Overview
Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands and the largest city in the archipelago, with a population of over 438,000. Situated on the island of Mallorca, it serves as the administrative and cultural heart of the region, drawing visitors year-round with its Mediterranean setting and cosmopolitan character.
The city spans across 208 square kilometres and functions as the main transport hub for the islands, making it an essential arrival point for most travellers exploring the Balearics. Spanish is the official language, and the city operates on the Europe/Madrid timezone with the Euro as currency.
Key facts
| Country | Spain |
|---|---|
| Population | 438,234 |
| Timezone | Europe/Madrid |
| Nearest airport | Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), 8 km |
| Currency | EUR |
Getting There
Palma de Mallorca Airport is the primary entry point, located just 7.8 kilometres from the city centre. This makes it highly convenient for visitors arriving by air, with straightforward connections into the city. For those travelling between the other Balearic Islands, Ibiza Airport is 134.5 kilometres away and Menorca Airport is 138.1 kilometres away, both accessible by onward transport.
Once in Palma, the city's compact size and transport infrastructure make it easy to navigate and reach surrounding areas. The city's position as the islands' main hub means regular ferry and flight connections link it to other communities across the archipelago.
Find flights to Palma →arrives PMI (7.8 km away)
Exploring Beyond Palma
Several towns and villages are within easy reach of the capital, offering visitors a chance to experience different aspects of island life. Marratxí lies just 8.7 kilometres away, while Calvià is 12.4 kilometres distant, making both practical options for half-day excursions. Inca, situated 28 kilometres from the city, represents a slightly further venture but remains accessible for those wanting to explore inland.
For visitors with more time, Llucmajor (22.4 kilometres), Manacor (47.9 kilometres) and Felanitx (44.1 kilometres) offer deeper dives into the character of Mallorca's interior and eastern regions. Those keen to explore the other Balearic Islands can reach Santa Eulària des Riu on Ibiza, 116 kilometres away, or Ciutadella on Menorca, 112.5 kilometres distant—both achievable as day trips for determined travellers.
When to Visit
Palma experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, pleasant conditions suitable for visiting at most times of year. The city welcomes visitors across all seasons, though those sensitive to temperature should plan accordingly. Spring and autumn tend to offer comfortable conditions for exploring the city on foot and making excursions to nearby towns.
Summer brings peak visitor numbers to the city and surrounding areas, while winter remains mild by northern European standards. The city's attractions and infrastructure operate year-round, allowing flexibility in when to plan a trip based on personal preference and travel circumstances.
Good to Know
The official language is Spanish, though many residents and service providers in the tourism sector speak English. The city operates on the Europe/Madrid timezone and uses the Euro for all transactions. The official city website (palma.es) provides local information and may offer resources for visitors planning their time.
As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma functions as the administrative and cultural centre of the archipelago. The city's size and position make it a practical base for exploring the islands, with good transport connections to surrounding communities and other islands in the group.
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Palma
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Getting around Palma
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Common questions
- What is the nearest airport to Palma?
- Palma de Mallorca Airport is the closest, located just 7.8 kilometres from the city centre. The next nearest options are Ibiza Airport (134.5 kilometres) and Menorca Airport (138.1 kilometres), both on other Balearic Islands.
- What language is spoken in Palma?
- Spanish is the official language. Many people working in tourism-related businesses also speak English and other languages, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
- What currency is used?
- The Euro (EUR) is the currency. All transactions throughout the city use euros, and standard banking and card payment methods are widely accepted.
- Can I visit other Balearic Islands from Palma?
- Yes. Palma functions as the main transport hub for the archipelago. Santa Eulària des Riu on Ibiza is 116 kilometres away, and Ciutadella on Menorca is 112.5 kilometres away, both reachable by ferry or flight for day trips or longer stays.
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Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.