|
Palma, on the southern tip of the island, is the seat of the autonomous government of the Balearic Islands, as well as the center for most of Majorca's hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. The Moors constructed Palma in the style of a Casbah, or walled city. Its roots are still visible, although obscured by the high-rise hotels that have cropped up.
Old Palma is typified by the area immediately surrounding the cathedral. Mazes of narrow alleys and cobblestoned streets echo the era when Palma was one of the chief ports in the Mediterranean.
Today Palma is a bustling city whose massive tourist industry has more than made up for its decline as a major seaport. It's estimated that nearly half the population of the island lives in Palma. Majorca attracts the largest number of visitors of any place in the Balearics. The islanders call Palma simply Ciutat ("City"), and it is the largest of the Balearic ports, its bay often clogged with yachts. Arrival by sea is the most impressive, with the skyline characterized by Bellver Castle and the bulk of the cathedral.
Local attractions
-
Golf Son Muntaner 1.0 km/0.6 miles
-
Puerto Portals 10.0 km/6.2 miles
-
Playa de Palma Nova (Beach) 20.0 km/12.4
miles
-
Factory of Pearls 40.0 km/24.9 miles
-
Playa Es Trenc (Beach) 45.0 km/28.0
miles
-
Playa de Alcudia (Beach) 60.0 km/37.3
miles
-
Coves of Drach 60.0 km/37.3 miles
|