It’s no secret that the Balearic Islands are popular holiday destinations among people looking for a sun-soaked getaway. These islands offer the perfect blend of golden beaches, beautiful towns and cities, and lively nightlife. They’re also a great alternative to the Costa del Sol and Malaga. But what about visiting Palma de Mallorca in winter?
The capital of the Balearic Islands is often associated with summer trips, but it’s equally worth visiting during the off season. The city takes on a completely different vibe in the wintertime, with a slower pace and more authenticity emanating from its streets. Visitors can enjoy Palma de Mallorca in winter without the bustling crowds, with mild weather and no waiting times at the key attractions.
Palma de Mallorca has a fascinating history that’s helped shape it into the city we see today. It was first founded in 123 BC as a Roman settlement, and it later fell under the rule of the Byzantines, Moors, and Catalans. Each group has left its mark on the city’s traditions and architecture. As you make your way through the winding medieval streets on foot, you’ll quickly come to realize that visiting Palma de Mallorca in winter is the perfect time to discover the city.
Weather in Palma de Mallorca in winter
Winter in Palma de Mallorca is quite mild compared to most of Europe. This makes it ideal for a winter escape. The average temperatures range from 12°C to 17°C but this can dip to 7°C to 10°C in the evening. Despite the milder weather, you may come across cloudy or rainy days during your trip. Showers are usually short though, and the majority of the day is spent in sunshine.
I’d recommend bringing at least one light jacket with you, as well as comfortable walking shoes, and a thin sweater so you can layer up if needed. There’s often a cool breeze passing through the city which can make it feel colder than it is.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca in winter
Plaça Mayor
Plaça Mayor is a bustling central hub in Palma, but in the winter you’ll find it much less crowded. It was constructed in the 19th century and the plaza was once the site of a convent as well as the Spanish Inquisition headquarters. However, it can be traced back even further, when the square was used for markets and public gatherings in the 16th century.
The square is surrounded by neoclassical buildings that are filled with shops and restaurants. You may come across a few live performances here too if you’re lucky. This is a great starting point for exploring the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca in winter.
Arab Baths
A very unique place to visit in Palma is the Arab Baths. They date back to the 10th-12th century and remain one of the only examples still standing of the Moorish pasta of the city. The baths feature a circular domed room with various columns and a tranquil garden that visitors can walk around. This attraction in Palma is often overlooked by visitors despite it being located in the heart of the old town.
Entry costs only €2.50 too, so it’s a nice budget friendly thing to do in Palma if you’re interested in history or architecture.
Cathedral of Mallorca
One of the top things to do in Palma de Mallorca at any time of the year is to visit the Cathedral of Mallorca (Le Seu). This gothic cathedral stands overlooking the bay and it’s considered to be one of the most impressive religious buildings in Spain. Construction started in the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the start of the 17th century that it was completed.
With a €10 entry fee, this is one of the more expensive attractions in Palma to visit, but I’d recommend seeing it at least once in your lifetime. It’s suggested to book your tickets in advance to avoid the large queue that forms at the ticket office. We booked ours just before entering so we could skip the queue at our designated entry time.
Other religious buildings in Palma de Mallorca that I’d recommend adding to your itinerary are the Basilica de Sant Francesc and the Basilica de Sant Miquel de Palma.
Parc de la Mar
Not every city has interesting parks to explore, but Parc de la Mar should definitely be on your list of places to see in Palma. This park is located beneath the cathedral and features a large artificial lake, panoramic views of the sea, and an open-air amphitheatre. It’s a beautiful space to walk around, and the views of the cathedral are unbeatable.
Access is completely free, and even on a cloudy day you’ll find that Parc de la Mar is busy with both locals and visitors. This is a good spot to spend some time if you need to wait to enter the cathedral.
Royal Palace of Almudaina
One of my favourite things to do in Palma de Mallorca in winter is to walk around the Royal Palace of Almudaina. This palace was originally an Islamic fort, but today it acts as the official residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit Mallorca. If you’re a history enthusiast, the small €7 entry fee is worth paying, or you can pay extra to skip the queue.
