Palma de Mallorca is not only the capital of Mallorca (Majorca) but also the capital of the Balearic Islands. It has a population of around 250,000 but that is constantly being swelled by a large number of tourists visiting the city each day. Many tourists make Palma their base, rather than choosing the traditional resorts.
Contrary to belief there is a beach at Palma which is very popular at weekends in the Summer months with local residents. The Paseo (promenade) which runs along the water's edge is also very popular with walkersm, cyclists and roller bladers.
Palma's cathedral is one of the world great cathedrals and should not be missed. It is open every day except Sunday for visiting and it costs 4 euros. Mallorca's shops are also some of the best in Spain and you women will think you have died and gone to heaven ... there is even a C&A here! A word of warning though, sadly, Palma's shops close at 1.30pm on Saturday and don't re-open until Monday morning. And another word of warning ... In the area around the cathedral and MacDonald's in from of C&A there are flower sellers offering you a carnation for one centimo. They normally operate in pairs. DO NOT enter into coversation, walk away from them, they are highly professional pickpockets. They will have had you 'marked' long before they approach you so will know exactly where your purse or wallet is. You have been warned.
You can get around the city on foot, or on the tourist bus or by donkey drawn taxi. This latter method is recommended because it gets around the narrow streets and back alleys which are full of character. If you are in to architecture then you will find Palma a dream.
Restaurants are in abundance and you can sample the local Mediterranean cuising in virtually every street in Palma. The Plaza Espaņa and Plaza Mayor are not to be missed.
From Palma you can catch a bus to any part of the island and there is a train service to Inca, Manacor, Sa Pobla and Soller. This latter trip is very popular with tourists because you pass through the Tramuntana mountains, through orange groves, and into the beautiful town of Soller. From there you can take the San Francisco tram to the Port of Soller. It is a great day trip and one worth taking.
For further details about the city, and links to hotel accommodation, go to: www.majorca-hotels-and-apartments.com/palma.html