Page not found – Call&Ride https://callandridemallorca.com Mallorca Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:13:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://callandridemallorca.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-Captura-de-pantalla-2021-05-04-a-las-16.23.12-32x32.png Page not found – Call&Ride https://callandridemallorca.com 32 32 The best ice cream shops in Palma https://callandridemallorca.com/the-best-ice-cream-shops-in-palma/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:19:08 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/?p=89706

Are you looking for the best ice cream shop in Palma? You can find dozens of them here, so we are going to help you find top 3 visited by locals. They have the best ice cream and really tasty homemade products. You cannot miss them.

Gelateria Rosario

Plaça del Rosario, 4 – Palma
If you want to try the best ice cream in Palma, Gelateria Rosario is the place to go to. This shop has the most unique artisanal ice creams and sorbets that you will find on the island. The beginning of this wonder dates back to 1979. The first manufacture was located in a small town called Andratx, which is also a must-stop while you’re in Mallorca. They have been providing pure happiness to those who try their delicious products.

A remarkably well-located shop, just 5 five minutes away from the Cathedral of Palma and Paseo del Borne, will make you enjoy the city while refreshing your palate with numerous flavours that the establishment provides. The hardest decision you’ll face: which of them should I choose today? Amongst the scrumptious options you can find flavours such as Pistachio (P.D.O. Sicily), Almonds (P.D.O. Mallorca), Hazelnut (P.D.O. Piamonte), Strawberry, Stracciatella (P.D.O. Madagascar), Brownie and many others. Apart from outstanding ice cream and sorbets in Gelateria Rosario, you can also try mouth-watering homemade biscuits here and have something to drink (water, juice, coffee, and so on). If you visit Palma, you cannot miss this ice cream shop!


Heladeria Ca’n Miquel

This emblematic ice cream shop was founded in 1989. It is located near Jaume III Street, so you can easily come across this fancy place while strolling around the town. All the flavours are fully made of natural and local products, since the primary goal of the company is to keep the highest quality possible.

Current owners, descendants of the original creator Miquel Solivellas, explain that the key to success is to keep the same suppliers with whom they originally started: fresh milk from Agama that arrives every morning, oranges and lemons from Cooperativa de Sant Bartomeu in Sóller, fig opuntias from Porreres and strawberries from Frespi, Sa Pobla. In this shop you can simply lose yourself in trying to taste all 60 flavours.


Ca’n San Joan de Saigo

This business has a truly distinctive story that will make you completely fall in love with it. At the end of the 17th century a man whose name was Joan decided to go up to the Mallorcan mountains and collect some snow. With the help of a group of strong men, called the “nevaters”, and donkeys carrying some metal containers filled with snow, he came back to the city and mixed the snow with fruit juice. We can say that this man was the forerunner of today’s ice cream!

The most famous flavour is almond, since it is produced here on the island. Although the establishment doesn’t offer as many options as the other two, they are still yummy. It is a one-in-a-lifetime type of experience!

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Luggage transport in Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/luggage-transport-in-mallorca/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:33:16 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/?p=89669

Luggage transport in Mallorca

If you plan to travel to Mallorca, walk the Sierra de Tramuntana, visit the island by bicycle and you need a company that carries your luggage from one hotel, hostel or vacation apartment to another, you can trust Call&Ride Mallorca.

Call&Ride Mallorca is a luggage storage company that offers this service anywhere on the island at the best price. We transport from small suitcases to larger packages such as bicycles.

How does it work?

Contact us through our website and explain your travel plan briefly: where do you want to leave your bags, so that we can pick them up and where do you want us to transport them while you travel and dates for the transfers. Once we have received all the necessary information, we will respond with a personalized offer for you. The price of the luggage transport service varies depending on the number of items to transport, the distance to cover and the time it will take.

Remember that we adapt to your needs. By having a store in the center of Palma you can use our service to leave suitcases there and collect them whenever you want and anywhere on the island, having us deliver them to a fix point or multiple locations depending on your travel stages if you are biking or walking. With our luggage transport service, we will make your trip much more comfortable.

Call&Ride Mallorca also offers the possibility of transporting bicycles from the airport to your hotel or from any point on the island to another place. This way you can start your bike route from your hotel and not from the airport.

In addition, you can store your bags in our luggage storage in the center of Palma as long as you need. We have plenty of space to store everything from small suitcases to larger packages such as bicycle boxes.

Our store is located in the heart of Palma on Plaza Rosario 4, less than 5 minutes walking from the Cathedral of Palma and less than 10 minutes from the bus stop that arrives in from the airport.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. You can contact us by email or by phone:
Email: info@callandridemallorca.com
Phone: 0034 871116996
Address: Plaza Rosario 4, 07001, Palma

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What to do in Palma de Mallorca with children https://callandridemallorca.com/plans-with-children-palma-de-mallorca/ Tue, 25 Jun 2019 09:33:38 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/planes-con-ninos-en-palma-de-mallorca/ What to do in Palma de Mallorca with children

Many of the plans in Palma mentioned in other posts can be made with children. Can Joan de S’aigo is perfect for children to enjoy an ice cream or a typical Mallorcan ensaimada. A visit to Bellver Castle is also highly recommended if you are travelling with children as they can learn about the history of Mallorca by visiting a 14th century castle in perfect condition. In addition the castle is surrounded by a forest with plenty of paths for walking with children, both by bike and walking. At the bottom of the forest there is a children’s playground with swings, ropes and a huge slide.

