About Palma de Mallorca
Rising in honey-coloured stone from the broad waters of the Badia de Palma, this enduring city dates back to the 13th-century Christian reconquest of the island, and to the Moors, Romans and Talayotic people before that. A richly studded diadem of historical sites, Palma also shelters a seemingly endless array of galleries, restaurants, craft studios and bars – it's without doubt Mallorca's greatest treasure. Wander in any direction from the awe-inspiring Gothic Catedral at its geographic and historical heart and you'll find bent medieval streets lined with aristocratic townhouses, looming baroque churches, teeming public squares, vibrant bohemian neighborhoods and markets overflowing with all the bounty of the island.
Getting Around Palma
Buses and Trains
EMT offers 29 public bus lines across Palma (including Can Pastilla, Playa de Palma, Afrenal, Cala Mayor, Illetas, Marratxi, Calvía, and Llucmayor) and is proud to include green hydrogen buses in its fleet.
In order to give you the possibility to visit the city and easily reach the Congress Palace (Palau de Congresos) in a sustainable way, we offer you the possibility to buy a 10-ride pass at the special rate of 15€ per pass. The pass can be shared among various people and can be used on any of our lines (except those from/to the airport) and does not expire. The pass can be bought at the “Touristic Office Palma365” in Palau the Congresos during the congress days (main entrance of the Palau, on the left). Please use the resources below:
- A map of the public bus lines of Palma (the location of the Congress Palace is marked in red)
- Official web site of EMT (public transport company)
- Description of routes and timetables of each line
The main train system is operated by Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM), Mallorca Railway Services.
Bicycles
As part of the city’s sustainability program, a number of bicycle rental options are available. Details will be available at hotels and various other locations.
For as special ASLO rental rate see https://www.aslo.org/palma-2023/bike-rentals/.
MobiPalma
MobiPalma is the simplest, fastest and most sustainable method to get around the city. It is the third app created by the Mobility department of Palma. The app, http://www.emtpalma.cat/en/mobipalma-app, is available for smart phones and tablets and incorporates information on all the public transportation of the city. The app is available in Catalan, Spanish and English, and will be soon available in German. It can be used by anyone and users who need to know the bus stops, the lines or the name of the streets.
Car Rentals
Free parking is very limited in the city center and car parks are expensive, so car rental is only really recommended for excursions outside the city.
Time Zone
Palma will be on Central European Summer Time during the meeting (GMT+2).
Language
Spanish is the main language spoken in Palma. English, and to a lesser extent French and German, are also fairly widely spoken. Tourist information, menus, etc., are nearly always available in English, French, and German.
Currency, Methods of Payment, Banks, VAT
Banks
Banks are open from 8:30 to 14:00 on from Monday to Friday during the summer months.
Credit Cards
All major international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveler’s checks can be exchanged in Spain at banks and foreign exchange offices. Cash-point machines accepting major international credit cards and charge cards are available at most banks. The Spanish currency is the Euro.
VAT
There is a variable value added tax (VAT) of 10% to 21% applied to most items and services, but most prices you see will include it. When it is not included, it should be clearly indicated.
Shopping
Normal trading hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00 however, in the city center and shopping malls, many shops stay open all day from 10:00 to 21:00.
Tipping
In restaurants, hotels, taxis, hairdressers and so on, a gratuity is not included in the price. Although optional, tips are readily accepted and a general guideline is between 5% and 10% of the bill, depending on the quality of the service. Hotel and airport porters will take, depending on the luggage you have, 1€ to 3€.
Cell Phones
New traffic laws prohibit the hand manipulation of cell phone or any other communication device while driving. Only handsfree is allowed while driving.
Alcohol Laws
The legal drinking age in Palma is 18. Photo identification is required to be served or to purchase alcoholic beverages or to enter nightclubs serving alcohol.
Clothing
The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Palma de Mallorca in June is 19.0°C (66.2°F). June is a dry month with an average of 11mm (0.4in) rain. The average maximum temperature lies around 26.5°C (79.7°F). With a water temperature of around 22.5°C (72.5°F), this is a great month to swim.
Visitors traveling to Palma de Mallorca will want to wear dresses, tops, T-shirts and skirts made of cotton or linen. Shorts for men made of cotton or linen are good options for staying cool on a hot day.