Palma is a city where history and modernity intertwine in amazing harmony. And all this with an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea!
Geographical location of Palma
To find where Palma is on the map, look for the Balearic Islands. Palma is the capital of the island of Majorca and the largest city in the archipelago. It is located on the southwestern coast of the island and is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is about 250 km from the Spanish mainland, which makes it a popular vacation destination for Europeans.
The area is about 213 km² and the climate is typically Mediterranean: mild winters and hot, sunny summers. The average winter temperature rarely drops below +10 degrees Celsius, and summer temperatures often exceed +30 degrees Celsius. It is mandatory to use sun protection because the sun is very aggressive here.
A brief history of Palma
The city was founded by the Romans in 123 BC when they conquered the Balearic Islands. It was immediately named Palma and became a transshipment port. Subsequently, the island was repeatedly attacked by pirates and barbarian tribes. Since 902 Palma came under the control of the Arabs, who turned it into a prosperous trading center, building a system of irrigation and developing agriculture.
In the 13th century, King Jaime I of Aragon recaptured the city and began its integration into the Catalan crown. During the Middle Ages, Palma's location made it an important port and trading hub of the Mediterranean. In the 18th century, after the lifting of restrictions on trade with the American colonies, there was another era of prosperity.
A new economic boom in Palma's history came in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries with the development of tourism. Today, Palma is a vibrant metropolis with a unique blend of historical heritage and modern infrastructure.
Demographics of Palma
The population of Palma is 424,837 as of 2021. Most of the residents are Spanish, but there is also a significant number of foreigners, especially those from Germany, Great Britain, Latin America and other countries. Tourism attracts not only travelers to the city, but also expats who stay to live here, so Palma's population is growing.
Tourists wonder what language is spoken in Palma. The official languages are Spanish and Catalan, with the latter being actively used in administrative and educational spheres. English, German and French can be heard in the tourist areas.
Economy and infrastructure of Palma
The main sectors of the economy are tourism, trade, shipbuilding and services. Palma is an important tourist center, attracting millions of visitors every year. In addition to hotels and restaurants, maritime transportation and yachting business are actively developing here.
The city port accepts not only cruise liners, but also private yachts, which makes it one of the largest yachting centers of the Mediterranean Sea. There is also an international airport, also one of the largest in Europe. The city itself has a well-developed bus network and subway.
Unlike many island cities, Palma can boast of its own production. In particular, textile, paper, furniture, flour milling, as well as the production of soap, candles, musical instruments and artificial pearls.
From the looks of it, it's sometimes hard to tell, Palma is which country? In the city streets, Gothic is intertwined with modernist and Moorish elements. The Cathedral of La Seu or Santa Maria, built on the site of an old mosque, is the architectural dominant. You can also see the works of the famous Antoni Gaudi and other famous architects.
Culture and attractions of Palma
Palma has its own institute, seminary, art, music and navigation schools, theater, libraries. The city regularly hosts cultural events: carnivals, gastronomic festivals, concerts and art exhibitions. Gastronomy lovers can enjoy local cuisine at the San Juan market in a unique architectural complex. A visit to Mallorca's wineries is highly recommended.
Not far from La Seu Cathedral is the Palace of King Almudena, former residence of Arab rulers and now the official residence of the Spanish royal family during their visits to Mallorca. The Gothic Church of St. Francis was built in the 14th century and is decorated with Baroque and Renaissance elements. The former Sa Llodja Stock Exchange building has been converted into a modern exhibition center. The La Lonja Stock Exchange is a striking example of late Gothic architecture, while the City Hall is impressively eclectic.
There are many museums in Palma. Not only the classic informative places like the Mallorca Museum, but also the trendy Museum of Modern Art. For hikers, we recommend the Passeig de Borne Boulevard and the Marine Park. For a vacation with children, the huge Aquarium and Sea Zoo are perfect. For a beach vacation, Can Pere Anthony and Cala Mayor are ideal.
Why visit Palma
What is Palma famous for? Here you can enjoy delicious cuisine, vibrant cultural events, gorgeous beaches and the cozy atmosphere of the old town. This is the place for those who want to feel the true spirit of the Mediterranean!
