Mallorca is a first class tourist destination that offers much more than sun and beach. For golf lovers, the island is home to a great variety of internationally renowned courses within a 1-hour drive of each other. This makes it a paradise for golfers of all levels.
However, Mallorca also offers a wide range of activities for those looking to complement their golf trip with cultural, gastronomic and leisure experiences. On this occasion, from Mallorca Golf Island, we would like to use this article to tell you more about the area of Palma de Mallorca. Take note.
Get to know the history and must-see places of Palma de Mallorca
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a lively and cosmopolitan city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. For those looking to soak up the island’s rich history, a visit to Palma Cathedral, known as La Seu, is a must. This impressive Gothic monument, built over several centuries, is undoubtedly one of the greatest architectural jewels of Mallorca.
Nor should you miss the Palacio de la Almudaina, one of the residences of the Spanish royal family on the island, or the Museum of Mallorca, where you can discover the fascinating history of the largest of the Balearic Islands. And, of course, a tour of the island’s history would not be complete without a visit to the Castell de Bellver. This fortress, from where you can perfectly contemplate the bay of Palma, is a very original example of Gothic architecture. It stands out, above all, for its circular floor plan and its twin windows. Currently, inside the castle is also the Museum of the History of the City of Palma de Mallorca.
Art and culture
Art lovers will also find much to admire in Palma. The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation, also known as the Mallorca Miró Foundation, houses an extensive collection of works by the famous Catalan artist. On the other hand, the Es Baluard Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Palma, offers an overview of modern and contemporary art of the Balearic Islands. In fact, it is one of the most outstanding of its kind in the whole of Spain.
On the other hand, the Juan March Foundation, located in a spectacular 17th century building in the historic centre of Palma, is an essential cultural reference for any visitor to the island. Its permanent collection houses 20th-century Spanish artworks by artists such as Dalí, Miró, Tàpies and Barceló, offering a tour of the most important artistic movements of the time.
Gastronomy
To get to know the gastronomic culture of Palma, it is essential to visit its markets. L’Olivar Market and Santa Catalina Market are the most emblematic, where you can find fresh seasonal products, as well as taste tapas and traditional dishes.
Palma also boasts a rich baking tradition, with centuries-old ovens that still preserve ancestral recipes. In them, delicacies such as panades (stuffed savoury pastries), cocarrois (crescent-shaped and stuffed with vegetables) and all kinds of savoury cakes are made. In the sweet section, the ensaimada is the queen, accompanied by apricot cocas and crespells (heart- or star-shaped pastries).
The surroundings of la Llotja and the Santa Catalina district concentrate a wide variety of restaurants and cocktail bars. Although, to taste the authentic traditional Mallorcan cuisine, the cellers are an ideal option. They prepare recipes such as tumbet (a summer dish based on aubergine, potato, and red bell pepper) or sopes (made with dry bread and seasonal vegetables). And for a more everyday taste, the pa amb oli is a classic: bread spread with tomato, oil and salt, accompanied by cheeses, local sausages, bitter olives and a good red wine.
Golf Courses
Palma, the capital of Mallorca, not only offers a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant gastronomic scene, but also positions itself as a top golf destination. Within the Palma area, Mallorca Golf Island represents six exceptional golf courses that stand out for their design, quality and privileged surroundings:
- Golf Son Gual: A unique course that offers an unparalleled golf experience on the island. Wide and generous, with wide fairways and spacious playing areas, ideal for enjoying the game with confidence. Strategic fairway bunkers, water, and greens guard bunkers add a touch of challenge to the course.
- Golf Son Muntaner: Recognized as one of the most beautiful courses on the island, it offers an excellent experience for players of all levels. It is the only golf course in the Balearic Islands that is part of the European Tour Destinations association and has hosted tournaments such as the Mallorca Golf Open and the Mallorca Ladies Golf Open.
- Golf Son Quint: Inaugurated in 2007, it is the newest course in Mallorca. Its wide and open course invites to an aggressive game, where precision and power are key to success. A guaranteed enjoyment for beginners and amateurs with punch. In addition, from its holes 8 and 17 you can enjoy beautiful views of Palma.
- Golf Son Termes: In the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, this course stands out for its commitment to the territory. Its design is totally adjusted to the mountainous terrain, making the most of the natural obstacles along the course. Its route winds through pine trees, olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation, offering a unique and beautiful landscape.
- Golf Son Vida: It holds the title of the oldest course on the island, a legend that has captivated players from all over Europe since its inauguration in 1964 and has hosted two European Tour events. The course’s technical layout demands an intelligent playing strategy, where precision and creativity are rewarded. This year, it has become the second course in the Balearic Islands to implement the double tee, offering two tee options for each hole.
- T Golf Palma Puntiró: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this golf course is in a privileged environment. It features a mainly flat course with fairways framed by holm oaks, wild olive trees and mastic trees. To overcome it, an intelligent game strategy is required, where precision in the strokes and the choice of the right club are key to success. The numerous bunkers protecting the greens and the four holes bordering the lakes add an extra touch of difficulty to the course. As if that were not enough, it boasts one of the largest practice areas on the island.
Enjoy Palma de Mallorca
Palma is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a complete getaway combining golf, culture, gastronomy, and leisure. With its wide range of golf courses, activities and places of interest, Palma de Mallorca has something to offer to all visitors. Visit it!