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| Palma | ||
| island | Mallorca | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 422.587 (2020) | |
| height | 13 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Palma de Mallorca is the capital of spanish island Mallorca.
background
Since 1983, Palma has not only been the capital of Mallorca but also the seat of the regional government of the autonomous community Balearic Islands.
getting there
By plane
The 1 Palma de Mallorca airport
(IATA: PMI) is served by many airlines (Condor, Eurowings, Germania, Hahn Air, Laudamotion, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Tuifly) directly from Germany. The flight time from Germany is approx. 2 hours.
The approach to the airport usually takes place over the whole island, because the airport is in the south of the island. You should enjoy it. You fly over the vast plains of Mallorca. If you sit on the left side of the plane, you can see the mountain range on the northwest side of the island well.
The airport is new and expanded according to European standards. If you arrive in Mallorca, it may well be that you first have to walk a long way, as the airport only has one terminal. However, these routes are simplified by the long taxiways. Baggage return is clear and easy. Cars don't cost any money.
The representatives of the travel companies are already waiting at the exit of the baggage claim area. Here you can and must find out which bus to take as a transfer. This is necessary because there are a lot of buses waiting in front of the door. The bus drivers are friendly and helpful, but they don't understand German or English.
At the airport you have the option of renting cars of all classes from all known car rental companies. In contrast to other islands, an off-road vehicle is not necessary here. Air conditioning is usually standard, but otherwise does not cost a lot of extra charge. The antennas are unscrewed when you rent a car. They're in the driver's door. The providers are very accommodating. You can negotiate special things with them. For example, where you want to return the car. By negotiating skillfully, you can ensure that the car is picked up at the hotel at no extra charge.
The departure is just as unproblematic. You will be taken to the airport by transfer buses. The tour guide is already waiting and assigns you the right check-in counter. The arrival is usually in the large terminal. In addition to the counters of the travel companies and the check-in counters, there is only a small supermarket where you can buy magazines, snacks and drinks.
The check-in is unproblematic, the staff sufficiently factual and linguistically skilled. The bulky baggage is centrally located and it can be a long way to get here if you have to check in bulky baggage. If you are traveling privately, it is advisable to allow some time.
After the check-in, it goes to the aviation security check, which has European standards. Things are a bit more objective here than in German control centers. You shouldn't even get involved in discussions, because the men and women who work here are a little more consistent than in Germany. Judging by their clothes, they would be more likely to be identified as police officers. There are always a few officers from the Guardia Civil.
Only after the air security check can you find a large duty-free shop, restaurants and shopping opportunities. It should be noted that the gates are not always close to the terminal. Here, too, taxiways lead to the gates.
Boarding is just as professional as in Germany. Everything goes as usual. The airport is very clean. Going to the toilet before the flight saves the on-board toilet.
After the start, it usually goes out to the Mediterranean. If you are on your way back to Germany, there is a loop to the north. Depending on where you sit, you have a beautiful view of Palma de Mallorca.
The airport can be reached by bus with the A1 line from Passeig Mallorca. The A2 line goes directly from Ballermann.
By train
There are two noteworthy rail connections on Mallorca. One is the museum railway from Palma de Mallorca to He shall, the so-called Red Lightning, an electric train that started operating as early as 1906. It leads from Palma de Mallorca first through the plain, then over the mountains to Sóller. There are also a couple of stops here. Although the car wobbles a lot during the journey, it does not affect safety. The ride is very impressive. The view on the plain and in the mountains is always very beautiful. If you then come to Sóller, you have a direct connection to a tram that leads to the port of Puerto Sollér. The buildings of the railway have been preserved and still have their flair from the early days. This is not only a pleasure for those who are nostalgic for trains.
The train station in Palma de Mallorca is not easy to find. But there is enough parking space. Right next to the train station of the red lightning is also the train station after Inca. But it runs on a completely different route network.
The second important railway line in Mallorca departs from this station. You can compare them with the local S-Bahn connections. The main routes go from Palma de Mallorca to Inca. Here the route divides into two connections. One continues to the north Sa Poblawhere it ends. The other goes to the east. She leads over Sinéu and Petra to Manacor.
