Areas to Avoid in Palma
Spain
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Palma. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Palma is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Old Town (Casco Antiguo), Santa Catalina, El Molinar / Portixol
Travel Insurance for Palma
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Palma are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Industrial outskirts or areas far from the center without specific tourist interest.
These areas lack tourist amenities, offer little of interest, and may have poorer lighting or fewer people around at night, making them less appealing and potentially less safe for unfamiliar visitors.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Historic labyrinth of narrow streets, charming plazas, and centuries-old architecture.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Palma
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Palma Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Palma on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Palma Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Palma with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Palma: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Palma's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Palma: Scenic Excursion
Escape Palma for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Palma Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Palma's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Palma
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Palma on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Palma safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Historic labyrinth of narrow streets, charming plazas, and centuries-old architecture.
Generally very safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, well-lit main streets are safe, but quieter alleys can feel less secure.
Santa Catalina
Trendy and bohemian, known for its vibrant market, diverse restaurants, and lively bars.
Very safe during the day and evening; nightlife areas are generally safe but always exercise standard precautions in busy bars.
General Safety Tips for Palma
At Night
Main tourist areas like the Old Town (near the cathedral and main squares) and the Paseo Marítimo are well-lit and busy; quieter side streets in the Old Town can feel less secure after dark.
Solo Female Travel
Palma is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night, especially in the Old Town's smaller alleys, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist spots.
Emergency Number
112
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Palma
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist attractions.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed taxis.
- 3Distraction theft (e.g., spilling something on you to distract you while an accomplice steals your bag).
Travel Insurance for Palma
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Old Town (Casco Antiguo)
Historic labyrinth of narrow streets, charming plazas, and centuries-old architecture.
Generally very safe during the day, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas; at night, well-lit main streets are safe, but quieter alleys can feel less secure.
Santa Catalina
Trendy and bohemian, known for its vibrant market, diverse restaurants, and lively bars.
Very safe during the day and evening; nightlife areas are generally safe but always exercise standard precautions in busy bars.
El Molinar / Portixol
Chic waterfront area with a picturesque harbor, trendy restaurants, and a relaxed, upscale feel.
Extremely safe day and night, with well-lit promenades and a generally affluent clientele.
Plaça d'Espanya / Avinguda Jaume III
The bustling commercial and transport hub, offering wide avenues, shopping, and easy access to the rest of the city.
Generally safe, but busy areas can attract pickpockets; exercise caution around the main bus/train station late at night.
Safety in Palma
SafeSolo Female Travel
Palma is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night, especially in the Old Town's smaller alleys, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded tourist spots.
At Night
Main tourist areas like the Old Town (near the cathedral and main squares) and the Paseo Marítimo are well-lit and busy; quieter side streets in the Old Town can feel less secure after dark.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist attractions.
- 2Overcharging by unlicensed taxis.
- 3Distraction theft (e.g., spilling something on you to distract you while an accomplice steals your bag).
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