Majestically located on the broad, beautiful Bay of Palma, the city of Palma is the economic, political and commercial capital of the Balearic Islands. Cruise ships dock some 6.5km (4 miles) from the city centre.

Thanks to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, beautiful architecture, avant-garde galleries and museums, a thriving cultural scene and an ever-growing number of trendy boutiques, hotels, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, Palma is no longer simply a stop-over for package holidaymakers en route to the island's beach resorts. It is now a very popular weekend break venue in its own right. And, happily, this vibrant, youthful city has carefully maintained the balance between traditional and modern and has retained much of its ancient charm.

Although its sea front is only lined with pleasure craft these days, Palma has a long association with maritime commerce and it flourished as a major Mediterranean port. Its architecture is a rich mix of gothic, Moorish and Renaissance with winding narrow streets housing grand churches, a magnificent cathedral and many small palaces. The trip from Palma to Sóller on a 1912-vintage narrow-gauge train is highly recommended.

Highlights
• La Seu: Palma's Gothic cathedral boasts a magnificent interior remodelled by Antoni Gaudí.
• Es Baluard. Modern art meets military architecture in this excellent gallery.
• Palma Aquarium: A spectacular new marine park.
• Palau de l'Almudaina: The Palace of the Citadel was originally home to the island's • Moorish rulers and was expanded for the Catalan kings.
• Castell de Bellver: This unusual circular 14th-century castle, surrounded by forests and shady paths, offers breathtaking views.

Balearic Islands Tourism
Plaça de la Reina, 2 Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Tel: +34 9711 73990.
Website: www.illesbalears.es

The island's strong tradition of craftsmanship includes furniture, hand-embroidered works, hand-painted ceramics, carved olive-wood panels, wrought ironwork and glassware. Items made from raffia and palm leaves, handmade shoes and pearls also make good souvenirs.

To get a good taste of Palma, try the following: pa amb oli (bread with oil), supplemented by jamón (cured ham), or chorizo. Sobrasada is a soft, spreadable red chorizo-like sausage. Tumbet is a baked dish of potato, courgette, aubergine and tomato sauce. An ensaimada is a spiral-shaped cake, dusted with icing sugar.

The island enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures are not excessive, even in high summer, owing to the cooling influence of the sea. Winter is generally mild and dry with occasional showers. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are generally perfect to get the best of the weather and to avoid the crowds.

Balearic Islands

GMT + 1.

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Spanish.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands (part of Spain) in the Mediterranean.

383,107 (city).

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

Christian.

Mallorca is a typical tourist destination, and as such is used to dealing with a variety of cultures. The atmosphere is very relaxed, although beachwear should be limited to the beach.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - up to 10% in city and resort restaurants; none, or small change in bars, smaller restaurants and family-run establishments.