People photographing shark in fishtank

Getty Images

Palma Aquarium

Mallorca


Marine-research, -conservation and -preservation programs offset any animal-welfare qualms you may have visiting the excellent Palma Aquarium. Five million litres of salt water fill the 55 tanks, home to sea critters from the Mediterranean (rays, sea horses, coral and more) and far-away oceans. The central tank, which you walk through via a transparent tunnel, is patrolled by 20 sleek sharks, with which you can dive for €175. You could spend half a day here.

In total some 8000 specimens are found here ranging across a number of marine environments, with some stirring exhibits covering the threat to world tuna stocks. If the kids fancy spending the night, the monthly Friday shark sleepover will certainly crank up the fear factor for little nippers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mallorca attractions

1. Aqualand

2.98 MILES

With 12 rides and pools, Mallorca's largest water park has plenty of splashy fun, including dedicated pools for tots, rapids, flumes and thrill-a-minute…

2. Arab City Wall

4.63 MILES

On the eastern rim of the Old Town you strike a portion of the 12th-century Arab city wall (with some heavy blocks from the Roman wall at the base),…

3. Església del Monti-Sion

4.78 MILES

The gaudy baroque facade of the Església del Monti-Sion was converted from a Gothic synagogue. It got a serious baroque makeover, inside and out, in the…

4. Convent de Santa Clara

4.8 MILES

The 'Poor Clares' were one of the first orders to establish a presence in Palma, following the Reconquesta of 1229. The land on which the convent stands…

5. Basílica de Sant Francesc

4.82 MILES

One of Palma’s oldest churches, the Franciscan Basílica de Sant Francesc was begun in 1281 in Gothic style, while the baroque facade, with its carved…

6. Dalt Murada

4.82 MILES

Most of Palma's defensive walls were destroyed in the late 19th century to allow the overcrowded city to expand. Only a section of the Renaissance sea…

7. Banys Àrabs

4.84 MILES

These baths, dating from the 10th to 12th centuries, are the single most important remaining monument to the Muslim domination of the island, although all…

8. Sa Portella

4.85 MILES

An original seaward gate in the medieval walls can still be seen here.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/ca-n-pastilla/attractions/palma-aquarium/a/poi-sig/1164714/1318519",
      "destination": "Mallorca",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "region": "Mallorca",
      "position": "superzone"
    }