 The pleasant climate and the interesting natural formations make Majorca an ideal place for outdoor activities, and Palma is just the place to do a bit of everything. Tourists can start their day with any one of a number of sports including golf, scuba diving, cycling, rock climbing or a number of water sports. Nevertheless, golf is usually the top choice among tourists due to the quality of the island’s courses.
After that, try a nice swim before lunch to refresh your body and bask in the sun on fine sandy beaches. Majorca boasts a number of great beaches and pleasant coves, including Cala Mayor, Can Pastilla, Can Pere Antoni, Ciudad Jardín, Playa de Palma and Son Caios.
If you feel like cultural sightseeing, start at the landmark Palma Cathedral, the pride of the city. The extraordinary high arches of the roof, the stained glass window crowning the altar, and the golden statues are all fine examples of Christian Gothic architecture.
At lunchtime, you can drive to the pretty town of Pollentia for a delicious plate of sobresada at one of the string of picturesque bars and restaurants located in the main square. On a nice day, be sure to visit Formentera Lighthouse for the spectacular view. From here, you can easily reach Alcudia port.
Continuing toward the western side of the island, you’ll arrive in Deià, an idyllic village nestled at the base of the mountains and once a gathering spot for artists and writers from around the world. The coves in this area are truly breathtaking. Be sure to visit the olive and almond tree-strewn Valldemossa, near Deià, and the La Cartuja monastery, which is famous for having attracted such illustrious figures as the composer Frédéric Chopin.
The return trip to Palma is best made by the coastal motorway, with a brief stop in Andratx. The streets of the old des Pantaleu district are home to the sa Planeta windmills, the la Cúria building, the former city hall - currently the municipal library -, and the So na Gaiana tower.
Upon returning to the capital, we recommend a pleasant visit to the Arab baths, located to the east of the Cathedral.
When night falls, see for yourself why the Majorca nightlife is legendary. One of the most popular spots is the La Lonja area, heading down Calle Apuntadors. Enjoy your choice of music - flamenco, jazz or blues - to name a few, at the many bars and discos that are in full swing until 2am.
If you’ve got any energy left after that, head toward the Paseo Marítimo promenade, to the west of the city centre. Pubs in this area are open until around 5am or 6am. Islanders are especially fond of this area and its many types of establishments - discos, gay bars, grunge, pop, topless bars, etc. We particularly recommend Crazy Cow, with open-air terrace and house music, and Made in Brazil – a salsa club.
 Majorca Museum. This museum is inside the 17th century Casa de la Gran Cristiana. The architecture is truly Majorcan in style, although there are also Baroque touches in the courtyard, hall and four arches. The museum displays interesting archaeological remains, from Talayots to Arab pottery and Gothic panels.
Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation. This museum houses the Joan Miró permanent collection, along with temporary exhibitions of works of other artists.
Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum. The museum offers a variety of educational and cultural activities. It has been remodelled inside although the Renaissance wall of Palma, in which it is set, have been left untouched.
Fray Junípero Serra Birthplace and Museum. The house of the founder of California is located two kilometres from the town of Petra.
Royal Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa. A former royal residence where the piano composer Frédéric Chopin once stayed for a while. This spectacular complex comprises a neoclassical church, an ancient pharmacy and cells. Chopin’s original piano and some portraits and letters from his stay in the area are on display here, along with works by Picasso, Miró, Tàpies and Juli Ramis.
Archaeological museum. This 14th century noble and rustic building holds the historical and archaeological collection of the municipality of Manacor.
Casal Solleric. This building was purchased by Palma City Council to hold temporary art and cultural exhibitions
Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences and Botanic Gardens. Located in Sóller, this museum displays documents and the bibliography of the geologist Guillem Colom. The garden contains native flora from a number of Mediterranean countries and regions, including Corsica, Sicily, Crete, Malta, as well as interesting architectural works.
