Bellver Castle - A castle towers over a lush green forest.
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Bellver Castle

4.5
·24k reviews·Palma, Spain

Spain's only circular Gothic castle, offering 360° views of Palma and housing the city's history museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings/evenings

Golden hour light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Bellver Castle - A castle towers over a lush green forest.

Bellver Castle

Best Time

Summer mornings/evenings

Golden hour light, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Spain's only circular Gothic castle, offering 360° views of Palma and housing the city's history museum.

4.5
(24k reviews)

"The real highlight, though, is the location. The castle offers an absolutely breathtaking panoramic view of Palma and its bay."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds

Visit early or late for cooler temps & best light. Summer closing is 7 PM!

💧 Bring Water & Wear Comfy Shoes

It's a steep climb! Stay hydrated, especially on sunny days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Palma Views

Panoramic Palma Views

Castle ramparts

Breathtaking 360° views of Palma, the bay, cathedral, and surrounding mountains. Perfect for photos!

Unique Circular Architecture

Unique Circular Architecture

Exterior and courtyard

Explore Spain's only circular Gothic castle, a stunning 14th-century fortress with remarkable symmetry.

History of Palma Museum

History of Palma Museum

Castle interior

Discover Palma's rich past through exhibits and historical timelines within the castle walls.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Views & Entry

Arrive early or late to avoid crowds and catch the best light for panoramic views of Palma. Check summer closing times (7 PM) to ensure you can explore the interior museum and enjoy the vistas.

Getting to the Hilltop

While parking is available, consider the city tour bus or a 45-minute walk from the city center. Be prepared for a steep climb, especially if arriving by bus, and bring water.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings/evenings
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Free admission possible
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yas Queen Slay👑💅🔥 ShinMinah looked effortlessly elegant and classy 🤌✨✨💎😍🥰❤️ ShinMinah X Louis Vuitton High Jewelry #LV Virtuosity at Castillo de Bellver Castle-Palma de Mallorca Spain #shinminah #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #shinminah
@shinminahyejin
12.5K likes • 147.6K views

🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds

Visit early or late for cooler temps & best light. Summer closing is 7 PM! Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Wear Comfy Shoes

It's a steep climb! Stay hydrated, especially on sunny days. InstagramReddit

جربت اللاكل البحري 😋 في بالما جزيرة 🏝 مايوركا الاسبانيا ودخلت قلعة بيفلر 🇪🇦 I went and tried delicious seafood in Mallorca شاهد الحلقة كاملة على اليوتيوب #AmerDaud #AX #WithAmer #fyp #history #spain #مع_عامر #عامرداود #باختصار #مايوركا #جزيرة #اسبانيا #جزر #سفر #motivation #mallorca #insel #palamademallorca #بالما #سوق #تركيا #البندقية #سفن #مدينة #قلعة #اكل #اكلات #بحري #اكل_بحري #see #seafood ...
@amer.daud
734 likes • 15.9K views
🇫🇷 Le château de Bellver 🏰 Ce château est l’un des plus remarquables d’Espagne. C’est une forteresse du XIVe siècle dont l’apparence est unique. De plan circulaire, avec une grande symétrie et d’un blanc presque brillant, il se déploie au-dessus de Palma de Majorque. En effet, au sommet du château on peut avoir une magnifique vue de Palma ! L’entrée du château est gratuite ! Pour y accéder : ...
une_malouine_en_voyage
241 likes • 0 views

🎟️ Combo Tickets Save

Consider City Sightseeing bus tours for easy access & bundled tickets. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The 360° panoramas are incredible for photos. Don't miss them! Instagram+1

Dnes doporučujeme navštívit hrad Castell de Bellver ze kterého je dechberoucí výhled💛
ca_rinzia
61 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the Heat & Crowds

Visit early or late for cooler temps & best light. Summer closing is 7 PM! Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Wear Comfy Shoes

It's a steep climb! Stay hydrated, especially on sunny days. InstagramReddit

🎟️ Combo Tickets Save

Consider City Sightseeing bus tours for easy access & bundled tickets. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The 360° panoramas are incredible for photos. Don't miss them! Instagram+1

🗺️ Follow the Signs

Look for the 'I' kiosk for maps; storyboards are in multiple languages. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(24k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bellver Castle is praised for its unique circular architecture and absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Palma. While the interior museum offers historical insights, some visitors wished for more accessible original rooms. The climb to the castle is noted, but the vistas are consistently highlighted as a major draw.

