Mallorca’s sun-drenched capital dazzles with a soaring Gothic cathedral kissing the sea, a labyrinthine Arab quarter, hidden aristocratic patios, and the iconic Sóller mountain railway — all easily reached from a city-centre pier.
Ships dock at the Estació Marítima on Moll de Ponent, about 3-5 km west of the old city. Four easy options get you to the centre.
💡 Pro move: If docked at Dic de l’Oest (berths 5-6), take the shuttle or taxi — the walk is long and partly industrial.
Palma handles large cruise ships at the Estació Marítima, with multiple berths on the Bay of Palma. No tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean, NCL, AIDA, P&O, Marella, Celebrity, Princess) | Moll de Ponent / Estació Marítima (berths 1-4), Bay of Palma📍 | Docked |
| Larger vessels / overflow at peak season | Dic de l’Oest (berths 5-6, West Breakwater)📍 | Docked |
From a vintage mountain railway to island-wide UNESCO scenery, Mallorca rewards both the casual stroller and the adventure seeker.
Palma’s Gothic cathedral rises directly above the sea with one of the world’s largest rose windows and a Gaudí-redesigned interior. Next door, the Royal Almudaina Palace blends Gothic and Moorish heritage. Book tickets online to skip queues.
Find Palma city tours →Board the 1912 wooden Red Lightning train from Palma’s Plaça d’Espanya station and wind through orange-grove valleys and mountain tunnels to Sóller. A vintage tram then rattles down to the pretty harbour at Port de Sóller. One of Mallorca’s unmissable experiences.
Find Sóller train tours →This UNESCO World Heritage mountain range delivers dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient olive groves, and stone villages. Classic route: Valldemossa (Chopin’s monastery), Deía, Mirador de Sa Foradada. Best by organised tour or private taxi.
Find Tramuntana tours →Explore the Casc Antic’s lanes to discover hidden aristocratic courtyards (patios mallorquines) open to visitors. Don’t miss the Banys Àrabs — tranquil 10th-century Arab bathhouse ruins in a walled garden, one of Palma’s few remaining Moorish relics.
Find Palma walking tours →East-coast cave complex near Porto Cristo with spectacular stalactites and Lake Martel, one of the world’s largest underground lakes. A classical concert performed from illuminated boats on the lake is the showstopper. Allow a full day; best by organised tour.
Find Caves of Drach tours →Two of Palma’s finest beaches are accessible by EMT Bus Line 3 from Passeig Mallorca. Illetes has fine white sand and clear turquoise water; Cala Major is closer and more family-oriented. Perfect for a few hours of sun on a long port day.
Find Mallorca beach tours →Palma’s compact old city is built for walking — every alley leads somewhere interesting, and the waterfront-to-cathedral route is one of the Mediterranean’s finest strolls.
Start at Plaça de la Reina and follow the seafront Passeig des Born to La Seu Cathedral. Enter, then continue to the Almudaina Palace courtyard, down Carrer de l’Almudaina into the old town, past the Arab Baths and hidden patios, looping back via Plaça Major.
Stroll the elegant Passeig des Born lined with mansions and boutiques, stop at the Casal Solleric (free art gallery in a Baroque palace), then head to Santa Catalina neighbourhood — Palma’s trendiest barrio with independent cafes and Mercat de Santa Catalina.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →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.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 78°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | 9 | 6:42 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Feb | 80°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C | 5 | 6:34 AM | 6:07 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 5 | 6:14 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F / 26°C | 4 | 5:49 AM | 6:23 PM |
| May | 88°F / 31°C | 81°F / 27°C | 7 | 5:32 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Jun | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 17 | 5:29 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 11 | 5:38 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F / 27°C | 15 | 5:48 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | 23 | 5:54 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 21 | 6:00 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 | 6:13 AM | 5:28 PM |
| Dec | 80°F / 27°C | 74°F / 23°C | 8 | 6:31 AM | 5:32 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
City Sightseeing stops at or near Estació Marítima (Maritime Station) close to cruise terminals. 24-hour bus-only pass covers Old Town, Cathedral, Bellver Castle area.
The cruise terminals are located in the Port of Palma, roughly 1–2 km from the Old Town and Cathedral. A flat, scenic 15–20 min walk along the waterfront promenade is very manageable.
Taxis are plentiful at the port exit. Under Mallorca's 2025 fare system: €2.50 base + €1.20/km + €4.65 port surcharge. Quick 5–10 min ride to city center.
Uber is well established across Mallorca with multiple service tiers. Bolt is present but more limited. Prices can surge during peak cruise days; taxis may be cheaper for short hops.
EMT Palma lines (Line 1, Line 4) connect the port area to the city center and beyond. Most affordable option — buy tickets on board or at nearby stops.
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.
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.