On the hillside west of the harbour, beneath Castell de Bellver and a pine forest in the middle of the city. Mallorca's nightlife centre in the 1960s, followed by a sharp decline, it is now a neighbourhood of contrasts with superb views over Palma.
El Terreno & Bellver
El Terreno & Bellver in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A longer stay
- Best for
- Castle visits, woodland walks and city views
- Best months
- January–May, September–December
- Time to allow
- Two hours for the castle and ramparts, or half a day with a woodland walk.
- Without a car
- Easy enough
- Parking
- Limited spaces at the castle; parking in the neighbourhood is difficult on the slopes.
- Highlight
- Castell de Bellver above Palma
- Keep in mind
- A level walk from the harbour to the castle
- Access
- Steep hillsides; plan the journey and castle access separately
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
A circular castle with three semicircular towers — a rarity in Europe.
A bridge connects the detached keep to the main castle.
From the ramparts, the view takes in the whole Bay of Palma.
Drive from the airport
22 minutes
12 km
Bus connections
EMT buses along Passeig Marítim
Region
Palma
Nearest beach
Can Pastilla
8 km
Elevation
60 m
above sea level
A glimpse of El Terreno & Bellver
Season guide for El Terreno & Bellver
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December. Less suitable in August.
Location
Location of El Terreno & Bellver
- Region
- Palma
- Municipality
- Palma
- Population
- 6,300
- Elevation
- 60 m above sea level
- Airport
- 12 km , around 22 minutes
- Hire car
- not essential
- Worth visiting for
- a longer stay
- Coordinates
- 39.5611,2.6250
Castell de Bellver
The castle stands above El Terreno. Jaume II of Mallorca had it built between 1300 and 1311: circular, with three semicircular towers and a detached keep linked by a bridge. Entirely circular castles are rare in Europe, and this one is both well studied and well preserved.
It saw little use as a residence. For centuries it was a prison, whose inmates included Enlightenment thinker Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. He was held here from 1802 to 1808 and used the time to write about the castle itself.
Today it houses the city museum. The main reason to climb up, though, is the rampart walk: you can see the whole Bay of Palma, the cathedral, harbour and the Tramuntana.
Bosc de Bellver
Around the castle lies a proper pine forest of roughly 100 hectares, within a city of more than 400,000 people. The shaded paths are noticeably cooler than the streets below, and access is free. It’s an excellent place for a morning with children or a walk before breakfast.
The neighbourhood’s history
From the late 19th century, El Terreno was a district of summer houses. In the 1950s and 1960s it became the centre of Mallorcan nightlife: bars, clubs and the international jet set, with Ava Gardner its best-known resident. That scene moved elsewhere in the 1980s, and the neighbourhood declined.
Today restored buildings stand beside visibly neglected ones. Head straight to the castle and you may notice little of this; walk through the streets below and you see a different Palma from the postcards.
Photographs
El Terreno & Bellver in Mallorca
Practical details
- Parking
- Limited spaces at the castle; parking in the neighbourhood is difficult on the slopes.
- Public transport
- EMT buses serve the foot of the hill. From Passeig Marítim, allow around 30 minutes for the steep walk up; check the current route and remaining walk before travelling.
- Time to allow
- Two hours for the castle and ramparts, or half a day with a woodland walk.
- Good to know
- Castell de Bellver charges admission, with reduced or free entry on certain days — check ahead. The surrounding Bosc de Bellver is free to visit.
- Bus
- EMT buses along Passeig Marítim
- Coordinates
- 39.5611,2.6250 Google Maps Apple Maps
Dates that change the town
When a race comes to town
Copa del Rey MAPFRE Sailing · 1–8 August 2026
Expect extra activity around the regatta harbour. If you are travelling for the event, plan accommodation and a berth well ahead.
The season guide describes whole months. A race weekend can transform a normally quiet town for a couple of days. Find the dates in our guide to Sporting events.
Within reach
Places to visit
Nearby
A striking circular Gothic castle, built above Palma between 1300 and 1311. Inside is a two-storey round …
An 11th-century brick chamber in an old-town garden, with twelve columns, horseshoe arches and a dome pierced by …
Sant Pere bastion, built in the late 16th century on the western edge of Palma’s old town, became home to a …
Palma’s cathedral was begun in 1230 and built over several centuries. Its Gothic buttresses rise above the water …
The royal palace beside Palma cathedral began as a Moorish alcázar, later converted into a residence for …
The March family's city palace between the cathedral and the Almudaina: a terrace filled with 20th-century …
The Balearics' largest harbour sits in the city, in front of the old town. Cargo quays, cruise terminals, marinas …
Palma's grand promenade between Plaça de la Reina and Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I. It follows the bed of a torrent …
Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Where to swim nearby
Beaches and swimming nearby
At the western end of Playa de Palma, ten minutes from the airport by car: a marina, a rocky waterfront promenade …
Broad sandy bays with pale, shallow water, right beside Magaluf but with a different feel. The quieter neighbour …
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about El Terreno & Bellver
What is Castell de Bellver?
A circular Gothic castle above Palma, built between 1300 and 1311 under King Jaume II of Mallorca. One of Europe's few entirely circular castles, it served for centuries as a prison, including for Enlightenment thinker Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. It now houses the city museum.
How do I get to Castell de Bellver?
City buses serve the foot of the hill, with an uphill walk remaining. From Passeig Marítim, allow around 30 minutes for the steep climb through Bosc de Bellver. Exposed sections make it a poor choice in the height of summer; check transport options and stops before setting out.
Where is the best view over Palma?
The ramparts of Castell de Bellver offer views across the whole Bay of Palma, the old town and cathedral, the harbour and the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana. For a free view lower down, try the edge of Es Jonquet above the marina.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit El Terreno & Bellver?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December. Clear views from the ramparts towards the Tramuntana.
Is El Terreno & Bellver worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually lively. The climb is steep, with exposed sections. Consider transport up to the castle. August: another month may suit you better. Usually lively. Too hot for the climb, with increased forest fire risk.
How far is El Terreno & Bellver from Palma airport?
About 12 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 22 minutes by car.
Do I need a hire car for El Terreno & Bellver?
Easy to manage without a car EMT buses along Passeig Marítim
Where can I park in El Terreno & Bellver?
Limited spaces at the castle; parking in the neighbourhood is difficult on the slopes.
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.