Santa Catalina: The Heartbeat of Palma Unveiled

6 min readJun 11, 2023

Welcome to Santa Catalina, a district in Palma that’s a vibrant fusion of chic eateries, hip watering holes, and fashionable boutiques. This neighborhood, situated west of Palma’s Avenida Argentina, is a charming blend of the past and the present, offering a village-like vibe amidst the city’s dynamic rhythm.

Santa Catalina’s roots trace back to a historic hospital dedicated to Santa Catalina of Alexandria, the patron saint of merchants and sailors. The district, once a home to fishermen, rope makers, and flour millers, still houses 18th-century windmills, a testament to its rich history. The neighborhood’s charm is further amplified by its picturesque houses, adorned with brightly painted exteriors, vintage wooden shutters, and quaint balconies teeming with plants and flowers.

At the heart of Santa Catalina is its indoor market, a bustling hub that provides fresh produce to locals, yachts, and a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bars. This makes Santa Catalina a gastronomic hotspot, a place where food lovers converge. The district also boasts the modern Teatre Mar i Terra, a cultural entertainment hub.

A Gastronomic Paradise in Santa Catalina

Mercat de Santa Catalina, established in 1920, is Palma’s oldest food market. It’s a treasure trove of stalls offering fresh meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and gourmet items. The market is a favorite among discerning yacht and restaurant chefs, as well as local residents. Food enthusiasts will find rare vegetables at Frutas Ramón’s stall. You can also take a break at a traditional market bar or try Japanese cuisine at Arume Sake bar.

A Culinary Journey Around the World

Tucked away from the bustling streets of Santa Catalina, Vinazo-Morrofino is a hidden gem on the quieter Carrer de la Indústria. Despite its unassuming exterior, the restaurant inside is a sophisticated haven. The covered terrace with high tables and stools is perfect for a casual chat over drinks, while the stylish interior is dedicated to fine dining. This place boasts the most extensive wine list in the outskirts of Santa Catalina.

If you haven’t visited KOH since its ownership change, it’s high time you did. The restaurant has undergone a major makeover and now features three stunning dining rooms and a spacious outdoor terrace. The decor, featuring monkey statues reminiscent of Phuket, rainbow Thai umbrellas, and dreamy paintings inspired by the Full Moon Party, promises a unique dining experience.

Mambo offers a big-city bistro vibe, making it a delightful addition to Palma’s dining scene. NUS Restaurant, in contrast to the more baroque spaces in Santa Catalina, champions a concept of honest simplicity, with a focus on quality and attention to detail in their dishes.

Mestís, with its vibrant and welcoming ambiance, is a popular pit stop for those exploring the bustling shops and stalls of Santa Catalina. The culinary duo behind Mestís, Marianella and Jorge, bring their Venezuelan roots and international cooking experience to the table.

For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, head to Isaan Thai Cuisine, where dishes are prepared by Thai chefs. El Neo Tapas & Cocktails is a unique, slightly bohemian yet trendy restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Santa Catalina.

Italian couple Andrea and Luciano have crafted a ‘secret’ foodie haven in Santa Catalina. Bistro Esencia is a small, romantic spot brimming with charm, offering top-notch dining and drinking options away from the bustling crowds.

Santa Catalina’s eateries offer a global culinary journey, from Lebanese cuisine at Rotana to Peruvian/Japanese fusionat Sumaq. Asian food lovers can explore Naan, Vietnam, and Koh, while Vandal offers a fusion of flavors inspired by Argentina, Peru, Russia, and more.

Healthy Dining Options

Santa Catalina ensures that ethical, environmental, or health considerations don’t limit your dining options. Simply Delicious by Ronen offers an Israeli/Mediterranean menu with vegetarian and vegan dishes, while Ziva to Go serves organic raw and vegan food.

Perfect Pit Stops

For a quick break, stop by a bakery/café to grab a hot drink and your daily bread. The best ones near the market are PalmaBread and the French-style La Madeleine de Proust.

Stay the Night

To fully enjoy the plethora of restaurants and bars in Santa Catalina, consider a 4-star night stay in this cosmopolitan area. Check in at the Hotel Hostal Cuba, which offers 10 double rooms, two junior suites, and three suites, or choose from five apartment-suites at Stay Catalina Boutique Hotel-Apartments.

Related: Palma Night Walking Tour

A View to Remember

For the best drink-with-a-view in Santa Catalina, head to Hotel Hostal Cuba’s Sky Bar. Located atop this iconic colonial-style building from 1904, it’s open in the evenings for cocktails and other drinks. The stylish setting is perfect for soaking up and capturing stunning views of the Bay of Palma, the city, and the sunset.

Wellness in Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is home to international specialists who can help you achieve a healthy mind in a healthy body. Lucky Bodies & Happy Souls is a comprehensive treatment center offering yoga, naprapathy, and Rolfing in a creative and welcoming environment. Earth Yoga’s spacious studio is open daily, with experienced teachers leading classes in various yoga disciplines, including Vinyasa, Kundalini, Hatha, and Yin, as well as meditation.

Hair Styling Experts

Complete your wellness journey with expert hair styling. German hairdresser Stefan Werner, who worked independently in Munich before opening his Estefan salon here in 2001, uses Logona plant-based haircare and natural hair-colouring products. Swedish-owned Eden Hairdressing offers cutting and colouring expertise and wedding hairstyle services, primarily using Redken products.

Beauty Care in Santa Catalina

Indulge in professional beauty care in Santa Catalina. Opened in 2015, Blush Nail & Beauty Lounge offers a range of treatments, including mani/pedi, eyebrow and lash tinting, facials, waxing, massage, body treatments, and make-up. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Swedish.

A Multi-Concept Business

Bconnected Palma — Real Estate & Showroom is a multi-concept business operating under the philosophy of ‘do what you love, and love what you do’. Over the past two decades, their company has expanded to include a real estate office, home projects service, and fashion, living, and concept stores, selling items sourced during the owners’ travels.

Living in Style

If you’re considering living in Santa Catalina, the three-storey architectural masterpiece Can Pujol is a prime choice. Built in 1904, this listed property, attributed to architect Gaspar Reynés Coll, has been superbly renovated, preserving many beautiful Art Nouveau features. The large sunny roof terrace would make you feel on top of the world.

Related: Living in Palma

We hope this modern take on Santa Catalina has been helpful and inspires many memorable visits to Mallorca. We always appreciate your feedback. Enjoy your time in Mallorca!