Lonely Planet names Palma among the 10 top cities in the world to visit in 2025

Cosmopolitan, friendly, authentic and thoroughly Mediterranean, Palma is the capital of the island of Mallorca and one of those amazing cities that remain forever in the memory of everyone who has the good fortune to visit. Often overshadowed by all of the other fantastic attractions in Mallorca, the capital city is a little treasure that is well worth exploring. And even more so now, as it goes through a major transformation. One of the most significant signs of this is that the prestigious travel guide publisher Lonely Planet has included the city in its Best in Travel list of the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2025.  

Palma is the only Spanish city that appears on the list, and this recognition is a reflection of its historic charm, friendliness and natural beauty. But it is also due to the fact that the city is currently undergoing a transition towards a far more sustainable tourism model that also celebrates its cultural traditions and authenticity. This new model is perfectly aligned with the values of Zafiro Hotels, as we have described in our Zafiro Goes Greener strategy.  

Content 

1. A city open to the sea 


2. Youthful, lively and creative 


3. From Miró to Miquel Barceló 


4. Delicious dining in Palma 


5. Holidays with a sustainable approach 

Palma is a great place to appreciate art, fine cuisine, evening walks beneath the stars, sailing around the bay, going for a run by the sea. It’s a city that encourages you to take a walk and discover the city while falling more and more in love with every step. 

A city open to the sea 

One of the major changes Palma will see in 2025 is the inauguration of its newly renovated seafront promenade, designed from an environmentally-friendly perspective and which promises to be an example of sustainable development for other European coastal destinations. A space designed to be enjoyed to the full. A city with views of the Mediterranean to explore in a more environmentally-friendly way on foot or by bike. 

• Our top tips  

Walk along the stretch of the seafront promenade from the cathedral to Es Portixol, a former fishing district that over recent years has become a very lively and trendy neighbourhood full of cafes, restaurants and small businesses. 

• Our recommendation 

Rent a bike in the city centre and take a ride out to Can Pastilla. The seafront promenade has a bike path that takes you from the city centre out to the Playa de Palma area. The route runs alongside the sea and the entire ride along the coastline is about 10 km. The route is completely flat and can be done in half an hour or so if you don’t stop. However, it’s full of beautiful views of the coast and also has numerous small rocky coves that will inevitably cause you to make several stops for photos.  

Youthful, lively and creative 

That is Palma. The capital city has been transformed in recent years and become even more lively and vibrant. A magnificent example of this is the old town and districts such as Santa Catalina, places where both daytimes and evenings are full of constant movement: restaurants with delicious dining options, traditional Mallorcan patios where just having a coffee becomes an unforgettable experience, bars and clubs where you can meet up with people from all over the world. 

The city now has a creative energy that keeps it alive all year round. There is also a thriving market of local artists and international galleries, handicraft workshops, creative youth groups and plenty of music.  

• Our top tips  

Go out for dinner one evening in the old town. Walk along the city walls that protect the entire seafront and the cathedral. Enjoy a cocktail on one of the terraces or rooftops overlooking the Mediterranean, other picturesque rooftops and the stunning sunsets. 

• Our recommendation 

For visitors who want to enjoy all the pleasures of Palma nightlife, the covered arcades along the Paseo Mallorca and the district of Santa Catalina are always a safe bet and guaranteed success. Full of small, trendy bars, cocktail lounges and music clubs, this is where the crowds really build up at the weekend. 

From Miró to Miquel Barceló 

If there is one place where art and sustainability are both at the forefront, that would be the Fundació Miró Mallorca. This venue includes the original workshops of the Catalan artist Joan Miró, and is a must-see for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper connection with Mediterranean art. 

But Palma is much more than just Miró. In addition to the original workshops of the Catalan master, the city is also dotted with art galleries and museums that reflect its creativity and traditions. The Es Baluard Museum is the city's contemporary art centre, focusing on exhibitions by local artists with a very unique approach. It is also located alongside the sea and very near the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina. The outdoor terrace of the museum has views over the entire Palma Bay.  

Walking along the seafront promenade from the museum towards the old town of Palma, you will come across the Parc de la Mar and the cathedral. In addition to the beautiful light that floods into the cathedral through its huge stained-glass Gothic rose window, you can also see one of the most iconic works by Miquel Barcelo, a ceramic mural that pays tribute to life and spirituality and its connection with the soul of Mallorca. 

• Our top tips  

The March Museum. A wonderful hidden treasure in the historic centre of Palma with works by Dalí, Miró and other great masters of the 20th century. It is also located within a beautiful 18th century townhouse.  

• Our recommendation 

For anyone who want to see more of the latest trends in art, the best thing to do is wander around the area around calle Sant Feliu and the Plaza de San Nicolás, location of the most exclusive galleries and home to numerous unique works by local and international artists.  

Delicious dining in Palma 

From the lively hustle and bustle in the local markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, the entire centre of Palma is home to a wide range of flavours and traditions designed to satisfy all tastes.  

With a great choice of different international cuisines and a select sample of local cuisine, Palma's dining options have recently started becoming increasingly exclusive. Here are some of our recommendations: 

With a Michelin star: 

• Marc Fosh Restaurant: De la Missió 7, Palma. 

• DINS Santi Taura: Plaza de Llorenç Villalonga 4, Palma. 

• Zaranda: Bala Roja 1, Palma. 

Modern and creative cuisine: 

• Aromata: Ramón y Cajal 12, Palma. 

• Stagier Bar: D'Espartero 11, Palma. 

• Sumaq: Cotoner 44, Palma. 

• La Vieja: Plaza Raimundo Clar 11, Palma. 

Our top tips: 

Go to Bar Can Frau at Santa Catalina Market and try the tapas with a home-made vermouth. 

Holidays with a sustainable approach

If you've thought about including Mallorca on your bucket list of destinations for 2025 and would like to stay somewhere near Palma, we would suggest some of the best beach areas on the island. One of them is Palmanova, just 15 minutes from the capital and home to our Zafiro Palace Palmanova and Zafiro Palmanova hotels. In Santa Ponça you can stay at our Zafiro Rey Don Jaime, and in the exclusive destination of Camp de Mar, visit the jewel in our crown, the Zafiro Palace Andratx.