Palma is a pretty big city, but especially is organized in a particular way, due to the presence of the sea. This means that you must carefully plan where you want to live, because even a few hundred meters can make a big difference.
What you see above is a general map of Palma, where I pointed out some important information.
CITTA 'VECCHIA : is the old town of Palma and also its commercial heart. Here you can find all kinds of shops (from international chains like Zara and Freshfield to small independent stores), banks, offices, as well as some exclusive luxury hotel. Abound in this classic sports for tourists: ice cream, bars, some restaurants and the popular fast food chains. There is nothing particularly attractive in this area, unless you leave the main thoroughfares and dig into the side streets, where you can find old buildings preserved in good condition, small hidden squares, churches and parks as well as unexpected.
live in this area may, however, be quite convenient, especially because everything that can serve is at hand and you can reach most important places of Palma just walking.
First, however, there are some details to consider:
Lifestyle : although the center shopping area, this area is particularly stark when the shops are closed (from 2 to 4 pm and after 8 pm, and, it made me upset, Sunday). This means that to find a bar or restaurant open to take a true miracle.
Apartments : Most of the apartments are dated and not kept in good condition. The situation improves if you move towards the sea, but of course also increases the cost of rental. However, sometimes it's worth spending a little 'more to get a decent view. Besides, the area closest to the sea and is being treated more like a walk in his ways: full verse areas, beautiful views, clean and safe.
Auto : remember that in the center of the city the streets are very narrow and many of them are pedestrian area, so access by car and parking can be a little 'problem.
whole area between the old town of Palma and the ring is where, in fact, spent most of the inhabitants of Palma. Although it is not downtown, these areas are full of life and business: there are a huge number of shops, efficiency and services, even more than in the center.
My opinion is that this is the best place to live in Palma, if you have a car or do not have problems using public transport.
The rent is cheaper here and there are many new apartments available close to home shopping abound, so that you can get off, flip-flops on your feet, and shopping at the store next door. The advantage is that many of the shops offer fresh food and the prices are significantly lower than in the city center.
PLAZA DE ESPANA : as I have described in a previous post (
Palma de Mallorca - how to get ), this is the place where you can find all the links within and outside of Palma. Along the way are all located on the bus stops public, while the suburban buses and train station is located underground (above we have a park). From here you can reach all the villages on the island.
BEACHES: If you chose Palma for the sea and beaches, well, here is a little disappointment on arrival: there are only two beaches that can be said to belong to Palma, and are those shown on the map.
The nearest is at the end of the promenade is a public beach and you can lie down anywhere, but you do not expect any service. I recommend you bring a towel and something to eat or drink, why do not you find a bar or shop for miles.
The good news is that you can get there by walking, not very far from downtown, or take the bus. It is not very crowded even during the weekend and there is even a lifeguard during the day to watch over your safety. In addition the sea front of the beach is bordered by a system of buoys that make it impossible to windsurfing and the like the chance to get to the beach. Then you can swim a good distance without fear of any unwanted clash.
The other beach is Cala Major and to get there, you need to take the bus or your own means of transport .. The beach is not very big, but is surrounded by resort tourism, so it tends to be quite crowded in the middle months of summer. The advantage, however, is in having any kind of service you want. This is ideal if you like to be served and revered.
In both beaches, the sea is calm and clean.
CLUBS GAY VILLAGE-HOTEL- : This is the amusement park Palma, along these two routes, Gabriel Roca, Joan Miro, flourish bars, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs (including the famous Pasha) and a hotel behind the other, so the only difficulty that may occur and what to choose.
While the Avenida de Roca Gebriel shows a little 'more chic with clear guidance and entertainment of tourists, the scene along the Avenida Joan Miro is characterized by the massive presence of local people. However, this is a haven of music pubs and restaurants dedicated to exotic cuisines, but at prices much more reasonable.
This district is known as Gomila and is The Gay Village, nothing but a small number of locals and a couple of clubs that come alive mainly of boys and girls of the place. (Gay tourists usually go to Ibiza, where the scene is much more varied).
BEACH: This is a kind of small tourist village whose life revolves solely around the sea and tourists. A place where I would not live if I were you, unless you have chosen to stay in Palma only during the summer months, since winter is pretty desolate. How
neighborhood is quite small, offering only basic services, so if you need anything else, you still have to go by car or bus and head to Palma city center.
