Palma de Mallorca was a lovely stop for us.
The Real Club Náutico de Palma Marina is enormous and quite enjoyable. There is an impressive variety of sailboats docked there, ranging from super-yachts to antique sailboats. The Mediterranean truly embraces a sailing culture, as opposed to much of the USA, where powerboats mostly dominate. We had a great time strolling down the long docks, admiring some truly stunning vessels, and some less so, haha.
Palma de Mallorca, commonly known as Palma, is the vibrant capital city of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is located on the southern coast of Mallorca, along the beautiful Bay of Palma. Even in January, the weather there was sunny and warm, noticeably milder than in Hyères, France.
During a conversation with our taxi driver, we learned that the city has attracted many newcomers from northern European countries during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant increase in real estate prices in recent years. It’s easy to see why people are drawn to Palma, even though we were only there for a few days.
The historic part of town is incredibly charming, with well-preserved structures in excellent condition. We spent a day exploring the narrow streets, visiting historic monuments, and browsing the boutiques. Palma is a popular tourist destination that still feels authentic. It is evident that Palma has long been historically significant and wealthy and has escaped destruction by wars.
For cruisers, Palma also offers well-stocked ship chandleries, as it is an essential hub for the Mediterranean marine industry.
I am super happy we had an unplanned visit to Palma. I wish we could spend more time there. One day, we will revisit this lovely city and the rest of Mallorca!