Palma has been quietly reinventing itself as a city-break destination, flaunting its abundance of see-and-be-seen cocktail bars, independent boutiques, and trendy eateries.

While there is certainly no shortage of hip hangouts that are having a moment, here’s a rundown of our perennial favourites.

Chula Vista: no holding back on flavour or celebratory vibes here

This cool corner eatery in the heart of the Santa Catalina district pays homage to the Mexican taquería. The decor features potted palms, raffia lampshades, and colourful murals. And then there’s the menu, which takes humble Mexican-Californian street food and turns it into excellent foodie experiences. Dishes like Galician mussels with coconut/chipotle sauce, cherry tomatoes and coriander, marinated salmon ceviche, and other delicious expressions of modern Mexican cuisine pull in the crowds. And with Chula Vista’s prime people-watching location, toe-tapping tunes, and lively waitstaff, you know you’re going to order a cocktail. Go for their margarita; it’ll be one of the best you’ve ever had.

Piel de Gallina: the go-to treasure trove for streetwear and vintage fashion

Cool cats and hipster creatives have been rummaging through Piel de Gallina’s racks since 2003. A vintage clothing lover’s dream, this boutique is where you can find iconic pieces like Adidas sports bags, leather jackets and Levis waistcoats —and all in great nick. Piel de Gallina (Spanish for goosebumps) also shines through its extensive selection of streetwear. Film and designer types emerge from the changing rooms to admire themselves in Stüssy tees, Deus Ex Machina hoodies or sporting Brixton hats. The shop’s atmosphere is relaxed, and the owner, Peter, is always on hand to help you navigate the constantly changing and exciting range of clothing.

Robin Wood: the neighbourhood bar with a cosmopolitan vibe

A hop, skip and jump away from the popular Santa Catalina market is Robin Wood, a bar that proves that neighbourhood bars are not always of the ‘old-guys-playing-cards’ variety. Fridays and Saturdays are particularly boisterous and see convivial crowds spill out onto the pavement for some night air and animated chat. With its friendly bartenders, quirky décor, and soft lighting, this is the kind of hangout that makes it impossible not to linger longer. Arrived for a quick after-work drink and still there three hours later, local beer in hand? Been there. Done that!

In Progress: interior design, exhibitions and one-off finds

In Progress is a lovely place to while away a few hours. It’s jammed with art, vintage furniture, designer lighting and clothes made by local creatives. Many pieces of furniture have been expertly restored and make for beautiful conversation-starters in your home. Every nook and cranny of this Aladdin’s cave boasts hidden gems and trinkets you are unlikely to find anywhere else. And then there’s the larger stuff: Danish designer sofas, lampshades made from Murano glass, and Emmanuelle chairs. We advise refuelling the perusing with a people-watching session, and vegan ‘café con leche’ at Mama Carmen’s across the road when you’re done.

Photography courtesy of Chula Vista and In Progress.

 ——————————————————————————————————————- As a boutique charter agency, we offer a personalized service and smooth negotiation process. To put it in a nutshell: we’re great at doing big things with less.

Captains keen to hear about our various management options or owners wanting to know more about the benefits of putting their yacht on the charter market are invited to get in touch via phone / email or to drop into our Palma office. www.snsyachtcharter.com