Not to miss

Banys Àrabs

These Arab Baths are the only extant monument to the Muslim domination of the island. All that remains are two small underground chambers, one of which has a domed ceiling supported by columns. Interestingly, each of the columns is topped by a different capital: the Muslims were really great recyclers and the capitals came from demolished Roman buildings.

Catedral

Palma's enormous cathedral is often likened to a huge ship moored at the city's edge. Construction work started in 1230 but wasn't completed until 1600. This awesome structure is predominantly Gothic, apart from the main facade and parts of the interior which were renovated in Modernista style by Antoni Gaudí at the beginning of the 20th century.

Entry is via a small, three-room museum, which holds a rich collection of religious artwork and precious gold and silver effects, including two amazing candelabras.

The cathedral's interior is stunning in its sense of spaciousness, with a series of narrow columns supporting the soaring ceiling and framing three levels of elaborate stained-glass windows. The front altar's centrepiece, a twisting wrought-iron sculpture suspended from the ceiling and periodically lit with fairy lights, has been widely acclaimed, mainly because it was Gaudí's handiwork, although some think it looks awkward and out of place.

The island's top contemporary artist, Miquel Barceló, is working on ceramic decoration of the Capella del Santíssim i Sant Pere.

Palau de l'Almudaina

A Muslim castle converted into a residence for the Mallorcan monarchs at the end of the 13th century, Palau de l'Almudaina is still occasionally used for official functions when King Juan Carlos is in town.

At other times, join the hordes wandering through the endless series of cavernous and austere stone-walled rooms containing a collection of portraits of Spanish monarchs, Flemish tapestries and period furniture.