Palau de la Almudaina

I only had a night and a morning in Palma de Mallorca but managed to see a fair bit. At night I had a pizza and wine then saw a sign advertising a drag show tonight. In a weird move for me I decided to go to the bar to check it lot. Alas me arriving at 10:30pm it wasn’t yet open, so I went back to my hotel to chill, aiming to go back at midnight when it opened. Naturally I fell asleep and next thing it was morning 😂.

After breakfast I went for a walk around the old town - so beautiful. Love the old streets, architecture and seaside feel to the place. There is even a bit of Gaudi style architecture here (last seen by me in Barcelona). With only a morning to explore I decided to hit the big 3. Catholics, Muslims and a Palace. Why 2 religions you ask? Given the pre Christian, Islamic history of Spain I feel it’s important to see a bit of both, plus the moorish architecture of southern Spain is 👌.

I started with the Catholics. The cathedral was beautiful, massive and holds a commanding position overlooking the harbour atop fortress like walls. It was €10 to get in which I think is a bit of a rip off tbh. No photos allowed but with every German here flouting that rule, I decided to be German too. The sun through the stained glass window above the alter did light up the place with amazing colours.

Next were the Muslims. The only remaining Islamic relic in Palma are the Arab baths. While a lot smaller than the monstrous Catholic Church these were better value at only €3.50. Inside was a peaceful garden and the remains of the Arabic baths. Built in a similar style to those I saw in southern Spain, the baths were a quiet place for relaxation. It also smelt like bleach as they just cleaned the public bathrooms - that kinda made it feel fresh. I do like that chlorine swimming pool fresh smell (yeah I’m weird).

Finally I thought let’s see another palace. The Spanish royal family have a palace overlooking the cathedral (although it be fair the cathedral dominates it), I’m guessing for summer holidays by the sea. It was €7 and very quiet inside. The stone walls are a contrast to the palace in Madrid. It’s giving a much more “were under attack so living in a castle” vibe than luxurious palace. It was air conditioned (as all good castles by the sea should be) and relaxing in to wander through pretty much by myself. I think I’d prefer to bring the dining table from the Madrid palace and set it up here with the sea view.

Heading back to my hotel I remembered I wanted to see the historic tram car that heads across the island to Soleno. I didn’t have time to ride it but I had an ice cold coke in the terrace cafe waiting to see it arrive. Lots of people climbed aboard so I was somewhat glad I didn’t take this trip in this heat.

So that was a lighting stop in Palma de Mallorca. It’s not exactly what Love Island had me thinking, but it is quite a cute little old town to explore. Saving some cash and taking the €5 bus to the airport now. Next stop - Germany 🇩🇪.Read more