A Complete 3 Day Guide – What To Do In Palma Mallorca

Palma is Mallorca’s jewel in the crown and one of the main reasons our go-to area of the island was always in the Southwest, with its proximity to Palma. Palma is known as the capital of the Balearic Islands and is a year-round city. Having lived here for six months, enjoying it throughout the winter and summer. It has amazed me how much new we have discovered despite having visited many times over the last 20 years. I look forward to sharing a great itinerary for your trip and continuing to find out what else this great city has to offer!

I can honestly say this was an extremely challenging article to write. Simply trying to fit all the great things to do in Palma into just three days wasn’t easy.

Day 1

Exercise to Start The Day

Start the day right, taking advantage of island life, the sun, beautiful warm mornings, and, most importantly, the sea. It is the perfect location to take advantage of the growing trend of outdoor exercise. With several rooftop Yoga classes & Bootcamps operating in and around Palma. A stunning backdrop of the port and seaside run or cycle on the route from the Palma Port to Portixol. Or, if you prefer to get in the water, open water sea swimming in the Med or a spot of paddle boarding, with boards readily available for hire.

There are so many great options but here are some of my favourites:

Brunch

After all that exertion, there’s only one option, brunch. As you would expect Palma is awash with incredible brunch spots. So here are a few great options for you:

Leisurely shopping, pinchos & drinks

After a spot of brunch, it’s the perfect time to hit the shops, and Palma has an incredible selection with your usual suspects located around Passeig del Born & Avendia de Jaume III. Where the likes of Louis Vuitton & Sandro rub shoulders with Massimo Dutti, Zara, El Corte Ingles & Mango. Or for your more boutique and independent offering these are located behind Passeig del Born with the likes of American Vintage, Vilebrequin, La Principal  & Orlebar Brown, there’s something for all.

All set in the backdrop of old town Palma, awash with fantastic café’s, pinchos bar spots and bars.

So, if you feel the need for coffee or something sweet to power you through the afternoon, we would recommend a couple in this area.

Arabay Coffee

Specialist coffee roasters they have been roasting their own coffee since 1952. It is known for having the best coffee in Palma, so it is a must for any coffee lover! Accompanied by a great selection of cakes, pastries, and sandwiches

Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo

A Palma institution founded in 1700 and specialising in its own homemade ice cream and hot chocolate traditionally dipped with their own ensaimada. This place is like going back in time, a must visit when in Palma.

If you are looking to enjoy the best beer Palma has to offer than there’s a surprisingly good selection on offer, with much of it brewed in the city at several brew bars. My favourite of which is La Velo and is well worth a visit. For more info check out our best craft beer guide.

Another spot well worth checking out is the Santa Catalina Market. Packed full of incredible produce, from fresh fish, meats, cheeses, fruit and veg. Drinks and artisan chocolates, honestly try the chocolate covered mango, you wont be disappointed. Plus, there’s a host of eateries and bars. Some of which will even cook the deliciously fresh produce you have just bought for you, to enjoy right there.

Sunset rooftop drinks

SkyNudos

After whiling away the afternoon, its time for a quick return to the hotel before heading out for some incredible rooftop drinks. There’s a host of rooftop spots but this has to be our favourite, SkyNudos, overlooking the Port of Palma on one side, with the Palma Cathedral on the other. The perfect spot for sunset with great drinks and chilled tunes.

An evening in La Lonja

After enjoying the sunset, it’s simply across the road for more drinks in one of our favorite bars in Palma.

Café la Lonja

Your classic-style brown bar is right here in the heart of Palma. It is trapped in time and a must-visit when in town. Located in the Placa de la Llotja, you can sit outside and enjoy the square on a balmy evening or sit inside and enjoy the timeless decor.

La Boveda

Quite simply the best traditional style Tapas in town. We have been coming here forever, it’s not fancy but the food it top notch. You absolutely must try the dates wrapped in bacon, prawns & scrambled eggs and stuffed peppers!

If tapas isn’t your thing than La Lonja is blessed with so many incredible eateries, why not check out our guide to the best restaurants in Palma for an alternative recommendation.

Nightcap drinks

Bar Abaco

Finally, a nightcap at the iconic Bar Abaco. Without question, it is the most opulent bar in the city. It is set in an old townhouse decorated with flowers and fruit like you have never seen before, and classical music isplaying in the background. Be sure to explore the upper floors of the house, preserved as they would have been. With a stunning summer courtyard, they even drop petals from the ceiling at midnight. Drinks-wise, they offer a range of cocktails, but our top tip would be to order your usual favorite, as the house ones can be very strong.

Day 2

Bike Ride along the coast

It’s time to explore, so after breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to visit the bike hire shop.

