13 Hostels in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

About Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a waterfront city nicknamed the Pearl of the Mediterranean. Its imposing sandstone buildings rise from the Bay of Mallorca, once the scene of numerous invasions by Romans, Moors and Christians. This Spanish island has a pleasant climate year-round, with an average temperature of 17.9°C. The sun-drenched capital invites travellers to relax on its beaches, wander along its promenade or sit in a plaza nibbling a coca de trampó (pastry topped with roasted peppers, onion and tomatoes).

Stay in a Palma de Mallorca hostel just moments from the city's most popular beach, or head further out to a quiet house with its own orchard and plunge pool. Look for a place with an on-site bar to try the local herb liqueur or choose a hostel restaurant serving Tex Mex crowd-pleasers. There are hostels in Palma de Mallorca with rooftop terraces to watch the sunset as you prepare for a night on the town. Expect free Wi-Fi at Palma de Mallorca hostels, and some have free breakfast as well.

The city’s old town, El Casco Antiguo, is a jumble of medieval streets with Arab and Jewish Quarters, Gothic churches and open plazas. It’s mostly pedestrianised, and it's where you’ll find La Seu (the city cathedral) and a Moorish fortress, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. Just outside the Old Town, vibrant Santa Catalina has modern eateries serving cuisine from around the world. The promenade Paseo Maritimo runs along the shore with restaurants, bars and world-renowned nightclubs. 

Bellver Castle is one of Europe’s few circular castles and dates back to the 14th century. Climb 450 steps to the top for incredible views over the city, ocean and pine forests. After that, you’ll have earned a bite at the San Juan Gastronomic Market, set in a former abattoir. Choose from 20 stalls serving fresh seafood, croquettes and burgers. To explore more of the city's history, head to Palma's cathedral, known as La Seu. It took an astonishing 600 years to build and has one of the world’s largest rose windows. 

The city buses have 29 local routes, including some between the airport and port. Palma de Mallorca Airport, also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is 8km east of the city. Ferries from mainland Spain and the other Balearic Islands arrive at Puerto Palma in Portopí. The port is about 4km from the city centre and you can catch a bus directly to the Estació Intermodal de Palma train station, just north of the city. From here, buses connect to other island destinations.