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| Palma Travel Guide for backpackers |
| Palma is the capital of one of Spain's autonomous regions, the Balearic Islands, and has devoloped into go-ahead and cosmopolitan commercial hub of 325,000 people. The city centre is a vibrant and urbane place, which is akin to the big cities of the Spanish mainland, with a splendid ensemble of lively shopping areas, mazy lanes and refurbished old buildings, all enclosed by what remains of the old city walls and their replacement boulevards.
If you arrive by sea, Palma is still beautiful and impressive, with the grand bulk of the cathedral towering above the old town and the remnants of the medieval walls.
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 DAILY BUDGET in PALMA - There are plenty of hostales,cafes and tapas bars, so you can get by on a daily budget of US$40. If you want to stay in hotels and dine at some of the top restaurants, a daily budget of around US$85 should be enough. |
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Santa Eulalia - This was the first church to be built after Jaume's arrival, a typically Gothic construction with a yawning nave originally designed to give the entire congregation a view of the high altar. This church is a spectacular sight to behold.
Museu de Mallorca - Occupying one of the many fifteenth- and sixteenth-century patrician mansions found all over this part of town. It has extensive local archeology exhibits and some exceptionally fine medieval religious paintings, examples of the work of the Mallorcan Primitives.
Basílica de Sant Francesc - This is one of the finest medieval churches. A substantial building founded towards the end of the thirteenth century, the church's main facade displays a stunning severity of style, with a great sheet of dressed sandstone stretching up to an arcaded balcony and pierced by a gigantic rose window.
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Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo - Found at c/Can Sanc 10. This long-established coffee house with wonderful, freshly baked ensaimadas (cinnamon-flavoured spiral pastry buns) and fruit-flavoured mousses is highly recommended. It has charmingly formal, period-piece decor. c/Can Sanc is a tiny alley near Placa Santa Eulalia. Closed Tues.
El Pilon - Located at c/Can Cifre 4, off the north end of Passeig d'es Born. This vibrant, cramped and crowded tapas bar serves all manner of Spanish and Mallorcan dishes at very reasonable prices.
Bar Bosch - Found at Placa Rei Joan Carles I. One of the most popular and inexpensive tapas bars in town, frequented by the local intellectuals and is usually humming with conversation. A great place to mingle with the locals, while enjoying a good meal.
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La Lonja - Found opposite Sa Llotja. This gregarious, pub-like haunt has revolving doors, chessboard tiled floors and darkwood panelling and furnishings. Here you will find a good mix of locals, backpackers and tourists.
La Boveda - Located at c/Boteria 3, this classy, bustling bar, one of several on this short alley, has long, wide windows and wine stacked high along the back wall. Be prepared to queue to get in, or come early.
Pacha - This raucous, happening club has guest DJs from Ibiza, the mainland and the UK. Playing funky, soulful house, plus a little trance and R&B. There is also a garden bar.
MIEL - Afriendly and relaxed bar in Santa Catalina. Cool interior and funky music.
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