In addition to these visits, it is highly recommended to visit some of the city’s parks and let the children enjoy. Below you can find a list of several of these parks:

  1. Parque del Mar: one of the most beautiful parks in Palma and is located right in front of the Cathedral of Mallorca. It has beautiful views of the bay and bars to have a drink and rest.
  2. Sa Faixina Park: located in the heart of the city. The park has a place for older children to play and another for younger children to enjoy. There is also a cafeteria where you can have a snack.
  3. Sa Riera Park: This park is perfect for cycling or skating. It is one of the largest in Palma and will delight children.After spending some time in the park, what could be better than to go refresh yourself and have an ice cream in one of the most emblematic ice-cream parlours on Mallorca. If you come to the island with children, it is highly recommended to go to the C’an Miquel ice cream parlour, located near Jaime III in the heart of Palma. The ice-cream parlour has an infinite number of ice-creams of different flavours and is a very spacious place, making it perfect for resting with the children.

Plans with children near Palma:

  1. Palma Aquarium: discover one of the largest aquariums in Europe with more than 700 different species of animals. The centre has different zones divided according to the origin of the animals: Mediterranean zone, tropical zone, the gardens of the Palma Aquarium, the jungle, big blue and medusarium. Don’t forget to visit the aquarium if you come to Palma with children!
  2. Katmandu Park: known as the friendliest theme park in Europe, the center has many attractions both dry and aquatic that will make the youngest enjoy an unforgettable day. Children can also have fun with shows, dances, face painting workshops and horseback riding.
  3. Forestal Park Mallorca: discover this adventure and zip line theme park and let the children release all their adrenaline. The park has more than 80 games on the trees, including Tibetan bridges, lianas, nets and much more. If your child is adventurous and likes excitement, this is the perfect park for you to enjoy. The park has all the necessary measures to ensure the total safety of children.

Water parks in Mallorca

Another of the most recommended plans to do with children in Mallorca is to visit one of the island’s water parks. Near Palma we can find these two:

  1. Aqualand: discover this water park with more than 20 attractions to enjoy not only children but also adults. The park has a large Jacuzzi area and lawn, where you can rest and an area where children can enjoy in complete safety.
  2. Western Park: Water park located in the Magaluf area, with many attractions and acrobatic shows for all ages. The park has three Western Land themed areas, inspired by the wild west, Indian Town, which recreates the ancient Indian villages of America and El Paso that simulates Mexico.

Enjoy your trip with children to Palma and have fun while discovering this beautiful city.

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What to see and do in Palma de Mallorca in 3 days – GUIDE 2019 https://callandridemallorca.com/palma-de-mallorca-in-3-days/ Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:24:51 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/what-to-see-and-do-in-palma-de-mallorca-in-3-days-guide-2019/ What to see and do in Palma de Mallorca in 3 days – GUIDE 2019

About Palma de Mallorca

The capital of the Balearic Islands was founded in 123 B.C. by General Romano Quinto Cecilio Metelo. Since then the Mediterranean city suffered countless foreign conquests until in 1229 a young king of twenty-one years old managed to recover it for his kingdom. It was James I of Aragon, better known as James I the Conqueror.

Today Palma is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant population of nearly half a million inhabitants spread over a little more than 208 km2. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes it perfect for year-round visits. For its nearby beaches in summer, for its hundreds of restaurants to enjoy its gastronomy, for its art galleries and clothing stores of the most exclusive brands and much more, the capital of Mallorca is a perfect destination for a three-day getaway. Palma is also excellently connected to the main Spanish and European cities.

Places of interest – Things to see in Palma de Mallorca and surroundings

Below you can find a list of tourist places to see in the center of Palma de Mallorca and around the city, as well as a number of tips to improve your visit.

In addition, we recommend you rent a bicycle in the center of Palma or a guided bicycle tour to optimize your time and be able to visit all the places we recommend.

Palma de Mallorca Cathedral, the most beautiful thing in the city

Gothic style building built between 1229 and 1601. Known in Mallorca as La Seu or the Cathedral of Santa María, it was built by order of James I on his arrival on the island. It is located on the city wall, where before the Great Mosque of Madina Mayurca was erected, which is how Palma was known during the Muslim reign on the island.

This majestic building crowned the skyline of the ancient city. When you stand gawking in front of the temple, remember that it has taken almost 800 years for it to look that way. Enjoy its two chapter rooms, one in the Gothic style and the other in the Baroque style, marvel at its side naves and its central room crowned by the main altar. Stroll through the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and discover the mural created by the artist Miquel Barceló between 2001 and 2006.

If you are thinking of visiting the Cathedral of Mallorca, don’t forget to visit its impressive terraces from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the bay of Palma. Discover all the art of the interior of the church, visit its more than 10 tons of cast bells, chapels, the museum and much more.

In addition, if you’re planning your visit in the months of February or November, you can’t miss the show of the eight. On 2 February, the Candelaria festival, and 11 November, the feast of Saint Martin; due to the orientation of the Cathedral, the reflection of the larger rose window is projected under the smaller one on the main façade and the shape of an eight is created. Between 8 and 9 in the morning of these two days, hundreds of people come to the cathedral to enjoy what they say is the best light to visit. And that’s not all, on the twenty-first of December, during the winter solstice, the two overlap. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful things you can see in Palma.

