Palma de Mallorca, Majorca, Spain cruises
Palma de Mallorca port guide
A city steeped in history, the centre of Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant area, bursting with sights, smells, and cultural experiences in which to immerse yourself.
Arriving by cruise ship brings you into the turquoise waters of the port of Palma de Mallorca, a 15-minute drive or 45-minute stroll from the city, on the southside of the Island.
It’s a wonderful introduction to Mallorca, the natural bay of the port offering your first glimpses of the island’s majestic golden beaches and rippling palm trees.
Top landmarks and sights in Palma de Mallorca
Approaching Palma de Mallorca it’s impossible to miss the 13th-century, La Seu Cathedral that dominates the city’s landscape. Standing taller than the Notre Dame de Paris, the cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, complete with towering sandstone structures and mesmerising stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in a cacophony of colour.
A short stroll from the La Seu Cathedral you’ll find a beacon of traditional Spanish architecture in the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. A magnificent multi-building structure, featuring the stunning ‘Arab baths’, the palace still serves as a residence for the King and Queen of Spain on their visits to Mallorca.
Venturing a short distance outside of the city brings you to Bellver Castle, the unique circular design of which adds a striking silhouette to Palma de Mallorca’s landscape.
Perched atop a hill, the castle’s four imposing towers offer stunning views of the city and the spectacular coastline below.
Things to do in Palma de Mallorca
If laying back in the sun appeals while in Palma de Mallorca, you’ll find everything from pebbly coves to vast sandy beaches on which to while away an afternoon basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. Some of the most popular beaches to visit include Playa de Muro, Camp de Mar, Palma Nova, and Playa d'Alcúdia.
Another of the island’s breathtaking natural wonders is the Caves of Drach. Known locally as Cuevas del Drach, this secret underground system of sandstone caverns is filled with stalactites and stalagmites as far as the eye can see. A tour of the 1,200-metre-long cave system will transport you across the icy blue waters of Lake Martel as you take in the seemingly impossible intricacy of the cave’s eerily beautiful interior.
If contemporary art is of interest, you’re sure to be captivated by the collections on display in Es Baluard Museum. A striking juxtaposition to its surroundings, the museum is located on the very edge of the renaissance town wall of Palma, and houses over 500 artistic masterpieces from national and international artists.
Eating and drinking near Palma de Mallorca cruise port
Mallorcan cuisine perfectly encapsulates the best of Spanish and Balearic flavours, with decadent meats, cheeses, and fresh seafood, served alongside seasonal vegetables, bread, and other baked goods.
A local delicacy you might want to try on your visit is sobrassada; a spreadable and lightly spiced sausage, native to Mallorca. You’ll find this smeared over fresh warm bread, or as a type of tapas, paired with local cheeses and a drizzle of honey.
Tumbet is another favourite with locals on the island. Simple, hearty, and bursting with flavour, it combines fried aubergines, potatoes, red peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, and is considered a quintessential Mallorcan staple.
Fideuà, a local take on paella, is also highly recommended, while ensaïmada, a pastry with powdered sugar sprinkled on top, is deeply satisfying if you have a sweet tooth.
Shopping in Palma de Mallorca
A cruise to Palma de Mallorca also presents the perfect chance to hit the shops on your holiday. For luxury goods head to Passeig des Born, a ‘Golden Mile of Palma’ lined with designer brands.
If you’re seeking a more traditional Mallorcan keepsake, the city’s souvenir shops offer up plenty of options. These local stores, found throughout Palma, are a treasure trove of Mallorcan-made products, selling everything from hand-crafted trinkets, soaps, and fragrances, to delicious locally made meats and cheeses.
Getting around: Palma de Mallorca transport
Transport options in Palma de Mallorca are plentiful, with an extensive local bus service available in the city centre and throughout the island’s neighbouring towns and villages.
A popular way to see the city, used by locals and visitors alike, is on a bicycle. The city centre is well equipped with plenty of cycle lanes, as well as a stunningly picturesque coastal path, which allows you to take in the sights between Palma de Mallorca and S’Arenal.
A metro service is also in operation, and taxis are available from the port, at taxi stands throughout the city, or simply by hailing an available cab as you see one.
Mallorca also operates a hop-on-hop-off bus, which stops at several sights of interest throughout Palma. Offering you the chance to board and alight as many times as you like for a one-off fare, this option is an ideal way to take in the city’s main attractions or cover more ground during your time in port.
Palma de Mallorca port facilities
The port of Palma de Mallorca is a bustling and often busy area, with local ferries travelling to and from the island, along with a host of luxurious private yachts, as well as cruise ships.
Your ship will dock at the Port Estacio Maritima – the main hub for cruises to Mallorca. There are four terminal buildings, each equipped with ATMs, currency exchanges, restrooms, and luggage storage areas.
Busses and taxis are readily available outside the terminal, or you can enjoy a leisurely 30 to 40-minute stroll along the stunning marina and coastal path that takes you into Palma city centre.
Top tips for Palma de Mallorca
Currency
As a province of Spain, the currency of Palma de Mallorca and across the Balearic Islands is the Euro.
ATMs are available, and some businesses offer cash exchange services (look for ‘cambio’ on the storefront). Cash is the most accepted form of tender across the island, in both larger and smaller establishments, although you will find credit cards accepted in some restaurants and high-end stores.
Tipping is not generally expected; however, it is common practice to round up to the nearest Euro in eateries and local taxis. Some restaurants may also automatically apply a service charge to your bill, in which case it’s unnecessary to round up.
Weather
Palma de Mallorca enjoys a warm, Mediterranean, climate with the most popular times to visit between June and September. The hottest of these months is typically August, when it’s not uncommon for daily temperatures to climb to around 30°C.