Bellver Castle in Palma – Visit Mallorca’s Most Iconic Hilltop Fortress

Bellver Castle – A 360° View Over Palma’s History 🏰🌴

If you're spending time in Palma and fancy mixing history with stunning panoramic views, Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) should be high on your list. Not only is it one of the most iconic landmarks in Mallorca, but it’s also the only circular castle in Spain — and trust me, it’s just as cool as it sounds.

Whether you’re into medieval architecture, breathtaking views, or just want a chill spot to explore away from the city noise, Bellver ticks all the boxes.

It’s even been the backdrop for various TV ads and commercials — I actually got to be part of one! A few years back, I dressed up as a soldier for a Captain Morgan Spiced Rum ad filmed right inside the castle. Marching around those stone corridors in costume was surreal… and a lot of fun 😄. Here is the video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy1qPipCcx4&ab_channel=CallbackStudios

📍 Where Is Bellver Castle?

Bellver Castle is perched on a pine-covered hill about 3 km west of central Palma. You can actually spot it from quite a few places around the city — it’s that round fortress up on the hill that always makes you go “what’s that?”.

• 🗺️ Location: Carrer de Camilo José Cela, Palma

• 🚶‍♂️ How to get there: You can walk up from the city (be ready for a bit of a climb!), take a bus, or drive and park nearby. There’s also a mini train that runs from Palma in peak season.

🏰 A Quick History Lesson (But Not Boring, Promise)

Bellver Castle was built in the 14th century for King James II of Mallorca. Its name means "beautiful view" in Catalan — and yep, they nailed it.

Over the centuries, the castle has served many roles:

• Royal residence

• Military prison

• And now, a history museum

Inside, you’ll find exhibitions covering the history of Palma, plus Roman artefacts and medieval relics. But honestly, the real star of the show is the circular inner courtyard — picture-perfect and unique in all of Spain.

🎟️ Tickets, Opening Hours & Tour Options

Bellver Castle is open year-round, and it’s a great half-day trip if you’re staying in Palma.

• ⏰ Opening Hours:

  • April to September: 10am–7pm (Tues–Sat), 10am–3pm (Sun)

  • October to March: 10am–6pm (Tues–Sat), 10am–3pm (Sun)

  • Closed Mondays and holidays

• 💶 Ticket Prices:

  • General: €4

  • Reduced (students, seniors): €2

  • Free on Sundays

🎧 Looking for a proper tour?
If you want to skip the climb, learn all the castle's secrets, and catch the best viewpoints without the guesswork — check out this recommended guided tour below 👇

https://viator.tpk.lu/0uzvCH1T

🏞️ What to Expect – Highlights of Your Visit

Here’s what you can expect when visiting Bellver:

1. Panoramic Views Over Palma

From the rooftop, you get 360° views of Palma’s bay, the cathedral, and even the Tramuntana mountains on clear days. Sunset is especially magical up here.

2. Inner Courtyard

The central circular courtyard, surrounded by arched columns and medieval details, is super Instagrammable. If you visit during local festivals, there are sometimes concerts or theatre shows held here.

3. Museum of Palma’s History

Inside the castle are small but well-presented exhibits about the island's history — great if you’re into timelines, ancient coins, and curious facts about the city.

4. Forest Trails and Picnic Spots

The surrounding Bellver Forest is a popular local spot for jogging, dog walking, or just relaxing under the pines. Bring a snack and make a little picnic out of it.

💡 Insider Tips

• Best time to go: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and quieter crowds.

• Don’t skip the forest: The walk through the pine forest up to the castle is peaceful and scenic.

• Combine with a Palma day out: Visit Bellver first, then head to Santa Catalina or the Old Town for lunch.

• Bring water: Especially in summer — there’s not much shade on the top level.

❓FAQs

How long does it take to visit Bellver Castle?
👉 Around 1.5 to 2 hours is perfect for the museum, views, and a walk around the grounds.

Is it suitable for kids?
👉 Absolutely. Kids love the castle towers and open spaces. Just be cautious with uneven steps.

Is Bellver Castle accessible?
👉 It’s partly accessible, though some areas have steep steps. Check the latest info at the entrance if you need assistance.

Can you drive up to the castle?
👉 Yes, there’s a car park nearby, but it fills up fast in summer.

Looking for more Mallorca tips? Check out:

🌴 Best Beaches in Mallorca

🍷 Things to do in Mallorca

🛏️Where to stay in Mallorca

¡Nos vemos en la isla! 🌴🌞