Palma de Mallorca blends Roman roots and Moorish heritage with Catalan flair, crowned by the honey-stone La Seu Cathedral rising over the sea. King James I of Aragon reshaped the city after 1229, and you’ll sense that layered history in the Almudaina Palace, Arab Baths, and the labyrinth of medieval lanes in La Lonja and the old Jewish quarter.

Beyond the city, the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana unfurls storybook towns—Valldemossa, Deià, and Sóller—linked by mountain roads and a vintage wooden train. Back in Palma, life hums between markets and terraces: espresso in Santa Catalina, seafood at the Mercat de l’Olivar, a vermut on Passeig del Born, and sunset sailing on turquoise water.

Practical notes: Palma is walkable, with quick buses and taxis for beaches like Illetas or Cala Major. Tapas and Mallorcan staples—sobrassada, tumbet, and ensaïmadas—pair beautifully with local wines from Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Summer brings heat and festivals; spring and fall are breezy and ideal for hiking, sailing, and city strolls.

Palma de Mallorca

Why go: A compact Balearic capital with Gothic architecture, contemporary art, breezy promenades, and easy day trips into the Tramuntana mountains. Top sights include La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina, Bellver Castle (a rare circular fortress), Es Baluard Museum, and the seaside neighborhoods of Portixol and Molinar.

• Top experiences: Wander La Lonja’s stone lanes, climb Bellver for 360° views, browse Mercat de l’Olivar for oysters and jamón, and take a sunset sail across the Bay of Palma.
• Food & drink: Start at Bar Bosch (historic café) or Ca’n Joan de S’aigo (since 1700s) for ensaïmadas; linger over tapas at El Camino, La Rosa Vermutería, Ombu, or Patron Lunares; savor tasting menus at Marc Fosh or DINS Santi Taura.
• Fun fact: The cathedral’s interior bears the hand of Antoni Gaudí, who reimagined parts of it in the early 1900s.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Cap Rocat (former 19th-century fortress turned design sanctuary over its own cove): Check Cap Rocat
• Iberostar Playa de Palma (beachfront resort with pools and sea views, great for families): Check Iberostar Playa de Palma
• Hostal Pons (budget-friendly, traditional townhouse steps from Born and the old town): Check Hostal Pons
• Browse more stays on VRBO (Palma de Mallorca) or Hotels.com (Palma de Mallorca).

Getting there: Palma (PMI) has frequent flights from across Europe (Barcelona ~50 min, Madrid ~1h20, London ~2h30, Berlin ~2h40; typical fares $40–$180 round-trip off-peak). Within Europe, compare options on Omio (Flights). From outside Europe, search long-haul options via Trip.com (Flights) or Kiwi.com (Flights). Prefer the sea? Barcelona–Palma ferries take ~6.5–8 hours; compare on Omio (Ferries). From PMI airport to the center, the A1 bus (~20 min, ~€5) or taxis (~15 min, ~€20–30) are easiest.

Day 1: Arrival, La Seu, and Old Town Tapas

Morning: Travel to Palma. If you’re flying from a European city, check Omio (Flights) for the quickest nonstops; from farther afield, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for an early afternoon landing to maximize your first evening.

Afternoon: Check in and stroll to La Seu Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Almudaina. Pause at Parc de la Mar for the postcard view of the cathedral floating above its reflecting lake. Coffee break at Bar Bosch (classic square-side café) or specialty sips at La Molienda.

Evening: Tapas crawl through La Lonja. Start with anchovies, papas arrugadas, and vermut at La Rosa Vermutería; then graze on croquetas, razor clams, and tortilla at El Camino (counter-only, lively). Dessert is a warm ensaïmada or almond ice cream at Ca’n Joan de S’aigo. Nightcap at Ginbo (creative gin cocktails) or the theatrical Bar Abaco in a 17th-century mansion.

Day 2: Markets, Bellver Castle Views, and Sunset Sailing

Morning: Brunch in Santa Catalina at Mama Carmen’s (seasonal bowls, specialty coffee) or return to the Mercat de Santa Catalina for counter-side tortilla and jamón. Head up to Bellver Castle for its unique circular courtyard and sweeping bay views; descend to the Es Baluard Museum terrace for a quick art-and-view fix.

