Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands and the island's largest city, set on the sweeping Bay of Palma along Mallorca's southern coast. For most cruise visitors it is a port of call, giving passengers a day or an overnight stay to explore the city and its surroundings. Cruise ships berth at the Estació Marítima terminals, which handle the majority of cruise traffic and are linked by covered walkways. From the port, the historic centre is around 15 minutes away by taxi or bus, or about a 45 minute walk along the waterfront.

Centuries of different cultures have shaped Palma into one of the Mediterranean's most distinctive cities. Roman, Moorish and later Aragonese influences can all be seen in its streets and buildings. The city's best known landmark is La Seu Cathedral, whose golden sandstone walls rise above the harbour. Beside it stands the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a former Moorish fortress that later became a royal residence, combining Gothic architecture with reminders of its earlier history. A short distance away, Castell de Bellver overlooks the city from a pine covered hill. Its unusual circular design makes it one of the most recognisable castles in Spain.

Beyond the city, Mallorca offers an impressive variety of landscapes. The coastline is lined with more than 200 beaches, ranging from wide sandy bays to quiet rocky coves with clear turquoise water. One of the island's classic excursions is the vintage railway to Sóller, which passes through tunnels, orchards and mountain scenery before connecting with a historic wooden tram to the harbour. Visitors looking for natural attractions often head to the Coves del Drach or Coves dels Hams near Porto Cristo, where guided tours explore spectacular underground caves and lakes.

Mallorcan cuisine makes the most of fresh local ingredients. Traditional dishes include tumbet, made with layers of vegetables and olive oil, along with seafood favourites such as fideuà. Those with a sweet tooth should try an ensaïmada, the island's famous spiral pastry dusted with icing sugar. Palma's lively streets are also filled with cafés, restaurants, galleries and independent shops, making it easy to spend a full day exploring before returning to your ship. On The Cruise Globe, you can see exactly where your ship was docked during your visit.