La Seu is undoubtedly a symbol of Mallorca and a must during your stay in Palma. Legend has it that King Jaume I departed Salou to conquer Mallorca. On the 7th September, a storm severely threatened his ships. The king begged God to rescue him from the storm and promised to build the most beautiful church in his honour when he reached the coast: Palma's cathedral.

THE CITY'S SYMBOL

Located in between the Almudaina Palace and the Episcopalian Palace, the magnificent Cathedral, also know as la Seu, stands on the site of an ancient arabic mosque. It is well known for its huge dimension, the gothic temple measures 109,40 metres, 40 metres wide and has the biggest mosaic in the world. The first kings of Mallorca were buried on this site.

GAUDÍ AND BARCELÓ, BRILLIANT CONTRIBUTIONS

The modernist artist Antonio Gaudí made some significant contributions to the Cathedral from 1904 to 1914, when he restored the interior of the Christian temple. More recently, Miquel Barceló, the Mallorcan artist, decorated "La Capilla del Santísimo" with a mural inspired by three passages from the Bible.

PARC DE LA MAR

For centuries, la Seu was the only Cathedral in the world that was reflected on the sea. This happened once in again in 1980 when the Parc de la Mar was built. The park offers a panoramic view of the Cathedral and the Palacio de la Almundaina. 

During the summer months, the city council organises "Cinema a la Fresca en el Parc de la Mar", where you can see films on a giant outdoor screen with a view of the Cathedral. A unique experience.

TOUR GUIDE

The Cathedral is a place of worship. Tourist tours are not allowed during mass. On working days you can access the Cathedral through the museum located on the north side.

This castle was built near Palma in the 14th century as a a fortress and residence for the monarchy. Until 1915 the basement of this fortress was also a prison for the royalty. King Jaume III's widow and his children were imprisoned in it for a few years. 

The beautiful Lonja del Mar is one the most beautiful Gothic buildings of the island. It is currently a fantastic exhibition centre. It is located in Paseo de Sagrera and the construction started in 1426 when the Merchant's Association asked architect Guillem de Sagrera to construct the building. It was later finished by architect Guillermo Vilasolar.

The surrounding area of this symbolic building is know as La Lonja. Here you can find an interesting nightlife and some of the city's most popular restaurants and hotels.

Photograph: La Lonja, a Gothic masterpiece.

• Address: Plaza Sa Lotja, s/n
• Telephone: 0034 971 711 705
• Opening hours: only when there is an exhibition
• Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00
• Sundays and public holidays: 11:00-13:30
• Closed on Mondays

Inside the magnificent building of Es Baluard you can find the new museum of modern and contemporary art in Palma. The museum has a varied and select collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures created by late 19th century international artists.

ART AT ITS FINEST

In Es Baluard you can see pieces from artists such as Cezanne, Gauguin, Picasso, Miró, Magritte, Polke, Barceló and Schnabel. It also has an outstanding sample of Mediterranean landscaping and also of authors that are related to the Balearic Islands, like Anglada-Camarasa and Gelabert.

As well as its permanent collection the museum holds temporary expositions. It has a shop and Es Baluard Restaurant & Lounge, suitable for events. 

DID YOU KNOW?

The ancient Baluard de Sant Pere, ancient bastion of the fortified Renaissance precinct that surrounded the city of Palma, was one of the last military quarters. The walls surrounding Palma were demolished during the 20th century urban boom, encouraged by corporate and touristic development.

Nowadays the terrace is a wonderful viewpoint, overlooking the city's promenade and port. From Es Baluard you can see the Cathedral and the original view of the unique rooftops and bell towers of the old town. 

This is that other Mallorca, a refuge in the renown “Isla de la Calma” (quiet island). From Andratx to Pollença, the island offers the visitor much more than sun and magnificent beaches. We propose you hire a car and embark on a journey to the northern mountains, where you will find one of the finest nature reserves on the island, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site.

