Palma de Mallorca - What to See When Visiting on a Cruise (2024)
The port of Palma de Mallorca is a popular port on many mediterranean cruise itineraries. It has a variety of experiences to offer its visitors and many cruisers mention it as their favorite Mediterranean ports. This is not only for its beauty, but also accessibility as the cruise port is located in the heart of Palma.
If you want to discover the best attractions of the port of Palma, find out the best ways to get there and the distance between them, keep reading!
How do You Get From Palma de Mallorca Port into the City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from the port of Palma de Mallorca to the city centre is to walk, the journey will take around 45 minutes. Most cruise lines will also put on shuttle buses and local buses are also an option. Taxis are usually the most popular option at a cost of around €15 each way.
Walk
The cheapest way to get into the city centre from the cruise port is to walk. The journey takes about 40-45 minutes and it’s described by most passengers as being a pretty pleasant walk. This walking time is based on the cruise ships docking in the Estacio Maritima cruise port where the majority of cruise ships dock. There is another smaller less frequently used commercial port. To walk from the commercial port would take you around 90 minutes so generally isn’t advised.
Shuttle Bus/Local Bus
The majority of the cruise lines offer a shuttle bus to the city centre and there are also cheaper local options. If you are on a budget taking the €1.50 local bus can be a great option but this can take longer and is usually quite crowded.
The shuttle bus usually costs around €12.
Another option is to take the hop on hop off bus which stops outside the cruise port.
Taxi
Outside the cruise terminal there is a taxi stop where you can pick one of the local cars which will drive you to one of the chosen locations mentioned below for around 15 euro (one way).
Taking a taxi over a shuttle bus gives you more freedom, you can even request to stop for a moment if you see something interesting on the way.
Palma de Mallorca – What to See On a Cruise, Buildings:
Palma Cathedral
Formally known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma or “La Seu”, is perhaps the most well known monument of the Spanish islands. Situated 4,7 km from the cruise terminal, it offers a good starting point for city exploring. It’s one of the tallest gothic cathedrals in the world, it reigns even over the Notre Dame de Paris. You can start discovering it from the virtual tour here: Mallorca Cathedral on 360 View.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Just around the corner of La Seu Cathedral, you will find one of the most beautiful architectural gems in Spain. This structure consists of two main focal points – the King’s Palace & the Queen’s Palace, with magnificent “Arab baths” situated in between them. It’s possible to visit the interiors of the Palace, since it partially serves as a museum – but it is still an official residence of the King & Queen of Spain, who sometimes decide to host summer receptions at the property.
La Lonja de Palma
Palma hosts far more historical monuments that are worth visiting in the tight city centre. La Lonja de Palma used to be a structure for Colegio de la Mercaderia, but now it mainly serves as an architectonical decoration.
Plaza de Toros
Palma de Mallorca still hosts bullfighting games and can be visited by tourists. I wouldn’t recommend that you go to watch bull fighting but the design is impressive – the ancient arena really gives a majestic touch to the Old Town of Palma. Plaza de Toros is situated 5.5 km from the cruise terminal and around 1 km from the monuments mentioned before.
Castell de Bellver
On the way back to the cruise terminal, you can also visit Castell de Bellver. Situated around 1 km from the previous points and around 3.7 km from the cruise terminal, this castle located on a hill offers a wonderful panoramic views of the whole city of Palma.
Due to its shape, some people compare it to the Colosseum, even though it was never meant to look like a roman amphitheater. If you like long walks, then going up to the hill could be a nice exercise for you. However it is possible to drive all the way to the top of the hill, where you can be dropped off by a taxi. This castle is closed every Monday, so if Monday is your cruise port day in Palma, you unfortunately won’t be able to access it.
What Are The Best Beaches in Palma De Mallorca?
When it comes to the natural wonders of Mallorca, there are a lot of picturesque beaches you can enjoy during your stay in Palma. When it comes to cruises including Italy, Spain & France, you won’t find another port with these breathtaking “beach-day” spots. But you have to know where to look.
Good: Cala Mayor
The most popular and biggest beach of Palma is definitely Cala Mayor. It’s roughly 2.6 km from the cruise port and you can enjoy this epicenter of summer tourism even by a longer walk. However, even though the views are really nice, it usually is very crowded. We were there once with our July cruise and there were so many people on the beach that there was hardly a place to sit and the souvenir shops were laying one on another.
