Discover the best of Palma during the Superyacht Cup

With help from high-profile events like the Superyacht Cup, taking place in Palma from June 20-23, the city has undergone a revolution in recent years with an explosion of new restaurants and chic hotels adding to its already picturesque setting. With some of the world’s best restaurants to visit while on a superyacht, charming streets, museums, pavement cafes and some great options for that all important retail therapy Palma has plenty to offer visitors and competitors when they're not out on the race course. Use our guide to make the most of this energetic city which is transforming into a modern cultural hub.

Modern art and fine views

Start your time in the city by heading to Es Baluard, the museum of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Palma. The museum has a collection of more than 500 works and all of the artists are either from the Balearics or have a connection with the islands.

After wandering around the museum stop for a bite to eat at the Es Baluard Restaurant & Lounge (pictured). The stunning terrace offers great views along the coastline and is a sun trap during the summer months. The varied menu has a selection of lighter dishes and some heartier options, such as braised oxtail — the restaurants specialty. The extensive wine list also has a great selection of Spanish wines to enjoy.

To take in the city, and burn a few post lunch calories, book an electric bike tour of the city with Port Bike. Make the most of Palma’s cycle paths along the coastline and finish your tour at Bellver Castle — which offers panoramic views across the city. The electric bicycle settings mean you can make it as difficult, or easy, as you would like. Alternatively, if electric biking sounds a bit too strenuous, head to the streets of Avenida Jaime III and Paseo del Borne, and their adjoining alleyways, for some retail therapy.

After a hard day's racing, book in at the Arabella spa at the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca for one of its five signature full-body massages. Aching muscles will be revived with an invigorating deep tissue sports massage while those looking for something more relaxing can opt for a traditional Swedish treatment or energising Niance Serpentine stone massage.

Afterwards head for cocktails at Sky Bar located on the top floor of the hotel Hostal Cuba. The rooftop bar is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner with majestic views across to the cathedral. The recently renovated hotel transforms into a nightclub at weekends.

Supper in Mallorca is not traditionally eaten as late as on the main land and in Palma there are plenty of options. Located in the Refectori of the 17th century Hotel Convent de la Missio, in the old town of Palma, Restaurant Marc Fosh offers the best of Mediterranean flavours created by British chef Marc Fosh. At lunchtime the restaurant offers a reasonably priced set menu, while in the evening you can be taken on a gastronomic experience with a choice of two tasting menus — with wine pairings to match. The tasting menus change constantly depending on seasonality and availability of ingredients but include dishes such as loin of lamb with saffron crust, anise and fresh peas and roasted carrots with sea buckthorn, pumpkin seed pesto and white bean hummus. If you fancy a night cap on your way home then head to the chic Hotel Puro, which has a relaxed party atmosphere with a DJ at weekends.

Palma’s old town is so picturesque that it is easy to wend away a couple of hours taking in the sites. Of course, no landmark is more impressive than the Cathedral Santa Maria de Palma. Make sure you take the time to explore inside as it has an interesting history. Antonio Gaudi spent ten years redesigning the cathedral but left the project before its completion. The renovation work was later completed by two of Gaudi’s pupils but his name is still associated with the design.

Keeping up with its modern tradition in 2006 a new instillation by Miquel Barcelo was opened depicting his take on several New Testament parables. Although certainly divisive it is well worth seeing for yourself to form an opinion.

Afterwards wander around Parque del Mar, the artificial sea water lake was put in following the construction of a new Paseo Maritimo and motorway in the 1970’s. Take in the view of the cathedral from another angle and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the local cartoonists capturing tourists.

There are no rivers on Mallorca and the Passeig de Born was originally where the torrents used to flow out to the sea. In 1613 the Riera torrent bed was moved to its current location and the space instead used for public events such as jousting. Now the wide street is full of designer shops with plenty of coffee bars to stop and watch the world go by during a quite moment pre- or post-regatta.