Robin’s
72 hours in
Palma de Mallorca
There are many places we love to return to, but for Robin, the place at the top of the list has to be Palma de Mallorca. Just about three hours from Copenhagen, and not much more from anywhere else in Europe, the city makes for a perfect prolonged weekend getaway.
Many visitors touch down in Palma only to head straight to their favourite or suggested resorts, missing the city itself with the cobbled streets of the atmospheric old town, its impressive monuments, museums, galleries, and vibrant food scene.
Surrounded by the Mediterranean, this easily accessible capital offers a melting pot of cultures and historic influences. Having visited Palma at least twice a year for some time, Robin takes you through a prolonged weekend in the city as he experiences it.
Robin’s Top Five
Imagine that, like Robin, you arrive in Palma for a prolonged weekend. You want to rest and, quite honestly, don’t want to plan too much. This list does the trick and makes everything a little easier. Scroll through Robin’s favourite spots, the places he returns to every time he’s in town.
Aromata
Carrer de Ramon y Cajal, 12, Ponent
Our favourite lunch spot, we always return to this place for their à la carte menu, where renowned Michelin-starred chef Andreu Genestra brings his take on Mallorcan cuisine.
Mistral coffee
Everything starts with a good cup of coffee, right? Mistral has two coffee shops, but we prefer this one, slightly hidden from the rush of the busy central streets, perfect for enjoying a later morning coffee.
Fika Farina
Carrer Del Sindicat, 4, Centre
We know… we travel from the Nordics just to end up at a Swedish bakery. But there's something beautiful about it... and it's perfect for grabbing a pastry to go with a coffee in the other hand.
Rosevelvet Eatery
Carrer de Font i Monteros, 22, Centre
Another coffee spot, this one, perfect for an early start when you feel like having breakfast and taking a little walk along the way.
Bar Nicolas
A place to start your getaway, or really any afternoon, when in Palma. Tucked in the Old Town, it is great for people-watching as locals mix with visitors here.
Where to stay:
Nobis Hotel Palma
A place that brings together the best of both Scandinavian and Spanish design in a former 12th-century palace, located in Palma’s charming Old Town. A place that feels calm, with Mediterranean light moving beautifully through the space during the day, especially in the courtyard, making you pause for an afternoon drink or a quiet moment, perhaps with something to read, between exploring the city.
Thanks to the original structure of the palace, each room feels different, and shared spaces, such as staircases, the courtyard, and corridors, feel like part of the stay rather than just a way to get somewhere.
A place to just be, and one that makes you want to return, simply for the stay itself.
Dining
Balearic bliss comes in many forms. One of them might be a weekend spent in Mallorca, which has quietly become one of the most interesting dining destinations in the Mediterranean, where a new generation of chefs focuses less on theatrics and more on produce, seasonality, and atmosphere.
The island delivers a version of dining that feels considered rather than excessive. In this list, we've included not only our favourite finer spots, but also those that offer the same attention to the whole experience, placing just as much value on atmosphere as on what arrives on the plate.
Little Jarana
Little Jarana feels more like the kind of place you want to keep to yourself. Located in Palma's old town, it's small and direct. Chef Abraham Artigas keeps the menu compact and seasonal, with dishes designed to share and a wine list like something you were just looking for!
FERA
Fera feels like a calm place in the city's dining scene, located within a renovated palace just off El Borne and is our favourite, especially when seated outside in the courtyard during lunch time. Chef Simon Petutschnig frames his menus around Mediterranean ingredients but isn't afraid to borrow subtle techniques and flavours from Japan and beyond. You can find us there every single time.
MESTÍS
It's frequently said to trust where the locals go, and if you do, you'll end up at here. A fun, colourful, cosy little eatery in Santa Catalina with good food and atmosphere that stacks up across breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Aromata
Carrer de Ramon y Cajal, 12, Ponent
Our favourite lunch spot, we always return to this place for their à la carte menu, where renowned Michelin-starred chef Andreu Genestra brings his take on Mallorcan cuisine.
LA VIEJA
Plaça de Raimundo Clar, 11, Centre
La Vieja is quite possibly Palma's trendiest spot for tapas. Here, forget the traditional white plate and expect really good food served in more innovative ways.
Stagier bar
Carrer d'Espartero, 11, Ponent
Stagier Bar is one of those places that instantly gets your attention. The food is seasonal and comes in small plates, with combinations that are not overcomplicated. It's intimate, slightly tucked away, and works best if you're open to sharing something you didn't initially plan to order.
Cafes & Bakeries
Mistral coffee
Everything starts with a good cup of coffee, right? Mistral has two coffee shops, but we prefer this one, slightly hidden from the rush of the busy central streets, perfect for enjoying a later morning coffee.
