The Castell de Bellver is one of Mallorca's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking panoramic views of Palma. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this 14th-century Gothic-style castle is a masterpiece of design and a testament to Mallorca’s rich history.
What makes Castell de Bellver truly unique is its circular layout—one of the few circular castles in Europe. Walking through its well-preserved halls and courtyards is like stepping back in time. The central courtyard, with its graceful arches and stunning symmetry, is particularly captivating and serves as a perfect spot for photos.
The castle also houses the Museum of the History of Palma, where visitors can explore fascinating exhibits detailing the island's past, from Roman settlements to the Middle Ages. The displays are well-organized and informative, making the visit as educational as it is visually impressive.
Beyond the architecture and history, the views from the castle are simply breathtaking. From the rooftop terrace, you’re treated to a 360-degree panorama of Palma’s cityscape, the shimmering Bay of Palma, and the lush Serra de Tramuntana mountains. It’s the perfect place to pause and take in Mallorca’s beauty.
The surrounding forested park is an added bonus, offering shaded walking paths that are ideal for a leisurely stroll before or after your visit. It’s a peaceful retreat that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of the castle itself.
Pro Tips:
Arrive Early or Late: To avoid crowds, visit in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is also ideal for photography.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: There’s a short uphill walk to the castle, but it’s manageable and well worth the effort.
Combine Your Visit: Pair a trip to the castle with an exploration of Palma's historic center, just a short drive or walk away.
Plan for Sunset: If possible, time your visit to catch the sunset—it’s an unforgettable experience as the castle glows in golden light.
In summary, Castell de Bellver is more than just a historical site—it’s a place where culture, architecture, and natural beauty come together. Whether you're a history buff or simply in search of stunning views, this castle offers a memorable experience that will leave you enchanted by...
Read moreAs castles go I'd say this is generally a nice castle. 4 stars for 2 reasons....1) we couldn't access the tallest tower and nobody mentioned that. Just imagine the views... 2) I'd have loved to understand more about the castle but all the info boards were in spanish only (yes I know, its in Mallorca but its a tourist destination....help the tourists out!)....yes, technology allows translation easy enough but its the inconvenience.
Anyway, the castle is set within a large park area full of trails, roads and lots of steps. I probably would not recommend tackling this place if you aren't too steady on your feet or have a wheelchair. We entered from the East side nearest the church. The steps up to the castle got the heart rate up for sure. We noticed lots of joggers using the park and bounding up the steps. We also noticed lots of tourists with tight tops looking a bit sweaty....loose clothing recommended. See pics for some idea of the mountainous ascent.
Anyway, there's lots to see in the castle. Mostly statues. There was a wedding taking place when we were there. What a lovely setting indeed. One of the best part of visiting this castle was the incredible circular, almost Colosseum like central structure but beyond that the views. Simply stunning in all directions. Go on a clear day!
Aside from that I wish we'd had more time to explore the grounds around the castle.
Overall if you fancy taking a break away from the busy centre of Palma, then take a bus or taxi ( it takes no time from the centre) and enjoy taking in some breathtaking views and a wonderful...
Read moreWent against the advice to buy tickets for the hop on hop off bus to easily access the castle and decided to walk up. It's uphill all the way and took us 45 mins from the port. If you decide to do this, suggest sticking to the road. There are multiple unsigned paths through the woods surrounding the castle, but we weren't really kitted out for hiking! However, views on arrival at the top of the hill were fantastic. €4 each for tickets from a completely disinterested woman at the ticket office . There's an exhibition inside the castle about the history of this area of Mallorca and the salvage of the numerous marble artefacts. However, for further information about the displays, the signs advice getting this from the ticket office! There are toilets once you get up the stairs and into the grounds, none open at the ticket office. Again, unless you ask, the guides were generally unhelpful and scrolling on their phones. Some of the middle floor was inaccessible and roped off due to seating for an upcoming classical concert. Having said all that, the views from the top of the castle over Palma are incredible and well worth the climb. We got an Uber back from the castle to the bus station (€15 at peak time) which sounds expensive, but was cheaper than the hop on hop off bus tickets that we preferred not to do on this visit. If you have more time the bus takes you up to the castle and covers your entry ticket if you select...
Read more