Afternoon: Snack your way through Mercat de l’Olivar: oysters at Ostras stalls, a plate of cuttlefish at Bar del Peix, and a wedge of Mahón cheese. Relax along the Portixol promenade with a seaside espresso.

Evening: Cast off on a 4‑hour sail—choose midday or sunset for golden-hour photos and open water swims. Book here: Mallorca Midday or Sunset Sailing with Light Snacks and Open Bar. Expect coastal views, swim stops, and light snacks; typical pricing from about $90–$120 per person.

Post-cruise dinner near the marina: try Ombu for modern tapas (think prawn gyoza and spicy patatas) or Patron Lunares for seafood paella and grilled octopus in a sailor-chic setting.

Day 3: UNESCO Tramuntana—Sóller Train, Sa Calobra Boat, and Mountain Scenery (Full Day)

Today is dedicated to the mountains and coast. Reserve this full-day experience: Mallorca in One Day Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride and Vintage Train. You’ll ride the vintage wooden train to Sóller, take a coastal boat to dramatic Sa Calobra, and trundle by tram among citrus groves—an iconic Mallorca trio. Plan for 9–10 hours door-to-door; prices typically run ~$95–$120 per person.

Tip: Pack a light jacket for breezy boat segments, water shoes for pebble coves, and euros for café stops in Sóller’s main square.

Day 4: Hammam Calm, Mallorcan Cooking, and La Lonja by Night

Morning: Unwind at Palma’s candlelit baths with aromatherapy and hot-cold circuits: Small-Group Arab Bath Experience in Hammam Al Ándalus Palma (typically 75–90 minutes; ~$40–$60). It’s a serene nod to the island’s Moorish past.

Afternoon: Lunch on traditional Mallorcan plates at Celler Sa Premsa—order tumbet (layered veg), frito mallorquín, or slow-cooked lamb. Then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on feast: Spanish Cooking Class Palma: 7 Dishes with Drinks. Expect a convivial kitchen, local ingredients, and recipes you can take home; budget ~$95–$125 per person.

Evening: Sunset amble along Portixol & Molinar past pastel fishing houses. Return to the old town for a late vermut at La Rosa or wine at a cozy bar near Plaça de la Drassana. If you have room, share grilled prawns or a simple tortilla at a neighborhood tapas spot.

Day 5: Beach Time, Boutiques, and Farewell Flavors

Morning: Beach fix close to town: Can Pere Antoni (walkable) for an easy dip, or bus/taxi to Illetas for clear water and sandy coves (arrive early; sunbeds book up). Prefer a daybed-and-dip vibe? Consider a booking at a local beach club in Can Pastilla.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping on Passeig del Born and around the old town’s artisan boutiques. For lunch, graze back at Mercat de l’Olivar—grilled cuttlefish, boquerones, and a glass of Mallorcan white—or grab seafood rice at Sa Roqueta near Portixol.

Evening: Farewell dinner: choose a splurge tasting at Marc Fosh (seasonal, elegant) or a heritage-forward menu at DINS Santi Taura. If you’d rather keep it casual, book a late counter at El Camino and order croquetas, red tuna tartare, and a simple green salad with impeccable olive oil. Head to the airport for your afternoon or evening departure; taxis are quick, and the A1 bus runs frequently.

Optional logistics tips: Intra-Europe rail and coach to Barcelona or Valencia before ferrying to Palma can be compared on Omio (Trains) and Omio (Buses). For onward flights within Europe, use Omio (Flights); for intercontinental routes, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Alternative sailing pick: Prefer a smaller group with tapas? Book this intimate catamaran (max ~10–12 guests): Luxury Catamaran sailing with welcome Drinks Tapas.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca whisk you from Gothic spires and fortress views to citrus-scented valleys and turquoise coves—never far from a great vermut or paella. With smart planning, you’ll balance culture, cuisine, sailing, and beach time, leaving with sun-kissed photos and a taste for Mallorcan life you’ll want to revisit.