Visiting hours and prices:

 

  • April, May and October:

Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:15h.

  • From 1 June to 30 September:

Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:15h.

  • From 1 November to 31 March:

Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:15h.

  • All year round:

Saturdays: from 10:00 to 14:15h.

  • Price: Adults 7 euros (includes audio guide) and children free. If you want to visit the terraces of the Cathedral, the price is 12 euros (reservation required in advance).

Paseo del Borne and Jaime III Street

These are the two main arteries in the centre of Palma and its most commercial streets. In them you will find the best known stores of national and international brands. Without a doubt, two of the best places in the city.

The Paseo del Borne was planned by the Madrid architect Isidro González Velázquez at the beginning of the 19th century. This boulevard connects the Plaza de la Reina with the Plaza Juan Carlos I, better known in Mallorca as the Plaza de las tortugas, due to the stone turtles inside the fountain of the plaza.

On the sides of the Paseo del Borne we can find several of the most impressive palaces in the Mallorcan capital, among which is the Casal Solleric. These buildings have a traditional Mallorcan style, although we can also find buildings from the beginning of the 20th century.

The promenade is guarded by four sphinxes and has a leafy grove. In it there are many terraces where you can enjoy a nice coffee in winter or a refreshing beer when you press the heat of the Mallorcan summer.

Jaime III Street is an avenue with residential buildings and a multitude of shops in its arcades. It is one of the busiest streets in the city and is the perfect street for all those who like to go shopping. The street joins Plaza Juan Carlos I with Paseo Mallorca, where the city’s stream runs, a torrent that comes down with water from the Sierra de Tramuntana.

Typical Mallorcan gastronomy: Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo and Bar Bosch

If the day is not accompanied or you are simply tired of walking around the city, take a break and discover Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, Palma’s most emblematic chocolate factory. What began with a place to have an ice cream or an ensaimada with chocolate 300 years ago, is today a meeting point for “palmesanos” and visitors. Here you can taste typical Mallorcan products such as ensaimada, quart, coca de trampó, cocarrois and much more, all accompanied by ice cream in summer or chocolate in winter.

This chocolate shop, one of the oldest in Europe, has three premises for your comfort located in Can Sanç Street, in the heart of the historic centre, another in the Jaime III area, and the last at the end of Sindicato Street, one of Palma’s commercial streets.

You’ll probably have to queue up before you can sit down to taste these delicious Mallorcan products. Don’t get impatient, it’s part of the ceremony. Technology has facilitated the process of making ice cream, sweets and chocolate, however, the essence, tradition and the feeling of travelling to the past have not been lost. You will feel as if you have travelled to the 18th or 19th century.

Another must-see gastronomic stop is Bar Bosch. This establishment has more than 80 years of history and is a perfect place to take a break after a day of shopping as it is located in the Plaza del Rey Juan Carlos I, which joins Jaime III and Paseo del Borne, two of the most important commercial avenues in Palma.

The bar has a very large terrace where you can taste their typical “llonguets”, some sandwiches with hot bread and very crispy and the filling that you like. Enjoy the relaxed life of the Mallorcan capital and refresh yourself with a beer before continuing your visit.

Traditional festivities in Palma: San Sebastián and the Battle of Canamunt and Canavall

Every September the battles of Canamunt and Canavall, which took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, are recreated in Palma. In these battles, two important families clashed and divided the city’s areas of influence. One of them was the one that ruled in the upper part of the city, “Canamunt” and the other one ruled in the lower part, “Canavall”.

Today there is a representation of this battle between neighbors, yes, with water pistols. The party has limited capacity, so get your yellow or red t-shirt and water pistol and join a side – discover Palma’s traditions in a different way!

January 20th is the feast day of San Sebastián, patron saint of the city of Palma. On the night before this day the “foguerons” are celebrated, outdoor barbecues in the main squares and streets of the city. There are also many free concerts. This is one of the most atmospheric nights in the city centre, where tourists and people from Palma enjoy this special evening together.

You already know, if you are passing through Mallorca at this time, go to a supermarket and buy the typical kit for bonfires; chistorra, longaniza, sobrasada, pork loin, chorizos and whatever you prefer to drink.

Pueblo Español de Palma de Mallorca

Enjoy this open-air museum in which you can find several of the most representative buildings, squares and streets of several Spanish cities. It was built between 1965 and 1968 by the architect Fernando Chueca Goitia with the idea of reproducing the charm of a medieval city surrounded by a defensive wall.

This museum has an area of 24,000 m² and you can find an impressive combination of buildings from different periods of Spanish history, including Arabic, Gothic, Baroque or Renaissance styles. Enjoy 72 examples of Spanish architecture, built to scale and with materials brought from the original locations.

Lose yourself in the narrow streets and discover replicas of such impressive buildings as the hermitage of San Antonio, the house of El Greco in Toledo or the courtyard of Los Arrayanes de la Alhambra.

In addition to its function as a museum, the Pueblo Español de Palma hosts several craft and gastronomy markets throughout the year. If your visit coincides with one of these markets, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful walks of your visit to the Mallorcan capital and go shopping for the best Mallorcan crafts. Don’t miss it!

