Getting around Palma de Mallorca

Public transport

Palma has a comprehensive bus network, operated by Empresa Municipal de Transports de Palma de Mallorca (EMT) (tel: +34 971 214 444; www.emtpalma.es). The transport network operates regular daily services from 0615 to 2100. The airport bus runs every 15 minutes, until 0200 every day (except Sundays) in summer. Most buses pass through the main bus station in Plaça d’Espanya, and timetables and route maps can be found at every bus stop.

Palma’s two-line metro system (tel: +34 971 177 777; www.consorcidetransports.org) links the city centre with the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) campus and the Estació Intermodal with Marratxí Estació.

Taxis

You can hail white taxis in the street or pick them up at ranks. A green roof-light marked lliure or libre indicates they are available for hire. To order one in advance, call Taxi Palma Radio (tel: +34 971 401 414). Meter fare includes VAT (rates rise at night and on Sundays and holidays). Tipping is not expected, but if you would like to tip, the usual amount is 5 to 10% of the meter fare.

Driving

Driving in Palma is relatively straightforward, with major sights clearly signposted. However, there are several one-way systems which can be confusing, be sure to know your traffic signs well before attempting to drive in Palma. It can be difficult to find parking in the historical centre of Palma, but there are numerous paid car parks. Blue markings with a meter signify pay to park for a limited period of time while yellow markings signify no parking.

Car hire

As Palma has an excellent bus network, it is only worth hiring a car if you intend to leave the city and explore the island.

Hire companies include Avis (tel: +34 902 110 261; www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: +34 902 105 055; www.europcar.es) and Goldcar Europa (tel: +34 902 119 726; www.goldcar.es).

Bicycle hire

Palma is a great city to explore on two wheels especially on the bike lane that runs along the Passeig Marítim waterfront promenade. The public bikeshare system run by Palma City Council (tel: +34 971 225 522; www.bicipalma.es), has more than 30 stations across the city. Three- and five-day subscriptions are available to non-residents, after which the first 30 minutes of any journey are free.

Palma on Bikes, Avenida Antoni Maura 10 (tel: +34 971 718 062;www.palmaonbike.com), rents out bikes for one day to two weeks, and organises guided bike tours ranging from city tours to three-hour mountain bike trips around the island.

Berganti Bikes, Avenida Bartolomé Riutort 59 (tel: +34 971 744 096; www.bergantibikes.com), is another great place to hire quality mountain bikes.

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Featured Hotels

Dalt Murada

Originally a property of Mallorquin nobles, this elegant, family-owned Renaissance townhouse near the cathedral contains 14 tastefully decorated rooms. Most of its sleeping quarters, featuring chandeliers, canopied beds and tapestries, are centred on a citrus-shaded courtyard. Check in to the penthouse suite, which has a terrace, a Jacuzzi and views of the cathedral.

Santa Clara Urban Hotel and Spa

Fusing stylish urban designs with rustic traditional architecture, this hotel is an excellent representation of modern-day Palma. As its name suggests, it is also a fully equipped spa, so be sure to check out its Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath too. There's also a rooftop terrace with sunbeds.

Hostal Apuntadores

With good-value facilities for budget travellers, this guesthouse has long been one of the top economical accommodation choices in Palma. Set in the heart of La Lonja, amid a myriad of bars, cafes and museums, Hostal Apuntadores has an excellent location to boot. One of the biggest draws of the hotel is its roof terrace with arguably Palma's best view.

Palau Sa Font

Just off the sea front and two minutes away from the Cathedral, Palau Sa Font is a small, atmospheric hotel converted from a 16th-century episcopal palace. Rooms are on the small side, featuring minimalistic designs and soothing pastel colours, but the rooftop swimming pool is cosy and private.

Puro Hotel Palma

A product of contemporary style and chic architecture, this ultra-modern design hotel draws a trendy crowd to its funky interiors, hip bar and a small rooftop swimming pool. Originally an 18th-century town palace, Puro has been transformed into an oasis where new-age luxury meets Spanish history. The hotel's Opio Bar and Restaurant is also a popular nightspot for a stylish crowd.

Hostal Pons

Set in a narrow street in the old part of Mallorca and close to restaurants on the seafront, this friendly, family-run guesthouse is set in a traditional 19th century Mallorcan house. The decor, too, is reminiscent of a bygone age, although it's rustic; some rooms have shared bathrooms. Communal areas include three lounges, a patio and a rooftop terrace, as well as a communal kitchen.

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