This rail connection is mainly used by Mallorcans who travel to Palma de Mallorca for work. The train itself is rather uninteresting for tourists. But you should take the train once. One has a good view of the landscape of the plain of Mallorca. In addition, it only costs a few euros.
By bus
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Palma de Mallorca has a well-developed bus system to offer. However, this is more intended for Mallorcans who want to drive to work. This is of less importance for tourism. Nevertheless, one should not miss the opportunity to take the buses through the city and more distant destinations. With this you get to see something different than the usual pictures of the island.
The buses that bring the package tourists to the hotels leave the airport. These connections remain closed for individual tourists.
See also:Bus routes in Mallorca
In the street
Drive
Driving in Mallorca is pretty straightforward. You may have a slightly more aggressive driving style here than in Germany, but there is little abuse that you know from road users in Germany. It should be noted that the Mallorcan traffic signs only pay attention to when it makes sense. You go over a red traffic light when there is a traffic jam. The speed limit is 50 km / h in built-up areas, 90 km / h on country roads and 120 km / h on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰.
The numerous groups of cyclists require particular caution on the part of motorists, as small walls at the roadside often leave little space to avoid, especially on narrow side streets. Overtaking these groups should therefore be done with extreme care.
Bus drivers are always in a hurry. You have to be careful with them. You also don't adhere to the speed limits: Always in the left lane and always faster than private traffic.
Parking spaces
Since there are always parking problems in Palma, it is better to use one of the many parking garages. To explore the old town, it is best to park in the parking garage at Parc de la Mar (below the cathedral) or at the Placa Major. There are also many parking spaces with parking meters, but where you can only park for a limited time (90 minutes). Yellow lines on the curb mean parking is absolutely prohibited, blue lines mean parking for residents.
Highways
Palma de Mallorca has an urban motorway that surrounds the city in a ring. In the east it leads past the airport to the holiday areas available here. In the west it goes to Peguera and to the north it goes almost to Alcúdia. We are in the process of further expanding the motorways. This has already been achieved on the east coast. Until after Manacor a motorway-like road has been expanded.
By boat
Palma de Mallorca has a quite stately and modern, two-part port. In the area close to the city, there are private boats and yachts of all sizes, in Portopí, the outer area, ferries and cruise ships arrive. The most important ferries are those to the Spanish mainland, others go to the other Balearic Islands Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
For cruise ships there is on 2 Estación Maritima equal to 5 berths. To get to the city center, which is approx. 6 km away, we recommend using a shuttle. Palma de Mallorca is the starting point for many cruises because the city has a well-developed airport. Other shipping companies stop for stops.
mobility
If you only want to stay in Palma, you should rely on public transport. They are more than okay and you can go anywhere you want to go in Palma. But you have to expect that the buses are designed for rush hour traffic. So, tourists only play a subordinate role in Palma. The more important thing is to get the locals to work and back again.
There are also two rail connections. One goes after He shall and is more or less a museum railway and only plays such a role. It doesn't matter to the islanders. As a vacationer, you shouldn't miss the experience. But there is also a train station where trains go Inca drive. This is also normal work traffic, but you can use these trains to get out of Palma.
If you want to see the island, a rental car is mandatory. It's easier than you think. The car is placed in front of the hotel and then picked up again. If you want to listen to music, you have to look for the antenna. They are often unscrewed on Mallorca. You should put it back in the vehicle after every journey.
The youth in Mallorca drive scooters. They drive without a helmet and are always faster than a car in the village. They use all the roads there and the different colors of a traffic light are unknown to them. You drive right and left past the cars to gain seconds. Always be careful here.
- 3 Estació Intermodal (central transfer point).
There is a large bus, tram and underground station under the old train station.Features: parking, toilet.
Tourist Attractions
The city of Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca has a completely different flair than what is attributed to it. The tourist castles are further east on Playa de Palma, a long beach that has shaped the city's image. In reality, most of the Mallorcans work here in normal professions. Everyday life on the island takes place here.
