The most Mediterranean side of Palma: ways to enjoy the sea without leaving the city

Some cities turn their back on the sea. Palma, by contrast, carries it in its DNA. From its origins as a Phoenician trading post to its role today as one of the great Mediterranean cities, Palma's relationship with the sea is not a geographical accident — it is its identity. And the best part is that you do not need to leave the city to feel it. Palma itself offers everything.

The Paseo Marítimo: a grand stage facing the sea

Few avenues in the Mediterranean have the grandeur of Palma's Paseo Marítimo. Stretching nearly four kilometres along the bay, it is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, coffee with a view, or a morning run with the cathedral as a backdrop. The bay of Palma, enclosed to the east by Cap Blanc and to the west by Cap de Cala Figuera, offers a panorama of deep blue sea that few cities in the world can boast from their own centre.

The Paseo has been renovated in recent years to add greenery and pedestrian space. Today it is a vibrant stretch of terraces, restaurants and social life, especially at sunset, when the golden light turns the bay into something almost impossible to describe.

The Port: history, gastronomy and a maritime atmosphere

Adjacent to the Paseo, Palma's port is a must for anyone wanting to breathe in the most authentic side of the city. Beyond the large yachts — of which there are plenty — the port retains corners with the flavour of an old fish market, with traditional fishing boats and restaurants serving the catch of the day as maritime tradition demands.

The neighbourhood of Santa Catalina, a short walk away, is the perfect complement: a bustling market, tapas bars and a culinary offer ranging from classic fried squid to the most contemporary fusion cuisine. Mercat de Santa Catalina is a must-stop.

The walls of La Calatrava: the sea from above

The neighbourhood of La Calatrava, where Es Princep is located, offers a privileged perspective of the sea. The Renaissance walls surrounding the old town allow you to stroll literally above the city while the Mediterranean stretches out below. It is an experience that combines history, architecture and sea in a single twenty-minute walk.

From the Baluard des Príncep or the Baluard de Sant Pere, the views are among the finest in Palma — and something that guests at Es Princep can enjoy right on the hotel's doorstep.

The Es Princep rooftop: the Mediterranean in its purest form

If there is one place where the Mediterranean experience is distilled into a single moment, it is the rooftop of Es Princep. From here, with the bay of Palma spread across the horizon and La Seu cathedral to one side, the sea moves from background to main character. A gin and tonic at sunset, the rooftops of the old town, the distant sounds of the port: this is how Palma looks when you see it properly.

Sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking: the sea within reach

For those who want to do more than look at the sea, Palma offers plenty of options from the port itself or from the beach of Can Pere Antoni, less than ten minutes from the centre. Local companies offer kayak rentals, paddleboard lessons and sailing trips to discover the bay from the water. Palma Sailing is one of the most recommended options for getting started in sailing with local instructors.

Swimming and beach bars in the city

Many visitors are surprised to discover that Palma has its own beaches. The beaches of Can Pere Antoni and Ciudad Jardín are the closest to the centre, easily reachable by bike or public transport. They are ideal for a morning swim before exploring the city, or for ending the day with your feet in the sand.

In season, the beach bars in the area serve light food and drinks with the bay as the backdrop — a simple and very Mediterranean way to enjoy Palma without going too far.

Palma is, above all, a Mediterranean city. And that goes beyond the coastline: you will find it in every corner, every terrace with a view, every plate of fish, every sunset from the city walls. Staying in the heart of the city, as at Es Princep, is the best way to experience everything without missing a thing.