Palma is the capital of the Spanish island Mallorca. It’s known for its rich history, exciting nightlife, fantastic shopping scene and breathtaking beaches. What many may not know, however, is it’s a paradise for food enthusiasts as well.
With its rich culinary history, diverse influences, and vibrant food scene, the city offers a feast for the senses that every traveller should experience. That’s why it’s no surprise that so many people flock to the island every year in search of great food and fun times with loved ones. The most recent data revealed that around four million people from Central Europe visited in 2022, showing just how popular it is.
If you want to learn more about what the City has in store for you and how to navigate the food scene in style, this is the guide for you. Continue reading to learn more and get excited about a foodie trip to Palma de Mallorca.
Where is Palma de Mallorca?
Palma sits in a bay on the southerneastern coast of Mallorca and is the capital city. The island is located around 200km off the coast of mainland Spain with Valencia being the nearest major city.
Just a short distance away is the party island, Ibiza, which promises fun excursions when you visit Palma.
The history of the city
As mentioned, the city has a rich history that many visitors love to explore once they arrive. It’s the largest Spanish island and the city of Palma was founded by the Romans all the way back in 123 B.C.
Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, though, it was occupied by Arabs for around 300 years. The capital was then taken back by King James I of Aragon between 1229 and 1231, returning the city to Spanish rule.
Palma de Mallorca boasts a fascinating food history too, which is shaped by its Mediterranean location and diverse cultural influences. From Moorish spices to Catalan traditions, the city’s cuisine is a reflection of its past.
What are the main highlights of the island?
There’s much to do outside of eating in the city and, although, the food will be a highlight, here are some of the other activities to enjoy in Palma de Mallorca:
- Explore Palma Cathedral
- Visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina
- Take a walk along the Paseo Maritimo
- Go shopping on Passeig del Born
- Explore the Bellver Castle
- Take a day trip to Soller
- Relax on the beach
What are the best ways to experience the food and drink on the island?
Navigating the food and drink industry in the city is a breeze with great eateries and bars around almost every corner. Our top recommendations for trying the best available products includes the following:
Try the local delicacies
No visit to Palma is complete without sampling some of its signature dishes. Indulge in ensaimada, a sweet pastry dusted with powdered sugar or sobrassada, a spicy cured sausage that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Don’t miss the opportunity to savour freshly caught seafood either with caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) and fideuà (paella with pasta) being some of the best options available to you.
Many of these dishes can be found in the restaurants around Palma but be sure to check the menu before committing to a restaurant.
Taste the many drinks
Wash down your culinary adventures with a taste of Mallorcan wine or hierbas, a traditional herbal liqueur. Or, for a refreshing sip, try a glass of pomada, a popular cocktail made with gin and lemonade that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny terrace.
If alcohol isn’t for you, you’ll find plenty of fresh juices around the city too. Freshly squeezed orange juice is one of the must-try beverages and is perfect for a day at the beach.
Visit the food markets
Food markets let you sample plenty of local dishes without breaking the bank. Some of the best food markets that Palma has to offer includes Mercat de l’Olivar and Mercado Gastronómico San Juan, which offers a modern twist on traditional market fare.
Many of the markets have souvenirs, handcrafted jewellery and artwork to pick up to, so you can take home a gift to remember this wonderful trip by.
Take on a food tour
There are plenty of opportunities for you to book guided food and drink tours of Palma in advance, so you can experience the rich gastronomic history of the city in a group with experienced and passionate tour guides.
These can usually be found online but if you’d rather wait until you get here to book, it should be easy to find a local guide with space for you and your loved ones.
Other parts of your trip that are worth arranging in advance for peace of mind include transfers from Palma de Mallorca Airport and your accommodation. The latter should be extremely straightforward with so many great hotels around the island.
Have we convinced the foodie in you to take a trip to Palma de Mallorca? If so, start planning your epic journey today to ensure you fit all the cultural and food-based activities into your getaway. This should make sure you experience the island in the best possible way.
