Pictures of Palma are mesmerizing. It is the capital of the island of Mallorca and a city that combines Mediterranean charm, historical heritage and coastal atmosphere. It stands on the bay, overlooking the sea, boats, yachts, promenades and the old port.
Palma has a magnificent Gothic cathedral, an old town with narrow cobbled streets, palaces, beaches nearby, green parks, sea vistas, and hilly terrain on the horizon. There are both busy tourist areas and quiet cozy neighborhoods, gardens and lookouts. So in Palma, tourist photos can be very diverse.
Palma photo cards: what to photograph
The Cathedral of St. Mary, or La Seu in Palma, is the star of the city's photos. And no wonder, it's a Gothic cathedral by the sea! It is especially spectacular in the evening or at dawn, when the light falls on the facade and the water in the background creates reflections. The backlit night shots are stunning too. The guidebooks advise you to shoot it from the Parque del Mar promenade, and from the west side to catch the silhouette against the sea and sky.
Another symbol of Palma in beautiful photos is the Belver Castle. It is a round Gothic castle standing on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the city and the bay. Photograph not only from above, but also inside the castle walls. A very colorful historical backdrop.
The Almudaina Palace is also constantly found in photos of the city of Palma. It is a royal palace with impressive architecture, courtyards and decorative facades. And then there is the Es Baluard Museum, which is interesting not only inside, but also outside. The terrace of the museum is an observation deck overlooking the port of Palma for beautiful pictures.
Parks and water: the green side of Palma
Want beautiful photos in Palma amidst flowers and greenery?
- Sa Feixina Park is a large green park where it is nice to combine relaxation and shooting. It is also suitable for family photo shoots.
- Parque de la Mar, right by the wall of the old town, is another place for beautiful shots of the cathedral.
- Jardí de s'Hort del Rei is a picturesque garden where nature, flowers and greenery create a more tranquil atmosphere.
- The coastal beaches and coves near Palma are suitable for photo shoots by the water and for nature shots.
Morning and sunset give good soft, warm light and long shadows, especially on the hills and on the shore. In parks, we suggest choosing shadier locations and combining greenery with vintage walls for backdrops. Try shooting coastal nature from different angles - at eye level, lower or higher, from ledges.
Palma's center and boulevards
Palma's old town, with its narrow streets and countless little details, lends itself to portraits, architectural shots and detail shots. Experiment with focus, blur and zoom.
- Plaza de España is the classic main square in the city center for equally classic shots. A large-format camera comes in handy here, and you can take symmetrical shots or shoot with your subject in the center.
- Passeig des Born is a pedestrian promenade with beautiful buildings, fountains and stores. A great place to catch the city's rhythm, people, storefronts and architecture at the same time.
- Plaza de Cort - A historic square with facades and cafes. Not the most popular, but a nice place for a photo of Palma.
Pedestrianized areas are good in the morning or evenings to avoid the crowds. Shooting building facades is recommended in side light to emphasize textures. Use streets, steps, fences and bridges as leading lines in the shot.
Architecture of Palma
Among the architectural sights for beautiful photos from Palma, check out the city hall, the Arab baths lost in time and the extraordinary modern building of the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation. The church of St. Eulalia with Gothic elements is one of the oldest churches in the city. The ancient Jesuit church of Montesión is also a beautiful photo of Palma. In the halls of churches and palaces, work with details like doors, mosaics, balconies, trim and textures.
City life: people, markets, cafes
What does Palma look like in motion? Life is constantly bustling at the authentic Mercat de l'Olivar market. There's people, shop windows, produce, flowers, spices and just a whole lot of color. A very colorful place.
Romantic photos from Palma can be taken during a walk along La Rambla with flower shops, street musicians and cafes. However, other streets in the old town are just as good. Pay attention to the little things - vases, pots, shutters, doors. All of these create the character of the town.
The port and marina are also good for colorful photos of Palma with ships, yachts, boats, fishermen and port infrastructure. And on cloudy days, the clouds make for a spectacularly dramatic backdrop.
And if you're in Palma for a holiday or festival, such as Christmas or the Catalan holidays, don't miss out!
Night and Seasons
Glowing shop windows and street lights add a special charm to photos of Palma. The cathedral and panoramic views from the observation decks are magnificent. On the waterfront, the lights reflect in the water and create a real magic. Taking photos in Palma in the evening is a pleasure. Just don't forget to use a long shutter speed for the lights and watch the white balance.
In spring, Palma is drenched in flowers and greenery, and the sun is not yet so bright and aggressive. In summer, shooting on beaches and by the sea is attractive, but not at the height of the day because the harsh light gives a lot of glare. In the fall, there are fewer tourists, and the colors seem to become even more saturated in the soft light. In winter, cloudy days and sunsets are especially good.
