Santa Catalina: Palma de Mallorca's new access point

When you visit Palma de Mallorca, Passeig del Born will probably be this special street that you will remember when you go to the city. Starting at the promenade and the cathedral La Seu, it is like a big and cosy entrance to the city centre with more places of interest such as Plaza Mayor and the old town. A perfect starting point for a day trip to Palma. 

But maybe you want to explore something different and avoid the tourist crowds, then it's a good idea to explore the neighbourhood of Santa Catalina in Palma de Mallorca!

Santa Catalina - the trendiest district of Palma de Mallorca

Sure, it's no secret that Santa Catalina has become a hotspot in recent years - the main street is lined with Scandinavian real estate offices selling flats in the area at tremendous prices to their compatriots - but it still has this laid-back Mediterranean flair mixed with trendy bars and innovative restaurants.

Santa Catalina by night: nightlife in Palma

And when the sun goes down, Santa Catalina becomes the nightlife hotspot of Palma de Mallorca! Don't worry about the drunken tourists in the bars: this is where the islanders go to have a good time! You'll find a wide selection of restaurants, bars and clubs, all very different from the usual tourist traps.

Walking around Santa Catalina

During the day, take the opportunity and explore the area on foot: until a few years ago, Santa Catalina was a rather abandoned part of town, dark streets, abandoned houses. Almost all the houses have been restored and now there are parts where it is like the quiet Mallorcan village it was decades ago before tourism came to the island. 

Stroll through the small curvy streets and get lost in the quiet village! You won't believe that you are less than 20 minutes walk from the crowds at the cathedral! But that's not all: at the top of Santa Catalina you can see an original old mill, and you have the most wonderful view of the harbour.

Are you a big fan of markets?

Many city guides mention the Mercat de Santa Catalina as a sight worth seeing. Unfortunately, it is not the authentic Mallorcan market you might expect. After a major renovation years ago, it's more of a gourmet market, but that doesn't mean it has lost its authenticity. You will see that not only will you immerse yourself in a Mallorcan atmosphere, but you will also have the opportunity to observe how the islanders live.