Ocean cruises to Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca, the largest city on the island of Mallorca, is the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands and a popular destination among Mediterranean cruisers. The sun-kissed island combines a vibrant city centre and shopping areas with a charming old town, known in Spanish as El Casco Antiguo, where many tourist hotspots can be found. With stunning views allied to great beaches, Gothic, Moorish and Renaissance architecture, as well as tasty regional food, Palma ticks all the boxes.
Why cruise Palma de Mallorca
The capital of the Balearics is the perfect port of call for any cruiser, featuring a vibrant waterfront and compact historic centre, both of which can be easily explored in a day. Alternatively, you can stay a bit longer in Palma and discover more of the island, with leading cruise lines offering excursions to Valldemossa, a village in the hills made famous by Frederic Chopin; the Drach Caves, famed for their subterranean scenery; and the classic day-trip by train to the town of Sóller.
What to see and do in Palma de Mallorca
La Seu Cathedral
One of the most famous attractions in Palma is this stunning Gothic cathedral, which features the ‘Gothic Eye’ (a large rose window) and one of the highest naves in the world. In total, the cathedral has 61 stained-glass windows, which have gained it the nickname of the ‘Cathedral of Light’. One worth checking out – even if the idea of visiting hunting down churches fills you with dread.
Portixol
You’ll quickly learn when you visit Palma that enjoying this sun-soaked paradise is not about cramming everything in – it’s about enjoying the slow life. And this former fishing village, within walking distance of Palma, has an array of seafront bars and restaurants, and is a great place to take in the views during the evening sunset. In recent years, the village has become associated with a trendy and hip vibe, as well as a thriving nightlife.
Valldemossa
The village of Valldemossa is approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Palma by car. It is situated in a valley of the Tramuntana mountains and is home to around 2,000 people. People journey to Valldemossa for the beautiful location and to see the Royal Carthusian Monastery, which started life a royal residence before being occupied by Carthusian monks from 1399 to 1835. The views from up here are quite simply breathtaking.
Check out the restaurant scene
There are some great restaurants in Palma. Balagan by ETOH is a trendy restaurant in Catalina, which fuses Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours in a menu that’s made for sharing. Nassau Beach Club may share its name with Bahamian capital, but this Mediterranean restaurant is all about fresh, tasty dishes in a cool, vibrant setting. Finally, popular café Ca’n Joan de S’aigo is one of the best places to sample Palma’s delicious sweet treat Ensaimadas (pastries filled with cream, custard, chocolate or apricot).
Head to the shops
Perhaps Palma’s most well-known shopping district, Passeig des Born, is full of popular stores and Spanish boutiques. El Corte Inglés, Spain’s most popular department store, makes two appearances in Palma – perfect for getting out of the sun in the afternoon. Finally, there’s Santa Maria, a cross between a traditional Spanish market and a flea market that’s located slightly to the north of Palma and offers a fun, authentic experience.
Need to know when travelling to Palma de Mallorca
Getting around in Palma de Mallorca
Cruise ships can dock at two locations in Palma. First is the Estació Marítima, a modern terminal to the west of the town, or Porto Pi, a commercial and navy port. Estació Marítima has cash machines services, toilets and taxis nearby. There is also a bus stop outside the cruise terminal which takes approximately 10 minutes into the city centre. Porto Pi, which is further from the main centre and takes roughly 15 minutes by taxi, does have a fair-sized shopping complex near the port.
When to go to Palma de Mallorca
The summer is the peak time for Mediterranean cruises, but the entire season runs from spring until autumn. The summer months of July and August are typically the hottest and the most crowded, so if you wish to sightsee, then head to Palma earlier or later in the season.
Currency
The currency in Mallorca is the euro.
Visas
If you hold a British Citizen passport, you don't need a visa to enter Spain unless you're planning a stay of longer than three months.
Cruises from Palma
Cruises from Palma
- Cruises from Palma