Filming in Palma's Old Town: What You Need to Know

Palma's old town is one of the most visually compelling urban filming locations in the Mediterranean. Narrow stone streets, Gothic archways, the towering Cathedral de Santa Maria rising above the seafront — it's a location that sells itself. But it's also one of the most permit-intensive areas on the island.
 
Here's what every production needs to know before they start scouting.
 
Who's in Charge?
The old town (Casc Antic) falls primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ajuntament de Palma, specifically its Department of Urban Planning and Public Space. For shoots involving heritage-listed buildings or monuments, the Consell de Mallorca's cultural heritage department may also need to be involved.
 
The Cathedral and Royal Palace (Palau de l'Almudaina) are managed separately — the Cathedral by the Diocese of Mallorca, and the Palace by Patrimonio Nacional, the Spanish national heritage body. These are two of the most requested locations in Palma, and both have their own application processes, fees, and restrictions.
 
What to Expect From the Application Process
For a street-level shoot in the old town, the Ajuntament de Palma will typically want:
 
- Full production details (company, director, purpose of shoot)
- Precise location map with filming zones marked
- Shoot schedule (dates, start and wrap times)
- Crew and equipment list
- Proof of public liability insurance (minimum €600,000 cover is standard)
- A traffic and pedestrian impact plan if equipment vehicles are involved
 
Processing time is typically 5–10 working days for straightforward applications. Allow more time in summer and during local festivals (especially Sant Sebastià in January and the Semana Santa processions in spring, when large parts of the old town are heavily restricted).
 
Key Locations and Their Quirks
Plaça Major: A heavily trafficked tourist square. Filming is permitted but crew footprint is strictly limited and certain hours are restricted to protect market traders.
 
Carrer dels Oms & surrounding shopping streets: These fall under the Ajuntament but also involve coordination with local business associations. Early morning shoots are strongly preferred.
 
La Seu (Cathedral): One of the most photogenic buildings in Spain. External filming from public areas is generally manageable with an Ajuntament permit. Interior filming requires direct negotiation with the Diocese — costs vary and bookings fill up.
 
Es Baluard & the old city walls: These seafront fortifications are popular for dramatic wide shots. The area is publicly accessible but equipment-heavy shoots need specific approval.
 
Practical Tips

- Shoot early. The old town is significantly less crowded before 9am. Many productions build their schedule around pre-dawn or early morning call times.

- Have your permit printed and on-site. Palma's local police regularly patrol filming locations and will ask to see documentation.

- Expect crowds. Even with permits, continuous tourist traffic is part of the reality. Build flexibility into your schedule.

- Plan parking for production vehicles. Loading bays in the old town are limited. Your fixer can arrange temporary vehicle access permits.
 
How We Can Help
e-clips.tv handles all permit applications for Palma's old town, including direct negotiations with the Cathedral and Patrimonio Nacional for Palace access. We know the contacts, the timelines, and the workarounds that keep your production on schedule.
 
[email protected]
+49 151 10387272