Plaza de España, Palma

Square in Palma

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Z thomas

Plaza de España, set in the centre of Palma de Mallorca, is where history and modern life meet in a very tangible way. At its heart stands the imposing bronze equestrian statue of King James I of Aragon, “The Conqueror,” who seized Mallorca from the Almohads in 1229. Cast by sculptor Enrique Claraso y Daudi, the statue celebrates the king who transformed the island's destiny, and today it anchors a busy, people-filled square rather than a battlefield. Around it, you will see locals chatting on benches, commuters criss-crossing the plaza, and visitors orienting themselves under the watchful gaze of the monarch on horseback.

Despite the historic subject, Plaza de España is anything but static. Buses, cars and electric scooters zip around its edges, while the entrances to the underground Estacion Intermodal make it a key gateway for exploring the rest of Mallorca. This busy square is one of the top attractions in Palma de Mallorca if you want to understand how the city works day-to-day: it is both a transport crossroads and a social space, with Station Park just behind the terminal offering lawns, trees and a playground when you need a breather. With cafés, restaurants, and major shopping streets all converging here, it is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Palma de Mallorca before you dive deeper into the old town.

History and Significance of Plaza de España in Palma de Mallorca
Things to See and Do in Plaza de España
How to Get to Plaza de España
Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza de España
Where to Stay close to the Plaza de España
Is the Plaza de España Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Plaza de España
Nearby Attractions to the Plaza de España

History and Significance of Plaza de España in Palma de Mallorca

The story of Plaza de España is inseparable from James I of Aragon, whose conquest of Mallorca in 1229 ended Almohad rule and firmly tied the island into the Crown of Aragon's Mediterranean network. The statue at the centre of the square captures him at that decisive moment in history, mounted on horseback in bronze and facing towards the city he conquered. It serves as a powerful reminder of how the island was reshaped in the 13th century, while the modern city has grown and swirled around this focal point.

Over time, the square evolved into one of Palma’s principal civic spaces. As the city modernised and public transport developed, it naturally became a hub: routes fanning out to towns across the island, shops and markets clustering around the traffic, and locals using it as an easy meeting point. The presence of the equestrian statue adds a ceremonial touch to what might otherwise feel like a purely functional transport interchange, giving the plaza a strong sense of identity.

Today Plaza de España stands at the junction of several important streets, including Alexandre Roselló Avenue leading towards El Corte Inglés, and San Miguel Street which pulls you towards the historic centre and the old quarter's narrow lanes. The nearby Olivar Market adds another layer of daily life, with colourful stalls and local produce drawing in shoppers and food lovers. For visitors, this combination of historical symbolism, local transport and everyday activity makes the square one of the clearest windows into modern Palma.

Things to See and Do in Plaza de España

The first thing most people notice is the statue of King James I dominating the square. Take a moment to walk around it and appreciate the details of the bronze: the king’s armour, his posture in the saddle, and the way the plinth raises him above the flow of traffic and people. It is easy to imagine how different this place would have felt when his army first took control of the city compared with the busy urban scene around you today.

From there, look towards the entrances of Estacion Intermodal, Palma’s main bus and train hub. This is where most island-wide bus services begin and end, and where you catch trains towards Inca, Manacor, Marratxí and other inland towns. Even if you are not travelling immediately, it is worth descending briefly to understand how smoothly the underground station connects with the surface plazas and streets, making the square a genuine nerve centre for the island.

Behind the terminal lies Station Park, a surprisingly tranquil green space given its location. The lawns, trees, paths and children's play area make it a pleasant place to rest between journeys or after a morning's sightseeing. Back on the plaza, you can grab a drink at one of the cafés or open-air terraces lining the edges, watch buses arrive and depart, and simply enjoy people-watching. Those who enjoy shopping or markets will appreciate how close the square is to El Corte Inglés on Alexandre Roselló, as well as the bustling Olivar Market, where fresh produce and local specialities fill the stalls.

How to Get to Plaza de España

Reaching Plaza de España is straightforward, as it is effectively Palma de Mallorca's main transport hub and orientation point. Most international visitors arrive via Palma de Mallorca Airport, which is well connected by airport buses and taxis to the city centre and drops you within walking distance of the square. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Palma on Booking.com.

