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Balearic Islands

Ibiza
   Cala Gracio
   Cala Llonga
   Cala Tarida
   Es Cana
   Figueretas
   Ibiza Town
   Playa D'En Bossa
   Playa De Talamanca
   Port Des Torrent
   Portinatx
   San Antonio
   San Antonio Bay
   San Jose
   San Juan
   San Miguel
   Santa Eulalia

Majorca
   Palma
      Alcudia
      C'an Picafort
      Cala D'or
      Cala Millor
      Cala Mondrago
      Cala San Vicente
      Calas De Mallorca
      Camp De Mar
      El Arenal
      Illetas
      Magalluf
      Palma Nova
      Playa De Muro
      Porto Colom
      Puerto Pollensa
      Puerto Soller
      Sa Coma
      Santa Ponsa
      Xcaret

Menorca
   Mahon
      Arenal D'En Castell
      Cala Blanca
      Cala Galdana
      Cala N Blanes
      Cala Santandria
      Cala'n Blanes
      Cala'n Bosch
      Cala'n Forcat
      Ciudadela
      Es Castell
      S'Algar
      Sant Luis
      Santo Tomas
      Son Bou
      Son Parc

A Travellers Guide and Tourist Information for Palma - Spain


Spanish Flag
Palma is the main airport serving cheap flights and holidays to Majorca or Mallorca which is the alternative spelling, and is the largest of the Balearic Islands.

The islands are located in the Mediterranean sea just off the Spanish mainland.

Palma, Majorca is a very popular destination has competitively priced direct cheap flights to Son Sant Joan airport just outside of Palma and many cheap holidays are available from major UK and European airports.

One of the first things you will notice on the approach to the airport in Palma is the 14th Century Gothic cathedral in Palma.

Once you start exploring the island you will find beautiful scenery, ancient towns and villages, small bays and great sandy beaches.

Palma the islands capital city is located on the southern coast. The surrounding resorts on the southern coast are very lively and more suited to singles than families.

Region - Majorca (Mallorca), Balearic Islands.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Madrid (Balearics: Palma de Majorca).
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Roman Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro. About €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely Accepted in Palma.
Time Difference - GMT +1 hour.
Flight Time UK - About 2 hours 15 mins.
Palma Airport - PMI.
Distance from Palma Airport - 6 miles.
Taxi Fare from Palma Airport - About €15 (£10.34).

Driving in Spain - In Palma they drive on the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required.
Electricity in Spain - In Palma it is 220v 50Hz, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 00 34.
Palma Public Phones - In Palma International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards .
Palma Mobile Phones - Palma has all major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - Emergency telephone number in Palma 112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Palma Health Risks - None.
Palma Safety & Security - None.

Shop Opening Times in Palma - Palma Banks open 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Palma shops open 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Palma department stores and commercial centres 10.00-21.00. Palma office hours are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Palma - Public Holiday in Palma 2007 are Jan 1, 6, March 25, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.

Palma Accommodation - Palma accommodation is registered and inspected by regional authorities in Majorca. Palma hotels are classified from one to five-star. Palma hostels/pensions are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation in Palma, Majorca includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies and villas.

Eating Out in Palma - Palma is definitely the best city for eating out on the island of Majorca. There’s an excellent variety of choice. Palma has every kind of restaurant imaginable; from traditional Spanish (with delicious tapas!) to stylish restaurants covering the whole international range - Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai….whatever kind of cuisine you prefer you’ll find it here. “Café culture” is a way of life here in Palma, Majorca. People sit out all day long just watching other people…you never know who you might meet…This is great people watching territory!! In Palma you can drink hot chocolates or cappuccinos, surrounded by artists, famous people and creative types. Try the Mallorca’s ensaimadas pastry. They’re absolutely delicious. The eating out scene in Palma, Majorca can be split into two separate areas. If you’re looking for bars serving light snacks the best place is the Sa Llotja area. Passeig Maritim has some excellent restaurants, most are alongside the harbour. In the old town and Santa Catalina you’ll find some newer restaurants along with the local favourites. Some of the best eating places in Palma include: Tristan, Ciro’s, La Lubina, Bona Taula and Casa Manolo. .

Food in Spain - Each region in Majorca has its specialities, although a stew in various guises is to be found everywhere, together with a general use of olive oil, garlic, Mediterranean vegetables, fish on the coasts, game and sausage. Many restaurants in Palma serve international cuisine and fast food is available in Palma. During the summer months demand for food in Palma, Majorca outstrips local supply, but from October onwards you can guarantee that whether you are eating avocado or xirimoias, they've probably come off your neighbour's tree. The local Majorcan or as known in Majorca 'Mallorquin' dishes make full use of delicious local almonds, olives, walnuts, and the local tomato called Ramallet which is native to the island. Majorca (Mallorca) is rich in vegetables, so obviously vegetarians in Palma are well catered for. .

Tipping in Palma - In Palma service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants in Palma often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Palma Standard of Living - In Palma a Bottle of beer (330ml) - €1 (70p), mineral water (1L) - €0.90 (62p) and three course meal with drinks - €12 (£8.25).

What to do in Palma - There are hundreds of things to do in see in Palma and the surrounding areas. Here’s ten of the best! … The magnificent Cathedral; the Castell de Bellver; Parc de la Mar; Manacor; Mercat Olivar; Poble Espanyol; La Llotja; the Arab Baths; the Town Hall; or the train journey from Soller to Mallorca. The Almudaina Palace The Almudaina Palace was originally built as an Arab fortress, however, following the conquest of the island in the 14th Century by King James, it became the official Majorcan residence of the Spanish Royal Family. The work was undertaken on behalf of the King, by Pere Salvà who was also responsible for building the Bellver Castle. The Cathedral of Mallorca The Cathedral of Palma, which is also known locally as La Seu, is an impressive Gothic style building that was built over a 300 hundred year period during the 14th to 17th Century. Although it has to be said that much of the facade was actually rebuilt during the 19th Century after an earthquake destroyed part of its western front. Don’t leave without doing at least one (or more) of the above!! .