Call & Ride Bike Rental & Tours

The first stop is a must-see Palma Cathedral. We suggest parking up and exploring around the stunning cathedral, you can even go inside if you would like a tour.

One of our favorites, Portixol, is the first area you will come to outside of Palma. It has a small port, fantastic bars, restaurants, and lovely beaches. Also, it is home to Hotel Portixol, a great brunch spot. The area has a relaxed vibe and is mainly occupied by young professionals who live and work in Palma.

The route then continues through Es Coll D’en Rabassa, through the bay of Cala Gamba, and onto Playa de Palma, a very popular wide sandy beach resort and the closest to Palma airport. Again, there are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from for refreshments on the way.

The final stretch is the Plaja de s’Arenal and Arenal itself home to the Aqua Land waterpark, the largest on the island. The entire route is fully coastal to this point.

The beauty is you can have chance to check out the best locations on your way for a lunch stop on the way back but we would certainly recommend:

Petit Nola

A fantastic spot with awesome cocktails and freshly made food. They do nice lunches but save some space for the home-made cakes.

After winding your way back to Palma, make as many stops as you like along the way, return your bikes, and head back to the hotel before starting your evening entertainment.

For more information on this and the best cycling routes in Mallorca check out our cycling post

Gin o’clock

Time for a real treat especially those that love gin! Its over to Santa Catalina for the Mallorca distillery experience.

Mallorcan Gin Distillery

Right in heart of trendy Santa Catalina, the distillery offers the chance to create your very own gin. First of all they start with a sensory masterclass to understand the flavours you love, then you’re allocated your own copper still to create your own gin under guidance. Once created you will have your own bottle of gin, wax seal and label to take away! The evening also includes a tutored gin tasting, nibbles and four gin cocktails through the evening.

After the distillery experience spend the rest of the evening enjoying Santa Catalina…

An evening in Santa Catalina

One of our favourite districts, the trendy Santa Catalina is packed full of fantastic restaurants and more bars that you can shake a stick at.

After all that gin its got to be next stop food. We have to recommend one of our absolute favourites Dukes, in Santa Catalina.

Dukes

We have spent many great evenings here, relaxed dining with an eclectic street food-influenced menu from Chef Ronny. The ethos is simple but not too simple: produce from people they know, meats from butchers who care, and sustainable fish and wine from the best bodegas. The menu features tapas salads, burgers, and curry, and save space for awesome desserts!

With incredible cocktails, wines, and one of my favourites Alhambra beer on tap. Lovely friendly service from the team, quite simply a great evening!

After dinner the world is literally your oyster, with so many great bars to choose from, the closest being Agabar, an exceptional cocktail bar where they can make any cocktail you like. Incredibly knowledgeable staff the obvious next stop. If you want to carry on for more drinks then head to Carrer de Sant Magi with Café Lisboa, Bar LAB, Idem Cocktail and Sky Bar a roof top bar all a stones throw from each other. In essence you can’t really go wrong in this area so we would recommend some freestyling.

Day 3

After an action-packed couple of days we think it’s time to relax, after all we are in the Mediterranean sunshine!

Relax At A Beach Club

Assaona Gastrobeach Club Palma

The closest beach club to Palma is between Palma and Portixol. Here, you can relax and enjoy the beach while the drinks are brought straight to your sun lounger. With great food on hand, this is the perfect spot to while away the day with incredible beach views, nestled between the port and Palma Cathedral.

Then, follow this up with an incredible relaxing sunset catamaran cruise!

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Oasis Catamaran

The cruise leaves the port of Palma, where you join the boat with a welcome glass of Cava. Then sailing towards the natural reserve of Cala Vella. Here they anchor in a stunning cove with crystal waters, so you can enjoy a swim and relax.

You’re then served a dinner of tapas and canopies, whilst enjoying the incredible Mallorca sunset! On the way back you also get to take in stunning views of Palma cathedral and old town by night.

More Time?

I couldn’t fit this in, but I just had to mention it as an alternative option or an excuse to stay longer!

Soller Train & Tram

If you’re looking for a further afield excursion during your stay than I simply must mention the train ride to Soller & tram to Port de Soller. A throw back in time, which has been operating since 1912. With the station here in the heart of Palma winding its way up through the mountains to the stunning town of Soller. You can spend the day exploring Soller or take the equally as charming tram ride to Port de Soller, and enjoy the day by beach or shopping. Genuinely a must visit.

Summary

As I said, deciding what to include and leave out has been a considerable challenge. One thing for sure is that this is an incredible itinerary for any trip to our island paradise! Take the bits you like and add to them as you wish, but I’m sure it will provide an excellent base for your stay here.

When it comes to Mallorca, there’s always an excuse to stay an extra day or week or even come back for another visit in the future; the island is just so full of surprises.