If you are already on the island, many regional and local buses terminate or pass through Estacion Intermodal beneath Plaza de España, so you will often find yourself here when moving between towns. Trains from destinations such as Inca, Manacor and Marratxí also arrive at the underground station, giving you a very easy way to reach the square without needing to navigate the city's streets first. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

For those travelling by car, Plaza de España sits at the convergence of major city avenues, including Alexandre Roselló and Avinguda Joan March, which link to larger routes leading out of town. It is generally best to use nearby car parks and then explore the square and surrounding streets on foot, as traffic can be busy and central parking limited. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Plaza de España

Suggested tips: Use Plaza de España as your base camp in Palma; pick up bus or train tickets, grab a coffee, check your route, and then head out to explore the old town, harbour or surrounding neighbourhoods.
Best time to visit: Mornings and late afternoons are especially atmospheric, with commuters, shoppers and travellers flowing through; evenings are pleasant for sitting at a terrace and watching the city wind down.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 Hours
How long to spend: Plan 30-60 minutes to admire the statue, orient yourself, relax in Station Park or enjoy a drink; longer if you are using it as a base between excursions.
Accessibility: The surface of the square is flat and generally wheelchair-friendly; lifts and escalators connect the plaza to Estacion Intermodal, making public transport accessible for most visitors.
Facilities: You will find ticket offices, information points and restrooms within Estacion Intermodal, while cafés, restaurants and shops ring the square and nearby streets.
Photography tip: For the best photos of King James I’s statue, shoot from slightly below with the surrounding buildings and sky as a backdrop; evening light can be particularly flattering.
Guided tours: Some city tours start or pass through Plaza de España, using it as a convenient meeting point and explaining its role in Palma's development and transport network.
Nearby food options: From quick snacks and chain cafés to sit-down restaurants, the streets around the square and towards Olivar Market offer plenty of options for all budgets.

Where to Stay close to the Plaza de España

Staying near Plaza de España puts you at the heart of Palma's transport network, ideal if you plan to explore different parts of Mallorca by bus or train. A comfortable and well-located option is Hotel Saratoga, which offers easy walking access to the square, the old town and the harbourfront. For those who like to combine shopping with sightseeing, Hotel Almudaina sits close to the main commercial streets yet remains within a pleasant stroll of Plaza de España. Another good choice is HM Jaime III Hotel, a stylish base that keeps you close to the square, Station Park and the city’s main cultural sights.

Is the Plaza de España Worth Visiting

Plaza de España is absolutely worth including in your Palma itinerary, even if you are primarily interested in historic churches or beach time. This is where you feel the city's pulse: buses and trains arriving and departing, locals meeting under the king's statue, children playing in Station Park, and shoppers heading towards Olivar Market or El Corte Inglés. The bronze equestrian statue of James I adds historical depth, reminding you that the island's present-day dynamism is built on centuries of change and conquest.

Because it is such a natural transport and meeting hub, you will probably pass through the square more than once during your stay. Treat each visit as an opportunity to pause, reorient, and watch daily life unfold around you. If you enjoy seeing how a place really functions, rather than just ticking off monuments, Plaza de España offers exactly that perspective on Palma de Mallorca.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (271)

Plaza de España in Santa Cruz de la Palma is a calm, attractive town square in the centre of Los Llanos de Aridane where visitors praise its beauty and say it makes for a pleasant, brief stop; the setting is dominated by an impressive old church and many find the space stunning and worth a visit.

Garry Hoppe

4 years ago

"A beautiful town square in the centre of Los Llanos De Aridane, dominated by the impressive old church."

Michal Caldr

a year ago

"Lovely place, was a nice little visit"

Sandra Sicilia

4 years ago

"Very nice…..Santa Cruz de la Palma is a nice place to visit!!!"

FAQs for Visiting Plaza de España

Plaza de España is in the centre of Palma, directly above Estacion Intermodal and at the junction of major streets like Alexandre Roselló and Avinguda Joan March.

The central statue is a bronze equestrian monument to King James I of Aragon, known as The Conqueror, who took Mallorca from Almohad rule in 1229.

It is both: a key hub for buses and trains and also a place to see the King James statue, relax at cafés, visit Station Park and access nearby markets and shopping streets.

Yes, Estacion Intermodal beneath the square is the main terminal for most island buses and the starting point for train services to towns such as Inca, Manacor and Marratxí.

The square is generally busy and well lit into the evening, though as in any city it is sensible to keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.

Nearby Attractions to the Plaza de España

Olivar Market - A lively indoor market brimming with fresh produce, seafood and local delicacies, just a short walk from the square.
San Miguel Street - A popular pedestrian shopping street leading from Plaza de España towards the old town's heart and the cathedral area.
La Rambla - A tree-lined avenue nearby, ideal for a gentle stroll past flower stalls, cafés and elegant buildings.
Station Park - The landscaped park directly behind Estacion Intermodal, offering green space, benches and a children’s play area.
Palma Old Town - The historic quarter, with its narrow streets, traditional courtyards and major landmarks, easily reached on foot from Plaza de España.

The Plaza de España appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Palma!

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