Search for city break tips and you’ll usually find advice to book accommodation right in the city centre.
But what if the best city break experience comes from staying outside the city walls?
Palma, the lively capital of Mallorca, is just a three-hour flight from London, and flights can be as cheap as £24 one-way with EasyJet, if you time your booking right.
Best known for its vibrant nightlife, the Spanish city also boasts a rich culture, stunning architecture, and countless trendy cafes and restaurants.
As Metro’s Amanda Cable writes, Palma is “Paris-by-the-sea: as romantic as the French capital, but minutes from glorious beaches and a jaw-dropping coastline.”
However, just 25 25-minute’ drive away lies Illetas — a beautiful town with white sandy beaches and Instagram-worthy coves that feels worlds apart from Palma’s tourist spots. The local bus drops you in the heart of Palma in under an hour for just €2.
Is the secret to a perfect city break… staying elsewhere?
Exploring the City
I love the hustle and bustle of a city break. But I also like to relax, and fitting both into a 48-hour escape can be tricky.
That’s why I booked into Hotel BonSol, a clifftop resort about five miles from Palma’s city centre, overlooking the Bay of Palma.
“Stunning view of Palma’s cathedral and city skyline, showcasing its rich history and architecture
Designed like a medieval castle, the hotel’s motto is “Sunshine for the body, peace for the spirit, and warmth for the heart” — and it certainly lives up to it.
Terraced gardens, palm and pine trees, old-school glamour with yellow parasols, and stunning views in every direction set the scene.
@danielle_jaimi Coolest hidden bar in Palma, Mallorca. Cocktail list is extensive but pricey. Worth it for the vibe. #majorca #mallorca #cocktailbar #hiddencocktails #hiddenbar #majorcabar #mallorcabar #palmamallorca🇪🇦 #palmademallorcaspain #oldtownpalmamallorca
♬ Suivre le soleil – Vanille
Hotel BonSol offers multiple pools, tennis and squash courts, mini-golf, table tennis, boules, and a daily yoga class overlooking the Balearic Sea. Standard half-board rooms start from €208 (£178) per night in May.
The number 4 bus stops right outside, making it easy to head into Palma whenever you like.
Things to Do in Palma
Palma is incredibly versatile, whether you’re there for a weekend or a two-week beach holiday.
With temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C between May and October, you can enjoy the sun even during a short trip.
Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town and you’ll find history and magnificent architecture at every turn.
The cathedral, with its breathtaking stained glass windows, is a must-see, especially for fans of Gaudí, who helped restore parts of the interior.
Beyond the big-name stores, Palma’s hidden boutiques are real treasures. Behind the cathedral, in a maze of alleyways, you’ll find Viti Vinci, an artisan perfume shop where you can create your fragrance.
Feeling hungry? Visit Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma’s top fresh produce market, and sample local treats like sobrasada (spreadable sausage) and ensaimada (spiral-shaped sweet pastry).
Afterwards, enjoy a coffee at Wunder Workshop, a charming natural coffee shop just a short walk from the market.
Where to Eat and Drink in Palma
If you only eat at one place, make it Restaurant OMBU.
Highlights of our meal included chicken and pistachio croquettes with curry mayo, roasted aubergine with harissa and parmesan cream, and Iberian pork ribs with miso sauce.
The best part? Dinner was only €35 per person, including a bottle of Rioja.
Other must-visit places include Canela — a favourite of Michael Douglas — and El Camino, a stylish tapas spot. For something more casual, Bar España offers affordable and delicious tapas (but expect a wait).
@danielle_jaimi Coolest hidden bar in Palma, Mallorca. Cocktail list is extensive but pricey. Worth it for the vibe. #majorca #mallorca #cocktailbar #hiddencocktails #hiddenbar #majorcabar #mallorcabar #palmamallorca🇪🇦 #palmademallorcaspain #oldtownpalmamallorca
♬ Suivre le soleil – Vanille
Craving a change from tapas? Try Cafe Poupette in Parc de Sa Feixina for a dreamy croque madame, or visit TikTok-famous Fika Farina, a Swedish bakery known for its cardamom buns.
After dinner, don’t miss a Majorcan Spritz — a refreshing cocktail made with local orange aperitif, sparkling wine, and grapefruit soda.
Finally, for an unforgettable nightcap, visit Bar Abaco in Palma’s Old Town (La Lonja district). Behind an unassuming door lies a 17th-century mansion filled with antiques and Mallorcan linens, set to the sound of classical music.
The cocktails cost around €17 each — pricey, but The Financial Times once called it “the most remarkable bar in the world.”