Serra de Trauntana is a mountain range of approximately 90 km. long, surmounted by the peaks of Puig Major (1.445 meters) and Massanella (1.340 meters).  During your tour, you will observe challenging cliffs that rise from the sea, vast pine forests and genuine villages disconnected from massive tourism.  Exploring the mountains amongst the pine trees you will feel the smell of wild rosemary and the pleasure of breathing fresh air.

DISCOVER ITS BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES
During your journey through Majorcan essence, you will find enchanting villages such as Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Biniaraix, Fornalutx, Lluc and Pollença, showing you the quiet Mallorca, its charm, with its stone pavements, traditional farmers and markets, and fine gastronomy.
From scenic overlooks/viewpoints like Ses Ánimes and Son Marroig, the views are simply spectacular. We also recommend you to visit the Monastery of Lluc, spiritual centre of Mallorca.

We recommend you visit Ses Ànimes and Son Marroig, the views are just spectacular.

The road that leads you from Valldemossa to Deià is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, where  you will find the viewpoint Ses Pites and Son Marroig, mansion where the Archduke Luis Salvador de Austria lived, visited by his cousin Empress Sissi. 

The view of the coastline and Sa Foradada from this emblematic manor is unique. However, perhaps S’Estaca is the most famous manor, internationally renowned after being acquired by the famous actor Michael Douglas, who came to Deià seeking for a quiet retreat;  and he found it indeed, at 30 minutes from the capital. He was captivated by its sweet little houses spread along the hill; one of the loveliest pictures of the Mediterranean coast. Its quiet and bohemian atmosphere is well-known .

ENCHANTING AND INVITING LAND

Its beauty and authentic element; and its genuine rural charm have been captivating renowned artists, writers and musicians such as Kewin Ayers, Mike Oldfield, Julio Cortazar, Manuel de Falla and others. Robert Graves has been one of its most distinguished and appreciated visitors who lived there. Nowadays it is an interesting museum which you can visit.

Deià is a destination for demanding tourists, where you will find sweet hotels, excellent restaurants, bars and terraces. The quiet round stone beach of Cala Deià and the lovely village of Lluc Alcari both located  a few km. from the village, are a must during your visit.

TOP PICKS

-Llucalcari

-Small and bohemian cemetry

-Miramar Palace and Son Marroig

-Museo Parroquial de Sant Joan Baptista

-Museo Arqueológico y Paleontológic

Located only half an hour away from Palma de Mallorca Airport, Sóller offers visitors well kept city centre that includes some traditional architecture, beautiful mansions, majestic palaces and elegant, modernist buildings. Sóller is found in the heart of a valley, surrounded by orange trees, lemon trees, olive trees and facing the sea: it is one of the island's most charming retreats.

Next to Plaza de la Constitución, Sóller's city centre, you will find interesting buildings such as San Bartolomé church, Can Prunera Museum and Banco de Sóller, an exquisite example of art nouveau.

DISCOVER SÓLLER'S PORT

Like most of the villages and towns located in the Serra de Tramuntana (Tramuntana mountain range), the lifestyle in Sóller is calm and slow, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist centres. The hundred year-old tram runs for only 5 km, to Puerto de Sóller (Sóller's port), where you can enjoy the beach, a peculiar nautical atmosphere, delicious food and the Museu de la Mar.

NATURAL OASIS

During the spring, autumn and winter there is a path network in the nearby mountains and the seashore that turn into a shelter for nature lovers. We highly recommend a visit to the nearby villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix.

TRAVEL INSIDE A VINTAGE TRAIN

You can get to Sóller by car, bus and by a vintage train, made of wood, filled with vintage details: an authentic 19th century experience. The journey takes approximately one hour and is perfect to admire the beautiful Mallorca scenery.

TOP SIGHTS

• Plaza de la Consitución
• Can Prunera Museum
• Alfabia Gardens
• Puerto de Sóller
• Fornalutx
• Biniaraix

Founded by the Romans, Pollença conserves its charming past that you will enjoy talking a walk around its stone-paved streets. The port is now an important tourist centre and has a beautiful and busy pedestrian zone equipped with services and facilities.

