The Enchanting Jewel of the Balearic Islands

• HelloHola
  [o-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [a-di-ós]
• YesSí
  [sí]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-vor / de na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-ci-as]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [per-dón / lo sien-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [¿có-mo es-tás?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bien. ¿y tú?]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [¿ha-blas in-glés?]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría ver la car-ta, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [¡sa-lud!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ría pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [¡a-yu-da!]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [¡ve-te!]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [¡ya-ma a la po-li-cía!]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [¡ya-ma a un mé-di-co!]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [es-toy per-di-do/a]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [es-toy en-fer-mo/a]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [me gus-ta-ría com-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [¿cuán-to cues-ta?]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [es-to es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [¿pue-de ba-jar el pre-cio?]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [¿qué ho-ra es?]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [las diez y me-dia]
• MorningMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [no-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [a-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [hoy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [ma-ña-na]
• 1Uno
  [u-no]
• 2Dos
  [dos]
• 3Tres
  [tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [cua-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [cin-co]
• 6Seis
  [seis]
• 7Siete
  [sie-te]
• 8Ocho
  [o-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nue-ve]
• 10Diez
  [diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [¿dón-de es-tá...?]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [¿cuál es la di-rec-ción?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [¿pue-des en-se-ñar-me (en el ma-pa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [¿cuán-do es el pró-xi-mo (au-to-bús)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [un bi-lle-te (a ....)]

Palma de Mallorca, founded by the Romans in 123 BCE, was originally named 'Palmaria'. The strategic location of the Balearic Islands made Palma a crucial point for trade and defense. The Roman influence is still evident today in the remnants of ancient structures and roads scattered across the city.

In 903 AD, the Moors conquered Palma, renaming it 'Medina Mayurqa'. During this period, the city flourished as an important center of trade and culture in the Islamic world. The architectural and cultural influences from this era are still visible in the narrow, winding streets of the old town and the Arab Baths.

In 1229, King James I of Aragon conquered Palma, marking the beginning of Christian rule. This period saw significant changes, including the construction of iconic landmarks such as La Seu Cathedral and Bellver Castle. The Gothic architecture from this era left an indelible mark on the city's skyline.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Palma experienced a golden age as a maritime power. The city's strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a hub for trade. This prosperity led to the construction of grand mansions and palaces, many of which can still be seen in the historic district of La Lonja.

In the 20th century, Palma underwent significant modernization. The development of infrastructure and the rise of tourism transformed the city into a popular destination. The blend of historical charm with modern amenities attracts millions of visitors each year, eager to explore its rich heritage and vibrant culture.

In recent years, there has been a strong focus on preserving Palma's cultural heritage. Initiatives to restore historical buildings and promote traditional festivals, such as Sant Sebastià and La Nit de l'Art, have reinforced the city's identity. These efforts ensure that Palma's history remains an integral part of its present and future.

Palma de Mallorca is primarily accessed via Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), which is well-connected to numerous international destinations. The airport is located about 8 kilometers east of Palma city center. Travelers can also arrive by ferry from mainland Spain, with regular services from cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, and Denia.

Palma de Mallorca offers a variety of transportation options. The public bus system, operated by EMT, covers the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or app. Car rentals are a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. Bicycles and electric scooters are also available for rent and are a convenient way to navigate the city.

The official currency in Palma de Mallorca is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.

Palma de Mallorca is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like tourist attractions and public transport hubs. Areas like the Paseo Marítimo and some parts of the city center can see increased activity at night, so it's best to stay vigilant and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Palma de Mallorca has several hospitals and medical facilities; the main public hospital is Son Espases University Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Beachwear should be confined to beaches and pool areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and legs. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate of other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola!' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be open to trying new dishes. Don’t rush your meals; eating is a social activity in Spain.

To experience Palma de Mallorca like a local, visit the Mercat de l'Olivar, a bustling market offering fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll along the Passeig del Born, a popular shopping and dining street. Explore the lesser-known neighborhoods such as Santa Catalina, known for its vibrant nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. Don't miss the traditional 'sobrassada' sausage and 'ensaimada' pastry. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often eager to share insights about their city.