Some people love to travel with a guidebook. Or they check out online all the things they want to see before they actually visit. But many places are best explored on your own. For sure, Palma is one of them. Get lost in the old town and find out about the secret beauties in the maze of narrow streets. Hidden behind the ancient sandstone walls, rusted gates and heavy wooden doors of those noble medieval buildings you may discover some of the most beautiful patios in Palma. 

And for a few moments you will leave the busy streets behind and enter a world of tranquility. Travel back to a time when these private courtyards were retreats for their aristocratic residents. Protected from the sweltering heat by thick walls. Spacious patios with cobbled pavement, proud columns and an impressive staircase, maybe. Or rather small yards with potted plants and a bench to rest.

Today, most patios in Palma are still private and not accessible to the public. But over time some of the city’s most impressive manors have been turned into art galleries, hotels or museums that you can now visit. Casal Solleric and Galeria Pelaires, for example, or Can Balaguer. And lately Can Vivot also offers guided tours of the estate. The emblematic city palace has no less than five courtyards.