The palace dates back to the 14th century, and it’s split into two distinct styles. The lower level reflects the medieval past of the palace, whereas the upper level reflects the modern royal family and is decorated with all types of furniture from the past few centuries. If it happens to be raining during your trip to Palma, the Royal Palace of Almudaina is the perfect place to spend an hour or two until the weather improves.
Jardin del Bisbe
At the rear of the cathedral is a hidden gem in Palma de Mallorca with free entry. Jardin del Bisbe offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of the old town, with a small pond and lush greenery surrounding the garden. The Bishop’s Garden offers a different view of the cathedral as well as the Episcopal Palace, and it’s open Monday-Friday throughout the year until 15:00.
If you’re short on time, you may want to give this garden a miss as there isn’t much to see or do here. However, its location makes it easy to visit and snap a quick photo inside before heading onto your next attraction.
Mercat de l’Olivar
Palma’s largest covered market, Mercat de l’Olivar, was opened in 1951 and it still remains a favourite among locals. Inside the market you’ll find a variety of food stalls selling fresh produce, fish, and local delicacies. If you want to taste authentic Mallorcan cuisine, this is the place to do it, and it’s not overly touristy – yet. Just make sure you research the opening times before you visit to avoid disappointment.
Walk around Palma’s old town
When you travel to a new historic city, nothing quite beats the feeling of walking around the streets of the old town. Palma’s old town is a beautiful maze of cobbled, narrow streets lined with historic buildings, charming cafes, and locally run restaurants. There are also lots of bookshops, art galleries, and hidden gems to find along the way, and most of it is pedestrian-friendly which makes it more enjoyable.
To learn more about the history of Palma, I’d suggest joining a free walking tour of the city which will take you through areas such as the Jewish Quarter and the Arab Quarter. Other guided tours of Palma are available too, such as bike tours and food tours.
S’Hort del Rei
The old town of Palma may feel compact, but it’s certainly not short of gardens to enjoy. S’Hort del Rei is located behind the royal palace, and it was once a royal orchard. Today it serves as a public park where visitors can enjoy fountains, sculptures, and shaded paths. This garden offers a glimpse into the aristocratic past of Palma, and you don’t need to pay a penny to enter it either.
The garden is quite small, so it’s easy to add to your Palma de Mallorca itinerary. It’s a good idea to visit it after you’ve finished your tour of the palace, so you don’t need to come back to the area later.
Llotja de Palma
A stunning piece of architecture that shouldn’t be missed while visiting Palma de Mallorca in winter is Llotja de Palma, also known as Lonja. This merchant exchange building was constructed in the 15th century, with soaring stone columns and ribbed vaults being its standout features. The carved details found inside reflect the wealthy trade hub that Palma grew into in the medieval period.
Today the building often hosts events or art exhibitions, and entry is free as long as a special exhibition isn’t being held. Visiting Llotja de Palma in winter means you’ll find less crowds here than usual, so you can fully appreciate the architectural masterpiece of this landmark.
Passeig del Born
Known as the “golden mile”, Passeig del Born is the city’s most elegant boulevard. It’s lined with high-end boutique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it a key social hub throughout the year. Passeig del Born was designed in the 17th century as a place for public gatherings and horse riding, and today it offers a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity.
In winter the atmosphere is more peaceful, so you can go shopping at your leisure and enjoy a warm drink in a cozy cafe without fighting for a table. This area also hosts seasonal markets and outdoor concerts, so look out for those too.
Enjoy the views from a rooftop bar
The great thing about Palma is that it’s home to many spectacular rooftop bars. Even in the wintertime, some of these bars remain open so you can enjoy the views of either the city or the harbour with a cocktail in hand. Rooftop bars are the perfect place to catch the sunset from, as the golden glow settles across the historic skyline of Palma.
The Skybar at Hotel Hostal Cuba is one that I’d recommend if you want nice views but don’t want to pay for overpriced drinks. You’ll also get a small bowl of snacks to nibble on, and in the winter you shouldn’t have any issues finding a table.
