Royal Palace of La Almudaina
About
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma de Mallorca is a waterfront medieval royal palace and former Islamic fortress located directly beside Palma Cathedral in the historic centre. As one of the top things to do in Palma, it combines Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture, offers sea‑view terraces and richly decorated royal halls, and still serves as an official ceremonial residence of the Spanish royal family on Mallorca, making it a must‑see for visitors searching for “Palma old town attractions” and “historic sites in Mallorca”.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina in Palma de Mallorca is a waterfront medieval royal palace and former Islamic fortress, directly next to Palma Cathedral in the historic centre of Palma. As one of the main things to do in Palma de Mallorca, it combines Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance architecture and still serves as an official residence for the Spanish royal family on the island during ceremonies and state events.
History, architecture and heritage
The origins of La Almudaina go back to an Arab Alcázar, later transformed in the 14th century under King James II into the Gothic royal palace of the Kingdom of Mallorca. This layered history makes it a key site for travellers searching for “Moorish and Christian heritage in Mallorca”, “Palma old town history” or “historic royal palace in Spain”.
Visitors walk through the King’s and Queen’s palaces, the Tinell Hall, royal apartments and reception rooms that illustrate the political and military importance of Palma within the Crown of Aragon. Stone arches, courtyards, defensive walls and towers give the palace the feel of both fortress and residence, ideal for those interested in “medieval architecture in Palma de Mallorca” and “historic buildings by the sea”.
Highlights and must‑see areas
Among the most photographed spots are the Courtyard of Honour, the Gothic Chapel of Saint Anne with its alabaster altarpiece and the atmospheric Arabic baths that recall the palace’s Islamic past. Many interiors are decorated with Flemish and Spanish tapestries from the 16th to 18th centuries and period furniture, which makes La Almudaina especially attractive for “art and culture lovers in Palma” and visitors looking for “indoor sights in Palma de Mallorca”.
From the upper terraces and ramparts, the palace opens onto panoramic views over Palma Bay, the Parc de la Mar and the seafront promenade, providing some of the best photo locations in Palma. This makes the Royal Palace of La Almudaina a natural stop on any itinerary focused on “best viewpoints in Palma de Mallorca” or “walking tours in Palma old town”.
Location, access and visit planning
La Almudaina is located in the very heart of Palma, opposite the cathedral and close to the port, which is ideal for cruise passengers searching for “what to see near Palma cruise port” or “Palma attractions within walking distance”. The palace can easily be combined with a visit to Palma Cathedral, the Parc de la Mar and the surrounding old town streets filled with cafés, boutiques and historic patios.
Managed by Spain’s national heritage authority, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina usually offers daily visiting hours, with morning and afternoon entry slots and some reduced hours or closures on specific days. Because exact times and prices can change, travellers planning “tickets Royal Palace of La Almudaina” or “opening hours Almudaina Palace Palma” should always confirm the latest information on the official website before their visit.
Tickets, prices and practical tips
Typical admission prices are around 7 € for standard tickets, with reduced and free entry options for certain age groups and EU or Ibero‑American citizens during specific time windows. This makes the palace an accessible option for “budget‑friendly cultural activities in Palma de Mallorca” and “cheap things to do in Palma” while still offering a premium heritage experience.
Most visitors spend about 60 to 90 minutes exploring the palace, which fits well into half‑day itineraries that include Palma Cathedral, the waterfront and the narrow streets of the old town. Audio guides and explanatory panels help independent travellers understand the key highlights, making it easy for families, couples and solo travellers to explore without a guided tour.
Who should visit and best search intents
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is especially relevant for search intents like “best things to do in Palma de Mallorca”, “Palma old town attractions”, “royal palaces in Spain” and “historic sites in Mallorca”. It appeals to cruise passengers with limited time, city‑break visitors staying in Palma, and holidaymakers elsewhere on the island who want a cultural day trip that combines history, sea views and architecture.
For families with children, the mix of castle‑like towers, courtyards and views over the harbour makes the palace a kid‑friendly cultural stop compared with more formal museums. Culture lovers and photographers will appreciate the blend of Islamic and Gothic design, the richly decorated interiors and the constantly changing light over Palma Bay from the terraces.
Opening Hours
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday - Friday 10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday - Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina?
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a medieval royal palace and former Islamic fortress located right next to Palma Cathedral in the historic centre of Palma de Mallorca.
Where is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina located in Palma?
The palace stands on the seafront in Palma’s old town, directly opposite the cathedral and above the Parc de la Mar, only a short walk from the harbour and main sightseeing routes.
Is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the top attractions in Palma thanks to its mix of Moorish and Gothic architecture, richly decorated royal halls and impressive sea views from the terraces.
How long does a visit to La Almudaina take?
Most visitors spend about 60 to 90 minutes exploring the courtyards, chapel, royal rooms and viewpoints inside the palace.
What can you see inside the Royal Palace of La Almudaina?
Highlights include the Courtyard of Honour, the Chapel of Saint Anne, royal apartments, the Tinell Hall, Arabic baths and rooms decorated with Flemish and Spanish tapestries.
What are the best photo spots in Palma de Mallorca at La Almudaina?
Top photo spots include the palace terraces overlooking Palma Bay, the views towards the cathedral from the courtyard, and the silhouette of the palace walls from Parc de la Mar.
Is La Almudaina accessible without a guided tour?
Visitors can walk through on their own using information panels or an audio guide, making it easy to visit independently without joining a group tour.
On a rainy day in Mallorca, what can you do in Palma?
One of the best things to do on a rainy day in Palma is visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, where you can explore covered courtyards, royal halls and the chapel right next to the cathedral.
What can you do on a rainy day in Mallorca with culture and history?
For a bad‑weather day with culture, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is ideal, because most of the visit takes place indoors and you still get a full dose of Mallorcan and Spanish royal history.
What can families do on a rainy day in Mallorca?
Families can head to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, where children enjoy the castle‑like towers, courtyards and throne rooms while parents appreciate the architecture and sea views from the terraces.
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Royal Palace of La Almudaina