Mallorca, a Balearic island off Spain's Mediterranean coast, has long been known for its natural beauty – imagine clear blue waters, limestone mountains and sheltered golden beaches. Palma de Mallorca, the island's bayside capital, is urban by comparison, with waterfront hotels, galleries, restaurants and bars spread out between the city's medieval core and more modern districts.
Visits to Palma de Mallorca often begin in its old town. As you stroll the neighbourhood's labyrinthine streets, you'll encounter the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and the 11th-century Arab Baths – a remnant of the city's Moorish past. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which was rebuilt during the 14th century, still hosts the Spanish royal family during the summer.
One of Palma's greatest assets is how accessible it is to the rest of the island. A short drive from the city centre, you'll find Bellver Castle – one of the only circular castles in Europe. Nearby, you'll also find the studio and home of Spanish artist Joan Miró.
No visit to Mallorca is complete without a trip to the beach, and Palma is close to some of the island's best. The six-kilometre-long Playa de Palma is the city's largest, featuring a bike path and plenty of water sports. Down the coast, Playa de Cala Pi sits sandwiched between tall cliffs and hosts a beach shack that serves snacks and drinks. Even beaches on the island's opposite coast, like Playa de Formentor and Cala Mesquida, are less than a two-hour drive away.