Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain cruise port
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Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Mallorca's sun-drenched capital dazzles with a soaring Gothic cathedral inches from the sea, a labyrinthine Arab quarter, and some of the Mediterranean's most glamorous waterfronts — all within easy walking distance of the cruise pier.

⚓ Docked (city pier)🕒 Typical call: 8-10 hrs💶 Euro (€)🗣️ Spanish / Catalan
Docking
Estació Marítima (Moll de Ponent), ~3-4 km from city center; shuttle, bus, or short taxi
Walk to centre
~40 min on foot or 5-10 min by taxi/shuttle from terminal
Best For
Cathedral, old town, beaches, cycling, wine & tapas
Don't Miss
La Seu Cathedral interior at golden hour and the Palau de l'Almudaina

Getting Ashore

Ships dock at the Estació Marítima on Moll de Ponent (Muelle de Poniente), about 3-4 km west of the old city — a quick shuttle, bus, taxi, or long waterfront walk.

Getting from the Ship to the City

  • 1
    Cruise Terminal ShuttleMost lines run a paid shuttle (€5-8 return) from the Estació Marítima to near Plaça de la Reina in the city center. Check with your line for timing.
  • 2
    TaxiTaxis queue outside the terminal; metered fare to the city center is roughly €8-12. Uber also operates in Palma.
  • 3
    Walk the WaterfrontFollow the Passeig Marítim promenade for ~40 minutes into the city — flat, scenic, and free. Bikes and e-scooters are also rentable along the way.
  • 4
    BusEMT bus line 1 stops at the terminal and runs to the city center (and airport) for about €3, roughly every 15 min. Confirm the schedule on weekends.

💡 Pro move: The port can accommodate several large ships simultaneously. Arrive back at least 45 minutes before all-aboard — the waterfront walk takes longer than it looks.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Palma handles large cruise ships at the Estació Marítima, with multiple berths on the Bay of Palma.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Most major cruise lines (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean, NCL, etc.)Moll de Ponent / Estació Marítima (berths 1-4), Bay of PalmaDocked
Additional / larger vessels at peak timesDique del Oeste (West Dock, berths 5-6)Docked

Top Excursions

From a full-island tour to a half-day in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Mallorca rewards both the casual stroller and the adventurous explorer.

Iconic

La Seu Cathedral & Almudaina Palace

Palma's jaw-dropping Gothic cathedral rises directly above the sea. The interior, partly redesigned by Gaudí, features one of the world's largest rose windows. Next door, the royal Almudaina Palace is open for tours.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🚶 Easy📷 Iconic💶 ~€10 combined entry
Find Palma city tours →
History

Palma Old Town & Arab Quarter Walk

Wander the Barri Gòtic and La Calatrava neighborhoods: medieval mansions, the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), Plaça Major, and dozens of tapas bars tucked into narrow lanes.

⏱ 2-4 hrs🚶 Easy-Moderate🏛️ Historic
Find Palma walking tours →
Nature

Serra de Tramuntana Mountains

This UNESCO World Heritage mountain range rises just north of Palma. A guided tour or rental car gets you to Valldemossa's hilltop village, Deià's artistic enclave, and dramatic coastal viewpoints.

⏱ Full day🚗 Transport needed🏔️ Scenic🌿 UNESCO site
Find Tramuntana excursions →
Relax

Playa de Palma Beach Day

A 5 km arc of sandy beach just east of the city, easily reached by bus or taxi. Sun loungers, beach bars, and calm Mediterranean water — perfect for a lazy half-day after the city.

⏱ 2-4 hrs🚌 Bus 25 from city🏖️ Sandy beach
Find Mallorca beach tours →
Culture

Fundació Miró Mallorca & Es Baluard

Joan Miró spent his most productive decades in Mallorca; his studio-museum is an intimate window into his life and work. Nearby Es Baluard museum occupies a Renaissance fortress with sweeping sea views.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🚶 Moderate walk or taxi🎨 Art & culture
Find Palma culture tours →
Adventure

Cycling the Bay of Palma

Rental bikes and dedicated cycle lanes let you pedal the entire Passeig Marítim waterfront and beyond. E-bikes are widely available if you want to extend the ride toward Portixol fishing village.

