Palma has many cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals and theatre productions both in summer and winter. In September, for example, Palma de Mallorca will host the Mare de Deu de la Salut fiesta. This means that processions and floral offerings will take over the city. There will be music and theatre entertainment, as well as a solemn mass in honour of the Virgin Mary at the church of Sant Miguel.

Palma's rich, ancient history is everywhere, from the old Cathedral La Seu to the Moorish maze-like streets of the old town. Yet it is a first class city with lots of modern shops, great restaurants, and a jet set appeal with luxury yacht's humming in Palma's harbour.

Palma is also geared towards the fashionable, trendy shopper. The leather goods here are of an exceptionally high quality and if big name designers are your passion, Palma will not disappoint as it features shops that sell top designer labels along its elegant avenues. Venturing down the side streets you'll find dozens of boutiques and independent shops selling unique fashion items.

In a nutshell, the main shopping areas in Palma are Avinguda Jaume III and the upmarket Passeig des Born. The Centro Comercial Porto Pi is a modern shopping mall and hypermarket complex just 2km from the centre of town.

Even for market lovers it pays to book flights to Palma. If you're in need of a lively craft market, then look no further than Mercat Artesanal on the Placa Major. Chock full of local handicrafts, Palma's main market takes place in a hall near Placa d'Espanya. The hall is crammed with fresh produce on the ground floor, cheese upstairs, plus cheap tapas stalls for a quick bite. It also draws in live music acts during the summer for your listening pleasure.

Accomodation ranges from traditional waterfront hotels and converted mansions for hire to budget apartments and luxury hotels.