Route of patios de Palma – Courtyards of Palma

The courtyards of the old stately homes in the centre of Palma are one of the most characteristic elements of the city. Most of them were built in the 14th and 15th centuries and were a symbol of social status and power. These courtyards used to be built in houses of high nobility and important merchants, although some were also built in houses of the middle classes, clergy and civil servants. Daily life was done in them, as they had no roof, the air went through the courtyard and cooled it, making it the coolest part of the house. These courtyards were the air conditioning of the time.

All have a similar structure: a large access portal, a covered passage between the courtyard and the portal and the courtyard itself, a space without a roof, with arches, columns and capitals, with stairs leading to the dwelling.

Enjoy strolling through the centre of Palma and discover patios in almost every corner of the city. Look at the cobblestone structure of the courtyard, slightly sloping to collect rainwater and store it in a cistern. The houses are facing the courtyards so that windows, balconies and balustrades receive as much sunlight as possible.

In most of the courtyards you can see the family coat of arms as well as the old garages and stables. Today most of them are decorated with pots of green plants and in many of them you can see old horse carriages and other junk from centuries past.

Arab Baths of Palma

The Arab baths of Palma are one of the few architectural elements of the Muslim era that are still visible in the city. Most Muslim buildings were demolished or renovated after the Christian conquest of the Kingdom of Aragon in the 13th century.

The baths were built in the 11th century and were probably part of a palace of some Muslim nobleman. Today they are a museum and you can visit the old steam baths located in a square room with 12 columns that holds a dome with round openings. The room has a double floor with holes through which water and steam circulated.

Visiting hours and prices:

  • From April to November from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • From December to March from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Price:5 euros (children under 10 free).

La Almudaina Palace

The Royal Palace of Palma, also known as the Almudaina Palace, is a modification of the old Muslim palace d “Zuda”, and is one of the few monuments preserved after the Christian reconquest. Construction began in 1281 and lasted until 1342 during the reign of James II, son of James I the Conqueror. La Almudaina was the seat of the Kingdom of Mallorca during the reigns of James II, Sancho I and James III until 1349, when Mallorca ceased to be an independent kingdom and was integrated into the Crown of Aragon. It is currently used by the Spanish Royal Family as an official residence for state ceremonies and royal receptions during their stays in Mallorca.

The palace is located just next to the Cathedral and consists of a rectangular tower that housed the Palace of the King and a wing that extends along the facade, which forms the Queen’s Palace. On the side of the wall facing the sea is a large room d the Tinell and the Royal Chapel. Among the palaces of the King and Queen are the Arab baths, recovered after the restorations of recent years.

At the top of the main tower, known as the Tower of Homage or the Angel, a bronze figure of the ancient Archangel Gabriel, patron saint of the city of Palma de Mallorca, stands out.

When you visit its interior you will be able to observe the different styles of the palace. On the ground floor a medieval style with works from the fifteenth to the twentieth century. The upper floor is decorated with objects from other Royal Sites from the 17th, 17th and 19th centuries.

Visiting hours and prices:

  • Winter opening hours (October to March)

From 10:00 – 18:00h. Closed on Mondays.

  • Summer timetable (April to September)

From 10:00 – 20:00h. Closed on Mondays.

  • Price: 7 euros, reduced 4 euros. Children under 5 years old: Free of charge.

18 May, International Museum Day. (Except closing days).

12 October, National Day of Spain, without distinction of nationality.

Bellver Castle, the best thing to do with children in Palma

If you visit the city of Palma de Mallorca, you will be able to see Bellver Castle, just 3 kilometres from the city centre, on top of a hill 112 metres above sea level and surrounded by a forest.

This Gothic-style castle was built in the early 14th century during the reign of King James II, but it was his father, King James I, who ordered its construction. The hill on which it stands is full of history as it was a strategic point during the reconquest. King James I ordered the construction of the castle as a reminder of the Christian victory over the Muslims.

Its structure combines the needs of a palace with defensive elements. It is the only circular castle in Spain, one of the few in Europe and the only one of its kind.

The castle is d Bellver because etymologically it means “beautiful views”. If you visit the city of Palma, this is undoubtedly one of the places of tourist interest that you can not miss, especially if you are accompanied by children. From the top of the castle you have a spectacular view of the city of Palma and its bay.

Visiting hours and prices:

  • April – September:

Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Sundays and public holidays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

 

  • October – March:

Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm – Sundays and public holidays: 10 am to 3 pm. Closed on Mondays.

  • Price: 4 euros. Reduced 2 euros. Free admission: Sundays and children under 14 years. Residents in Palma: 2.50 euros.

The Lonja

The Lonja de Palma is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the city. Due to the great commercial activity carried out on the island, it became necessary to build a mercantile building and a meeting place for merchants.

Built in 1420 by the local architect Guillem Sagrera, it was the building where all the island’s commercial transactions were carried out. Inside you can see a large open space with four naves at the same height separated by six helical columns without capital. Despite being a Gothic building of the fifteenth century and have a number of religious elements, including the Guardian Angel who protects the merchants, has the particularity that never belonged to the church but to the merchants of the island.

From the outside you can see that the lower part of the building is older than the upper, this is due to the earthquake that took place in the city of Palma in 1851. This earthquake damaged many of the buildings in the city centre, including La Lonja, and many of them had to be rebuilt. In the case of La Lonja the building was rebuilt after the earthquake, maintaining its original structure.

