Palma, Mallorca City Break

Text & Photos by Syd & June Burns © 2004  

Syd and June Burns, of Penrith, England, share the access of their September visit to Palma.

The holiday got off to a great start, getting down to Manchester Airport early Sunday afternoon. The roads were pretty clear making the drive almost pleasurable. We stayed overnight once again at the Raddison, knowing it to be totally wheelchair friendly. Flying out to Palma, Mallorca (it used to be spelled Majorca) was not one of the greatest experiences, knowing what sardines must feel. However, being only a 2.5-hour flight, June found it bearable. We go under the premise that there is no such a thing as a good flight. We did note that June's carry on to the aircraft was a lot smoother than usual. Does that mean that the airport authorities are at last waking up to the fact that we disabled are not just another commodity who should really be in the hold?  At Palma we were off the plane in very quick time and arrived at our hotel the Amadams about 30 minutes after landing, which in it self must be a record. The amount of taxis available was stunning. No wait at all.

The Amadam Hotel in Palma lived up to all our expectations. Marble tiled floors, ramps as required with an abundance of lifts or as the Americans say, elevators. The rooms were spacious with the bathroom being exceptional. Two wash basins, a roll-in, roll-out shower, and a bath with a shower and a bidet. A minor complaint was that there was not a hand rail by the toilet. Not a big problem to us, but to some people it possibly could be awkward. On exploration, there was an indoor and outdoor pool and a full gymnasium with steam saunas and four Jacuzzis. With help, June managed to avail herself of nearly all the facilities. We had arguably the best and most varied breakfast ever at the hotel.

Palma is relatively wheelchair friendly. Being the pusher, the surfaces were great, the majority of streets had drop curbs at intersections, though we were caught out a few times with curbs almost 9 inches high. We mainly stayed in the city exploring the many architectural treasures, the plazas and many cafes and bars. There was an abundance of street entertainment in the plazas from clowns to tango dancers. Eating out was a pleasurable experience. Like everything else access was easy. The lack of disabled toilets was noticeable. Every bar and cafe has a toilet, but the majority were very tight or totally impossible for the chair. June used hotels, or the fast food outlets such as McDonalds.

Palma Nova, a beach resort, was our only trip. Taxis being inexpensive were our mode of travel. We found Palma Nova total tat. Cheap and nasty, its only salvation was a good beach, with boardwalks to the sea. We did not stay
there very long.

For a city break, Palma was wonderful and we would recommend it for wheelies. Lots of sun, friendly people complete with ease and comfort
travelling around and about. For those who enjoy shopping, it is a paradise.

A child plays with a mime dressed as Zorro on Palma's Cathedral Plaza.

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Click for Syd & June’s other adventures:

New Zealand Part I

New Zealand Part II

East Coast Of America (Boston to Richmond and return)

Chicago and Las Vegas

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