Be Safe In Palma

The biggest complaint about Palma are the ubiquitous pickpockets that hang around tourist attractions, shopping areas and the bus station waiting to catch unsuspecting tourists. Other than these petty thieves, Palma is well-ordered, clean and does not present any major health risks.

Safety

Most areas of Palma are safe to wander around even after dark, although visitors should refrain from wandering through the empty narrow streets of the Old Town and El Terreno alone after dark. The latter being the gay and lesbian area of town, which is rather sleazy in parts and known to attract drug users.

Use your common sense and keep valuables out of sight when sightseeing. Wallets and purses should be kept in front or hidden in pockets and excess cash, cards, passports and other valuable documents are best left in the hotel safe. Although it is unlikely you will encounter any problems while walking back to your hotel at night, it’s always best to take a taxi during the small hours, especially if you are alone.

Palma’s road system is fairly tight and there are many one-way sections, making navigating awkward. Remember that the Spanish drive on the right and that the locals can be pretty erratic when behind the wheel of a car.

Health

Palma’s sanitary system is good, the water is potable and there are no serious health concerns, apart from the obvious need to be aware of the sun and the risk of dehydration and burning when sunbathing. The city has several top quality hospitals and clinics as well as useful pharmacies. EU citizens receive reciprocal healthcare benefits in Spain, while citizens from other countries should make sure medical healthcare is included in their insurance package. Having travel insurance will not prevent certain eventualities from happening, but it is definitely worth having should you have any problems while visiting Palma.

Emergencies: 112
Clínica Rotget (24 hours): +34 971 448 500