Palma de Mallorca. Credit: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock.
Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands and sun-drenched star of Mallorca’s southwestern coast, has hosted more power struggles than an over-the-top splashy Shakespearean subplot.
First embraced by the Romans in 123 BCE, it was later looted by Vandals, rebranded by Byzantines and in the 8th century fell to the Arabs: until James I of Aragon swept in, sword aloft, in 1229. Palma’s destiny flip-flopped until the royal marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469 finally settled it under the Spanish crown (probably inspiring countless soap operas!).
Palma’s old town flaunts history like a peacock in a cathedral. Started in 1230 but finished only a few centuries before Brexit, its Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline. Nearby are Bellver Castle, Almudaina Palace and more architectural gems than you can shake selfie sticks at.
The modern city unfurls along the sea like an elegant sun lounger: seven miles of promenades, cafés and luxury hotels. Additionally, it turns out everything from embroidery to olive wood trinkets – perfect for suitcases or impulse purchases after too much sangria. Oops!
Palma is both island idyll and cultural cocktail with its lively university scene, art museums, excellent transport links to Barcelona and Valencia and impressive history.
So, wherever in Spain you’re reading this GREAT newspaper, put on your walking shoes and get exploring!
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Nora Johnson’s 15 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The Girl in Red’ (www.nora-johnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.