Top Attractions in Palma

Es Baluard - Modern & Contemporary Art Museum

Situated inside the renaissance city wall the museum houses many works that have been contributed by institutions such as The Palma Town Council, the Mallorcan Council, the Balearic Autonomous Community and the savings bank Sa Nostra. Most of the works, however, belong to the businessman Pere Serra who has allowed the museum to put on exhibition most of his stunning collection. The building is constructed of white concrete and features many artists including Picasso, Miró, Tàpies, and Barceló. There is also a restaurant and gift shop. Entrance is about six euros.

Old Town Palma

Just between the sandstone Gothic cathedral and Plaza Mayor, you can find Old Town Palma. This area is the epitome of Mediterranean small town charm with its stone streets, terraced houses and all the nooks and crannies you can think of. Tapas bars and quaint shops selling clothes, pottery, wine and more line the narrow streets of Old Town Palma and can easily keep you fascinated for hours.

Marineland Dolphin Show

The Marineland Dolphin (and Sea Lion) show in Mallorca is one of the best marine shows in the world. Strikingly intelligent dolphins execute amazing tricks for cheering spectators twice a day on weekdays, three times on weekends. Other animal shows, like the Parrot Show, are just as spectacular. An aquarium, a shark tank, and a penguin habitat are other attractions of this world class marine park. There are two shows daily at 11:45a and 3:45p.

Arab Baths

Being the only remnants of the now-extinct town of Medina Mayurqa, these historic baths have stood up well against the test of time. Probably a part of some nobleman's house, the baths now serve as a major tourist attraction for visitors to the Island. In its hay day it served as the social hub of the city for gatherings, ceremonies, or even just to relax. This bath was most likely constructed from left over ruins from the Roman Empire. You'll notice that each of the columns is unique, leading archaeologists to believe that this is an early example of recycling.

Bellver Castle

From a luxurious castle built for King James II in the 14th century to a military prison in the 18th and 19th centuries, Bellver Castle has had quite a history. After the inquisition, it was later used in the 1930's by dictator Franco to imprison insurgents during the Spanish civil war. Today, it is one of the most visited sites on the Island offering visitors a spectacular vista of Palma and its surrounding areas.

Diocesan Museum

On the 3rd of October in 1972, this museum came to with the help of the Apostolic Administrator Bishop of Majorca. The museum had its start in 1775 by order King Felipe V with over 5,000 printed works, 35 of which were incunables. It was later moved in the 1950's to coincide with the present building that was built at the time. There is a vast collection of religious art and relics including a large reptile that was slayed by the Governor of Alcudia. It was said to be a dragon, but you can judge for yourself. Entrance is EU2.

Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo

Spanning some of the most artistic movements of the mid-20th century including such artists as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí, the Spanish Contemporary Art Museum in Mallorca is one of the most visited spots on the Island. With a total of 52 artists represented, the musueum hosts cultural activities, classes and lectures, concerts for children, and other activities. In 2003 an assembly hall was built for added exhibition space and meetings. Visitors are able to purchase many museum-inspired gifts at the museum shop located on-site and entrance is free.

Historic Military Museum of the Balearic Islands

Situated in the castle of San Carlos, this spectacular museum outlines the tumultuous and growing history of the Bay of Palma. The castle was built in the 1600s when Palma was a thriving port for privateers and pirates alike. This was a very important port for commerce in the Mediterranean. There are paintings, weapons, and flags of varying time periods on display that really give you a sense of the process of warfare and how it has developed over the centuries. There is also a scale model of The Battle of Bailén.

Santuari de Lluc

Santuari de Lluc is regarded as a sacred site and a centre of pilgrimage since the 13th century. It was here that a newly converted Christian Arab shepherd boy, discovered a dark wooden statue of the Virgin in a rock cleft. This image was placed in a local church but returned to the cleft three times, after which the villagers built a shrine over it. La Moreneta or the Little Dark One as the statue is called is now encrusted with precious stones, and is placed in a chapel decorated with the coat of arms of every Mallorcan town. Pilgrims and tourists alike pay homage. The monastery complex includes Els Porxerets, the former pilgrims' quarters with stables, and the the Way of the Rosary. There is also a historical and archaeological museum with a collection of ceramics, chalices, coins, paintings by Josep Coll Bardolet with the santuari.

Marineland Mallorca

If you are in Mallorca, there's no way you can miss Marineland's famous dolphin shows! This marine zoo has been entertaining visitors for almost four decades with unforgettable shows and performances. Watch out for the sea lions and exotic birds! Do check the website for further information.