If you’re looking for a relaxing day, this beach isn’t the be a good choice for you. This is why we have found an alternative, a hidden gem that you probably won’t find in any other guide.
Better: Cala Comtesa
Situated 9 kms from the port, it only takes less than 12 minutes with the local taxi to get there (and around 15 euro). When I first went there, I was just expecting to see a less crowded, secluded beach. But what I’ve found exceeded all of my expectations.
This beach is the best place to enjoy marvellous panoramic views of all the surroundings, showcasing the magically blue waters and the disappearing horizon. It will remind you of a private island somewhere in the Caribbean.
There aren’t many people there, even during the high peak season, due to the fact that it’s not as close or popular as Cala Mayor. There is also a little beach bar there from which you can catch the taxi back to port when you want to.
Palma Aquarium
For the lovers of sea animals, this cruise port also offers a wonderful aquarium that can be compared to those of Valencia or Genoa, it’s one of the biggest aquariums in the world. It’s a little further from the port than the other attractions mentioned in this guide, but it’s around a 20 minute drive in a local taxi.
Coves del Drach
Many cruisers also love to visit Caves del Drach (literally translated as Dragon Caves) situated on the other side of the Mallorca island. They are quite far from the port – around 70 km – which doesn’t make them easy to access on your own.
The majority of cruise lines however do offer excursions to Coves del Drach, but in my humble opinion, there are so many wonderful things to see and admire in Palma itself that a place like Cuevas del Drach would be a great choice for a 2nd or 3rd cruise to Palma – I wouldn’t suggest fitting all of the possible attractions in one day.
Lluc Sanctuary
Another more distant attraction that cruisers love to visit is the Lluc Sanctuary – a stunning monastery & pilgrimage site.
It’s located around 55 kms from the port, so it’s also not advisable to visit it on your own, however it can be visited either with a dedicated excursion or with a joint one, that includes the Dragon Caves as well.
Palma de Mallorca is a destination for everyone, because both nature & beach lovers as well as tourists focused on the historical monuments will find what they look for there. Hopefully this post made you understand why Palma keeps being chosen as the favorite Mediterranean destination by so many cruisers around the globe – me included.
Connected by the passion of cruising, these two young travellers from Poland are founders of an unconventional travel blog. Lenas Around The Globe is a place for everyone who wants to discover hidden secrets of traveling, check out the most wonderful destinations and gather useful information about cruising, but most importantly – have fun while doing all of it!
***
Want to learn how to cruise well on a budget? Start here: How to Cruise For Less
For exclusive access to behind the scenes content, join here: ??Emma Cruises Patreon
To be kept up to date with the latest cruise news, sign up to our weekly newsletter. You’ll automatically be entered into competitions and will be the first to know about everything! Sign up here (it’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time): ??Weekly Newsletter
Although the cruise ships in Palma de Mallorca dock about 6 or 8 kilometers from the city center, it is relatively easy to get into Palma City. To go from the Palma cruise terminal to the center you can go by public bus, taxi, shuttle bus and even walking.
When docking at Muelle de Poniente, the distance from Mallorca cruise port to the city centre in Palma is around 6km. Following the bustling seafront around the bay, you could walk to the Old Town in Palma in less than an hour.
Palma is an exciting Mediterranean capital which seduces thousands of visitors each year with its rich offering of art, culture and gastronomy. Its historic streets are home to top restaurants, enticing boutiques stores, contemporary galleries and bustling fresh food markets.
The most popular and biggest beach of Palma is definitely Cala Mayor. It's roughly 2.6 km from the cruise port and you can enjoy this epicenter of summer tourism even by a longer walk.
The best way to get around Mallorca is by car. Having your own set of wheels gives you the most freedom to explore the island on your time. Buses are an option, too, but service is limited, especially on weekends.
Puerto Portals is widely known as the most glamorous marina on the island. Located in the south-west of the island, just a 10-minute drive from Palma, Puerto Portals is connected to the more modest...
Public transport is a good way to get around Mallorca without a car. The island has a fairly extensive network that connects the capital with many towns and tourist areas, with two overground train lines, one metro line, and 8 bus lines.
The duration of the Palma hop on hop off bus lasts 90 minutes, and during the route there are 18 stops where you can get on and off as many times as you want.
