Mallorca is the largest of Spains Balearic Islands and a major vacation destination for many western and northern Europeans attracted to its beautiful beaches, sunny climate and crystal clear waters.
Palma is an ancient port with architecture showing the influence of both Christians and Moors in its castles, fortifications, cathedrals and in the winding streets of the old town. If you like to walk this is a great place to spend time exploring. The city is also famous for its many excellent tapas bars and restaurants.
Where Your Ship Dock – Palma de Mallorca has two areas where cruise ships dock. Most cruise ships will dock at Estacio Maritime which has a modern terminal and is about four miles from the old historic district. If that port is full your ship will dock in the industrial area at Porto Pi which is six miles from the old city. While the Porto pi facility doesn’t have the modern terminal it does have a major shopping mall just a short walk outside the port entrance. Both ports will allow passengers to walk out but in either case it is a good hike into town.
Transportation – Most ships provide shuttle service into the town center averaging about $15 round trip.
Public transportation – provided by a number of private bus lines that cover the island. Information about schedules and routes can be found at the TIB website . One popular destination is the beach resort area of Palmanova with regular bus service provided from the port areas on bus numbers 105 and 106 for about three Euros each way.
Taxis – In the city and around the port taxis are readily available. A taxi out to Palmanova or the airport would cost about twenty five Euros.
Money – The Euro is the local currency and credit cards are generally accepted and there are ATM machines available.
Attractions
Castell de Bellver is a fourteenth century circular castle set on a wooded hilltop overlooking Palma, it is home to the city’s history museum.
Cathedral of St. Mary of Palma is a Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea. It features a vast rose window and a wrought-iron canopy by Gaudí. It was built on the site of a Moorish Mosque and was begun by King James I of Aragon in 1229 and is one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe.
Miro Museum and Workshops where Miro painted and sculpted from the 1950s to the 1980s and houses a number of permanent and visiting exhibits.
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is the fortified palace of Palma where the Spanish Royal Family often stays in Summer and at Easter.
Beaches – Cala des Grells, Dic de l’Oest is a beach within a 30 min walk from the center of town and 5 minutes walking from Porto Pi port and shopping center and its neighbour. It’s possible to get there by bus (line 1) and by car (maximum 15 min from everywhere). There is a free parking for cars. However, the beach doesn’t have more than 50 people in summer and the water is clean. Excellent open sea views.
Beach Resort Area – Six to eight miles down the coast from the port are the beach resorts of Palmanova. The resorts are located around three beautiful bays, Playa Son Matias, Playa de Palmanova and Playa Es Carregador.
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