Why Spain’s most underrated city is Europe’s most popular winter destination

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Seaside tapa bars, calm waves crashing on golden sand and a maze of legendary streets to explore – all that and more is what you’ll find in Spain’s most underrated city.

Because the country’s household names have become dubious at best when it comes to whether it’s wise to visit, on island time there’s one unsung city that’s become a winter powerhouse in its own right.

Even with a team of experts here at Travel Off Path, it came as a surprise to us which destination is currently the most popular in Europe.

It’s true: Paris, Barcelona and Athens take a back seat to a blissful, sun-drenched city packed with culture, timeless wonders and spectacular beaches, even in winter elsewhere.

The newest facts shared by European insiders supports our claim that Spain’s most underrated city is also Europe’s most popular destination, and here’s why:

Unveiling of the Spanish Unicorn

There are not many countries that are more famous than their most popular cities, but that is the case for Palma.

Since the famous island of Mallorca is the largest urban extension of this paradise, there is no doubt that the city itself is not as well known as the island as a whole.

When you hear people say, “I enjoyed my trip to Mallorca!”, chances are they’ve skipped the delights of the city for quieter coasts and a beachside stay away from the endless delights of the city.

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But we’re here to tell you that these people missed something.

They may have at least taken a day trip or booked a walking tour, but Palma is perhaps the best base on the island.

That’s what I did years ago, and it sticks in my mind as one of the best solo travel experiences I ever had.

The food and wine are spectacular, the scenery is Mediterranean perfection, and the architecture, especially the dazzling, unmissable cathedral nicknamed “La Seu”, is sure to amaze you with its intricate details and old-world charm.

Get lost in a maze of streets in the Old Town

Again, Palma somehow gets lost in the mix of top European cities, but if you’re like me and enjoy exploring Europe’s legendary Old Town, Palma is a great place to do so.

Below La Seu you will find a maze of cobbled streets, surrounding Moorish courtyards and picturesque squares full of cozy cafés and simple eateries.

You’ll probably spot a market or two too, but there’s no shortage of nooks and crannies to wander around. If you venture a little outside the old town, you will notice another architectural wonder in the distance.

That would be so Bellver Castleone of the most characteristic in all of Spain, as it towers above the Bay of Palma and the terracotta roofs of the city.

Palma is undoubtedly one of the country’s biggest surprises, offering an array of overlooked historic sites in the shadows of its paradisiacal coastline.

The real attraction in winter: spacious sunny banks

Although Barcelona’s ‘Karens’ are in full force and are scaring tourists away from their beloved city, that’s all the more reason to put the spotlight on Spain’s best island now.

What is initially surprising actually makes perfect sense. Mallorca is Spain’s best getaway this winter, driven largely by sun worshipers along Mallorca’s famous golden coastline.

However, temperatures drop quite a bit compared to summer. We can’t honestly say it’s one of the warmest winter locations in Europe, but with the magnetizing culture, fewer crowds and the same amazing scenery, it’s hard to beat.

You will enjoy blissful days in a mild Mediterranean climate, and also better prices. Mallorca tends to rise in summer, but in winter prices drop, especially for hotels.

For example, you can book the 5-star Iberostar Playa Del Palma now through January for less than $125. Good luck in August…

Obviously the word is getting around given Mallorca’s ‘most popular’ label, but winter is still an excellent time to enjoy the delights of Mallorca with much happier locals enjoying their city too.

Go to the tapas bar by the sea, drink a glass of wine and enjoy the view without feeling like you have to separate the sea from crowds like Moses.

According to TripAdvisor, Platja de Muro is currently the best rated beach on the island, with beautiful shallow water.

For what it’s worth, I visited on the eve of late autumn/early winter and enjoyed having the streets of Palma mostly to myself, with the exception of the aforementioned La Seu.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.