Yes, Palma de Mallorca is definitely worth visiting. It's a surprisingly great city break destination, but even if you only have one day to visit it when you're spending some time in Mallorca, I highly recommend it. With great sights, beautiful architecture and some fantastic restaurants, Palma won't disappoint!
The island of Mallorca might be one of Spain's most historic islands, but its capital city of Palma de Mallorca is best known for its beaches and bustling modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Most people visit between April and September. Jan/Feb sees beautiful almond blossom. Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling, walking, mountain climbing or golf. July and August are the hottest and driest months.
If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Palma is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 21 C. The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 16 C and an average low of 6 C.
The wide avenue is made up of a pedestrianised walkway and a cycle lane, and is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. A walk along the Paseo Maritimo is always an uplifting experience. Palm trees line the way passed emblematic buildings and Palma's yacht-filled harbour.
Where does Royal Caribbean dock in Palma? On arrival to Palma, Royal Caribbean cruise ships usually dock at one of the terminals of Estació Maritima, whether at Muelle de Poniente or Dique de Oeste. The distance from them to the city center is 6 and 8 kilometers respectively.
The ban on street drinking is not time-related as has been suggested, but may be enforced more stringently later at night. Basically if you behave sensibly then you will have no problems with the police. The straightforward answer to the OP is that, by the book, drinking on the beach is illegal, at all times.
If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Mallorca might be enough for you, but it will likely be too short. But if you'd like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at the beach, you might want to consider 4 to 5 days, or even a week in Mallorca instead.
Palma (Catalan: [ˈpalmə]; Spanish: [ˈpalma]), also known as Palma de Mallorca (officially between 1983 and 1988, 2006–08, and 2012–16) is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is situated on the south coast of Mallorca on the Bay of Palma.
Fornalutx, known as Mallorca's prettiest village, lies in a declivity amongst the highest mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca.
The most famous viewpoint in Mallorca is clearly Mirador es Colomer. It is a must stop on the way to Formentor beach or to the Formentor Lighthouse. There is a small carpark along the road. Even if you can't climb the stairs, there are already beautiful views from there.
Explore Palma at your own pace with a 24-hour ticket to the open-top hop-on, hop-off bus. Discover the city's top attractions, and jump off at any of the 16 stops en route to explore further.
Whether it's a girls' trip, a romantic honeymoon, or a chill getaway, you'll absolutely want to explore one of the most charming villages on the island: Deià. Located on the northwest edge of the island, Deià is at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana.
Palma Cathedral is open to guests in the summer, from April to October, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:15 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 2:15 pm. Sunday is closed. In winter, from November to March, the Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 3:15 pm, closed on Sundays.
Your contactless bank card, both debit or credit, enables you to travel on the TIB network in Majorca without having to purchase a transport ticket beforehand. The card simply has to be validated at the entrance and exit of the bus, train or metro. It's that easy! Just tap-in and tap out and pay as you go.
Tickets can be bought beforehand at the ticket office or on the bus or train. If you are planning on using the public transport regularly while you are here you can buy a 20 or 40 ticket pass for a slightly cheaper price, these can only be purchased at ticket offices.
Palma de Mallorca is considered to be generally safe, even after dark. Yet, tourists are still warned to avoid walking alone at night in certain areas like El Terreno and Old Town. The Balearic Islands are known to have clubs where people “do drugs”, so be cautious.
Mallorca is very well known for the abundance of beautiful beaches – 262 of them. The most popular one is Alcudia Beach. This very long stretch of white sand, with clear water and good infrastructure, is perfect for families.
Direct ferries from Barcelona to Palma will take about 7.5 hours. You can also take a ferry to Alcúdia (6 hours) on the other side of the island, which is only 35 miles from Palma. For a luxurious travel experience, private helicopter charters are also available. The trip takes about an hour.
The island has two official languages, Castilian (Spanish) and Catalan, while locals prefer to speak their Mallorquin dialect. However, the island's staff, including maids, speak several foreign languages. English, German and French are particularly common.
Travelling is not only staying in the destination area, it is much more. In Majorca, you will need at least five days to realise that not only does it have an immense variety of plans but that it is an island you can easily live on.
Mallorca or Majorca isn't the cheapest destination. If I compare it to Malta, it's much more expensive. What is this? Although, it is still possible to travel to Mallorca on a budget.