In addition, the building is located in one of the most atmospheric areas of the city of Palma. If you decide to visit this building you can not miss the opportunity to lose yourself in the narrow streets around La Lonja and enjoy the wonderful bars and restaurants you can find. After lunch you can visit the shopping area in the centre of Palma which is less than a five minute walk away.

Visiting hours:

April-October: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

November-March: 10:30 to 13:30h – 16:00 to 18:00h

Admission is free.

Convent of Santa Clara

Discover this church founded in the thirteenth century, built on the remains of a Muslim building that was expanded and reformed over the centuries. Next to the church you will find the convent of Las Carmelitas founded in the same century. Although it is not possible to visit it, as it is a cloistered convent, you can buy the delicious cakes and sweets that the nuns make by hand. The small shop has a lathe where you can buy these traditional sweets. In the shop they have the letter with the prices and to be taken care of you have to ring the bell.

Depending on the time of year they add typical products from each season, even ice cream in summer to cool down during the hot Mallorcan summer. A good way to give a sweet touch to your visit and replenish energy during the route through the center.

 

Visiting hours of the convent and lathe:

Mon-Sat 9:00-12:25h and 16:15-18:35h.

Sun 9:00-11:35h and 16:15-18:35h.

Admission is free.

Church of San Francisco

After the conquest of the island by James I, the Franciscan congregation arrived in Palma and began construction of the convent and church of San Francisco in 1286, being inaugurated in 1317 as a church, although it was not consecrated until 1385.

The original façade was removed in 1618 after being damaged by lightning in 1580. The present façade dates from 1700 although it has been remodelled several times until the middle of the 19th century. Above the main door we can see the figures of the Immaculate Conception and Ramon Llull on the left side. Next to the doors are the representations of Santo Domingo and San Francisco on the sides. All these elements are presided over by the rose window and the sundial at the top and inside the church we find the tomb of Ramón Llull.

Next to the church is the convent of San Francisco, built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, with one of the best-known Gothic cloisters in Mallorca due to its fine columns and arches that surround it. This trapezoidal cloister is the nucleus of the convent and was built to isolate from the outside noise creating an atmosphere of peace and silence that we can still enjoy today.

Visiting hours and prices:

  • From 01 Mar to 31 Oct

Monday to Saturday- 10:00 to 18:00h. Closed on Sundays.

  • From 01 nov to 28 feb

Monday to Saturday- 10:00 to 17:00h. Closed on Sundays.

  • Prices: General: 5 euros, reduced: 3 euros and children free.

Church of Santa Eulalia

After the Christian conquest of the Kingdom of Aragon in the 13th century, the mosques were burned or converted into Christian churches. Santa Eulalia was the first church on the island next to San Miguel and these were the two churches into which the Christian population had been divided since the conquest. It’s a Gothic construction except for its bell tower and main façade, nineteenth-century Gothic style, which you can see from many parts of the city for its great height. The facade and bell tower were renovated after an earthquake that occurred in the city in 1851.

In addition to visiting the inside of the church you can visit the terraces, which occupy the same area as the floor of the church, at a height of 23 meters and from this point contemplate the 55 meters of the bell tower, the highest in Palma, and the fearsome gargoyles that protect the building. The bell tower houses 4 working bells, the largest weighs more than 4 tonnes and the oldest dates from 1788.

The church is located in the Plaza de Santa Eulalia, where the Palma market used to be held, which was distributed between this market and the adjacent Plaza de Cort. In this market the best silks, threads, cloths and even wood and reeds were sold.

Visiting hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:30-12:00h and 18:30-20:30h.
  • Saturday and eves of festive: 10:30-13:30h and 18:30-20:30h.
  • Holidays: 9:30-13:30h, 18:30-19:30h and 21:00-22:00h.
  • Admission is free.

Plaza de Cort

With the arrival of the Romans to the island, the city of Palma was founded and the first walls were built to protect the city. The current Plaza de Cort was just on the edge of this wall and housed one of the main gates of access and exit to the interior of the island, being a meeting point for traders, workers, travelers, etc..

After the Muslim conquest, the walls of the city were enlarged and it became known as Medina Mayurqa. This eleventh-century extension extended over the entire surface that is now known as the centre of Palma. Although the Plaza de Cort was not consolidated as the nerve centre of the city until the conquest of Jaime I, concentrating commercial, religious, legal and administrative activities. In the 13th century, the government chose the building of the Sant Andreu hospital as its headquarters, where Palma’s town hall is now located. The current building was built between 1649 and 1680 with its famous bench of the vagrants or “des si no fos”.

Next to the town hall we find the Consell Insular de Mallorca in a building dating from 1882, built to be the Provincial Council. Formerly this place housed the prison of the city that functioned until the beginning of the works of the present building. This prison had a torture room and precarious conditions, with capacity for forty prisoners.

Already in the nineteenth century began to create new streets and squares, which we know today. The Plaza de Cort was connected with Colom Street towards Plaza Mayor and with Conquistador Street towards Plaza de la Reina. In 1999 the Cort olive grove was planted, the most photographed and recognised tree in the city, as a symbol of peace and rootedness to the earth. It discovers in its trunk the different curious forms that are formed according to the angle in which you look at it.

