Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 17 / 20

  Central Palma areas have very high walk scores, with some streets rated 100/100 and daily errands easily done on foot.

  Sources:

  • Walk Score – Palma address
  • Walk Score methodology
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 5.3 / 10

  Palma is linked to inland Mallorca by the Mallorca rail network from Estació Intermodal but has no national mainland rail connections.

  Sources:

  • Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca – network info
  • Government of Balearic Islands – SFM rail service
• Public Transitⓘ 7 / 10

  Palma’s EMT bus network and metro from Estació Intermodal provide extensive urban and suburban public transport coverage.

  Sources:

  • EMT Palma – bus network
  • Palma Metro – TIB info
  • Intermodal Station Palma – transport hub
• Affordability 7.3 / 10
• Safety 8 / 10
• Air Qualityⓘ 8 / 10

  EEA data for Palma shows generally good air quality, with most days meeting EU limit and target values for key pollutants.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Spain (Balearic stations)
  • Kurby AI – Palma air quality summary
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Palma scores very high on composite quality-of-life indices, with strong healthcare, green space, cleanliness and infrastructure ratings.

  Sources:

  • Global City Intelligence – Palma quality of life
  • Kurby AI – Palma city report
• Food Cultureⓘ 8 / 10

  Palma hosts numerous acclaimed restaurants, including several listed by the Michelin Guide and promoted by the local tourism board.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Palma restaurants
  • Palma Tourism Board – gastronomy
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  Dense central layout, pedestrian zones and strong bus, metro and rail services make living car-free in Palma’s core highly practical.

  Sources:

  • EMT Palma – urban bus services
  • Palma Metro – TIB info
  • Palma Intermodal Station – multimodal hub

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €1,650 – €2,050
• Monthly transit pass €60

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €15
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €60
• Cappuccino €2.5
• Beer (0.5L) €3.5
• Groceries / month €250

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Palma’s food culture blends traditional Mallorcan home cooking, Mediterranean seafood, and bakery traditions with modern tapas bars and Michelin-level dining. Core flavors revolve around olive oil, pork, local vegetables, and sea-fennel herbs, expressed in rustic dishes like arròs brut, tumbet, and pa amb oli.

Signature dishes

• Pa amb oliThick rustic bread rubbed with tomato, topped with olive oil and sometimes cheese or cured meats.
• Arròs brutHearty “dirty rice” with vegetables and mixed meats simmered in a rich stock.
• TumbetLayered bake of aubergine, courgette and potato in tomato sauce, similar to Mallorcan ratatouille.
• Frit mallorquíGarlicky fry-up of lamb offal (or pork) with potatoes, peppers and vegetables.
• Sobrasada de MallorcaSoft, spreadable paprika pork sausage with protected status, eaten on bread or in stews and empanadas.
• Porcella (roast suckling pig)Slow-roasted suckling pig with crisp crackling, served at celebrations and in traditional restaurants.
• EnsaimadaCoiled sweet pastry often filled with cream, chocolate or pumpkin jam, a hallmark of Palma bakeries.
• Coca mallorquinaCracker-thin olive-oil dough pastry topped with tomato, onions and peppers or other seasonal ingredients.

Where to eat

• Mercat de l’Olivar Market with tapas barsMain municipal market with produce, fish stalls and numerous bars serving fresh seafood and tapas.
• Santa Catalina Market Neighborhood food marketLocal market in Santa Catalina area, surrounded by tiny tapas bars and casual eateries.
• Can Joan de s’Aigo Historic café and bakeryOver-300-year-old Palma institution known for ensaimadas, other pastries and homemade ice cream.
• Forn de Sant Joan RestaurantStylish restaurant near the cathedral serving Mallorcan cuisine with a creative modern twist.
• Bodega La Rambla Tapas barTraditional tapas venue on La Rambla popular for sharing plates of classic Spanish and Mallorcan dishes.
• La Bodeguilla Wine bar / restaurantAtmospheric cellar-like restaurant in central Palma known for regional dishes and good wine list.

Markets & food shopping

• Mercat de l’Olivar
• Can Joan Frau (stall in Santa Catalina Market)