Old Town Walking Tour

Palma's old town is one of the largest contiguous historic city centers in Europe — over 1 km² of area, crisscrossed by medieval alleys that are a challenge even for Google Maps. The best way to explore the district is on foot and without a strict plan, but the following stops should not be missed.

Duration: 3–4 hours leisurely, with café stops more like half a day.
Best time: Morning (9–12 am), when the patios are open and it's not too hot yet.
Start: Plaça Major | End: Parc de la Mar (by the cathedral)

1. Plaça Major
The large rectangular square with its arcades is Palma's living room. Under the square: a shopping center (not very interesting). On the square: street musicians, flower market (Saturdays), cafés to arrive at. The yellow-ochre facades with green shutters are a classic Palma photo motif.

2. Can Forteza Rey
Just a few steps from Plaça Major stands this Art Nouveau jewel (1909) at the corner of Plaça del Marquès del Palmer. The facade with its floral ceramics, wrought-iron balcony, and glazed bay window strongly resembles Gaudí's Barcelona. In fact, it was designed by architect Lluís Forteza-Rey in the Catalan Modernisme style.

3. Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
A small but atmospheric remnant of Moorish rule (10th century). Two rooms with horseshoe arches resting on ancient columns (each column different — recycled from Roman and Byzantine buildings). The adjacent garden with orange trees is a quiet retreat. Entrance: 3 €. Daily 9:30 am–7 pm (summer), 9:30 am–6 pm (winter).

4. Basilica de Sant Francesc
The largest Gothic church after the cathedral, with a magnificent Baroque facade and a beautiful cloister (14th century) with slender columns. Inside: the tomb of Ramon Llull, Mallorca's most important medieval scholar. The cloister is the real highlight — shady, quiet, photogenic. Entrance: 5 €.

5. Patios of the Old Town (Courtyards)
Palma has over 80 historic courtyards proposed for World Heritage status. The most beautiful: Can Marquès (Carrer de Can Zanglada 2a, museum, 5 €), Can Olesa (Carrer del Morey 9, imposing staircase), Can Vivot (Carrer de Can Savellà 4, one of the most splendid). Many patios are freely accessible during the day — just look through the open arches!

6. Plaça de Cort & Olive Tree
Palma's town hall (Ajuntament) stands on Plaça de Cort. In front of the building grows a more than 800-year-old olive tree — Palma's most photographed non-building. The covered bench beneath it is a popular meeting point.

7. Paseo del Borne & Parc de la Mar
The elegant promenade avenue Paseo del Borne with plane trees, luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Loewe), and grand dame cafés leads down to Parc de la Mar — the park below the cathedral with an artificial lake reflecting La Seu. Best photo spot, especially at sunset.