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The best tapas in Palma de Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/tapas-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 10:38:58 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/?p=784

Eager to discover the local gastronomy after having enjoyed our bike tour? Close to our bike rental shop you will find the best tapas bars and restaurants in Palma. Let yourself be advised by a local and discover the incredible Spanish gastronomy. As there are so many tapas bars in Palma, it’s not easy to select the best, but I’ve still chosen the ones I consider to be the best. Below you can find a list of the top 10 tapas bars in Palma:

tapas bars Palma de Mallorca

TOP 10 Tapas Bars in Palma:

 

1. Vi Vermell Tapas: Tapas bar in the center of Palma, next to Paseo del Borne and 5 minutes away from the Cathedral. Very recommendable place for its impressive croquettes, scrambled eggs with ham or its Mallorcan pa amb olis. It has an ample terrace where to enjoy the food. For dessert, the most recommendable is to have an ice cream in the ice cream parlor that they have just in the square next door, the Gelateria Rosario (for me they make the best ice creams of Mallorca).
2. La Botana: Spacious restaurant located in Can Brondo, near the Plaza del Rey Juan Carlos I. It has an extensive menu of both tapas and varied dishes. You also have the option of taking skewers from the bar, which are renewed throughout the day. It is highly recommended for families as it is very large and the treatment is very pleasant.
3. Molta Barra: Bar in the heart of Palma located in the Pes de la Farina street. It is decorated in a very striking way with a number of different elements hanging from the wall. You can take a variety of tapas and pinchos and also has a large menu of beers from around the world. It is highly recommended for young people who like bars with a lot of ambience.
4. Beewi: It has two premises, one in Paseo Mallorca and the other in Plaza del Puente. It is a tapas bar with a very good atmosphere and very good food. Apart from the tapas, they also offer a happy hour of beer at one euro every evening during the week. Both premises have a large terrace. It is really worth it!
5. Vermutería San Jaime: Tapas restaurant in Paseo Mallorca. It is a small place with a very pleasant terrace in a zone with a lot of atmosphere in Palma. It has a wide menu of tapas and rations at reasonable prices. Very recommendable its croquettes, tortilla de patatas and gildas.
6. Vermuteria la Rosa: This establishment is located in Rosa Street. It is one of the busiest places in Palma, mainly due to its menu, with plenty of tapas and pinchos and good prices. It is highly recommended to order the varied tapas as it allows you to try many of its dishes at a very affordable price. They do not take bookings so it is advisable to go a little before dinner time and have a beer at the bar until they give you table.
7. Molt de Gust: Cozy establishment with a lot of atmosphere. Ideal for a drink after work or an informal dinner. Excellent value for money. A 1 litre pitcher of beer plus 6 pinchos for only 8€. It is located in the street Félix de les Meravelles, 4A.
8. Bar El Puente: Bar with a very large terrace located in the Plaza del Puente. It is usually very crowded so it is advisable to book. Here you can enjoy many types of tapas, as well as sandwiches and pizzas. It is very cheap and the service is unbeatable.
9. La Pérgola: Restaurant in Joan Miró Street, very close to Bellver Castle, so it may be the perfect complement to your visit to the castle. They have very good tapas and food dishes, as well as a very pleasant terrace both in summer and winter. The price is very good but if you visit in summer and is very full, it may take a while to serve you. Have a little patience and enjoy their impressive food. A word of advice? Try their bombitas and pincho de tortilla.
10. Bar España: Finally, one of my favourite bars in Palma. It’s a tapas bar hidden in an alley behind Palma’s Plaza Mayor. The place is not very big and is very well known, both by the people of Palma and by the people who visit the island, so it is always very full. It has a very Spanish atmosphere and is decorated with elements of San Fermín. Enjoy its varied menu of pinchos and tapas and taste some of its delicious wines.

Want a tip for dessert after tapas?

Discover the best ice cream parlor in Palma, Gelateria Rosario located in Plaza del Rosario, 4 in the center of Palma, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the cathedral.

This ice cream parlor has the best ice creams in Palma, handmade since 1979 in Mallorca. Enjoy its wide variety of flavors and refresh yourself while strolling around the city. Among all the flavors, the pistachio, almond, strawberry, raspberry and cookie ice creams stand out.

In addition to the ice creams, they have some impressive handmade biscuits. Both the ice creams and the biscuits are worth it.

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Bicycle workshop in Palma de Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/bicycle-workshop-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:44:51 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/bicycle-workshop-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Bicycle workshop in Palma de Mallorca

We have the best prices in Palma and a large stock with the basics for bicycle repair, so most repairs are carried out in less than 48 hours. If you need a part that we do not have in stock, we receive the part in less than a week, so apart from the best prices, we also guarantee the fastest repair so you can enjoy your bike as soon as possible.
Prices for basic repairs::

  • Camera replacement (includes new camera): 10 euros.
  • Regular brake: 10 euros.
  • Regular exchange: 10 euros.
  • Replacement of brake pads (1 brake): 15 euros.
  • Replacement of cable and brake or gear cover: 15 euros.
  • Basic revision of the bicycle (adjustment of brakes and gears, cleaning and adjustment of screws): 15 euros.
  • Complete overhaul of the bicycle (adjustment of brakes and gears, steering, bottom bracket box, wheel centering, cleaning and adjustment of bolts): 25 euros.

Left luggage Palma de Mallorca

If you need to repair anything else not included in the list, do not hesitate to come by our store or call us to ask for the price.

Call&Ride guarantees a level of personalised service and attention that you won’t find in any other bicycle shop in Palma – we enjoy repairing bicycles and that translates into excellent service and maximum care!