⏱ 2-4 hrs🚴 Easy flat route🌊 Sea views
Find Palma cycling tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Palma's compact old city is made for walking — every alley leads somewhere interesting, and the cathedral-to-port route is one of the Mediterranean's finest strolls.

Waterfront to Cathedral Loop

⏱ 1.5-2 hrs · 🚶 Easy · 📷 Best photo walk

Start at Plaça de la Reina and follow the seafront Passeig des Born to the Cathedral. Enter La Seu, then continue up through the Almudaina Palace courtyard, down Carrer de l'Almudaina into the old town, looping back via Plaça Major.

📍 Plaça de la Reina, Palma 📍 Catedral de Mallorca 📍 Palau de l'Almudaina, Palma 📍 Plaça Major, Palma

Arab Quarter & Merchant's Quarter

⏱ 1-1.5 hrs · 🚶 Easy-Moderate · 🏛️ Historic lanes

From Plaça Major head south into La Calatrava: Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), the Church of Sant Francesc, Can Marquès mansion, and out to Plaça de Cort for a coffee under the ancient olive tree.

📍 Plaça Major, Palma 📍 Banys Àrabs, Palma 📍 Basílica de Sant Francesc, Palma 📍 Plaça de Cort, Palma

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy Days
Jan78°F / 26°C72°F / 22°C9
Feb80°F / 27°C73°F / 23°C5
Mar84°F / 29°C76°F / 24°C5
Apr87°F / 31°C79°F / 26°C4
May88°F / 31°C81°F / 27°C7
Jun87°F / 31°C80°F / 27°C17
Jul87°F / 31°C80°F / 27°C11
Aug87°F / 31°C80°F / 27°C15
Sep86°F / 30°C79°F / 26°C23
Oct84°F / 29°C78°F / 26°C21
Nov82°F / 28°C76°F / 24°C14
Dec80°F / 27°C74°F / 23°C8

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • 🚌
    Shuttle vs. walk: The terminal shuttle saves time but the 35-min waterfront walk along Passeig Marítim is flat, scenic, and free — worth it on a clear day.
  • ☀️
    Sun in July/August: Palma gets brutally hot midday in peak summer. Start early, carry water, and use the cathedral and museums as cool-down breaks.
  • 📸
    Cathedral light: La Seu's rose window floods the interior with color in the morning. Arrive when it opens (10 AM) to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
  • 🍽️
    Tapas vs. tourist traps: Stick to streets away from the waterfront for better prices. Carrer dels Apuntadors and Plaça de la Llotja have solid local spots.
  • 💶
    Cash & cards: Cards accepted almost everywhere in Palma. ATMs (cajeros) are plentiful in the city center; avoid the ones right inside the terminal (high fees).