Nano coffee lab
Carrer de Can Asprer, 2, Centre
Hidden in a side street of the Old Town, this little coffee shop can get busy, but if you're lucky, their cold brew is our go-to.
Fika Farina
Carrer Del Sindicat, 4, Centre
We know… we travel from the Nordics just to end up at a Swedish bakery. But there's something beautiful about it... and it's perfect for grabbing a pastry to go with a coffee in the other hand.
Rosevelvet Eatery
Carrer de Font i Monteros, 22, Centre
Another coffee spot, this one, perfect for an early start when you feel like having breakfast and taking a little walk along the way.
La Molienda Palma
Carrer Arxiduc Lluís Salvador, 9a, Nord
A cosy spot in the Old Town with a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a slow morning, you can grab a cup to sit in or take it with you while strolling the streets nearby.
When feeling artsy
When the weather isn’t great, or you just need a break from city strolls, consider making a trip to the Fundació Miró Mallorca.
And when you’re feeling artsy but want to stay in town, grab a coffee to go at Nano and wander the galleries along Carrer de Sant Feliu. If you’re thinking of a cocktail while checking out some art on your way, stroll through Carrer de Tous i Maroto and Plaça Frederic Chopin before settling in for people-watching at Bar Nicolas.
For something bigger, Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma is ideal, especially for modern art and architecture.
Cocktails and Wine
You know us, we like a good cocktail or two… and the same goes for a good wine. These are the places we return to, quite often, whether it's for a slow evening or a quick stop on a city stroll.
Nobis Mirall Bar
Carrer de les Caputxines, 9, Centre
Nobis Mirall Bar is the kind of place where enjoying a cocktail feels just right. Its calm space, with a view of the city that makes you probably stay a little longer than planned.
Vandal
Vandal is an edgy, busy, and rather noisy restaurant. But the cocktails are really worth it, and the creative cuisine comes with thoughtful wine pairings.
Bar Nicolas
A place to start your getaway, or really any afternoon, when in Palma. Tucked in the Old Town, it is great for people-watching as locals mix with visitors here.
Bar La Sang
Carrer d'Antoni Frontera, 22, Nord
Bar La Sang is the place you go to slow down and enjoy a glass of wine without all the fuss. The atmosphere is relaxed, and perfect for a quiet moment before or after exploring Palma.
An escape from Palma:
Ca’n Beneït
Maybe you’ve already spent time in Palma, perhaps even following our recommendations, and want to do something a little different this time. How about treating yourself to a small escape? For us, it was Ca’n Beneït, a hidden Mallorcan retreat in the heart of the Tramuntana.
Port de Sóller
And where else to go? Graham’s favourite option is heading out to Sóller and Port de Sóller. Perhaps stay a night at our favourite Meem Townhouse, followed by a stop at Blai Bar, for a glass of wine and tapas, or Patiki, a farm-to-table spot by the beach. The Editors’ note: A great way to start the journey is with the historic train that runs directly from Palma.
What to pack:
Travel Essentials
While we want to leave this part up to you, we know packing can sometimes feel overwhelming. Maybe this list helps you spot a couple of things you’re missing, or reminds you it’s time to replace an item with something new: a good quality piece that will last not just for one trip, but for many years to come.
Mvst Treva Suitcase
A good carry-on case with wheels is a basic necessity of travel. Aluminium cases are always the chic alternative, and this dent-resistant version from MVST is a great example.
Loewe passport holder
A passport cover isn't the most important of things, but it is a nice classy detail to your travel set and actually makes it easier to locate it in a bag.
Sony headphones
Whether they are for drowning out the sound of screaming kids on the plane or for giving you the perfect ambient soundtrack for poolside, a set of good headphones is a vacation must.
Steamery Cirrus
This smaller steamer can fit easily into your suitcase. So before heading for dinner in the evening, you don't need to worry that your shirt will be full of wrinkles.
Nuori The One
Just because you are travelling, it doesn't mean you should ignore your skincare. This moisturiser from our Copenhagen favourite Nuori comes in a small package and does the job beautifully.
Darling Shield-Me SpF 50
Really, you should be using SPF every day of the year, but of course, it is mandatory in sunnier climes. We love this one from Italian brand Darling as it is effective but also very lightweight and fragrance-free.
Le Labo Fleur D'Oranger 27
Warmer weather calls for a lighter, fresher fragrance. This lovely one from Le Labo has lemony notes but is centred around orange blossom, which is a great combination.
Messy Weekend Lexie Sunglasses
This pair from Messy Weekend are nice and lightweight, and the grey colour shields your eyes from the sun. We love the quirky shape and the very good price tag, too.
What’s your next destination?
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