If, apart from repairing the bike, do you want to try a bike, come to our bike rental shop in Palma de Mallorca and get to know us!

Where is located the Bicycle Workshop in Palma de Mallorca?

Our bicycle workshop is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:30 to 17:00 hours. Take your old bicycle out of the storage room and bring it to call&ride so we can get it ready.

We have three expert bicycle mechanics who will advise you on the best way to set up your bike. We are located right in the centre of Palma, in Plaza del Rosario 4 (next to Paseo del Borne and the post office).

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Gastronomic Markets in Palma de Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/palma-mallorca-gastronomic-markets/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:44:01 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/gastronomic-markets-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Gastronomic Markets in Palma de Mallorca

In recent years many of Palma’s life-long markets have been converted into gastronomic markets, where you can enjoy different styles of food in different stalls. Each of these stalls specialises in one type of food, complementing each other to offer a different and complete gastronomic experience.

One of the best ways to visit the gastronomic markets in Palma is by bicycle. If you are visiting Palma and want to live this magnificent experience, rent a bicycle at call&ride and follow the market route offered by the city.

What are the best gastronomic markets in Palma?

Gastronomic markets PalmaMercado de San Juan

It is a modernist building from the beginning of the XX century, which was originally designed for being the slaughter of the city.

It is located in S’escorxador, next to plaza París, united with the centre by Blanquerna’s pedestrian walk. It is really accessible by bike from the city centre since it is communicated with the bike lane.

This market opened its doors the past June 2015 and has become one of the gastronomic referents in Palma in this short period of time. This enclosure counts with a ground floor, where 17 stalls and some tables are located, a first floor with tables, a cocktail area and a wide terrace in the outdoor.

Among the offer we can highlight the stalls of “pintxos vascos”, fried fish, gourmet hamburgers, pickles and omelettes, “fideua” or Japanese. All of them make the food at the moment.

The enclosure counts with a bicycle parking just in the front door, since its almost impossible finding parking space for your car in this area of Palma.

mercados gastronómicos palma de mallorcaMercado de Santa Catalina

It is a building located in one of the most cosmopolites neighbourhoods of Palma. This neighbourhood is easily accessible by bicycle, since it is located next to the promenade and the city centre.

This market was focused on fresh products purchase. Since a while, apart from all days shopping, you can also taste different dishes cooked at the moment just in front of the customer.

It is a covered market, with more than 50 different stalls where you can find fresh fish and seafood, first quality meats, stands of flowers and plants, pickles, wines, tapas and bakeries.

It has become a must visit Saturdays at noon. These days the market is full of people having an appetizer, a vermouth or eating.

Mercado del Olivar

This is a traditional food/supply market with food stalls and different bars with more than 60 years of history. It is located in the heart of the city, next to plaza de España and its ideal for going there by bicycle since it has a bike lane and parking just in the front door.

It has more than 100 market stalls, among them you can find stalls for everyday’s shopping, and stalls for tasting food in the same market. It is worth stressing the fresh fish stalls, where people from Palma buy their food for special occasions.

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Discos Palma de Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/discos-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:41:38 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/discos-palma-de-mallorca/ Discos in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca its been declared this 2015 by The Times as the best city of the world highlighting its exceptional weather and choosing its old town as one of the most picturesque in Spain. Many aspects have been taken into account such as the gastronomy, coasts cities, new cities and capitals with an adjusted budget. call&ride thinks they have forgotten one of the most remarkable factor of the island; the party.

Majorcan night offers plenty of possibilities and from call&ride we want to highlight the following discos in Palma de Mallorca so you can enjoy a perfect night:

Tito’s Palma

Tito’s is one of the reference points of the night. It is a must visit for those who want to assist to one of the best House sessions, with the best and more known dj’s such as Juan Magan, Wally López or Cristian Marchi. Three floors with different ambiance and an exclusive V.I.P area with an exquisite service form it. It is located in Paseo Marítimo, 31. www.titosmallorca.com

El Divino

Disco characterized by being divided in three areas; the club, the open-air terrace and the pool terrace. In the club we find a huge dancing room where you can enjoy of the best music from the hands of the best international dj’s. It also has a V.I.P area for people, which are looking for a selected and intimate ambiance. The terrace it is located in the centre of the disco. There you can enjoy of a more relaxed ambiance for resting or having a chat. The pool terrace it is situated at the top level from where you can enjoy an unbeatable view of the paseo marítimo, it also has a cocktail service. It is located in Paseo Marítimo, 33.

Pachá Mallorca

It is one of the most famous discos in Palma. In it you will find the best music from the hands of the best dj’s in the world. Everyday of the week it is associated with a different party so that you can enjoy of a new experience every night. On Monday you will enjoy of pacha classics, on Tuesdays of pure pacha, on Wednesdays of bella italia, on Thursdays of insane, on Fridays of last shout, on Saturdays of posture and on Sundays of feel. Also it has a V.I.P area with the best service for the most select clients. It is located in Paseo Marítimo, 42.

