Palma de Mallorca (Majorca), Spain - Cruise Port Guide

Location

In Palma, cruise ships typically dock in two main locations:

Estació Maritima Ferry and Cruise Pier:

Located next to the yacht basins.
About a 40-minute walk from the city center.
Most ships dock at this modern terminal.

Porto Pí Commercial and Naval Port:

Only some ships dock here, near the fortress at Porto Pí on the western edge of Palma.
The cruise pier is a 75- to 90-minute walk from the main tourist sights.
A large shopping mall is near the port entrance.

For the energetically inclined, a scenic 6-kilometer walk along the seafront from the cruise terminal to the old city of Palma is an option. This route passes yacht moorings and commercial moorings, eventually leading to the old city with its restaurants, museums, hotels, and shops.

For those preferring convenience, taxis are readily available and can take you to the Cathedral, a good starting point for your exploration. Taxis are metered and provide a convenient option for transportation.

Alternatively, a regular bus service (Bus #1, every 15 minutes) offers a cost-effective option. The Hop-on/Hop-off bus has a stop right in front of the cruise terminal. Additionally, most cruise lines provide a shuttle service to a central point near the Cathedral, though Bus #1 remains a more economical choice.

Passengers departing from Palma can conveniently check in their luggage at the port, allowing them to explore the city unburdened before heading to the airport. Bus #1 offers a direct connection to and from the airport.

In the north of the island of Majorca, the Port of Alcudia is a small commercial port situated in a picturesque bay. While suitable for anchoring during excursions around the beautiful north coast, it is not designed for extensive commercial activities.

Watch a video tour of this port.

Port location on Google Maps

Monthly climate averages for Palma de Majorca Spain

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Sights

The city is dominated by its wonderful Gothic cathedral, La Seu, and most of the main sights are located within the area bounded by the old city walls, especially to the north and east of the cathedral. The cathedral admission includes access to the museum next to the cathedral, which has air conditioning.

Both the cathedral La Seu and the Palau de l'Almudaina (Royal Palace) are on the harbor and worth a visit, as are the nearby ancient Moorish baths (Banys Arabs). As you stroll away from the palace area back towards Plaça d'Espanya, you might want to take the Passeig des Born, a tree-lined boulevard that many see as the heart of city life.

Another must-see site on this walking tour is the old Gran Hotel, Palma's first luxury hotel, now a museum of modern art called the Fundació la Caixa. Its trendy cafe-bar is a good choice for lunch or a snack. Turn right off the Passeig des Born onto Carrer Unió. The Fundació la Caixa is on Carrer Unió near the Teatre Principal and the Plaça Weyler.

Tours, excursions and transportation

During peak times with numerous ships in port, tour waiting lines can become lengthy. For a convenient way to "see Palma in a day," consider the Palma de Mallorca City Hop-on Hop-off Tour. This tour not only allows you to explore key city attractions but also takes you to Castell de Bellver, providing breathtaking views of the city from a castle-like vantage point.

Nearby destinations

The monumental compounds of Valldemossa rise between Sierra de Tramuntana and the Mediterranean, just a few kilometers from the Majorcan Costa Nord. The city's meticulous layout features steep streets, stone façades, and significant religious buildings set amidst lush vegetation. The mountains in this region stretch into the ocean, forming beaches and coves where any vessel can anchor. The port of Valldemossa retains its quaint fishing-town charm, offering delightful dishes that expertly combine fresh fish and local produce.

In the winter of 1838-39, Chopin and George Sand resided in the old monastery here. Despite the beautiful views and the overall comfort of what is described as a cell, their stay was not entirely content, and George Sand wrote a book that might not have endeared them to the locals.

Soller, located on the north coast of Mallorca, is accessible by train from Palma de Mallorca-Plz Espana. It provides a refreshing retreat in the summer months. Additionally, from Soller, you can take the famous tram to Puerto de Soller.

The Drach Caves, situated on the east coast of Mallorca in Porto Cristo, stand out as one of the island's premier tourist attractions. Extending nearly 1,200 meters in length and reaching a maximum depth of 25 meters below ground level, these stunning caves house a large underground lake called Lake Martel, considered one of the world's largest underground lakes.

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Shopping and food

Explore the charming and often pedestrianized streets of the old city for a unique shopping experience. Additionally, find a small yet competitively priced duty-free store within the terminal for convenient shopping.

Similar to other parts of southern Europe, the siesta tradition is observed in Palma. During mid-afternoon, many shops, churches, and museums temporarily close for several hours. However, larger stores generally remain open, allowing you to continue your shopping ventures.

Other information

Currency: Euro.

Emergency number: 112. The service is available in Spanish and, in some tourist areas, assistance is also provided in English, French, and German.

Language: Spanish serves as the official language across the entirety of Spain. Nevertheless, other languages coexist alongside Spanish in specific regions of the country.

Opening hours

The typical business hours for shops and businesses in Palma are from Monday to Saturday, opening from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and then from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Large shopping centers and department stores usually operate uninterruptedly from 10:00 am to 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Some of these larger stores may also open on Sundays.

Pharmacies generally open from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and again from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. In major cities, 24-hour pharmacies can be found. Pharmacies adhere to a rolling late-hour schedule, available in newspapers and posted at all pharmacies.

Museums, as a general practice, are closed on Mondays.