Things to do near palma de mallorca cruise port
- Feb 19
- 6 min read
For many, the first glimpse of Palma is the honey-hued limestone of the La Seu Cathedral shimmering across the water. While the cruise terminal at Muelle de Poniente feels industrial, a ten-minute transit reveals one of the Mediterranean’s most sophisticated capitals, a city where Gothic spires meet avant-garde art and salt-dusted tapas bars.
🏛️ The Big Sights
La Seu (Catedral de Mallorca)
Palma’s skyline is dominated by this 14th-century Gothic titan. It’s a masterclass in light; come morning, the massive rose window casts "the eye of the Gothic" across the nave. Look for the modern, slightly controversial ceramic mural by local artist Miquel Barceló in the Sant Pere chapel, it’s a stark, fascinating contrast to the medieval surroundings.
Insider Tip: Skip the main queue by booking the rooftop tour. The view of the flying buttresses against the turquoise sea is unbeatable.
Castell de Bellver
Set in a fragrant pine forest overlooking the bay, this is Europe’s only circular castle. Its central courtyard is hauntingly beautiful, and the views from the battlements provide the best perspective of your ship docked below.
Getting There: Don't walk it in the summer heat. Take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus or a quick taxi from the port.
🚶 The Walk to the old town from The Cruise terminal
To find the "real" Palma, lose yourself in the Old Town. The goal isn't to find a specific landmark, but to peek into the grand patios of 17th-century mansions.
The Route: Start at the Plaza de la Reina, walk up the Passeig del Born (Palma’s answer to the Ramblas), and then veer off into the narrow alleys toward the Ajuntament (City Hall) in Plaza Cort, home to an ancient, gnarled olive tree that’s seen centuries of Mallorcan history.
HOW TO GET THE TO THE OLD CITY FROM THE CRUISE TERMINAL:
🛥️ The Ultimate Escape: Private Boat Shore Excursion
Forget the packed tour buses. From the docks of the renewed Club de Mar, you can step onto a private sailboat or motor yacht. Since the marina is practically next door to the cruise berths, you don't waste an hour of your precious port time in traffic.
Half-Day (4 Hours): Perfect for cruise guests. You’ll have enough time to reach a stunning anchorage, swim, and be back for a late lunch in the Old Town.
Full-Day (7-8 Hours): For those who want the "full" experience, heading further along the coast to impressive coves that tourists on land never see.
See the itinerary options.
🍴 Where to Eat Like a Local near the Cruise Terminal
Forget the tourist menus with faded photos of paella.
Mercat de l’Olivar: A cathedral of food. Head to the fish section, pick a stall, and order gambas rojas (local red prawns) grilled with sea salt.
Can Joan de S’Aigo: A legendary institution dating back to 1700. Order a classic ensaïmada (lard-based pastry) and a glass of almond milk or thick hot chocolate. It’s an authentic slice of history.
Club de Mar Yacht club: Diverse restaurants and bars servind fresh seafood or a good hamburger and Tapas.
🛍️ Shopping near the Cruise port
The New Frontier: Club de Mar & The Waterfront (2026)
Freshly inaugurated in 2026, the Club de Mar redevelopment has transformed the immediate port area into a high-end lifestyle hub. You no longer have to trek into the city for a luxury experience.
What to look for: This is the new home for international designer labels and boutique Mediterranean resort wear. It’s the perfect spot for a "ship-to-shore" wardrobe refresh before grabbing a sundowner at one of the new terrace bars.
The Local Giant: Porto Pi Centro Comercial
Located just a short walk (or a 2-minute taxi) from the cruise terminal, Porto Pi remains the go-to for convenience and variety.
The Selection: If you realized you forgot your swimsuit or need a spare camera battery, this is your spot. It houses all the Spanish heavyweights, Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Manga under one roof, often at lower prices than back home.
Pro Tip: It’s air-conditioned and features a large Carrefour supermarket on the lower level, ideal for stocking up on local olive oils or sea salts before re-boarding.
The Soul of the City: Old Town Streets
For a more atmospheric haul, head to the historic core where the architecture is as stunning as the window displays.
Passeig del Born: Often called the "Golden Mile," this tree-lined boulevard is where luxury meets history. You’ll find Louis Vuitton and Rolexe housed in stunning honey-stone buildings.
Avinguda de Jaume III: This elegant arched street is the place for high-street fashion and the iconic Spanish department store El Corte Inglés.
Carrer de Sant Miquel & Carrer Sindicat: These pedestrian-only arteries are the heartbeat of local shopping. Wander here for traditional leather goods (look for Carmina or Lottusse shoes), artisanal ceramics, and tucked-away boutiques selling Mallorcan embroidery.
⚓ Getting Around: How to get to places of interest near the Cruise terminal ?
Palma’s port area is vast, and where you dock determines your strategy. Most large ships berth at Estació Marítima (Muelle de Poniente), while smaller luxury vessels might tuck in closer to the city. Here is how to navigate the 4km stretch between your cabin and the Cathedral.
🚕 By Taxi: The "No-Stress" Sprint
Taxis are the most popular choice for a reason. They are clean, metered, and plentiful right outside the terminal.
The Cost: A ride to the Cathedral or the Old Town typically runs between €10–€15.
Best For: Families, those with limited mobility, or anyone wanting to maximize every second of their port day.
Pro Tip: In 2026, ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in Palma, but the local "Radio Taxi" is often faster to find at the dedicated port ranks.
🚌 By Bus: The Local Way
Palma has an excellent public transit network (EMT). In 2026, the system is more integrated than ever with the newly renovated waterfront.
Line 1 (Port-City Center): This is the classic "Cruiser’s Express." It picks up right outside the terminal and drops you off near the Cathedral or the central Plaza de España. Fares are roughly €3 for a single ticket (cash is accepted, but try to have small bills or use a contactless card).
Line 4: If you are heading specifically toward the Porto Pi Shopping Centre or the beaches at Cala Major, this is your line.
The New "Club de Mar" Stop: With the 2026 reopening of the Club de Mar complex, look for updated stops along the Paseo Marítimo that place you right at the doorstep of the new luxury boutiques.
👟 On Foot: The Scenic Route
If the sun is shining and you’ve got comfortable shoes, the walk into town is a delight—provided you have the time.
The Journey: It’s a roughly 45-minute stroll (3.5km to 4km) along the Paseo Marítimo. You’ll pass a forest of yacht masts, the iconic Mediterranean windmills of Es Jonquet, and the recently widened pedestrian paths of the waterfront.
The Experience: You get a front-row seat to the Club de Mar's stunning new architecture. It’s flat and easy, but Mallorcan sun is no joke, wear a hat and carry water.
Best For: Budget travelers and those who want to "earn" their tapas later.
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
The red double-decker bus stops directly at the cruise terminal.
The Perk: It is the only practical way to reach Bellver Castle (on its high hill) without paying for multiple taxis. If you plan on seeing the Castle, the Cathedral, and the Old Town in one loop, the day pass is worth the investment.
💡 Our Take
Palma is too often treated as a mere gateway to the island's beaches. To truly "do" the city, put your map away. The magic of Palma is found in the clink of glasses in a hidden courtyard and the way the sun hits the sandstone at 4:00 PM.
