation of tourists.
To experience the magic of light by Antoni Gaudí
The city's major architectural landmark is the famous Cathedral of Palma, a gem of Gothic architecture. It was built on the site of an old Arab mosque, symbolizing the triumph of Christianity in these places. The process of its construction is far from being fast: building began in 1306 and lasted for three centuries! But the masterpiece was worth such a long wait... The interior of the elegant cathedral, designed by the genius Antoni Gaudí, is striking by its beauty and abundance of light, which penetrates into all corners thanks to the numerous windows. Unique stained-glass windows of 14-15 centuries in sunny weather create unforgettable play of colours, shadows and rays under very high vaults... But the main sanctuary of the Cathedral is the Ark of Life-giving Christ of the 15th century, studded with precious stones. Also, here you can see a variety of painting masterpieces, jewellery art and religious relics. To experience the mystical atmosphere of the Cathedral, visit organ concerts which are regularly held there.
Photo tourvibor.ru
To get familiar with underwater world
Palma de Mallorca is a place where you will be able to learn the maritime kingdom in all its glory as close as never before thanks to one of the best aquariums in Europe, a natural marine park Palma Aquarium. The total area of the complex is record breaking 41 thousand sq.m. A variety of marine life is not far behind: 55 tanks are home to representatives of more than 700 species of fauna. Tip: going to this marine paradise, join some guided tour. It takes an average of four hours and during that time you will be able to learn a lot of interesting facts about the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea. And in the open mini-aquarium, you can even touch a sea-urchin! Also in the park there is the deepest in Europe aquarium with sharks, Gran Azul. You can physically feel the close presence of predators when they swim right above visitors!
Photo mybelizeblog.com
To dream while wheels are knocking
If you have never had a passion for travelling by train, this option is still for you, since the train trip from Palma de Mallorca to town of Soller will give romantic mood to even the most critically-minded traveller. The magic starts when you hop on one of the trains where you will automatically be transported to the atmosphere of the 20th century, thanks to the preserved interior. Railway connection between the cities have been built in order to help Soller get around Tramuntana mountain ranges, separating it from the rest of the island. Therefore, the path was laid in record time, and it was amazing! It leads through the mountain serpentines, through dark and mysterious tunnels... Now this route is very popular among tourists. While travelling, your eyes get delighted by beautiful mountain views, as if descended from the paintings, the bright colours of the woods, open horizons and oft-blue skies, with good looks and a festive nature. An additional bonus is the fragrant smell of fruit, as sometimes the railway goes straight through fruit groves.
Photo timeout.com
To hear the city heartbeat
Palma has its counterpart of Khreshchatyk in Kiev, or La Rambla in Barcelona, that is Paseo de Borne Street. After such a comparison, it is evident that we talk about the main artery of the city, featuring all the most popular and significant events in city life. For a century, this alley stretching along the waterfront, is a key place for the locals to celebrate major holidays, arrange music and dance festivals, gather for demonstrations and enjoy many more things, which consolidate and pull together. As for the nightlife, it is concentrated on the promenade Paseo Marítimo. Here are the best restaurants, bars and clubs of the city.
Photo thetimes.co.uk
To arrange a siesta on the beach
Palma de Mallorca is famous for its huge number of different beaches: from well equipped with tennis courts and mini-golf courses such as El Arenal, to the secluded deserted beaches such as Illetas. And another resort Playa de Palma is famous for beach strip of white sand, stretching as much as 8 kilometres! This variety allows for selection, which is always important for tourists. Needless to say, that on the beaches with developed infrastructure, palette of activities is bigger and more beautiful: you can taste delicious local cuisine, visit amusement water park, or play tennis. However, the pristine beaches of Palma still have a special charm...
Photo prettywildworld.com
And another things to do in Palma de Mallorca:
- visit local "temples" of nightlife, clubs Tito's, Pacha Mallorca and El Divino;
- take advantage of the proximity to the sea and make a feast of seafood;
- be fascinated by Bellver Castle, the only one in Spain Gothic castle with circular shape;
- go to Ibiza and have the time of life;
Cover photo tripkay.com
