Palma de Mallorca in 3 days

Mallorca's elegant capital: a soaring seafront cathedral, golden-stone old town, marina life and beaches close by. Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. Average daily budget: $110 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Town (Casc Antic), The historic heart around the cathedral, with Gothic lanes, hidden patios, churches and tapas bars.

Morning: La Seu Cathedral. Tour Mallorca's spectacular Gothic cathedral with its huge rose window and Gaudí interventions.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town (Casc Antic), The historic heart around the cathedral, with Gothic lanes, hidden patios, churches and tapas bars.

Evening: Wander the old town & patios. Get lost in the lanes around the cathedral, peeking into the city's elegant hidden courtyards.

Eat: Ensaïmada, the spiral coiled pastry dusted with sugar

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Santa Catalina, A trendy former fishermen's quarter packed with a food market, brunch spots, cocktail bars and street art.

Morning: Sóller vintage train & town. Ride the antique wooden train through the mountains to pretty Sóller and its tram to the port.

Afternoon: Explore Santa Catalina, A trendy former fishermen's quarter packed with a food market, brunch spots, cocktail bars and street art.

Evening: Beach & cove afternoon. Hit city beaches like Cala Major or take a boat or bus to calmer coves around the island.

Eat: Pa amb oli, rustic bread rubbed with tomato, oil and cured ham or cheese

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Es Portitxol & Molinar, A relaxed seafront strip of bobbing boats, beach bars and a flat promenade walk back to the centre.

Morning: The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), a peaceful 10th-century survivor hidden in a garden.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Es Portitxol & Molinar, A relaxed seafront strip of bobbing boats, beach bars and a flat promenade walk back to the centre.

Evening: Sunset drinks along the Es Portitxol seafront away from the tourist crowds.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Tumbet, a layered Mallorcan ratatouille of potato, aubergine and pepper

Hidden gems

The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), a peaceful 10th-century survivor hidden in a garden.
Sunset drinks along the Es Portitxol seafront away from the tourist crowds.
The Bellver Castle, a unique round hilltop fortress with sweeping bay views.
Market mornings and a vermouth at the lively Mercat de Santa Catalina.

Getting around

Palma's old town is compact and best explored on foot. City buses (EMT) are cheap and reach the beaches and suburbs, while the historic Sóller train and the metro serve longer trips. Renting a car for a day or two unlocks the Tramuntana coast and remote coves, but parking in the centre is tricky, so stay central and walk.

Safety

Palma is very safe and excellent for solo travellers including women, day and night. Violent crime is rare; the main risk is pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots, the market and on busy buses. Take normal beach-bag precautions, watch your belongings at nightlife hotspots, and you'll have an easy, relaxed trip.

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