The city center is very winding, there are many small streets, many small shops. It invites you to shop. Some of the buildings are very old and in good condition. Here you can take long walks without it getting boring. There are also a few posh hostels here where you can sleep, nothing for the tight budget.
But you can always find a nice place where you can have a coffee or an ice cream for little money. In fact, Palma de Mallorca is not as crowded as one would think. So the prices are not as high as you might think. If you are on holiday in Mallorca, you should not miss Palma.
In addition to the old town, the harbor promenade is also worth a visit. The rich people's yachts are moored here and there is always something to see. Hotel after hotel are lined up on the street at the harbor, each one more exclusive than the other. It is interesting to watch the hustle and bustle at the harbor. The port is a little west of the old town. The wide road that runs along the coast of Palma de Mallorca is annoying. In the east the road continues into the street at Playa de Palma, in the west it leads up the mountain towards Peguera.
Churches
- 1 La Seu Cathedral.Translated: the light. Impressive gothic building from the 13th century that dominates the silhouette of the city. With a length of almost 120 m, a width of 40 m and a height of 44 m, it is one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture. A visit to this church, which was built on the plans of the mosque after the Moors were driven out, is an absolute must. The best time for this is in the morning, right after the opening at around 10 a.m., when the sunlight falls through the colorful rosette on the eastern front into the interior of the church.Open: Mo - Fr: June - Sept 10am - 6.15pm, April / May and Oct.10am - 5.15pm, Nov - March 10am - 3.15pm, Sa 10am - 2.15pm.Price: Admission 3.50 euros, Sun (trade fairs 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.) free.
- 2 Basilica of Sant Francesc.The also Gothic basilica in the city center is the second largest church in the Balearic Islands. The beautiful cloister is particularly worth seeing. The facade was redesigned in the Baroque style in the 17th century.
Castles, chateaux and palaces
- 3 Bellver Castle.This 14th century castle is located high above Palma on a hill 112 m above sea level. From here you have a wonderful view of Palma, especially in the afternoon when the sun illuminates the city accordingly. The castle also houses the city history museum, where archaeological finds and art collections from the city are exhibited. Most of the notice boards are in Catalan, however. The castle can be reached on foot, by car or by bus lines 3, 4, 20, 21 and 22.Open: April to September: Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 8:15 p.m., Sat Sun 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., October to March: Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 7:15 p.m., Sat Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on weekends.
Buildings
Monuments
- Ramon Lull. Monument to the Mallorcan national hero erected in 1967 in the old town at the intersection of Passeig de Sagrera and Avinguda d'Antoni Maura.
Museums
Streets and squares
Parks
The Marineland in Palma de Mallorca
The 1 MarinelandMallorca is about 10 kilometers west of Palma de Mallorca and can be easily reached via the motorway. The approach is well signposted and there is plenty of parking space. English is spoken here, but German doesn't get you very far, as this holiday area is almost exclusively home to tourists from England.
Marineland is a mixture of zoo and aquarium, in which mainly marine animals are shown - not just those that live in the Mediterranean Sea are native, but also more exotic. If you want to see everything, you should treat yourself to about a day. If you want, you can also take your bathing suit with you, as you can also go swimming very nicely in the bay. If you don't want to get involved in the expensive and not particularly good snacks on the premises, you should bring yourself something to eat.
The facility initially resembles a zoo. A huge basin shows the habitat in the sea, of course with sharks. The pool with the little rays is very worthwhile, a lot of animals romp around here.
The figurehead are the shows. The parrot show is funny, but the arena is very big. You should come early so as not to sit too far back.
In the center there is a large stadium with a water basin in the middle. The seal and dolphin shows take place here. When choosing a seat, you should consider whether you want to be sprayed wet (then preferably in the front) or not (then preferably in the back). Here, too, it is advisable to show up in good time in order to secure a good spot.
The dolphin show is roughly comparable to the one at the zoo in Duisburg or in Heidepark Soltau. The pool is just a slightly better pool, not as beautiful as in Duisburg, but the show really has it all.
