Palma de Mallorca voted ‘Best place to live’

Palme de Mallorca recently came out top in a poll of 50 locations all around the world. The Sunday Times voted it the winner of its ‘Best Place to Live in the World’ special supplement.

The combination of a stylish and intimate city bursting with life charmed the judges. Alex Chesterman, Managing Director of Zoopla, describes it as, “A small city which has everything, situated on a lovely island.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves Alex.

Located on the south coast of Mallorca, Palma stands on the shores of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. While the city is quite large, the vast majority of shops and attractions are located in a relatively small area centred on the imposing Le Seu cathedral, making everything easily accessible on foot.

Gastronomy is a big part when owning a property in Palma de Mallorca. There is an endless choice of restaurants, and a thriving café culture. The art scene is also popular in Palma, with many galleries and museums, such as the iconic Es Baluard, adding to the already sophisticated but relaxed feel. Paseo Maritimo and the large marina offer the perfect place for an evening stroll.

The judges looked at many factors when compiling the list.

Accessibility to stunning beaches and countryside

The great infrastructure on Mallorca means Palma is not too far from anywhere, even the most remote parts of the island, and considerably closer to many more.

There are several beautiful beaches within easy reach of Palma, whether on foot or driving. With the airport only 10 minutes away, it really is a gateway to the whole of Mallorca. Whether you want to explore the Serra de Tramuntana, or spend a day relaxing in the picturesque surroundings of Valldemossa, Palma is a great starting point.

Mediterranean climate

Mallorca is best known for being a sunny holiday destination. The Mediterranean climate means the winters are generally quite mild, and the summers are long and bright, giving you plenty time to enjoy the island.

While the advantages of good weather are obvious, there is a wider range of weather than some may think. The Serra de Tramuntana has a much higher rate of precipitation than the rest of the island, and is even prone to brief spells of snow in the winter.

This means the island can cater to most people’s tastes at some point throughout the year. It also makes different activities much more viable in different seasons, so you’ll never get bored.

Quality of life

Palma is many different things to many people. To some it is a quiet scenic retreat where they can relax and soak up the history and culture that abounds at every turn, while to others it is a bustling and vibrant city with a busy nightlife.

Palma itself is home to approximately half of the island’s population. The amazing architecture and upper class feel of the historical old town create a unique charm all of its own. Areas such as La Lonja offer a vibrant nightlife with an endless choice of restaurants and bars. For the die-hard shoppers amongst you, Palma has everything, from small designer boutiques to all the well-known high street names. The alleys and squares are full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

In and around Palma

Palma itself has many areas. La Lonja, Born and La Calatrava are just a few of the ones located in the old town, while Santa Catalina is a little further along the port and is well known for its active nightlife.

Further away you’ll find Ports such as Soller and Andratx, which offer a good blend of a more traditional local life with plenty of expat convenience. For an even slower pace of life there are sleepy little villages dotted all over the island, such as Costitx and Fornalutx.

Property in Palma de Mallorca

Palma offers a wide range of property options. Its many suburbs, such as the exclusive Son Vida estate, caters to a variety of budgets. This means whether you’re looking for a penthouse townhouse with a sea view, or a luxury villa near a golf course, Palma has something for you.

Many of the palacios in Palma old town have been converted into wonderful modern apartments. As with most popular cities, the property prices are higher than other parts of Mallorca. The average is currently around €270 per sq ft, but expect this to vary depending on the area where the property is located.

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Palma voted ‘Best Place to Live’