Where to Visit in Palma - Palma, Majorca is a city of contrast; old and new fitting seamlessly amidst the palm lined avenues. As you enter the city of Palma into the more historic area, the massive Gothic Cathedral is an impressive sight. It 300 years to build, having been started in 1229 by King Jaume I. The side streets around the Cathedral provide an enjoyable walk through the real Palma, Mallorca, and thus the Spanish lifestyle of a living city. The old quarter in Palma is a vibrant, bustling place with cobbled streets, tree lined lanes, and a wealth of designer boutiques. Such an atmosphere is best experienced at a walking pace, but be warned, in the peak season you will be hard pressed to find a quiet corner, away from the constant flow of tourists and tacky souvenir shops. Around nearly every corner in the old district of Palma there will be no doubt yet another church, many of which were originally Jewish temples. After the conquest of Mallorca by Jaume I, most of the synagogues and mosques were either knocked down or converted for Christian use, in fact the Cathedral was originally built around a mosque called the Aljama. This historic architecture provides a welcome break from the sterile scene in the hotel districts of Palma, which could be mistaken for any resort destination. Palma like most Mediterranean destinations has it's fair share of markets, but if you intend to go searching for a true bargain then it is best to arrive early, before 11am, in order to beat the crowds. After browsing through the stalls and produce, it might be an idea to stop for lunch on Calle Apuntadores - a road in Palma known for its tapas bars, cafés and good restaurants. The most popular annual event in Palma occurs on the eve of Good Friday at Easter - it is when a huge procession moves through the streets, comprised of thousands of people all wearing flowing robes, tall pointed hats and masks, and each carrying a candle. It does create an almost sinister atmosphere but it is well worth seeing if you're lucky enough to visit Palma around this time. On a more practical note it is worth remembering that it can be quite difficult to find parking spaces in Palma and the traffic wardens are not shy to hand out parking fines. Tourists should also be cautious with personal belongs, as with any city, pick pockets are a risk so be extra careful when getting on and off of buses as this is when they tend to strike, and also be warned about women selling carnation flowers, they can be surprisingly nimble with your wallet! .

Local Festivals in Palma - The Palma weekly used-goods market is held every Saturday morning around Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga, and a craft market is held on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings at the Plaça Major. Also at the Plaça Major, a Christmas fair is held every year, with traditional Christmas products on sale, such as nativity scenes and craft products. On 20 January, Saint Sebastian was proclaimed patron saint of Palma de Mallorca following the miraculous ending to the plague of 1523-1524, which came about with the arrival from Rhodes of a bone from the arm of this saint. On the eve of this festival, concerts taking in various musical styles are held in the squares of the old quarter of the city. The Festa de l´Estendard (Festival of the Standard), on 31 December, commemorates the arrival in Palma of the troops of Jaume I the conqueror, which represented the end of Moorish rule. This festival, which dates back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest in Europe. Events are held at the Plaça de Cort, with a religious thanksgiving ritual and a civil ceremony at which the royal standard is the focus of attention. At the celebration of Mare de Déu de la Salut, on 8 September, a solemn mass is held at the church of Sant Miquel, where an image of the Mare de Deu (Mother of God) is held. Following the ceremony there is a children´s festival, music and folk dances. On the eve of the festival there is a street procession and floral offering, which are accompanied by folk music. The Colcada de la Beata (Procession of the Blessed) is held on the third Saturday of October. At dusk the procession of floats sets off, presided over by the Carro Triomfal de la Beata (Triumphal Carriage of the Blessed). This festival possibly has its origins in the festivals of the beatification of Saint Catalina Tomàs of 1792; the saint was born in Valldemossa in 1531 and she died at the convent of Santa Magdalena in Palma in 1574. The song of La Beata is sung during the procession: .

Palma Climate - Palma has Mediterranean weather with hot dry summers and mild winters. July and August are very hot and sunny. October to December are the wettest months.

Palma Position - Lat: 39 33N, Long: 002 44E, Elevation: 8m.

Record Max °C
22 22 25 28 32 37 41 38 35 31 25 26
Avermage Max °C
14 15 16 18 22 26 30 30 27 22 18 15
Average Min °C
3 4 5 7 10 15 17 18 16 12 7 5
Record Min °C
-6 -3 -3 -1 2 6 12 11 7 1 -2 -2
Days Above 21 °C
0 1 2 6 22 29 31 31 30 25 7 1
Days Above 32 °C
0 0 0 0 0 1 7 7 1 0 0 0
Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sun Hours / Day
5 6 6 7 9 10.5 10.5 10 8 6.5 5.5 4.5
Days Rain
5 5 6 6 4 2 1 2 4 6 6 6
Rainfall mm
41 36 38 36 33 20 8 18 51 76 53 53

Tourist Information on Palma
For further tourist information on Palma, Majorca (Mallorca) go to www.majorca-mallorca.co.uk

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to give accurate and up-to-date information, no liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage in respect of any information supplied.

To apply for a passport go to the Passport Service, for the latest Government advice and information on visas go to The Foreign Office

All resort information © ABTA and SW Technologies Ltd 2004-2008. All rights reserved.
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