Palma

Palma is the smallest of Spain's regional capitals but one of the most rewarding to wander. The skyline is anchored by La Seu, the Gothic cathedral that fronts the harbour and glows golden at sunset, and the medieval heart of the city — Sa Calatrava, La Llonja, El Born — is best explored on foot. From the airport it's a 10–15 minute private transfer to anywhere in the centre.

The cathedral and the neighbouring Almudaina royal palace are unmissable. Climb to Castell de Bellver for the best view over the bay, or visit Es Baluard, Palma's contemporary art museum housed inside the city walls. The Mercat de l'Olivar is the place for lunch — pa amb oli, ensaïmadas, fresh seafood. After dark, Santa Catalina is the neighbourhood for tapas and natural wine, while the marina at Paseo Marítimo is lined with cocktail bars.

Palma is the closest city to the airport, but taxi queues at peak season can mean a long wait outside Terminal A. Booking a Janer-Bus private transfer means a driver waits for you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel or apartment for a fixed price. Useful for cruise transfers too — we drop directly at the cruise terminals at the Port of Palma.