La Almudaina stands right next to the cathedral on the old city walls, and its story is Palma’s story in stone. It began as a Muslim fortress and palace, and after the conquest of 1229 the kings of Mallorca rebuilt it in Gothic style as their seat of power, adding the royal chapel of Santa Anna and great halls overlooking the bay. Today it is managed by Patrimonio Nacional, the body that runs Spain’s royal sites, and it remains an official residence of the King and Queen, used for state receptions and ceremonies rather than daily life, so you are unlikely to bump into royalty. The visit takes you through the vaulted Gothic halls, the royal apartments with their furniture, tapestries and paintings, the chapel and the courtyards, and it is a calm, uncrowded contrast to the queues at the cathedral next door. The Tiqets ticket includes a digital guide.
How it works: the entrance is on the cathedral side, facing the Parc de la Mar. The Tiqets entry comes with a digital royal guide on your phone, so bring headphones. The palace is closed on Mondays; from Tuesday to Friday it opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with longer hours at the weekend.
What to expect: the visit is self-paced and takes about forty minutes to an hour. Rooms are formal and sparsely furnished in places, so the interest lies in the architecture, the tapestries and the sense of layers, from Moorish arches to Gothic vaults. Occasional official events can close parts of the palace at short notice.
Making the most of it: pair it with the cathedral on the same morning, since the two buildings sit side by side, and save the Almudaina for when the cathedral is busiest. Afterwards walk through the S’Hort del Rei gardens below the palace walls toward the Passeig des Born, Palma’s grand promenade, and the shops and cafés of the old town.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit with a digital guide through Gothic halls, royal apartments, the chapel of Santa Anna and the courtyards.
Best time
Late morning on a weekday, after the cathedral, or a weekend afternoon when the longer hours apply.
How long
About forty-five minutes to an hour.
Tips
Remember the Monday closure, bring headphones for the digital guide and check for official events before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want to see how Palma moved from Moorish city to Gothic royal capital.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the fortress walls and the royal rooms; younger ones may find the formal halls slow going.
- Couples
- A quiet hour away from the cathedral crowds, followed by a walk in the S’Hort del Rei gardens.
- Pair with
- Palma Cathedral next door and the Passeig des Born below.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
Is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina still used by the royal family?+
Yes, it is an official residence of the Spanish King and Queen, used mainly for ceremonies and receptions. You are very unlikely to see them during a visit.
When is La Almudaina closed?+
It is closed on Mondays. Parts of the palace can also close at short notice for official events, so check before you go.
Is there a guide included?+
The Tiqets ticket includes a digital royal guide that plays on your phone. Bring headphones so you can listen as you walk.
How long does a visit take?+
Most visitors spend forty-five minutes to an hour. It is easy to combine with the cathedral in one morning.
Was it really a Moorish palace?+
Yes, it began as a Muslim fortress and palace and was rebuilt in Gothic style after the conquest of 1229. You can still see traces of both periods.
