How to Spend a Few Days Working and Holidaying in Palma

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is an accessible option from anywhere in Europe, for those seeking a short workation. It combines direct transport links with plenty of cafes and amenities for working remotely.

Day 1: Arrival, Work, and a Plan B

After landing at Palma Airport around 12:00 PM on Sunday, the initial plan was to head straight to a beach club. However, research showed that most options were either quite expensive or offered little advantage over lying directly on the public beach. Anima Beach seemed promising, but after taking the local bus straight from the airport, the beach was already packed.

The Evening Pool Pass Solution

After checking into accommodation, the best approach was to open the laptop, complete some initial work, and organize a backup plan. A nearby hotel offered an evening pool pass for £50, which proved to be a practical alternative.

• Hours: Valid from 4:00 PM until sundown.
• Facilities: Access to two quiet pools, sun loungers, and on-site dining options.
• Outcome: It provided a relaxing spot to catch the afternoon sun and eat dinner before heading back to sleep.

Cafe Working

Morning: Breakfast and Deep Work

The morning began with an early walk to find breakfast, stopping at Ca N''aSissy for a latte and a cinnamon roll with Chantilly cream.

For a dedicated work session, BATX proved to be an ideal specialty coffee shop.

• Environment: Strong Wi-Fi and plenty of seating used by other remote workers.
• Productivity: A quiet, comfortable setup to spend a few hours getting through emails.

Live Music, and Vegan Dining

In the late afternoon, head further into the center of Palma to Cappuccino Grand Café. Sitting outside with a glass of red wine while listening to live music makes for a pleasant spot to watch the sun go down.

For dinner, walk down toward the marina to Canela, an established restaurant offering a varied menu with excellent vegan and plant-based dishes.

Local Markets

The final day started with a quick return to BATX for another short work session before a morning meeting with Christian, the founder of Jizō.

Lunch at Mercat de Santa Catalina

On a local recommendation, head to Mercat de Santa Catalina for lunch. The market has a lively atmosphere, though food options for vegetarians require a bit of searching.

• The Meal: A stainless-steel market counter serving hot tapas — recommend the roasted potatoes, aubergine, and courgette in tomato sauce, served with a chilled glass of white wine.
• Cost: Under €10, making it one of the most affordable and authentic lunch spots in town.

Airport Transit

Getting back to Palma Airport (PMI) is straightforward using the local city bus. It is roughly as convenient as taking a taxi, and you can pay directly on board using a contactless debit card. A short flight gets you back to London the same evening.