Palma de Mallorca: One city- Two worlds.
The capital of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain is both: a historic town and an international city. The contrasts make Palma de Mallorca interesting and the Catalan Flair enchants all that stay, no matter how little time they spend there.
The city is divided into 2 worlds of experience: the traditional and the modern Palma. As you walk through the narrow, picturesque streets, you feel like you have stepped back into the middle-ages, however you can also enjoy the modern residential and shopping quarter of the vast extent of the modern world. The old centre of the city is bordered with huge splendid streets that run along the former boundary up until the existing 1902 city wall. By driving in your cheap car hire in Palma de Mallorca, the so-called “Avenidas” are great for getting orientated.
In the inner city there are many remains of buildings to be found as Palma was an important world port. The old town is one of the biggest and well kept in the whole of Europe as for over 100 years a war or a fire has not raged through the city. Many of the buildings have been declared World Cultural Heritages such as the Grand hotel that was built between 1901 and 1903 in art nouveau style and was built by Lluis Domènec Montaner. In its restored rooms you will find a culture centre as well as a specially built museum for the Mallorquin paintings. Also a wander though one of the many weekly markets is definitely worthwhile: On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 8am and 2pm, you will find the market on the Plaza Pere Garau and within you will also find a wonderful flea-market. Above all the hustle and bustle the impressive symbol of the city looks down: the Gothic Cathedral La Seu. Nearby the Almudaina-Palace is situated- the administrative headquarters of the Spanish king. Above all in this district with its picturesque inner courtyards, tasteful facades and original balconies, the old Mallorca is within reach- here the Mallorquin carry on with their traditional art and craft-work and look after their ancient customs. In the mix of narrow streets you will come across hidden nooks, wonderful gardens and Mediterranean Squares. Make sure that you visit one of the many ancient bakers or the old cafes in order to have a coffee and to enjoy the typical atmosphere. Café Liric was opened in 1894 for example and is the oldest café in Palma. You will find this café near to the kings Palace which can be reached in your cheap car hire in Palma de Mallorca.
The area around the harbour consists of the fishing harbour and the luxurious yachting harbour. This place is teeming with floating palaces of the rich and famous as well as their favourite toys: Speedboats or catamarans of huge proportions. They have to be seen to be believed! In addition you can also find the cruise ships on the pier. A walk over the splendid promenade and through the hustle and bustle of the harbour is fun. There is always something to discover! East from the harbour you will find the huge Playa de Palma that stretches around 9km (5 miles) to El Arenal. The scenically beautiful bays of Cala Major and Illetes are located in the west.
You will find the lively culture of the city in the summer- especially outside. The famous Jazz-Festival or the folk events in the Parc de la Mar are some of the highlights. In Carrer Apuntadores there are many clubs as well as many bars and pubs that will help make for an exciting evening. Those of you that are still looking for a nightcap at the end of the night you can go to the popular meeting point of the mallorquin revellers- the Agua Bar in La Llotja Street.
In the surrounding area there are many tourist attractions waiting to be visited in your car hire in Palma de Mallorca: Above Palma looms the Castell de Bellver- a circular castle that is worthwhile a visit. From here you can enjoy a unique view of Palma and the coast. East of Palma, in Ciutat Jardi which is located directly on the coast you can sample excellent fish dishes as well as a wide variety of seafood in the Casa Fernando restaurant. Off the motorway exit Marratxi/sa Cabaneta you will find the Festival Parc where you will have the choice between mallorquin Outlet-Stores as well as 20 cinemas and a theme park with a terrarium, not to mention an ice skating rink that visitors not only can go round and round on but in the evenings you can also watch a huge ice skating show. The centre of the traditional pottery and ceramic handy-crafts can be found in the regions of Pórtol and Sa Cabaneta. Here you will definitely find some beautiful souvenirs to take home. For those of you that have green fingers, you will definitely be interested in the Jardíns d’Alfabiaan. Next to a charming country house from the 17th century you will find “Mallorcas best kept Arabian Horticulture”. All of these attractions can be easily reached in your car hire in Palma de Mallorca.
Whether it’s restored city palaces, smart boutiques, luxury Kings yachts, enchanting streets, majestic boulevards or wonderful beaches: Palma has everything! Somehow still a village but also a trendy metropolis- Palma de Mallorca is a bit of both which makes the particular charm of “la ciudad”