A lady and a gentleman present the show in diving suits. They also need them, because they have to get into the water again and again. And the animals show what they can do. The animals can do a lot and do everything that is asked of them for their fish.
At the end you will be sprayed nice and wet again in the stands. Then you can buy a video that shows this show. After the dolphin show you are so impressed that you hardly notice the other beautiful enclosures.
Aquarium
The Palma Aquarium, right on the Platja de Palma, is also dedicated to aquatic life. The plants and animals from 700 different species live here in habitats that are reproduced in nature and are not trained. In 55 aquariums, which are modeled on different ecosystems, you can marvel at hammerheads and rays, among other things. The "interactive aquarium" can be crossed through a tunnel - only a few centimeters away from the water dwellers. It can be impressive when a shark's jaw comes close. In addition to the aquarium, there is a 40,000 m² green area that simulates a jungle; and a children's park with a pirate ship. A cafeteria and a restaurant take care of the physical well-being. The facility is located near the airport, approx. 10 km east of the city center, easily accessible via the motorway MA-19 (Junction 7) or by bus (line 15 or 23). It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the admission price is € 18.50 for adults and € 14 for children.
various
activities
Beach
The most famous beach in town is the 2 Playa de Palma (Majorcan Platja de Palma), which is a symbol of mass tourism on the island. There are 15 beach bars ("balnearios"), including the notorious one Balneario No. 6th, better known in German-speaking countries under the corrupted name Ballermann 6. The stereotypical bucket-drinking has been banned since a 2014 “ordinance for civilized coexistence” issued by the Palma City Council.
shop
kitchen
There are some very tasty restaurants in Palma de Mallorca, even if they are not always easy to find. Of course, the port (Paseo Maritimo) is the first port of call (not only for the cruise ships) and you can find a decent selection here, from the tapas bar to the Irish pub.
Contrary to expectations, the old town of the capital is not littered with small restaurants in narrow streets. It is rather difficult to find anything here other than the obligatory tapas bar. In general, the bars / cafes seem to be clearly more numerous than restaurants.
Llonguet is called an elongated bun with a groove in the middle, it is typical for Palma. The classic is topped with Butifarra or Serrano ham and cheese. But there are also variants with anchovies and the typical paprika sausage sobrassada. Bread rolls with organic flour are new (Pane Nostro) and gluten-free (Dulceliaco). In 2015, a campaign was launched in which 38 bakeries are now involved. Every Wednesday there is a full day long Llonguet with a drink for 3 euros, as long as supplies last. The "Ruta del Llonguet"is held from mid-September to the end of November, a list of the participants is available in the tourist offices.
Cheap
medium
Upscale
nightlife
Since 2019, serving restrictions have been in effect in the Cala Major, Center, Paseo Maritimo and Playa de Palma areas. Tourists are no longer allowed to be "encouraged to drink".
Alcohol consumption in public is prohibited on Carrer del Pare Bartomeu Salvà, Carrer del Llaüt and Carrer de les Canyes. The city ordinance provides for fines of up to 3000 euros.
accommodation
Cheap
medium
Upscale
Learn
Work
security
health
Practical advice
Like almost everywhere else in the world, you can get postcards, but you have to laboriously search for the stamps that go with them. Hotels often have them in stock, in the tobacco shops that sell postcards there are almost never any. Mailboxes are still there, more than in Germany. The maps sometimes take several weeks to reach their destination, and little has changed in the last 20 years.
- 1 Oficina de Turismo de Mallorca, Plaça de la Reina, 2, 07012 Palma. Tel.: 34 971 17 39 90. a, Illes Balears, Spain.
trips
- To El Toro (Municipality of Calvià) to the marina Port Adriano and its designer shops, approx. 20 km
- To the Coves del Drac (Dragon Caves) at Porto Cristo in the east of the island, approx. 70 km
- To the medieval city Alcúdia in the north of the island, approx. 60 km
- Train ride with the Red lightning to He shall
literature
Web links
- http://www.palma.cat/ - Palma official website
- https://www.palmabeach.com/de - Official website of Playa de Palma
