Explore the historic Bellver Castle overlooking the bay of Palma, Mallorca.

July 11, 2025

Perched high atop of a wooded hill at the opposing end of the Maritimo to Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle is one of Mallorca’s most fascinating historical sites. With a circular design, medieval towers, and unbeatable views down over the city, Bellver is perfect for history lovers, curious explorers, and families looking for an adventure. Whether you’re stepping into the past or just looking for a great place to let the kids go wild on a rainy day, Bellver delivers on all fronts.

A Castle Unlike Any Other

Built in the early 1300s as a royal residence for King James II of Mallorca, Bellver Castle is one of the few circular castles in Europe. Instead of the usual square fortress design, this one looks more like something from a storybook, with a round central courtyard, three sturdy towers, and a moat-surrounded keep that once held prisoners of war.

Bellver does however come with quite a sinister past. For nearly 600 years, Bellver wasn’t a place of grandeur, it served as a prison, holding everyone from noblemen to rebellious writers. It even played a role in the War of Spanish Succession, locking up political enemies of the crown. Now, it stands as a museum and a brilliant place to soak up Palma’s history and enjoy possibly the best view of Palma.

What Makes Bellver Castle Worth Visiting?

The Circular Design
Most castles follow a square or rectangular plan, but Bellver’s completely round shape makes it truly unique. Walk around the upper terraces and get a 360-degree view of Palma, the bay, and the mountains.
A History Lover’s Dream
Step into the Palma History Museum, located inside the castle, where you can explore the island’s rich past from the Roman era to modern times.
The Views
At 112 metres above sea level, this is one of the best spots to admire the Bay of Palma. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Tramuntana Mountains.
Perfect for a Rainy Day
If the weather isn’t beach-friendly, the castle offers a great indoor adventure for families. Kids can explore the castle’s winding corridors, climb the towers, and pretend to be knights and queens.
An Easy Escape from the City
Just a 10-minute drive from Palma’s centre, Bellver Castle is easy to reach and offers a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of town.

Visiting Bellver Castle

Location: Just outside Palma, surrounded by pine forests, perfect for a pre- or post-visit stroll.

Opening Hours:

April to September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. Closed on Mondays.
October to March: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 15:00.

Admission: General entry is just €4, and children under 14 go free. You can buy the tickets directly from the Castle.

If you buy a 24 hour bus ticket here, then the entrance to the Castle is included, along with many other features.

Included:
24-hour access to the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses of Palma de Mallorca
Entrance to Bellver Castle
Entrance to Cathedral of Mallorca (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Museo Es Baluard (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Caixa Forum (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Palau March (if Ultimate option selected)
Free drink

OUR MAJORCA-MALLORCA TOP TIP

Whether you want to uncover Mallorca’s medieval history, let the kids explore a real-life castle, or simply enjoy the breath taking views, Bellver Castle should be high on the ‘To do’ list. It is one of the island’s best-kept secrets, offering a mix of history, adventure, and unbeatable scenery. And…. The original sword belonging to the statue of Julius Caesar at the end of Las Ramblas is kept in Bellver Castle for safe keeping.

You can book a Palma package in advance, and save money on entrance tickets here.

If you prefer to just buy tickets for Bellver Castle click here.

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