Palma, markets, iconic hotels, art, shopping and cuisine: the definitive guide to discover the most authentic Mallorca, far from mass tourism.
Leave Ibiza and Formentera to the tourists. True travelers choose Mallorca, the Balearic island that holds an authentic soul, far from the image of mass tourism. It is here that George Sand spent a winter caring for Frédéric Chopin and where the likes of Mads Mikkelsen have their homes today. Furthermore, it is not unusual to meet Steven Meisel at the Consell flea market, scheduled every Sunday from 8am to 2pm in Polígono Industrial, Avinguda del Raiguer 4. Established as a Kingdom by James I the Conqueror, Mallorca is a chameleonic island, capable of hiding extraordinary rarities behind the most popular places on the coast, between Magaluf and S’Arenal. Its heart is Palma, a city to visit throughout the year, rich in history, culture, shopping and gastronomy.
What to see in Palma de Mallorca
Palma is a splendid blend of Arabic art, modernism and Gothic reminiscences. The city offers a lively cultural scene and is home to symbolic monuments such as the Seu, the cathedral, which at Christmas becomes the stage for the evocative Canto della Sibilla, a medieval liturgical drama that has survived only here and in Alghero. Contemporary art enthusiasts will find a point of reference in the exhibitions of the Museu Es Baluard, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró and the Caixa inside the Gran Hotel in Plaça de Weyler 3. Added to these are the numerous private galleries that enliven the streets of the historic center.
Where to sleep
A weekend in Palma is also an experience of hospitality. The city offers boutique hotels and large chains, with addresses such as the Singular Sant Francesc and the Hotel Cappuccino, among the most popular for location and atmosphere.
Shopping in Mallorca: where to shop
Shopping in Palma caters to every style. The large luxury houses, from Louis Vuitton to Loewe, together with department stores, are concentrated in the Avinguda Jaume III area. However, what is surprising above all is the local manufacturing. In the Sindicat neighborhood you can find the traditional, reading textilesfabrics with geometric patterns made with the ikat technique, which can be purchased from Bordados Valldemossa and VidalTex. For local crafts, Sol des ses Illes offers beauty, candles and gift items, with the possibility of home shipping. Those looking for sophisticated fashion can stop at The Cave and Rialto Living, while vintage enthusiasts will find a curated selection at Unico and Singular, in Costa de la Pols. Also not to be missed are Piel de Galina and Saturday for collectible streetwear.
Where to eat in Palma de Mallorca
The markets represent an essential step. Both the Mercado de l’Olivar and Santa Catalina host excellent vendors, many of whom vacuum-pack the delicacies for transport by plane. To purchase local products and high-quality specialties, the El Corte Inglés Jaume III supermarket is also a point of reference. Mallorcan cuisine reflects the continuous contaminations that have characterized the history of the island. From aperitifs on the terrace of the Hotel Cuba to dinners at the Michelin-starred Zaranda restaurant, Palma offers gastronomic experiences for every occasion. To savor typical Mallorcan cuisine, the Celler de Sa Premsa remains an essential address, very popular with the island’s inhabitants and closed on Sundays: among the most popular dishes, the business lunch with paella stands out. Tapas, on the other hand, find one of their best expressions at La Bóveda, in Carrer de la Boteria, right in front of the La Lonja palace, which hosts particularly evocative installations.
Why visit the island
Mallorca is much more than its best-known beaches. Between art, traditions, shopping, markets, charming hotels and a cuisine that tells the story of the island, Palma represents the ideal starting point to discover the most authentic destination in the Balearics, far from the clichés and routes of the most predictable tourism.
