Island life
Santa Catalina neighbourhood
This former fishing quarter is now the liveliest spot in Palma. Reviews often call it the "Mallorcan Soho." The best plan is heading to the Santa Catalina Market in the morning for "tardeo" (drinks and tapas) and then exploring Calle Fábrica for dinner. It’s international, trendy, and very vibrant. Don't even try to park on the street—it's mostly for residents.
Santa Catalina: Market, Vermouth & Neighbourhood Life
Santa Catalina began outside the city walls as a suburb of fishermen and traders, with flour windmills on the higher ground, and only fully joined Palma when the Santa Catalina gate was demolished in 1914. You can still see 18th-century windmills in Es Jonquet, the neighbouring quarter by the sea. The market, on Plaça de la Navegació, describes itself as Palma's oldest and opens Monday to Saturday from 07:00.
In the morning the neighbourhood belongs to the market and cafés; at night, to the restaurants, so book if you are coming for dinner at the weekend. At the end facing the centre stands Es Baluard, the contemporary art museum built on a bastion of the old walls, open Tuesday to Sunday. For parking, forget the street: the underground car parks at Passeig de Mallorca and Porta de Santa Catalina are right there.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Santa Catalina, Palma?
Santa Catalina market, the oldest in Palma; the 18th-century windmills of Es Jonquet by the sea; Carrer de la Fàbrica, with its terraces and restaurants; and Es Baluard, the contemporary art museum on the old city walls, at the entrance to the neighbourhood.
What are Santa Catalina market's opening hours?
It opens Monday to Saturday from 07:00 until early afternoon and is closed on Sundays. Its bars serve breakfast, tapas and vermouth; Saturday lunchtime is when it is liveliest. To shop at a relaxed pace, go on a weekday morning.
Is Santa Catalina far from Palma's old town?
No: it lies just west of the centre, beyond Porta de Santa Catalina and Es Baluard. It is a short walk from the Born, and walking is easier than looking for parking in the neighbourhood.
Updated in October 2026