As well as an excellent hotel selection, Pollença is a great place to enjoy the sea and water sports, it has a great variety of restaurants and a lively night life. We also recommend Sunday market is also.

SPORTS PARADISE

Frequented  by families all year round, Pollença is also a paradise for those who love sports. Windsurfing, kite surfing, hiking, cycling, nordic walking and adventure and mountain sports are only some of the options available.

If you travel to Pollença, you must visit Formentor. The amazing hotel, the beach and the forest are exceptional.

Photograph: Puerto de Pollença.

This narrow peninsula of the Sierra de Tramuntana, is located on the far North of Mallorca and offers one of most amazing landscapes of the Mallorcan terrain. Of difficult access, it is connected with Port of Pollensa by a winding road with steep curves that also leads you to the iconic lighthouse of Cap de Formentor.
During the journey: breathtaking views, abrupt landscapes, sheer cliffs penetrating the sea, pine trees, tunnels going through stage mountains...

BEAUTIFUL FORMENTOR BEACH                                                                 A beautiful landscape, an idyllic picture, Formentor’s beach with its turquoise water and fine sand, dotted with pine trees, is visited by Majorcans and tourists seeking for relaxation in a unique natural environment. This site’s features have historically attracted artists, poets and novelist to this part of the Mediterranean Sea.

EXCURSION TO THE FAMOUS LIGHTHOUSE
When you take the last curve you find the Formentor Lighthouse; situated at the top of a cliff, you can go up the large staircase to the top of the lighthouse, where the views are sublime. On clear bright days you can see the island of Menorca. The lighthouse has a cafè with a terrace and magnificent views, where we recommend you enjoy an unforgettable Mallorcan sunset.

INTELLECTUALS AND CELEBRITIES’ RETREAT
Another site you mustn’t miss is the Hotel Barceló Formentor, built in 1929, it has been a retreat for politicians, wealthy people and celebrities. Winston Churchill, Edward Windsor, Haile Selassie, Dalai Lama, Helmut Schmidt, Mijail Gorvachov, Grace Kelly and Rainiero de Monaco, John Wayne and Yasser Arafat are some of its guests.

Surrounded by 1.200 Hectáreas of nature, this hotel was designed by the Argentinean promoter Adán Diehl, who considered the possibility of a big promotion of the hotel in Paris by displaying a gigantic advertisement at the Eiffel Tower itself; but this never happened, however, Diehl achieved his dream:  the creation of a magic venue, a meeting point for poets, writers, ponderers /thinkers  and lovers of good taste. The Hotel Barceló Formentor, one of the most renowned boutique hotels in Spain, has cooperated for over 50 years with the famous Premios Formentor.

Photo: Formentor Lighthouse

After thousands of years of erosion, the Tramuntana mountaing range meets an intense sea, creating a unique hideout in the Mallorcan coast: Sa Calobra. On the far left side you can find a natural gem: Torrent de Pareis, declared Natural Monument by the Balearic Government.

It is only 25 metres away from the beach, hidden amongst a deep, 200 metre cliff; a spectacular view. For years this Mallorcan hideout was source of inspiration to impressionist paintors that fell in love with the light and the shades of this amazing place. 

This might be one of the reasons why this excursion is one of the most popular amongst tourists.  The hotels and the restaurants you will find on your way do not spoil this mountainous side of Mallorca. If you decide to go to this "cala" by boat you will be welcomed by a view of spectacular cliffs.

CONCERT IN TORRENT DE PAREIS

Every year, on the first Sunday of July a unique choral concert is held. These concerts were originally promoted by the paintor Josep Coll Bardolet. Nowadays it is one of the summer's most interesting events. This canyon's incredible walls make a natural auditorium. The final product is a unique acoustic and atmosphere. 

Photograph: Sa Calobra beach.