Palma De Mallorca - An Experience By Day And By Night

Why go to Palma de Mallorca? Visit the island of Mallorca's capital city and visit the historic buildings, restaurants and bars, and the cosmopolitan marina - a truly intriguing city.

When to go? The months of May to September are really the best times to visit Palma, although the month of June, early July and September seem to be the busiest [late July and August can be extremely hot in the city, and therefore people tend to avoid these weeks].

Getting there: Mallorca's international airport is only 11km east of Palma, and is linked to the city by a busy highway which runs adjacent to the shoreline. For a mere 20 euros, you will be able to make the quick trip from the airport to the centre of Palma de Mallorca.

Spend the morning: Begin the day at Cappuccinos which can be found on the Paseo Maritimo. A freshly squeezed orange juice, café con leche, and a toasted cheese and ham sandwich under a large umbrella shading you from the early morning sun will set you up nicely before wandering the old town lanes and courtyards. Take a stroll along Passeig d'es Born which is one of Palma's most beautiful corners and is one of the cities main promenades, forming the heart of the city. The appearance of the buildings and narrow lanes are the main appeal, and there is always a shady area in which to rest and take in the atmosphere.

Have lunch at: If a typical tapas bar is what you are after, then look no further than Patxi. This small restaurant can be found at the Plaza Pont. You may not be tempted in from the exterior appearance of this restaurant, but once inside you are spoiled for choice from the menu of tapas. If you are looking for something more substantial, there is a formal dining room to the rear. However, after a couple of drinks and tapas you should be suitably enthused to continue finding out what more Palma de Mallorca has to offer.

Spend the afternoon: Nobody will argue that a trip to this city is incomplete without visiting the Cathedral [La Seu in Catalan] which is one of the most imposing buildings in the city and is one of the most treasured Gothic structures of the Balearic Islands. It's worth reading up about the history of the Cathedral before you go, but on your checklist should be to see the giant rose window - the largest of the seven windows found in the cathedral with 1,200 pieces of stained glass. Also the Baldachin which is a ceremonial canopy of lights, and a multi-coloured crucifix suspended about the main alter which is the creation of Gaudi, and the Trinity Chapel which contains the tombs of the Mallorcan kings - Jaume II and III.

Dine out at: La Cueva in the old town - just a small restaurant so you might miss it from the outside. However, inside you are greeted by stone walls and floors so it is lovely a cool making it a welcome break from the evening heat. Typically Spanish cuising is listed on the extensive menu and the wine list is equally impressive. Try their Spanish omelette, pimientos de pardon, garlic prawns, manchego in oil and especially their jamon Iberico pata negra - complemented with a Mallorca wine from Binissalem - AN2 Anima Negra.

Stay up late at: There are endless places to spend the evening. The pavements are lined with bars and restaurants although one of the more popular places is Plaza Llotja which is lined with fish restaurants and romantically lit bars. A "must-see" is Abaco in the old town - one of Palma's [indeed Mallorca's] most famous and imposing bars which lies close to the Plaza Llotja. Abaco is an old manor house which is adorned with flowers and fruit [be sure to look in every room when you go in - especially the small terrace where you can sit and enjoy a drink] .... Be careful as drinks can be expensive at around 12 euros each drink and unfortunately photos are not allowed. Take a leisurely stroll along the Paseo Maritimo [away from the Cathedral] and you will come across La Bodeguita del Medio - where you can sample mojitos and dance the night away to salsa music. It's a tight squeeze but the atmosphere more than makes up for it.

So after your first day in Palma de Mallorca, you will feel quite exhausted. Following a restful night in one of the splendid hotels you are ready to spend another day in this fascinating city.