Useful Information – Palma de Mallorca

If you are planning to come to Palma de Mallorca, there are some particularities about the schedules that you should take into account to make the most of your time in the city. As in many Spanish cities, the days in Palma seem longer, something that is easy to notice when you get used to its pace. The main reason is that Mallorcans have quite flexible schedules and, in many cases, later than in other cities. The main meal of the day is usually between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., while dinner is served from 9:00 p.m. or even a little later, especially in summer, when temperatures drop.

This pace may be a little different than other places, and it’s important to keep in mind that if you try to eat or dine outside of those times, you may not find many places open. If you prefer to eat something at midday in the city, most restaurants and bars open from 12:00 pm to offer daily menus or tapas.

Shops in Palma, especially in the historic center or in shopping areas such as El Corte Inglés, usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a break in the afternoon. Some small shops or boutiques may close between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., which is typical in many Spanish cities due to the traditional “siesta”.

However, supermarkets are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. without interruptions. Markets are an essential part of local life. The Olivar Market, in the center of Palma, is one of the most popular, offering fresh products such as fish, sausages, fruits and vegetables. The markets in Palma are an excellent option to learn about the local culture and buy quality food.

Although Palma is a compact city that can be explored on foot, public transport is also quite efficient and can be useful for those who want to get around more quickly or if the Mediterranean heat means you prefer not to walk too much.

Bus: Palma has an extensive network of urban buses that connect the center well with the peripheral neighborhoods and more remote areas. Buses run frequently and are an economical option for getting around the city. The service generally begins at 7:00 a.m. and runs past 11:00 p.m., although there are some late-night lines at weekends.

Metro: Although the metro network in Palma is limited compared to other large cities, it is quite useful for moving between areas further away from the center, such as Marratxí or the Mallorca Fashion Outlet, if you like shopping. The metro operates from Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on weekends until midnight.

Train: It is possible to go by train to towns such as Manacor, Sineu or Inca. If you want to visit Sóller, you can go on a historic railway that offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Bicycles: Palma is a fairly friendly city for cyclists, with many routes dedicated to bicycle use. You can rent bicycles at various stations throughout the city to get around quickly and ecologically.