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Palma
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Palma, on Mallorca is the capital of the Balearic
Islands and is the economic and cultural hub of the
island.
Located on the south coast of Mallorca, it also
forms an important holiday resort and commercial
port. Palma offers the islands best choice of hotels,
restaurants and widest choice of entertainment.
Despite having become a modern, vibrant city, Palma
has managed to retain its old town and its ancient
culture and charm. Palmas airport handles millions of
visitors each year and plays a major role in the
Balearics tourism industry.
Some of Palmas best attractions are to be found near
the port, including the Royal Palace, the Stock
Exchange and the Castle of Bellver that has dominated
the skyline since the 14th century, however, Palmas
pride and joy has to be the Cathedral, one of the
worlds finest and largest Gothic structures. The old
town of Palma fans out from the cathedral and is a
maze of narrow streets, flanked by ancient mansions
and hidden squares.
Almost half the entire population of the Balearic
Islands live in Palma, some 325,000 of them, although
this number can swell to 600,000 in the summer. Palma
was recently voted the best place in Spain to live
!
On your visit to the city, your first port of call
should be one of the very helpful tourist centres
where you can collect a free map of the city. Look
for the major sights and take a stroll. Look our
for;
The Cathedral
In Gothic style it was begun in the 13th century by
Jaime I. It has high arches and elegant columns.
There are many interesting tombs including those of
Jaime I and Jaime III of Mallorca. You will also find
a museum inside the cathedral. The cathedral is
closed on Sundays and holidays. In front of the
cathedral is the Parc de la Mar with its impressive
fountains and sculptures. Next to the cathedral is
the Palau de lAlmudaina which was the Royal residence
in the Middle Ages. It now houses an interesting
museum.
The Castell de Bellver
With a small admission charge, this castle is a
must-see. Built in 1309, it is the only castle in
Spain that is totally circular in design. The castle
began as a summer Royal residence and was later used
as a prison. Look out for the graffiti on the walls,
carved by French prisoners of war. The castle also
houses the pricipal museum and is often used for
concerts. The castle is closed on Sundays and public
holidays.
The Arab Baths
These are open 9.30am - 8pm and are very cheap to
visit. They are hidden away in the tiny streets, east
of the cathedral. The baths date from the 10th
century and are surrounded by well tended gardens.
The interior of the baths is pretty much as it was
built.
The Town Hall
This building is of 17th century construction and is
charming and full of character. It is surrounded by
stone benches on which the locals love to sit.
The only way to see the old town is by foot and you
can be sure that around every corner is a quiet plaza
or park to rest in. Wherever you stay on the island,
Palma is accessible as a day visit on one of the
thousands of coaches that arrive here every
day.
Palma is also a cultural centre with every kind of
entertainment possible, from cinemas to theatres,
operas and rock concerts. There is every manner of
restaurant available and thousands of bars. We
discovered a wonderful little restaurant close to the
old town and cathedral. Brusellas Restaurant is based
under the city in an old watercourse and stables. The
meals are first class and the staff are wonderful. If
you want to be guaranteed of a perfect evening, check
it out.
Palma is also the location for the islands airport
and the largest port in Mallorca. The port still has
a working fishing fleet as well as a leisure marina
for vessels of all sizes. There is also a sailing
club.
Beach
A long crescent of white sand lapped by cobalt blue
and emerald green coloured water, the Bay of Palma is
dotted with delightful seaside resorts, ideal for
sailing, sunbathing and having fun.
To the west, Cala Mayor and Sant Augusti, with
hotels, restaurants and discos.
Then Illetes, with three islands which can be seen
from the beach, Portale Nous,where you can probably
go scuba-diving, Magaful,crowded and famous, with
water sports, swimming pools and dolphin
displays.
To the east,Ca n Pastilla offers good sports
facilities, Las Maravillas and SArenal have the Son
Veri waterpark.
With interesting narrow, clean streets, quiet
courtyards, a harbourfront and many restored historic
buildings, it is always enjoyable to walk around the
city of Palma.
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