Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca) / Spain

Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca, is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The elegant historic center, the impressive La Seu Cathedral, the royal palace Almudaina, narrow streets, and a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere create an ideal combination of history, culture, and relaxation. Palma is also the starting point for exploring picturesque mountain villages, romantic coves, and beautiful beaches, making it one of the most popular stops offered by Mediterranean cruises.

What to taste in Palma de Mallorca?

Mallorcan cuisine combines Mediterranean flavors with traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Pa amb oli – traditional Mallorcan bread with olive oil, tomatoes, and local sausages or cheese.
Sobrasada – a typical soft paprika sausage made from pork.
Tumbet – a vegetable dish made from eggplant, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes reminiscent of Mediterranean ratatouille.
Ensaimada – the most famous Mallorcan sweet pastry with a delicate dough sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Hierbas Mallorquinas – a traditional herbal liqueur made from local herbs.
Pomada – a refreshing drink made from local gin and lemon soda, especially popular during the summer months.

Why will you love Palma de Mallorca?

La Seu Cathedral – one of the most significant Gothic buildings in the Mediterranean and a symbol of the city.
Historic center – winding streets, squares, palaces, and cozy cafes create a unique atmosphere.
Mallorcan coast – turquoise sea, picturesque coves, sandy beaches, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Practical tips:

Official language: Spanish and Catalan, specifically its Mallorcan dialect. In tourist areas, you can also communicate in English or German.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Opening hours: Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, mostly from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and then again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM - siesta is common, especially outside tourist zones. Supermarkets and large shopping centers are usually open without a break and often until 9:00 PM. On Sundays, most shops are closed, except those in tourist areas.
Public transport: Palma has a reliable network of buses (EMT Palma) covering the center and suburban areas. There is also a railway connection and metro. From the port, you can easily reach the city center and nearby attractions in several ways. The fastest option is bus line no. 1, which connects the port with the historic city center and the main bus and train station at Plaça d’Espanya. For more active visitors, a walk along the port promenade Paseo Marítimo is a great choice - the walk to the center takes about 30–40 minutes and offers beautiful views of the sea and city skyline. Several beaches, such as Playa de Cala Major, are also located near the port and are accessible on foot or by bus within a few minutes. Popular destinations within reach include the historic center with La Seu Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, and Gothic streets, as well as the scenic Castell de Bellver castle, which is accessible on foot uphill or by bus. For longer trips, you can take a train from the city center to mountain villages. Thanks to well-functioning public transport, it is easy to explore both city landmarks and the island's natural beauty from the port.
Weather: Palma has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters (average 10-16 °C) and warm, dry summers (28-34 °C). The main tourist season is from May to October.

The most interesting from the history of Palma de Mallorca:

The city was founded by the Romans in 123 BC, but the Moors also left a significant mark here, turning Palma into a prosperous trading center. After the island was conquered by King James I of Aragon in 1229, the construction of the monumental La Seu Cathedral and other Gothic buildings began, which still shape the city's appearance today. Palma gradually became the capital of the Balearic Islands and an important port in the Mediterranean. Today, thanks to its history, architecture, pleasant climate, and beautiful beaches, it is one of the most visited destinations in Spain.

Useful information

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Cruise ships dock at Palma Cruise Port on the Muelle de Poniente quay, approximately 4 km from the historic center of Palma de Mallorca. Smaller ships can also dock at the Paraires terminal, which is closer to the center. You can comfortably reach the historic center by taxi, city buses, or shuttle service, which is often provided by the port or individual shipping companies on the day of arrival. The stop most travelers use is around the La Seu Cathedral, from where the most significant landmarks are accessible on foot.

I want to go to the port:

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