Located in one of the most picturesque areas of Cala Major is a stunning Palma beach with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It also boasts excellent facilities, earning it a well-deserved blue flag. This Palma de Mallorca beach is 200 meters long and 80 meters wide and is bordered by a stunning cliff.
Mallorca - Cala Major sea temperatures peak in the range 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F) on around the 18th of August and are at their lowest on about the 1st of March, in the range 13 to 14°C (55 to 57°F). Year round warm sea temperatures at Mallorca - Cala Major climb to their maximum in the third week of August.
Although the cruise ships in Palma de Mallorca dock about 6 or 8 kilometers from the city center, it is relatively easy to get into Palma City. To go from the Palma cruise terminal to the center you can go by public bus, taxi, shuttle bus and even walking.
* A free visit is ofered every friday for residents and natives of the diocese of Mallorca, ticket must be acquired at the cathedral ticket office and circ*mstance of residence or naturalness must be documented.
The Magaluf strip is located on the west side of the Island of Majorca. It is located about 30-40 mins drive from the main airport in Palma. The strip sits on a road just off Carrer Punta Ballena.
Palma, in full Palma de Mallorca, city, capital of the Balearic Islands provincia (province) and comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), Spain, in the western Mediterranean Sea. The city lies on the southwestern coast of the island of Majorca in the centre of 10-mile- (16-km-) wide Palma Bay.
There is a maximum of six alcoholic drinks per person per day that can be served and these drinks will be provided only during lunch and dinner ( 3 each).
We recommend to pay attention on local liqueurs, wines or gins. The most famous Mallorcan liqueur is called “Palo”. This liqueur is made from carob pods and ginseng root with the addition of burnt sugar. This drink has a beneficial effect on the immune system, so it is recommended to use it before meals.
Families will find it the perfect place for a fun and safe swim as it has been awarded the Blue Flag. There are many water sports activities and restaurants, and deckchairs for hire.
The wide avenue is made up of a pedestrianised walkway and a cycle lane, and is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. A walk along the Paseo Maritimo is always an uplifting experience. Palm trees line the way passed emblematic buildings and Palma's yacht-filled harbour.
Feeling tired at the end of the day? If you are in Palma, you can find a taxi stand and head home directly. Taxi's are the only form of car transfer service. Uber and other car based driving systems are illegal in Mallorca, so you must relay on officially registered Mallorca taxis.
The island has a half-kilometre-long coastline of sandy beaches as well as historical sights often paired with amazing landscapes. Also, Mallorca offers a Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Site – Tramuntana Mountains, unavoidable because of its charming small villages and breathtaking viewpoints.
The West coast of Mallorca runs from Pollença to Andratx. It is home to the famous Tramuntana mountains and offer the most scenic locations in Mallorca.
The island of Mallorca might be one of Spain's most historic islands, but its capital city of Palma de Mallorca is best known for its beaches and bustling modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Great news for those living in Mallorca – as of the 1st of January 2023, there is now free public transport for Mallorca residents. Find out everything you need to know in this handy guide to free public transport for residents in Mallorca.
You pay for your journey when you get on board - single tickets only (1.50€, or 3€ for journeys on line 1 to the port). Drivers won't usually accept a note larger than 10€.
One-way ticket from Palma to Soller or vice versa: 18€ Return ticket from Palma to Soller: 25€ One-way ticket from Bunyola to Soller or vice versa: 9€ Return ticket from Bunyola to Soller: 15€
A visit to Palma's picturesque Old Town is always highly recommended. Known in Spanish as 'El Casco Antiguo', it's where the majority of must-see tourist attractions are located, such as the majestic 'La Seu' Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Almudaina and Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum.
If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Mallorca might be enough for you, but it will likely be too short. But if you'd like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at the beach, you might want to consider 4 to 5 days, or even a week in Mallorca instead.
Address: Suite 228 919 Deana Ford, Lake Meridithberg, NE 60017-4257
Phone: +2613987384138
Job: Chief Retail Officer
Hobby: Tai chi, Dowsing, Poi, Letterboxing, Watching movies, Video gaming, Singing
Introduction: My name is Zonia Mosciski DO, I am a enchanting, joyous, lovely, successful, hilarious, tender, outstanding person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
