Overview
The Balearics provided Hannibal — reputedly born on the small island of Conejera, northwest of Ibiza — with his only regiment, which won fame in many battles with Rome. Even earlier, in the semi-mythical times of the Greek Argonauts, it was in Mallorca that Hercules found the Golden Apples (oranges), and here that the last High Priestesses of the Mother Cult held court in the mysterious depths of the Caves of Drach — one of the five ancient gateways to the underworld.
The Romans conquered the islands in 123 AD. The Vandals seized them in 455 AD and, except for a brief Byzantine reconquest under Belisarius, held them until the Moors took control in 798. For four centuries Palma became home to pirates who ravaged coasts as far as Italy and disrupted Mediterranean communications.
In 1229 King Jaime of Aragon broke the Moorish hold by landing a large army at Santa Ponsa and proclaiming himself King of Mallorca. Christianity returned, and he ordered the construction of Palma Cathedral on the site of a former mosque.
Mallorca was an independent kingdom under Jaime II and III until 1343 when Pedro IV of Aragon conquered it and incorporated it into Spain after national unity was achieved under the Catholic Monarchs.
In the War of Spanish Succession, Mallorca escaped Marlborough and the British fleet by siding with the Austrian Pretender against Philip V.
Barbary Coast pirates later plundered the islands. To avoid raids, coastal towns were abandoned and rebuilt inland — explaining dual place names such as Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa, Andraitx and Puerto Andraitx.
During the 19th century, Mallorcan landscapes attracted Austro-Hungarian nobles, German princes, writers, and artists. Chopin and George Sand famously spent the winter of 1838–39 in Valldemosa.
Each island retains its own Mallorquín dialect with French influence. The language, race, and customs resemble Catalan more than Castilian Spanish. Despite their turbulent history, islanders maintain distinct identities — differing not only from mainland Spain but also from each other. Much countryside and many small towns remain beautifully unspoiled even as mass tourism transformed parts of the coast.
Mallorca produces artificial pearls, wine, almonds, figs, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, potatoes, and grains. Around 10 million almond trees bloom in February.
The island has around 600,000 inhabitants — half in Palma — and receives over 5 million tourists each year. It measures roughly 47 miles across and 62 miles long, with 187 miles of coastline. It is 132 miles from Barcelona and 140 from Valencia, with ferry connections from both cities. Palma also has a large international airport with two terminals.
King Juan Carlos maintains a summer palace in Marivent, outside Palma.
Places to Visit in Palma
Cathedral
Founded by Jaime I and built on the site of a mosque. Construction began under Jaime II and continued from 1230 to 1601. Contains the tombs of Jaime II and III. A large canopy designed by Gaudí hangs over the altar (completed 1904). The small museum holds coins, silverware, and early Christian artifacts.
Almudaina Palace
Originally a palace and fortress of Moorish kings, later a residence of Christian monarchs. It has also served as a War Office and court of law. The Provincial Arts Museum contains antiques, paintings, armour, and tapestries.
Bellver Castle
A circular 14th-century castle perched 400 feet above sea level. Former royal residence and later a prison. Now home to the Municipal Museum on Palma’s history.
Moorish Baths
The only complete surviving Moorish building in Palma.
La Lonja
Begun in 1426, this gothic building resembles a church but was built as a merchants’ exchange. It later served as a clearing house, bank, and stock exchange. The sea once reached its walls. Today it is used as an exhibition hall.
Basilica and Cloisters of San Francisco
Much of the building dates from the 1300s, though the façade was added in the 17th century. Brother Junípero Serra, later founder of multiple California missions, trained here.
Pueblo Español
An architectural museum containing replicas of more than 100 houses, palaces, and monuments from across Spain — including the Alhambra (Granada) and El Greco’s house (Toledo).
Places to Visit Outside Palma
Alcudia
Site of the Roman capital, with a stone twin-towered gateway complete with portcullis. Nearby lies a Roman amphitheatre.
Deya
A mountain artists’ colony with exceptional scenery. For many years it was home to Robert Graves.
Valldemosa
Originally a royal palace, later a Carthusian monastery. Famous for being the 1838–39 winter home of Chopin and George Sand. Contains memorabilia of their stay.
Soller
A town surrounded by orange groves. A scenic train runs from Palma, followed by a tram to Puerto Soller, a resort between the Sierra de Alfària mountains.
Caves of Drach
A spectacular cave system near Porto Cristo, with dramatic lighting showcasing stalactites and stalagmites. Tours include a musical performance from boats on an underground lake.
Porto Cristo
Former fishing village, now a resort. Popular due to the caves and nearby wildlife reserve.
Manacor
Mallorca’s second-largest town, known for pearl factories.
Lluch Monastery
Over 1,000 feet above sea level. The island’s most venerated shrine. Built in the 14th century on the site of a Marian apparition. Features the small statue La Moreneta. Restored in the 17th century.
Inca
Market day is Thursday. Famous for its wine cellars and shoemaking factories.
Puerto Andraitx
A fishing port and small resort set on a large bay with a marina.