What to do in palma de mallorca stepping off in the cruise port
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Welcome to the sunny capital of the Balearics! Arriving at the Port of Palma is one of the most scenic ways to begin exploring your Mallorcan desination. As you lean over the railing of your cruise ship, the first thing you’ll notice is the towering Gothic Cathedral (La Seu) standing guard over the bay.
What to do in palma de mallorca for a day, here is our 2026 guide to navigating the terminal and exploring the very best of Palma and Mallorca.
Part 1: Arrival at the Palma Cruise terminal by Cruise ship
Depending on the day's maritime traffic, your ship will dock at one of two main locations. Knowing which one you are at will determine your first 20 minutes on shore.
Docking Option 1: Estació Marítima No. 1 (The Preferred Dock)
This is the easiest and most accessible for cruise arrivals. You are docked roughly 10 minutes closer to the city than the alternative.
You land right next to Club de Mar, a world-class, premium yacht club. This is where our Luxury boat is located and can be Chartered for 3 - 8 hour trips.
What’s New for 2026: After four years of anticipation, the Club de Mar has officially opened its brand-new, multi-facet leisure complex. This stunning modern building now houses high-end boutique shops, a luxury wellness center, and a selection of trendy bars and restaurants. If you want to experience the "jet-set" lifestyle before even reaching the city center, this is the place.
Getting to the City: * Walking: A pleasant 30–45 minute stroll along the Paseo Marítimo will lead you straight to the Cathedral.
Transport: Taxis, public buses, and rental bikes are readily available at the terminal exit.
Sea Options: You can book boat trips directly from Club de Mar. These offer a "photostop" view of the Cathedral from the water, arguably the best angle for your holiday photos—and can take you to hidden anchorages within the Bay of Palma for a quick swim.
Docking Option 2: Carretera Dic de l’Oest (The Outer Dock)
This dock is used primarily for larger vessels or during busy peak days.
It is more industrial and significantly further from the historic center.
Transport Advice: Unless you are a "trained" long-distance walker, we do not recommend walking from here. It is a long trek with less shade.
Best Bet: Step into the taxi line at the terminal entrance. A 10-minute cab ride will whisk you into the heart of the city for a reasonable fare.
The Best beach near the cruise terminal: Cala Major
Many visitors confuse the distant Cala Millor (which is over an hour away on the east coast) with the beach in the village Cala MAJOR.
Proximity: Cala Major is the closest "proper" beach to the cruise terminals.
Getting There: It’s a 25 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride.
The Experience: Expect fine sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of beach bars. It’s the perfect spot if you want to prioritize the Mediterranean Sea over sightseeing.
Taking a Taxi's in Mallorca: What to Expect
If you prefer to skip the walk in the blistering sun and get straight to the sights, a taxi is your most efficient option. In Palma, taxis are clean and strictly regulated, meaning you won’t have to haggle over prices. They operate on a metered system, but there are specific supplements and base rates you should be aware of when departing from the cruise terminal.
Whether you are heading to the Cathedral or planning a trip further inland, here is the breakdown of the current taxi pricing and what you can expect to pay for your journey.
When being picked up or dropped off at a harbor in Mallorca the taxis driver will add a €5 Supplement as regulated. This is a standard fee that will be added. Most taxi drivers do not speak any other languages then Spanish or Mallorquin.
Part 2: What to do in Mallorca?
Mallorca is a diverse island, so we’ve broken down your options based on how much "traveling" you want to do during your port call.
1. The City Center (The Classic Experience)
If you want to stay close and soak in the culture, head to the historic heart of Palma.
Palma Cathedral (La Seu): A Gothic masterpiece with one of the world's largest stained-glass windows.
Shopping Streets: Explore Passeig del Born (the "Golden Mile") for luxury brands or Avinguda de Jaume III for international favorites.
Las Ramblas: A beautiful, tree-lined pedestrian street famous for its colorful flower stalls and historic atmosphere.
2. City and Surroundings (A Bit More Variety)
If you want to see more than just the shops, these spots are just a short taxi or bus ride away:
Bellver Castle: A rare, circular Gothic castle sitting on a hill. It offers the absolute best panoramic views of the city and the port where your ship is docked.
Pueblo Español: An "architectural museum" that replicates famous buildings and squares from all over Spain in one village-style setting.
Porto Pi Shopping Centre: Located very close to the terminals, this is the go-to spot for a quick shopping fix with dozens of Spanish and international brands.
Palma Aquarium: Located slightly further east, this is one of Europe’s best aquariums, featuring a deep shark tank (The Big Blue) and immersive Mediterranean exhibits.
San Carlos Castle (Museu de Sant Carles): A fortress-turned-military-museum located right near the Dic de l'Oest dock. It's free to enter and offers a great history of the harbor’s defense.
3. Exploring the Island (The Full Day Trip)
For those with a full day (8+ hours), venturing into the Serra de Tramuntana (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a must.
The "Golden Triangle": Take a guided tour to Valldemossa (a quiet stone village where Chopin lived), Deià (a coastal artists' retreat), and Sóller.
The Historic Tram: If you visit Sóller, be sure to ride the vintage wooden tram down to Port de Sóller for a seafood lunch by the water.
