Plan a CruisePalma de Mallorca is a popular cruise destination where most ships dock at one of two locations. The primary docking area is the Estació Maritima ferry and cruise pier, a modern terminal situated next to yacht basins, approximately a 40-minute walk from the city center. Some ships may dock near the commercial and naval port at Porto Pí, on the western edge of Palma. This location is a longer walk, about 75 to 90 minutes, to the main tourist sights, but it does have a large shopping mall conveniently located near the port entrance. An important note for future planning: the City Council is considering implementing limits on cruises and additional port fees. For those with late flights, passengers arriving from a Mediterranean cruise can check their luggage at the port, allowing for unencumbered exploration of the city before heading to the airport with boarding passes already in hand.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking from the cruise terminal to Palma's old city is an option for energetic passengers; it's a pleasant 6-kilometer stroll along the curving seafront, passing yacht and commercial moorings.
For a quicker journey, several transport options are available:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available and metered. A trip into the city center, perhaps starting at the Cathedral, costs approximately 10 euros.
- Public Bus: Bus #1 offers a regular service into town, departing every 15 minutes. The fare is 3 euros to the city center (cash only) or 5 euros to the airport. Get off at the "Argentina" stop, then walk towards the Cathedral. This is a much more economical option compared to cruise line shuttles.
- Cruise Line Shuttle: Most cruise lines provide a shuttle service to a central location near the Cathedral, typically costing around 12 euros.
- Hop-on/Hop-off Bus: A convenient stop for the city's Hop-on/Hop-off tour bus is located directly in front of the cruise terminal.
Attractions and Activities
Palma offers a rich array of attractions, both within the city and as day trips further afield. Be aware that during peak times with multiple ships in port, waiting lines for tours can be long. Also, most museums in Palma are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Within Palma:
- La Seu Cathedral: This magnificent Gothic cathedral dominates the city and is a must-see. Admission is $9 and includes access to the adjacent museum, which is air-conditioned. Most of Palma's main sights are concentrated within the old city walls, particularly to the north and east of the cathedral.
- Palau de l'Almudaina (Royal Palace) & Banys Arabs (Moorish Baths): Located near the harbor, these historic sites are worth visiting. The nearby ancient Moorish baths offer a glimpse into Palma's past.
- Passeig des Born: Stroll along this tree-lined boulevard, considered the heart of city life, as you move away from the palace area towards Plaça d'Espanya.
- Fundació la Caixa: Located on Carrer Unió, near Teatre Principal and Plaça Weyler, this former luxury hotel now houses a modern art museum. Its trendy cafe-bar is a good spot for a snack or lunch.
- Castell de Bellver: For stunning panoramic city views from a unique castle setting, consider taking the Hop-on/Hop-off bus, which includes a stop at Castell de Bellver.
Day Trips from Palma:
- Valldemossa: A few kilometers from Palma, nestled between the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean, this picturesque village is known for its steep streets, stone facades, and lush vegetation. It's famous for being where Chopin and George Sand spent a winter in 1838-39 at the old monastery. The port of Valldemossa retains its traditional fishing-town character.
- Soller: Located on Mallorca's north coast, Soller offers a cool escape in summer. You can reach it by train from Palma de Mallorca-Plaza España. From Soller, a famous tram connects to Puerto de Soller.
- Drach Caves: On the east coast, near Porto Cristo, these impressive caves are a top island attraction. They stretch for nearly 1,200 meters and reach a maximum depth of 25 meters, concealing Lake Martel, one of the world's largest underground lakes.
Shopping
The old city's atmospheric, often pedestrianized streets are ideal for shopping. For convenience, a small but competitively priced duty-free store is located right in the cruise terminal. Be aware of the traditional Spanish siesta; many smaller shops, churches, and museums close for several hours in the mid-afternoon. Larger department stores and shopping centers, however, typically remain open continuously from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00, sometimes even on Sundays. Regular business hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:00. Pharmacies follow similar hours but have a rolling late-hour schedule, published in newspapers and posted at all pharmacies, with 24-hour options in major cities.
Dining
For a quick bite, the cafe-bar at Fundació la Caixa offers a trendy spot for lunch or a snack. In town, you'll find plenty of "Cappuccino" cafes and other fast-food outlets that provide free WiFi. If visiting Valldemossa, enjoy fresh fish and local produce prepared in traditional recipes.
Connectivity: An internet cafe is available at the Porto Pi center, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Many cafes also offer free WiFi. For emergencies, dial 112 free of charge; service is available in Spanish, and in English, French, and German in some tourist areas.