Palma’s old town is even more impressive from above. With the narrow maze of alleys and houses nestled tightly against each other the city looks like a colorful patchwork rug. Some terraces are lush with greenery. There’s laughter and clinking of glasses, on others only laundry is fluttering in the wind. Churches and monasteries stand out from the sea of houses. Their towers soaring into the sky. The roof terraces of Palma offer amazing views of the city and beyond.
Where Heaven Meets Sky
The most famous terraces of course are those of the cathedral. With a stunning view of the bay of Palma, the neighboring Almudaina Palace and La Llotja. If you are not afraid of heights and lucky to get one of the coveted tickets, you will enter a place where heaven meets sky.
Few people know that 400 years ago Santa Eulàlia served as Palma’s cathedral. The oldest parish church in the city is also open to visitors. The spiral staircase leads all the way up to the roof top, an oasis of tranquility in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Drinks and Vistas
Meanwhile, many bars, restaurants and hotels also have roof terraces with magnificent panoramic views. Like Bar Cuba in Santa Catalina where the setting sun casts a golden light over Palma’s old town.
Directly opposite, Es Baluard attracts visitors with contemporary art and great panoramic views. The historic fortification walls are partially accessible, today. From the deck of the museum you can overlook the urban and the Mediterranean sea.
If you know your way around, you’ll find a couple of rooftop terraces just around the corner on Avenida Jaume III. On the deck of Hotel Nakar, for example, you can enjoy cool drinks and chilled music. While the narrow pool perfectly reflects the blue hour.
Even the cafeteria of Corte Inglés features a sheltered terrace and panoramic windows. Locals and visitors take a break here from shopping in Palma. A few steps further down the road, there’s Hotel Almudaina with sky bar and restaurant.
Sea and Mountains
The really unique roof terrace of Palma though, is the one of Castell de Bellver. The round castle high above the city is a worthwhile destination for a walk. And the climb is rewarded with a fabulous vista over the entire bay of Palma to the one and the Tramuntana mountains to the other side.