Episcopal Palace and Diocesan Museum. The residence of the Bishop of Majorca offers seven categories of cultural interest: religious sculptures, religious art and coin collections, Gothic paintings, a bibliography collection, the Seguiré legacy, archaeology and modern pottery.
Other sites of interest include Capdepera Castle in Capdepera, the Pollentia Museum in Alcudia, the Krekovic Museum - holding works by the Croatian painter, the Maritime Museum in Sóller, and the Antique Doll Museum in Palma.
The Serra de Tramuntana Range. This chain of steep mountains and peaceful, fertile valleys is ideal for trips and outdoor sports. The mountain range spans 19 municipalities and runs parallel to the northeast coast, from Andratx and Calvià in the south to Pollentia in the north.
The Caves of Drach. These caves, carved out by the sea during the Miocene epoch, are among the most beautiful naturally-formed phenomena in Majorca. There are four caves (Cave of the French, Luís Salvator Cave, White Cave and Black Cave) which interconnect.
 The Cathedral of Palma. This majestic cathedral, also known as La Seu, stands out from all other buildings in the city centre. King Jaime I of Aragón commissioned its construction in the 13th century. The beauty of the gothic influence can be clearly seen in its arches and great columns. Visitors to the cathedral may also explore the museum and view the royal tombs.
Bellver Castle. Dating from 1309, this is Spain’s only circular castle. The building has served several purposes over the course of its history, from the summer residence of the kings to a prison. Paintings by French prisoners during the war can still be seen on its walls. The castle currently houses Palma’s Municipal History Museum and serves as a concert venue. The entry fee is nominal, and the castle makes for an interesting visit.
The Arab Baths. Tucked into the narrow streets of the old city of Palma, to the east of the Cathedral. Like all remnants of the Arabic period, the baths are both mysterious and romantic. Surrounded by gardens, the baths remain identical to how they looked in the 10th century.
La Lonja de Palma (15th century)
The architect Guillem Sagrera was commissioned to build the La Lonja exchange. This breathtaking building boasts two large turrets, spiralling pillars and remarkable images and shapes. The building currently holds a cultural centre featuring periodic exhibitions.
Raixa Palace. This 17th century palace in Bunyola was originally an Arab site and was later converted in to an Italian-style palace by order of Cardinal Despuig. Although the palace is closed to the public, you can stroll through its extensive gardens.
San Carlos Castle. This castle was built in the 17th century to prevent fortune hunters and pirates from entering the harbour of Porto Pí. It currently holds a military museum displaying weapons and military equipment from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Other important monuments and buildings include: Almudaina Palace and the National Heritage Museum in Palma, the Roman town of Pollentia in Alcudia, the Castillo de Aro castle in Alaró, and Son Marroig - the former residence of the Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria, in the locality of Deià.  In 1229, King Jaime I of Aragón conquered the Balearic Islands and founded Palma de Mallorca. Majorca is said to have been inhabited by several civilisations, including the Talayots, Romans and Arabs (123 BC). Little has survived of the Arab era apart from Almudaina Palace and the Arab baths.
For many years, Majorca enjoyed bustling trade with the Maghreb, Italy and the Ottoman Empire. However, by the onset of the 16th century, the plague, foreign revolutions and frequent attacks from Turkish and Berber pirates contributed to the waning of this golden age. The city remained in decline until the end of the following century.
In the 18th century, Palma de Mallorca became the capital of the new Province of the Balearic Islands by order of King Phillip V. During the same era, King Charles III revived the island’s economy by relaxing its trade restrictions with the Indies. The market conditions improved even more during the following century, when the French occupation of Algeria put an end to the Maghrebi attacks. This facilitated the expansion of the maritime and shipping lines and spurred the demographic growth of the island.
In the 20th century, tourism took off in Majorca and, due to the high revenue it generated, became the main engine of the island’s economy. From that point onwards, the development of tourism in the Balearic Islands has been so strong that the autonomous region has the highest GDP per capita in Spain. In 1996, for example, it was the only Spanish autonomous region to surpass the EU average.
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