Stroll along the harbourfront
Looking for more free things to do in Palma de Mallorca in winter? Then you might want to consider taking a walk along the scenic harbourfront. It stretches from the old port to the marina, and along the route you’ll catch glimpses of historic buildings, fancy yachts, and of course the Mediterranean Sea. This is a popular area for locals jogging or cycling too, since the promenade is free to access.
The harbourfront is also known for being the gateway to Palma’s food scene. This is where you’ll find numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines. However, some of these may be closed in the winter months.
Castell de Bellver
One of the most unique things to see in Palma de Mallorca is Castell de Bellver. This circular castle was built in the 14th century for King James II, perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views of Palma, the countryside, and the harbour. Inside the castle today you’ll find the Palma History Museum which features artifacts from Palma’s medieval history.
Entry to Castell de Bellver costs just €4 which is incredible considering how rare the design of this castle in Europe is. You can either hop on a bus to the castle or make your way up the hill on foot through a forested park. In the winter the weather is cooler, so the hike to the top will be a bit more comfortable. This is one attraction in Palma not to be missed, even though it’s a short distance from the old town.
Places to eat in Palma de Mallorca
Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo
Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo is Palma’s oldest cafe and it’s famous for its Mallorcan pastries and hot chocolate. It was established in 1700, and there are now many locations across the city, including in the historic centre. A must-try while in Palma are ensaimadas, which you can find here, along with other sweet treats like robiols and cocas de patatas. A lot of people enjoy the thick hot chocolate that’s served at this cafe too.
Dragon Sushi
Those of you looking for sushi in Palma de Mallorca need to head over to Dragon Sushi. This sushi buffet has a great selection of Asian-inspired dishes, as well as sushi rolls and sashimi. You can order a combo option or pick plates from their menu throughout the dining experience. If you don’t have time to sit in, you can also order some sushi to go. The price for the sushi buffet, even on the weekend, is quite reasonable too.
Anita Cakes
There are a lot of places offering desserts in Palma, but one that really stands out is Anita Cakes. This vibrant bakery is located in the old town, with a menu boasting a variety of desserts, from brownies to mini cheesecakes and freshly baked cookies. The pink-themed interior of the bakery draws in a lot of Instagrammers, so it’s recommended to visit in off-peak hours if you want to avoid waiting for a seat.
El Grano de Cafe
If you’re on the hunt for specialty coffee shops in Palma de Mallorca, I’d recommend trying El Grano de Cafe. They’re known for serving high-quality and ethically sourced coffee, and the skilled barista can craft your drink to perfection in minutes. This is also a great cheap spot for breakfast in Palma, though I’d suggest arriving early before all of the tables are taken up by people working remotely.
Restaurante De China a Mallorca
For authentic and affordable Chinese food in Palma, Restaurante De China a Mallorca is the place to go. It’s situated near Plaza de España so it’s very conveniently located. We came here for lunch and were impressed with their lunch menu offer which included a drink, a starter, and a noodle dish for under €15 per person. The food was very flavourful and cooked to perfection too, so we’d definitely come back again for another relaxed meal.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel
There are a lot of options when it comes to places to stay in Palma de Mallorca in winter. We opted for Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel, which is a stylish four-star hotel catered to both leisure and business travellers. It took us only 20 minutes to get here from the airport, and it’s only a few minutes walk from Palma’s historic old town. Our room was very spacious, modern, and clean so we have no complaints. The hotel also features a rooftop pool and terrace so you can enjoy the views of the city during your stay.
>> Take a look at what rooms are available at Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel <<
Is winter a good time to visit Palma de Mallorca?
Anyone visiting Palma de Mallorca in winter won’t be disappointed. The entire island of Mallorca takes on a more relaxed feel in the wintertime, making it great for people who like travelling at a slower pace with less crowds. It may not be beach weather, but you can still enjoy the mild Mediterranean weather alongside the cultural sites, cozy cafes, and historic medieval streets of Palma. There’s really no bad time to plan a trip to Palma de Mallorca!
If you have any questions about going to Palma de Mallorca in winter, or if you have any recommendations about things to do the next time we visit the island, please get in touch. You can reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll find more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to travel next.
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