The gorgeous island of Mallorca is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, and one of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain. From stunning beaches and exclusive (and expensive) resorts to a rugged, mountainous interior, the charms of this little speck of Mediterranean beauty just off the coast of Valencia are easy to spot.
And it’s not all sun-drenched sand and azure-blue waters, either. The island boasts some of the most impressive and interesting Roman ruins in Spain, and the long history of Moorish settlement has had a significant and delightful impact on the architecture, cuisine, and culture.
Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, is absolutely captivating, and sums up all the delights of the island in one wonderful package. It boasts a magnificent dining culture (with some exceptional nightlife options as well), some incredibly attractive architecture, historic buildings, and museums, and a fascinating melting pot of cultures that makes it a wonderful place to visit.
So if you are cruising in 2022 and have Mallorca on your itinerary, be sure to explore this wonderful capital city. Here are the best shore excursions to do when cruising to Palma de Mallorca.
Explore the cuisine
No visit to Palma de Mallorca would be complete without tasting the magnificent food that makes up the island’s culinary heritage, so choose a food tour as one of your shore excursions and discover an absolutely exceptional take on Spanish cuisine.
Local delicacies such as Paella and Tapas are worth seeking out. Palma is also famous for its olive oil production, so don’t miss the opportunity to go olive oil tasting while you are here!
Hit the beach
Gorgeous beaches are at the heart of Mallorca’s popularity, and Palma de Mallorca offers some wonderful (albeit popular and busy) examples.
There is a promenade along the seafront that takes you from the wonderful Old Town to Portixol, which offers a charming little stretch of sand, and a little further exploration eastwards will bring you to Playa Ciudad Jardin. If you want to make a day of it, both Cala Pi and Cala Banyalbufar are gorgeous, and easily accessible by taxi.
Marvel at Sa Seu
Sa Seu, Palma’s stunning Gothic cathedral, is the centerpiece of the medieval Old Town of the city, and a truly eye-catching sight. Built entirely of sandstone, this splendid structure took over 600 years to complete, and is an icon of the city.
Visit Bellver Castle
Circular castles are somewhat of a rarity in Europe, which makes this 14th century example even more special. Despite its strategic vantage point overlooking the city, Bellver has never really played the role of a defensive fortress.
Originally built as a royal residence, it became a place for the wealthy to shelter from the plague, and finally served as a prison for the majority of its existence. A gentle hike through pine-covered trails makes this an excellent day out, and one of the best shore excursions for history buffs thanks to the excellent museum now housed in the castle.
Visit the Arab Baths
Amazingly, one of Palma de Mallorca’s most intriguing and enjoyable attractions was only discovered about a century ago. These marvelous, historic Arab baths were hidden away in the gardens of an ancient manor house deep in the Old Town, but are believed to date back to the 10th century! While you can no longer enjoy them as functioning baths, it is a great way to step back in time and discover the fascinating diversity of Palma’s history.