Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries typically include long days in major cities and not many sea days. Palma de Mallorca is a quaint respite from the big cities such as Barcelona or Rome. You can easily explore many key sites near the port or just relax on a beautiful beach. Below are our recommendations for places to visit.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle is a 14th-century Gothic-style castle to the west of Palma. The castle built by Pere Salva is unique as it is one of the few circular castles in Europe. It originally served as a residence of the Kings of Mallorca and then a military prison from the 18th to mid-20th century.
Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu) is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral. The impressive structure dominates the seafront. Construction began in 1229 on the ruins of a former Arab mosque. Antoni Gaudi designed the canopy above the altar. The Royal Palace of La Almundaina is a fortified palace (Alcazar) located next to the cathedral. It began as a Moorish castle built during the Muslim rule. In 1309, it was rebuilt with a Gothic style under Jaume II but it still has elements of Islamic architecture.
Valldemossa
Valldemossa is a village in the Tramuntana mountains about 30 minutes from Palma de Mallorca and is the highest town in Mallorca. The town is best-known as the place Frederic Chopin and his lover George Sand spent the winter in 1938. It is also the birthplace of the island’s only saint (Santa Catalina Thomas).
Port de Soller
Port de Soller is a charming beach resort on the west coast of Mallorca at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. It is a good place for an afternoon drink or to relax on the beach.
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