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Port of Palma (Port de Palma /​ Port de Palma de Mallorca)

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Your port day at a glance

Walk to town?
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Distance to town
3.7 mi / 6 km
Currency
Euro / EUR
On this page
  1. Getting to town
  2. Your day in port
  3. Best time to visit
  4. Shore experiences
  5. Food, drink and shopping
  6. What to wear
  7. Advisor notes

Getting to town

Distance to town: 3.7 mi / 6 km.

Your day in port

For an 8–10 hour call, allocate half the day to the Old Town (cathedral, Almudaina, plazas, lunch), and use the remaining time for either Bellver Castle and harbor views or a couple of relaxed hours at a nearby beach. Factor in 20–30 minutes each way for transport between ship and city center and allow buffer time for traffic on busy summer days.

Best time to visit

Late April to June and September to early October are ideal for cruising into Palma de Mallorca, with warm, sunny weather and thinner crowds than peak summer. July and August are hottest and busiest but excellent for beach-focused calls.

  • July–August can be very hot (often over 30°C / 86°F) with strong sun exposure; prioritize shade, hats, and sunscreen.
  • Occasional autumn storms and showers can occur from late September through November, sometimes causing short-lived downpours.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb) is mild but can be windy and cooler than expected on the water; pack a light jacket.

Shore experiences

  • Take a self-paced walking tour of Palma’s Old Town, with stops for gelato, churros, and shaded plazas where kids can run around.
  • Ride a hop-on hop-off or city sightseeing bus to see key landmarks with minimal walking and flexible stops.
  • Visit Bellver Castle’s grounds and viewpoints, which appeal to children with its towers, battlements, and open space.
  • Plan a few relaxed hours at a nearby beach (e.g., Cala Major or Playa de Palma) with shallow water and facilities.
  • Join a short harbor boat tour departing near the main cruise and ferry terminal for skyline views of Palma from the water.

Food, drink and shopping

Local food and drink

  • Ensaimada (spiral-shaped sweet pastry) from traditional bakeries in the Old Town.
  • Pa amb oli (bread with tomato, olive oil, and toppings) and local tapas in neighborhood bars and taverns.
  • Fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish and caldereta (seafood stew), at waterfront restaurants.
  • Mallorcan wines and local liqueurs such as hierbas mallorquinas.
  • Sobrassada (spreadable cured sausage) and other Balearic charcuterie from markets and specialty shops.
  • Ice cream and gelato stands along Passeig des Born and near the cathedral for a quick cool-down treat.

Shopping

  • Look for local products such as ensaimadas, sobrassada, Mallorcan olive oil, sea salt, wine, and hierbas liqueur in Old Town delicatessens and markets.
  • Browse leather goods, shoes, and accessories, particularly Spanish and Balearic brands, in boutiques around Passeig des Born and nearby streets.
  • Pick up artisanal ceramics, glassware, and handcrafts from small workshops and craft shops in the historic center.
  • Use larger shopping centers like Porto Pi for high-street brands, last-minute essentials, and an air-conditioned break.
  • Many shops close for a mid-afternoon break but larger malls and some central stores keep continuous hours; plan key purchases for morning or late afternoon.

What to wear

Opt for light, breathable clothing, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestones and warm Mediterranean sun; pack swimwear and a cover-up if heading to the beach. In cooler months, bring a light jacket or sweater, especially for breezier waterfront and evening conditions.

Advisor notes

Advise clients that while walking into Palma is scenic, using a shuttle, bus, or taxi saves valuable sightseeing time, especially in the heat. Encourage pre-prioritizing either a culture-focused Old Town and castle day or a combined short city visit plus beach time so they don’t feel rushed trying to do everything.

Sources (10)

Practical information

Currency
Euro / EUR

Useful apps

  • Google Maps
  • EMT Palma (for local bus routes and schedules, where available or via EMT web links)
  • Cabify or local taxi company apps (if active during your visit, alongside Uber)
  • Google Translate
  • Moovit (for public transit navigation)
  • XE Currency

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