"Bellver Castle is a truly impressive sight. We arrived a bit late and missed the chance to go inside (it closes at 7pm in the summer), but even from the outside, the circular Gothic architecture is stunning.

The real highlight, though, is the location. Situated on a hilltop, the castle offers an absolutely breathtaking panoramic view of Palma and its bay. It's the perfect spot to capture some incredible photos and just take in the beauty of the area. It's worth the trip up the hill just for the views alone."

Marko Živanović

"The castle is visible from many places in the city. We purchased the castle entrance tickets as part of the City sightseeing bus tour. Collect your ticket at the window by showing your receipt.

You can easily take the stairs. If you prefer to access the ramp entrance, it is further along the roadway. It’s steep and a bit of incline.

Look for a kiosk sign with an I. It has a map in Spanish but easy to follow. The map is pertinent to the bottom floor of the castle. Lots of storyboards in multiple languages, including English.

There's also a historical timetable of the city that is equally interesting, along with maps.

Washrooms are available throughout that are quite clean. Be sure to bring water as it can very warm walking the multiple floors. FYI- no place to sit where the sun is out, so come prepared!

Highly recommend a visit to the castle!"

Tina Rodwilk

"It was ok. Parking was easy. Directions to the entrance didn't exist, but we found it back down the road. It's a castle turned into a history of Palma museum. I wanted to see what the castle looked like when it was lived in. The only original room appeared to be the prayer room and you can't enter it. Great views from the top."

Christian Jones

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Unique circular architecture
History museum exhibits

What People Dislike

Steep climb to access
Limited original rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Bellver Castle by car, bus, or even by walking. Parking is available.Reddit The City Sightseeing bus is a convenient option that often includes tickets.Reddit For the more active, it's about a 45-minute walk from the city center, though be prepared for a steep incline.InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a car park available at Bellver Castle, making it accessible for those driving. Directions to the entrance might not be immediately obvious, but it's located back down the road from the main parking area.Reddit

Yes, Bellver Castle is on the City Sightseeing bus route, which is a popular and easy way to get there. Be aware that even with the bus, there's a climb involved to reach the castle itself.Reddit

The walk from Palma's city center to Bellver Castle takes approximately 45 minutes and involves a fairly steep climb from the harbor area.Reddit It's recommended to bring plenty of water.Reddit

The best way depends on your preference. Driving offers convenience with parking,Reddit the bus is easy and can include tickets,Reddit and walking provides exercise and views but is steep.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

In the summer, Bellver Castle typically closes at 7 PM.Reddit It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially if visiting on a Sunday or during off-season.

While ticket prices can vary, some visitors have reported that visiting on a Sunday can be free.Reddit Tickets can also be purchased as part of City Sightseeing bus tours.Reddit

It's generally not necessary to buy tickets in advance, especially if you're not part of a tour. You can usually purchase them at the ticket window upon arrival.Reddit

Some visitors mention that Sundays can be free.Reddit It's worth inquiring about potential discounts for students, seniors, or group visits when purchasing your ticket.

Yes, the castle interior houses the History of Palma museum. While some original rooms might not be accessible, you can explore the museum and learn about the city's past.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The castle ramparts offer incredible 360° panoramic views of Palma, the bay, and the surrounding landscape, making them prime photo spots.Instagram+1 The unique circular architecture itself is also very photogenic.TikTok

Absolutely! Bellver Castle is renowned for its stunning views and unique architecture, providing ample opportunities for memorable photographs.Instagram+1

The view from Bellver Castle is breathtaking, offering a sweeping panorama of Palma, its port, the cathedral, and the distant mountains.Instagram+1 It's considered one of the best viewpoints in Palma.

Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire at the castle information point before flying a drone.

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over Palma and the castle.TikTok Early mornings or late afternoons also tend to be less crowded.

🎫 🏛️ History & Museum

Bellver Castle dates back to the 14th century and is unique as Spain's only circular Gothic castle.TikTokInstagram It has served various purposes, including a royal residence, a prison, and now houses the city's history museum.TikTok

The museum inside Bellver Castle charts the history of Palma, featuring exhibits, storyboards in multiple languages, and historical maps.Reddit You can learn about the city's evolution from its origins.

While not a primary filming location, Bellver Castle's medieval architecture and imposing structure have led some to associate it with the aesthetic of 'Game of Thrones'.TikTok

Its significance lies in its unique circular Gothic design, its historical role as a royal residence and prison, and its commanding position offering strategic views over Palma.TikTok

A typical visit to Bellver Castle and its museum can take around 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and how long you spend enjoying the views.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within Bellver Castle itself. However, there are plenty of benches where you can rest and enjoy a snack you've brought.Reddit

The castle is located on a hilltop overlooking Palma. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Palma city center, offering everything from local Mallorcan cuisine to international dishes.TikTok

While there are benches available for resting, it's not explicitly stated if picnics are permitted. However, enjoying a snack while taking in the views is common.Reddit

Mallorca is known for dishes like 'sobrassada' (cured sausage), 'ensaimada' (sweet pastry), and fresh seafood.TikTok Many restaurants in Palma will offer these specialties.

Palma offers a growing number of restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to check menus online or ask staff when dining in the city.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bellver Castle offers an engaging experience for families. The unique circular design is fascinating for children, sparking their imagination about knights and castles.TikTok The museum inside provides educational content about Palma's history, presented with storyboards in multiple languages.Reddit While the climb can be tiring, the spectacular views from the top are a great reward, and there are benches to rest.Reddit Consider bringing snacks and water, as facilities are limited.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Bellver Castle can be a very budget-friendly attraction. Some visitors report that entry on Sundays is free,Reddit making it an excellent option for cost-conscious travelers. If you're not opting for the City Sightseeing bus, walking from Palma's center is a free way to reach the castle, though it requires a good level of fitness due to the steep incline.Reddit Packing your own water and snacks will also help save money.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Bellver Castle is a dream. The 360-degree panoramic views of Palma, the bay, and the coastline are simply spectacular and offer endless composition possibilities.Instagram The castle's unique circular Gothic architecture itself is a striking subject, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and warm.TikTok The contrast between the ancient stone and the vibrant Mediterranean landscape is a photographer's delight.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Circular Design

Bellver Castle stands out as a remarkable feat of medieval architecture, being the only circular Gothic castle in Spain.TikTok Its design, dating back to the 14th century, features concentric walls, a central courtyard, and three towers, one of which is detached and connected by a bridge.Instagram This unique layout was not only aesthetically striking but also strategically advantageous, offering excellent defensive capabilities and 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.Instagram The symmetry and grandeur of its circular form are a significant draw for visitors interested in history and architecture.Instagram

A Castle with a Storied Past

The history of Bellver Castle is as varied as its architecture. Originally built as a royal residence for King James II of Mallorca, it later served as a state prison for centuries.TikTok This dual role as a symbol of power and a place of confinement adds a layer of intrigue to its story. Today, it functions as the Museum of the History of Palma, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the city's evolution through various exhibits, historical timelines, and maps.Reddit The castle's transformation from a royal stronghold to a museum reflects the enduring legacy of Mallorca's past.TikTok

Capturing the Iconic Views

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Bellver Castle is the breathtaking panoramic view it offers over Palma and its bay.Instagram+1 Perched on a wooded hilltop, the castle provides an unparalleled vantage point to see the city's skyline, the bustling port, the majestic Palma Cathedral, and the distant mountains.Instagram Many visitors describe the views as absolutely stunning and worth the climb alone.Reddit The best light for photography is often during the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.TikTok

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