Palma de Mallorca, Spain

A top attraction is the magnificent Palma Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece also known as La Seu, located about a 10-15 minute drive from the cruise terminals.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the impressive Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a fortified palace that showcases centuries of history.

For breathtaking panoramic views of the city and bay, visit the unique, circular Bellver Castle, which is a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from the port.

Exploring the historic Old Town (Casco Antiguo) allows you to wander through charming narrow streets, discovering hidden courtyards and squares at your own pace.

A popular day trip is to the picturesque village of Valldemossa, nestled in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, about a 30-40 minute drive from Palma.

Another classic excursion is taking the vintage Ferrocarril de Sóller wooden train from Palma to the beautiful town of Sóller, a scenic journey that takes about an hour.

For those interested in natural wonders, the Caves of Drach on the island's east coast offer a spectacular underground experience, though the one-hour drive each way requires careful time management.

The main cruise terminals are situated at the Ponent Moll (Western Dock), approximately 3 to 6 kilometers (about 2 to 4 miles) from Palma's historic city center and the cathedral.

Due to the distance, walking to the main sights can take 45-60 minutes, so most passengers opt for transportation.

Cruise lines often provide shuttle buses for a fee, and public buses and taxis are readily available at the terminal.

Ships almost always dock directly at the pier, making tendering a rare occurrence.

The official currency in Palma de Mallorca is the Euro (€).

While credit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, market stalls, or cafes.

US dollars are not generally accepted, so currency exchange should be done beforehand or upon arrival.

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are abundant throughout the city, including near the port area, and offer the most convenient way to obtain local currency.

Palma de Mallorca is considered a very safe destination for tourists, and exploring independently is common.

The primary concern is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, which can occur in crowded tourist hotspots like the Old Town, markets, and on public transportation.

It is wise to stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secured, and avoid leaving bags unattended.

There are no specific areas to avoid, and the city is generally safe to walk around day and night, though exercising standard precautions is always recommended.

Palma enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it an ideal cruise destination for most of the year.

During the peak cruise season from spring to autumn, expect pleasant to hot weather.

Summers (July-August) are very hot and sunny, with average temperatures around 30°C (86°F), while spring and autumn are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing, with temperatures ranging from 17-25°C (63-77°F).

Rainfall is infrequent in the summer but can be more common in the fall, so packing a light jacket is a good idea for later-season visits.

A variety of transportation options connect the cruise port to the city.

Taxis are readily available at the terminal for a quick 10-15 minute ride to the city center.

The public bus system, EMT Palma, is an excellent and affordable option; Bus Line 1 travels directly from the cruise port (stop Estació Marítima) to central locations. You can find more information on the official EMT Palma website.

Many cruise lines also offer their own shuttle services for a fee.

For sightseeing, a popular hop-on-hop-off tourist bus also serves the cruise terminal, providing a convenient way to see the main attractions.

Palma offers excellent shopping, from luxury boutiques to local artisan shops.

The main shopping arteries are the elegant Passeig des Born and Avinguda Jaume III, where you'll find international brands and designer stores.

For a more unique experience, explore the narrow streets of the Old Town, which are filled with small, independent shops selling local crafts and goods.

Look for local specialties such as high-quality leather goods, hand-blown glass, and gourmet food items like sobrasada and olive oil.

Majorica pearls, a famous local imitation pearl, are also a popular souvenir.