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Palmanova, a fascinating star-shaped fortress town in Friuli Venezia Giulia, is renowned for its distinctive nine-pointed star defence system, perfectly preserved since its late 16th-century construction. This geometrically precise settlement was designed as an ideal Renaissance city, with its radial streets converging on a central hexagonal piazza, Piazza Grande. The town's unique layout, a testament to military architecture, is a major draw, offering an engaging insight into historical urban planning and engineering.
Visitors can explore the three original monumental gates – Porta Udine, Porta Cividale, and Porta Aquileia – that once controlled access to the town. The central square, Piazza Grande, serves as the heart of Palmanova, surrounded by administrative buildings and the Duomo, an impressive example of Venetian architecture. Walking the perimeter allows one to fully appreciate the impressive fortifications, moats, and bastions, providing a tangible connection to its strategic past.
Most visitors tend to book their accommodation around the central bay area of Palmanova, particularly near Playa de Palmanova and Playa Son Maties. This stretch offers a good balance of amenities, with hotels and apartments ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale resorts, all within easy reach of the seafront.
The area around Playa de Palmanova is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, featuring numerous eateries and ice cream parlours. You'll find a promenade here, popular for evening strolls. A little further west, Playa Son Maties provides a more relaxed setting, with several larger hotels directly on the beachfront. Dining options here include various international restaurants.
Moving towards the eastern side, the area near Playa Es Carregador and the marina offers a slightly different feel. Here, the accommodation often includes smaller boutique hotels and self-catering apartments. This part of Palmanova is closer to the residential areas and features local cafes and the Marineland Mallorca attraction, popular with families. The marina itself hosts several seafood restaurants.
Regarding transport, Palmanova is well-served by local buses, connecting various parts of the resort and neighbouring towns. For air travel, Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is the closest major hub. Many hotels offer shuttle services, and taxis are readily available, making a convenient transfer to your chosen accommodation straightforward. Public buses also operate routes from the airport to Palmanova, offering an economical alternative.
To save on accommodation in Palmanova, consider booking your stay outside of the peak summer months. Hotels are typically more expensive from July to August when the resort is bustling. You'll often find better rates in the shoulder seasons, particularly May, early June, or September, when the weather is still pleasant but tourist numbers are lower. Avoiding school holidays in the UK can also make a difference to flight and hotel package prices.
For the best value, plan your trip during the low season, spanning from November to March. Many hotels and restaurants in Palmanova close during this period, but those that remain open usually offer significantly reduced prices. If you're flexible with dates and don't mind a quieter atmosphere, this can be a very cost-effective time to visit. Booking well in advance, regardless of the season, also tends to secure more favourable rates.