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Viking Neptune
Viking Cruises
Civitavecchia-Rome → Lisbon
⚓ Calls 10 Apr13 nights12 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 02
View itinerary · 12 ports
13 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Lisbon
  1. 02 AprDeparting from Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
  2. 03 Apr - 04 AprLivorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy
  3. 05 AprMonte Carlo, Monaco City
  4. 06 AprMarseille, France Riviera
  5. 07 AprSete, France Riviera
  6. 08 Apr - 09 AprBarcelona, Spain
  7. 10 AprPalma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  8. 11 AprCartagena Spain, Murcia
  9. 12 AprMalaga, Spain Granada
  10. 13 AprTangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  11. 14 AprCadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  12. 15 AprArriving in Lisbon, Portugal
Find this cruise to book →
$10398from / pp
MSC Explora 1
MSC Explora Journeys Cruises
Round-trip from Barcelona
⚓ Calls 04 Apr 09:00 - 20:009 nights7 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 03
View itinerary · 7 ports
9 days, round-trip A Journey of Iberian Scenery Moorish Charm
  1. 03 Apr 20:00Departing from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 04 Apr 09:00 - 20:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  3. 06 Apr 09:00 - 23:00Malaga, Spain Granada
  4. 07 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Tangier, Morocco, Tanger-Ville
  5. 08 Apr 18:00 - 09 Apr 18:00Lisbon, Portugal
  6. 11 Apr 09:00 - 17:00Alicante, Spain
  7. 12 Apr 08:00Arriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$5355from / pp
Seven Seas Voyager
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Round-trip from Barcelona
⚓ Calls 17 Apr 11:30 - 19:3015 nights13 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 03
View itinerary · 13 ports
15 days, round-trip Quintessential Iberian Journey Barcelona To Barcelona
  1. 03 Apr 17:00Departing from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 05 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Almeria, Spain Andalusia
  3. 06 Apr 08:00 - 16:00Gibraltar
  4. 07 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Cadiz, Spain, Sevilla
  5. 09 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal
  6. 10 Apr 10:00 - 19:00Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands
  7. 11 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
  8. 12 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
  9. 13 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
  10. 14 Apr 08:00 - 16:00Agadir, Morocco
  11. 15 Apr 10:30 - 19:00Casablanca, Marrakesh, Morocco
  12. 17 Apr 11:30 - 19:30Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  13. 18 Apr 07:00Arriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$29998from / pp
Mein Schiff 4
TUI Cruises
Round-trip from Palma de Mallorca
⚓ Calls 04 Apr 22:007 nights6 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 04
View itinerary · 6 ports
7 days, round-trip - Hohepunkte Des Westlichen Mittelmeers - AbBis Palma
  1. 04 Apr 22:00Departing from Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  2. 06 Apr 07:00 - 19:30Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
  3. 07 Apr 07:30 - 19:00La Spezia, Italy Riviera
  4. 09 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Marseille, France Riviera
  5. 10 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Barcelona, Spain
  6. 11 Apr 04:00Arriving in Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises
San Juan → Civitavecchia-Rome
⚓ Calls 17 Apr 07:00 - 19:0017 nights11 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 04
View itinerary · 11 ports
17 days, one-way from San Juan to Civitavecchia-Rome
  1. 04 Apr 16:00Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico
  2. 10 Apr 11:00 - 20:00Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal
  3. 12 Apr 07:00 - 16:00Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal
  4. 14 Apr 10:00 - 20:00Melilla, Spanish Morocco
  5. 15 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Motril, Spain Granada
  6. 16 Apr 13:00 - 22:00Ibiza, Ibiza Island Balearic Spain
  7. 17 Apr 07:00 - 19:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  8. 18 Apr 06:30 - 16:00Barcelona, Spain
  9. 19 Apr 09:00 - 19:00Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, France Riviera
  10. 20 Apr 07:00 - 21:00Livorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy
  11. 21 Apr 07:00Arriving in Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
Find this cruise to book →
$2519from / pp
Silver Ray
Silversea Cruises
Round-trip from Barcelona
⚓ Calls 06 Apr 08:00 - 18:0010 nights10 portsDeparts 2027 Apr 04
View itinerary · 10 ports
10 days, round-trip Barcelona To Barcelona
  1. 04 Apr 17:30Departing from Barcelona, Spain
  2. 05 Apr 11:30 - 23:00Ibiza, Ibiza Island Balearic Spain
  3. 06 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Palma de Mallorca, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  4. 07 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Alcudia, Majorca Island Balearic Spain
  5. 08 Apr 08:00 - 19:00Palamos, Spain Costa Brava
  6. 09 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Toulon, France Riviera, La Seyne-sur-Mer
  7. 11 Apr 08:00 - 19:00Cartagena Spain, Murcia
  8. 12 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Alicante, Spain
  9. 13 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Valencia, Spain
  10. 14 AprArriving in Barcelona, Spain
Find this cruise to book →
$9100from / pp
See all 105 cruises calling at Palma de Mallorca →

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.