Palma - A Romantic Escape on the Med

The celebrity presence in Palma de Mallorca has confirmed to visitors what the Spanish have long known – this is the chicest of cities, attracting the likes of Sir Bob Geldof, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jack Nicholson and Claudia Schiffer. Palma’s mild climate, tempting shopping and rich cultural heritage make it the perfect winter city break.

Smart and trendy, this is a city where contemporary design and historic buildings blend seamlessly to create a modern city with a sophisticated atmosphere.

TOP 10 Must Dos

An oasis in the city

Stroll through the old town following the city walls to the Sultan’s Palace (Palau de l’Almudaina), then linger in its Moorish garden of cypress and orange trees.

The wow factor

Visit Palma’s vast, arresting and magnificent Gothic cathedral which dominates the waterfront and is in part renovated by Gaudi. View the cavernous interior by day and admire the illuminated exterior reflected in the ornamental lake of the Parc de la Mar by night.

Food for thought

Lunch with the in-crowd at Tast at Carrer, Union 28; a tapas restaurant serving traditional Spanish finger-food with a modern twist.

Time for an aperitif

Sample the pricey cocktails, soak up the camp atmosphere and admire the Carmen Miranda-inspired décor of Abaco the city’s most eccentric bar, at Calla Sant Joan 1.

Shop ‘til you drop

For the best in retail therapy join the Spanish as they browse the boutiques in the pedestrianised streets near Placa Major – or, if you’re a shoe-lover, feed your addiction at Carrer de Sant Miguel where virtually every shop is dedicated to footwear.

Go local

For a typically Mallorcan experience, indulge in yummy Ensaimada pastries and rich hot chocolate at the traditional café Horchateria y Chocolateria, in Carrer de Can Sanc.

Hello sailor

Take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the hundreds of shimmering yachts which fill Palma’s marina – and remember to keep your eyes peeled because you never know who you might see disembark.
 
Sights for sore eyes

View a feast of work by Picasso, Miro and Dali at the museum of modern art - Es Baluard Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani located at Sant Miquel, 11.

Taking the train

From Palma you can take a spectacular railway journey through the Tramuntana mountains to Soller in the west – a beautiful town of 18th and 19th century stone mansion houses and pretty squares – aboard antique carriages. 

Nightclubbing

Dance the night away at Tito’s nightclub at 33 Paseo Maritimo, where DJs play everything from house to pop to a packed dance floor until the break of day.

Location
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearics, a group of Spanish islands off the east-coast of the mainland in the Mediterranean Sea.

Getting there
 
Stay at the five-star Palacio Ca Sa Galesa located in the heart of Palma. This luxurious, converted manor house has a breathtaking view of the cathedral from its roof terrace and is the ultimate des res.
Specialist, independent operator Classic Collection offers a three-night winter break at the Palacio Ca Sa Galesa from £525 per person including breakfast, flights with BMI from Heathrow and private transfers. Classic Collection also offers an excellent selection of hotels in the city with prices starting from £231 for a three-night break including breakfast, flights and private transfers. Call 0870 402 0126 or visit www.classic-collection.co.uk for more details.

For more information visit: www.spain.info

13 December 2007