Our clued-up local Concierges are the ultimate insiders. That’s why we’ve left it to them to plan the perfect 24 hours in Palma, Mallorca's vibrant capital. A beguiling blend of culture and coast, it’s right up there when it comes to the best Mediterranean Big Short Breaks. Thanks to its warm climate and walkable streets, that’ll have you chomping on croquetas and chipirones at lunch and stepping into the world of Joan Miró by early evening, it’s the perfect year-round destination. In fact, you could spend weeks in this city and still uncover fresh joys every day. But even with just 24 hours at your disposal, our Concierges and European specialists know how to make it a day hard to forget…
9.30am
Start the day at Cappuccino Grand Café in the city’s charming Plaça de Cort square. Take a seat at its al fresco dining tables and choose between truffle and parmesan omelettes, avocado toast with poached eggs or scrambled eggs with salmon, before washing it down with a Pura Vida juice and a cappuccino (it would be rude not to). If you can peel your eyes away from people watching, head to the Cathedral La Seu for a lesson in all things architecture. Full to the brim with fascinating religious artefacts – including the bones of historic saints – and adorned with dozens of spires and stained-glass windows, it’s not surprising that it took over 500 years to complete.
Image by Gunnar Knechtel, LAIF / REA
11.00am
Late morning calls for one thing: the Mercat de l’Olivar. Set in the city’s old quarter, this thriving food market sells everything that makes Mallorcan cuisine so special. Expect endless stalls of fresh fish, meat and vegetables, as well as pastries like ensaïmadas. Made from sugar, flour, eggs and a type of pork lard called saïm (go with it), they are a Mallorcan staple. So much so that we are deeming it imperative you stop and sample a few when you see them.
1.30pm
Croquetas, chipirones (baby squid) and buñuelos (fried dough fritters) are all on the menu at La Caña. The first xiringo in town, it is tapas with a twist. Just a stone’s throw from the harbour, this beach bar is just the place to pair plates of Iberian cured ham and creamy croquettes with a bottle of a floral Mallorcan prensal.
Image by Lorenzo Moscia, Archvolatino / REA
3.00pm
Swap an afternoon siesta for a spot of retail therapy at Arquinesia, an elegant town house turned perfumier where each room introduces a different Balearic-sourced scent. From fig and orange to sea breeze and fig, it’s the perfect spot to souvenir shop. We recommend the secret garden scented ceramics. Suitably scented, it’s off to the Fundació Miró Mallorca. Step into the world of celebrated artist (and Mallorcan resident) Joan Miró and see his studio exactly as he left it, with half-finished canvases on easels and oils still glistening on palettes.
7.00pm
Head to Palma’s beach, or more precisely to Assaona’s sun-bleached terrace and sunbeds, for cocktails. As chic ‘gastrobeach’ clubs go, it’s one of the best. Order a ‘Sevillana’ cocktail (gin, orange syrup, lime and maraschino liqueur) and while away the early evening under thatch parasols, palm trees and rattan light fixtures – if you choose to sit inside. Either way, you’ll be in for a treat come dusk, when the sun sets behind the bluer-than-blue Bay of Palma. And if you’re feeling a little peckish, we recommend the steak tartar and grilled red prawns.
10.30pm
Dining in Spain means dining late. But that’s no problem at the award-winning Dins Santi Taura. Their 11-course ‘Origens’ tasting menu, featuring Mallorcan-style stuffed snails, is worth the wait. Contemporary in style and cuisine, it’s impossible for chef Santi Taura to forget his Mallorcan roots, given the restaurant is located just a few steps away from the city’s cathedral. End the night at Door 13, a candle-lit, 1920s-style speakeasy. Order an Old Fashioned and let the sounds of live jazz and blues wash over you at this underground time capsule.
Written by Naomi Pike | Header Image by Gregor Lengler - LAIF / REA