Club de Mar Terrace & Night Club

This disco stands out for its terrace where you can enjoy of your favourite drink with one of the best views to the bay of Palma. Once you are inside the club you will enjoy of the best music in a great ambiance. It is located at the Club de Mar in Muelle Pelaires s/n. www.clubdemar-mallorca.com

Sabotage

If what you really enjoy is indie pop music do not hesitate, Sabotage is your club. Enjoy concerts, its music, its football table and its mojitos. This club hosts every last Saturday of the month a party with the best indie pop from the hands of Hiperespacio and Sodapop dj’s. It is located in plaza del vapor.

If apart of going out you want to get to know the city of Palma, do not hesitate to make a guided tour with us!

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Shopping in Palma de Mallorca https://callandridemallorca.com/shopping-palma-de-mallorca/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:40:48 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/shopping-in-palma-de-mallorca/ Shopping in Palma de Mallorca

Enjoy Palma de Mallorca making a bicycle guided tour with us. In just three hours you will discover this wonderful city, and you will have time enough to go shopping afterwards. Down below you will find some of the most known shops of the city, all of which are easy accessible by bike.

Zara: It is the most known Spanish chain store, which belongs to INDITEX group. In this shop we can find the ultimate in fashion for women, men and children of a high quality at a very good price. The company changes its fashion collections very often, so if you want to dress fashionable, do not hesitate, this is your shop. It is located in Paseo del Borne, 25. www.zara.com/es/

H&M: Hennes & Mauritz is a Swedish clothes shop, which was born from the union of two shops Hennes (for her) y Mauritz (for him). This brand counts with its own design team with more than 100 designers. Also, every year, they collaborate with high reputation designers as Karl Lagerfeld or Roberto Cavalli. If you are seeking to dress under the brand of the most known designers at a very reasonable price visit this shop. It is located in la Plaza Juan Carlos I, 1. www2.hm.com/es_es/index.html

Uterqüe: Subsidiary store from INDITEX group, which is focused on fashion accessories and also on a selection of textile and leather garments. It combines the aesthetics from the latest fashion tendency with exclusivity. If you are interested in finding a high quality accessories at a good price here is where you have to look. It is located in Paseo del Borne, 19 www.uterque.com/es/

Carolina Herrera: Prestigious brand from the born and raised Venezuelan designer. Recognised for her impeccable elegance and timeless style. In the 80’s was considered one of the world’s best dressed woman and inspired Andy Warhol. The essence of Carolina Herrera’s signature style lies in her keen ability to find inspiration in a great variety of artistic disciplines and to creatively translate them into a modern fashion. If you are looking for haute couture here you will find it with no doubt. It is located in Paseo del Borne, 2.   www.carolinaherrera.com/es/

Tous: Jewellery and accessories Spanish house. Its bear is one of the most recognised symbols of the brand, due to everyone sometime had a teddy bear and generally brings us endearing memories. This bear is present in lots of their designs. In their shops you will find any kind of jewels and also a great purse collection. Ideal shop for buying gifts to your close relatives or just for an indulge. It is located in Paseo del Borne, 6. www.tous.com/es-es/

Souvenirs: If you are willing to buy a small gift from the island to your relatives, in the city centre you will find some areas with many souvenirs shops. Among them we can highlight the Cathedral, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Cort areas.

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Palma de Mallorca Town Hall https://callandridemallorca.com/palma-de-mallorca-town-hall/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:38:34 +0000 https://callandridemallorca.com/visit-the-palma-de-mallorca-town-hall/ Palma de Mallorca Town Hall

Palma’s town hall is a building with a baroque façade located in the square of Cort, in the center of the city. This square gets its name due to the gathering of the old courts and feudal curies in this place.

The current building was built between 1649 y 1680 where the Hospital of Sant Andreu used to be. Before the construction of the town hall, the square was named after this hospital. The town hall has a traditional Mallorcan style façade, with three different floors with an eaves on the top. It has two lateral doors and on the first floor can be found a balcony with seven large windows. On the top of the main large window, it can be found the town hall’s clock, known as the Reloj d’en Figuera.

This clock was installed on the town hall in 1963, although it had been working for centuries on the church of the Dominics, in Santo Domingo street. It was one of the first, or even the first public tower with a clock and a bell in Spain. This clock was a very special one, because instead of 12 hours, it used to have 14. This 14 hours are the maximum hours that the sun is over the horizon during the month of June and on the other hand, the maximum number of hours that it is hidden during the month of December. Thus, the first day sunlight, from 6:30 to 7:30 during the month of June, was the one o’clock in this curious clock. In 1849 the clock was replaced by a normal 12 hours clock, as the ones we use nowadays.

On the main façade it can also be highlighted the “banc de sinofós” or bench of the lazy people. The translation of “si no fos” is “if it wasn’t” and it was the way the lazy people used to answer when they were offered a job; if it wasn’t because of my rheumatism, if it wasn’t because I have to do something else, if it wasn’t because my arm hurts, etc. I would be glad to work for you.

Looking to the main façade, on the left door, we can find two small figurines of a lizard and a snail. These two small animals are the signatures of the two people in charge of refurbishing the building, whose names were Jaume Caragol and  Francesc Dragó. The translation to English of Caragol is Snail and Dragó is lizard. These two artists were not allowed of signing the refurbishment project and they decided to sign it on the main façade of the building with these two small figurines.

If you are interested in getting to know all the secrets of Palma, make a guided tour with us. You can also rent a bike and enjoy Palma on your own.

Remember that if you do not want to carry your luggage you can come to our left luggage in Palma. We are located in the very center, only a few meters away from the town hall.

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