Ditch the Beach! Discover historic and cultural Palma with official guide Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
Most people fly to Mallorca with a pretty simple agenda: sun, sand, and the charming blue of the Mediterranean Sea. But as the plane touches down, a massive, golden-stone silhouette dominates the coastline. It’s Palma — a city with layers of history waiting to be peeled back.
To truly understand this Mediterranean pearl, you need to look past the beach resorts and step into the cobblestone labyrinth of the Old Town. And there is no better person to guide you through these ancient alleys than Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina, a certified official guide who has spent over two decades (since 2004) falling in love with Mallorca’s capital, over and over again.
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Palma Cathedral, photo credit: Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
From modern streets to ancient stones
“I have been living in Spain since 2004”, — Anastasia shares. “I grew up in a very young, modern city, where I always felt a lack of old charm. That’s why when I arrived here, I became completely captivated by the history of Palma”.
This passion wasn’t just a passing hobby. Anastasia turned her fascination into expertise, studying as a tourism information specialist and earning the prestigious title of an official, certified guide in Spain. Years of devouring books, attending conferences, and meeting locals transformed her perspective. “After all this time, I truly consider Mallorca my home. That’s why it’s so vital to me that visitors see its real, profound beauty — not just the postcard views”.
When Anastasia welcomes a new group, her opening words set the stage for an adventure:
“I know you came here for the beach, the sun, and the sea, but today I am going to show you our real treasure — Palma, a city over 2,000 years old”.
The journey starts at the exact locations where history was made. Anastasia walks her guests from the footsteps of the first ancient inhabitants and Roman conquerors, through the hidden remnants of the Muslim period, and into the grand era of the first Christian kingdom.
“Guests don’t just hear about history”, — she says. “They see it, breathe it, and touch the ancient stones”.
Palma Old Town, photo credit: Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
Bringing the past to life
What’s the most common reaction after one of Anastasia’s tours? It’s pure amazement. Because Palma is frequently pigeonholed as just another resort town in Europe, and in-depth excursions leave travelers impressed by its cultural depth.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see people who just came along for company relax, start smiling at my jokes, and genuinely fall in love with the city”, — Anastasia admits.
Her tours are dynamic — they shift from medieval chronicles to contemporary Spanish life.
“Sometimes guests want to talk about modern Spain — the people, the prices, politics. A good guide weaves all of that into the historical narrative naturally”.
Choose your adventure: custom routes by Anastasia
Whether you are a first-time tourist or a permanent resident, Anastasia has a great Palma tour that will perfectly suit you.
Palma Old Town, photo credit: Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
For the first-time visitors — the classics
If it’s your first day in town, start with a classic sightseeing tour to meet the city’s most unusual historical residents and legends. Follow it up with an exclusive tour of the Palma Cathedral (La Seu).
Sacred art is Anastasia’s ultimate passion — she holds a Master’s degree in the subject from a Catholic University in Madrid, making her the perfect insider to decode the cathedral’s breathtaking symbolism.
Anastasia’s themed immersive tours
MARITIME PALMA. A dive into the world of medieval sailors, fierce pirates, and daring smugglers.
HOW THEY CURED IN THE OLD DAYS. A look at historical medicine, ancient doctors, and how the city survived epidemics.
HOW TO BECOME A SAINT. An exploration of how deep-rooted religion dictated the bizarre, beautiful, and strict daily lives of old Catholic citizens.
Palma Old Town, photo credit: Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
For locals & expats — deep dives into neighborhoods
If you already live in Palma, Anastasia offers hyper-local tours focusing on individual historical barrios. Discover the hidden patios of Calatrava, the bohemian past of Santa Catalina, or the aristocratic secrets of Sant Jaume.
Anastasia Mikhaylenko travel Manifesto
To make your trip to Mallorca truly unforgettable, Anastasia shares her golden rules for modern travelers:
Travel with an open heart
Don’t just check off hyped-up tourist spots because social media told you to. If a place doesn't resonate with you, skip it. Look for spots that match your personal vibe.
Ditch the aimless wandering
Walking without a map is romantic, but without a half-day plan, you will miss hidden gems. Don’t end up regretting what you missed while looking at someone else’s vacation photos later!
Match your pace to your stay
If you are staying long-term, slow down. Live like a local, shop at the neighborhood market, and enjoy a long glass of wine at a café. But if you only have a few days, maximize your time. Invest in local cooking workshops, traditional crafts, and guided tours to fast-track your connection to the culture.
Only twice a year, you get a chance to witness the rare figure-eight light projection phenomenon at La Seu, Palma Cathedral. Morning sunlight streams through its massive 14-meter “Gothic Eye” rose window — made of over 1,200 glass piece, photo credit: Anastasia Mikhaylenko Nikitina
Practical Guide Checklist for your walking Palma tour with Anastasia
Tours typically last between 2 to 2.5 hours, moving at a comfortable, leisurely pace.
Summer Survival (High Season). It gets incredibly hot. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and opt for light, long-sleeved clothing. Guides will always seek out the shade, but sunny stretches are unavoidable.
Winter Wandering (Low Season). Always check the forecast. Palma gets its fair share of Mediterranean rain showers from time to time.
Photography is highly encouraged. There are stunning viewpoints around every corner, and Anastasia is always happy to snap a great photo of you.
Palma’s hall of fame
As you walk through the city, you will cross paths with the legacies of its greatest icons. Keep an eye out for stories about:
Ramon Llull is the medieval philosopher and father of the Catalan literary language.
Junípero Serra is the famous missionary who shaped the history of California.
Antoni Gaudí & Miquel Barceló werethe creative geniuses who left their permanent mark on the Cathedral’s interior.
Joan Miró is the world-renowned surrealist artist who found his inspiration here.
Chopin & George Sand were the famous romantic couple who spent a notorious winter on the island.
Rafa Nadal is the modern king of clay and Mallorca’s contemporary sporting legend.
Ready to see the real Palma?
Step away from the beach!
