Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the gateway to an island mixed with old world traditions and modern, sophisticated lifestyles.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Mallorca, sitting in the Balearic Sea, is the perfect stop off on a cruise. The island is small and accessible, with a mix of old world traditions and stylish city life in the capital Palma de Mallorca. There are some great excursions to the city and the surrounding area to be had from the well-located cruise port, or alternatively you walk for 40 minutes and be in the centre, where the majority of trips go from. Here are five unique shore excursions in Palma de Mallorca.
From Palma: 3-Hour Morning Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
There aren’t many cities where you can be walking around shopping one minute and on a boat looking at dolphins in their natural environment the next. Palma makes that possible, with great excursions such as this one – a three-hour boat ride where you will cruise the crystal clear waters of the southwest coast looking for dolphins who will often swim in the bow wave of the boat and suddenly leap out of the water. There is also a chance after the dolphin watching to swim in a quiet, beautiful cove. You can walk to the La Lonja jetty meeting point in Palma from the cruise terminal. From €55.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Palma de Mallorca: 1-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
If you don’t have as much time during your stay in Palma, this one-hour sightseeing boat tour is just ten minutes walk from the cruise terminal. It’s a really sweet little trip touring the port and giving you a great view of Palma, from its old shipyards to Paseo Maritimo, where most of the luxurious yachts are located, from the sea. You’ll also see the Porto Pi lighthouse which is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Mediterranean. You’ll even get to try a Jamon Serrano appetizer – a key Spanish delicacy – while you enjoy the panorama. From €14.50.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Private Shore Excursion to Valldemossa and Palma de Mallorca
This private excursion is a great way to see both Palma de Mallorca and some of the highlights in the surrounding area. The pickup and drop-off is usefully at your cruise ship and from there you will head to the picturesque village of Valldemossa, where you can explore the charming streets and take in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sierra de Tamuntana Mountain Range. The tour then heads to Palma, where you can admire Bellver Castle and see the city’s sights on a guided walking tour, visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the old fish market. The tour is approximately five hours. From €390.92.
Book at Viator.com
Palma de Mallorca: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For the best way to see as much of Palma as possible while your cruise ship is moored up, a hop-on hop-off bus is hard to beat. With a ticket that runs all day, plus the opportunity to get off and see what you want in more detail, it’s just a great way to enjoy this laid-back city. There are 16 stops around the city, stopping at the most iconic landmarks, including Bellver Castle, Placa del Mercat and Mercat Square in Palma’s historic centre. You can also check out Plaza de Espana, a scenic part of the island where you can see the authentic Mallorca lifestyle. From €23.00.
Book at om
Palma de Mallorca Easy Bike Tour
This bike tour is designed to be as inclusive as possible, with no difficult or hilly terrain to take in. The tour also sets off at 10.30am so it’s not a super early start either. The guide sets off at a relaxed pace, passing by Lonja de Palma, City Hall, and Paseo del Borne, with stops to take photos and hear stories about the area along the way. In around three hours you’ll get to see most of the city and everything you need, from the bike rental to the helmet, are naturally already included in the price. From €39.00.
Book at Viator.com