Palma de Mallorca Cruise Port: Things to do for Cruise Passengers

Visiting Palma de Mallorca on a cruise? Whether you’re wondering where your cruise ship will dock, how to get from the port to the city centre or what to see during your stopover, this guide will help you make the most of your time ashore.

Palma is one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive cruise destinations, with a beautiful historic centre, an impressive Gothic cathedral, beaches and plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the city. However, the cruise terminals are several kilometres from Palma’s main attractions, so planning your transport and itinerary in advance can save valuable time.

At Click Mallorca, we’re local excursion specialists with over 20 years of experience helping visitors discover the island. In this guide, we share practical information about Palma’s cruise terminals, transport options, the best things to do and shore excursions designed for cruise passengers. And you can visit our complete Mallorca Travel Guide

The port of Palma de Mallorca is one of the most important cruise ports in the entire Mediterranean, receiving almost 2 million passengers in 2022. If this is your first time visiting, it also helps to know where Mallorca is on the map and how close Palma is to the rest of the island.”

If you are sailing to Mallorca on a cruise ship, you will most likely arrive at one of Palma’s cruise terminals. Below you will find interesting information about the cruise terminals in the port of Palma, so that you can plan your visit to Mallorca.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Palma de Mallorca?

Cruise ships visiting Palma de Mallorca dock at the Port of Palma, which has two main cruise areas: Muelle de Poniente (berths 1–4) and Dique del Oeste (berths 5–6). Both are located west of Palma’s historic centre, approximately 6–8 km from the main tourist attractions, depending on the berth.

Knowing where your ship will dock is important, as it affects how you get into Palma, the journey time and the transport options available.

Muelle de Poniente Cruise Terminal

Muelle de Poniente is one of Palma’s main cruise docking areas, with four berths and terminal facilities for passengers.

It’s located approximately 6 km from Palma’s historic centre. You’ll find taxi services and public transport connections nearby, making it relatively easy to reach the Cathedral and Old Town.

Dique del Oeste Cruise Terminal

Dique del Oeste is located further west, near Porto Pi and the San Carlos Castle area. It has two cruise berths and is frequently used by larger cruise ships.

At approximately 8 km from Palma’s historic centre, it’s further from the main attractions, so taking a shuttle bus, public bus or taxi is generally the most convenient option.

How to Find Out Where Your Cruise Ship Will Dock

Your cruise terminal may vary depending on the ship, port traffic and operational requirements.

Click Mallorca local tip: Before arriving in Palma, check the official Port of Palma ship arrivals website, where you can find information about vessels scheduled to dock.

We recommend checking shortly before your arrival, as berth assignments can change. Knowing your terminal in advance will help you plan your journey into Palma and make the most of your time ashore.

On the map above, you can see the Muelle de Poniente highlighted in blue and, in red, the Dique del Oeste.

How to get from Palma de Mallorca cruise port to city center?

Although the cruise ships in Palma de Mallorca dock about 6 or 8 kilometers from the city center, it is relatively easy to get into Palma City. Just remember to stay synced with local schedules — here’s the current time in Majorca and how it affects excursion departures.The easiest ways to reach Palma Old Town and the Cathedral are by cruise shuttle bus, public bus or taxi. You can also take a Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus or walk, although walking is not recommended if you have limited time.

Palma de Mallorca cruise port shuttle bus

Many cruise lines provide a shuttle bus service between the cruise terminal and central Palma, often dropping passengers near the Cathedral and Parc de la Mar.

The journey usually takes around 15–25 minutes, depending on your terminal and traffic. Some cruise lines include this service, while others charge an additional fee.

Click Mallorca local tip: Check with your cruise company whether the shuttle is included and where it drops you off. If you’re travelling as a couple or small group, comparing the shuttle price with a taxi can be worthwhile.

Public Bus from Palma Cruise Port to the City Centre

EMT bus line 1 connects Palma de Mallorca cruise port with the city centre and is one of the cheapest ways to reach Palma Old Town and the Cathedral. The standard ticket costs just €2 per person, and you can pay directly on the bus.

However, the bus stop you need depends on where your cruise ship docks.

Where to catch bus line 1 at Palma Cruise Port

• Dique del Oeste (West Dock): The bus stops near the entrance to the Sant Carles Military Museum (Museu de Sant Carles). From the cruise terminal, it’s approximately a 12-minute walk to the bus stop.
• Muelle de Poniente (Cruise Terminals 2, 3 and 4): The bus stop is on Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, opposite Club de Mar, near the maritime terminal area.

Where to get off in Palma city centre

From the cruise port, bus line 1 travels towards Palma’s historic centre, stopping at several convenient locations:

• Avinguda d’Antoni Maura: Our recommended stop for cruise passengers visiting Palma Cathedral, Parc de la Mar and the Old Town.
• La Rambla: A good option for exploring central Palma, its shopping streets and historic squares.
• Plaça d’Espanya: A central transport hub, ideal if you want to explore other areas of Palma.

Bus ticket prices and how to pay

The standard port bus fare is €2 per person (no transfers included). Children under 5 travel free when accompanied by an adult.

You can pay on board using cash, a debit card or a credit card. For cash payments, the maximum change available is €10.

Paying by bank card can save you money, particularly if you’re travelling with family or friends. You can use the same bank card for up to five passengers, with discounts starting at 40% for the first passenger and increasing for each additional traveller.

Simply validate your card when boarding the bus. You can check the latest route, stops and departure times on the official EMT Palma line 1 website.

Take the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour:

The hop-on hop-off tourist bus is a great way to see the city of Palma at your own pace. These tour buses are in all major cities, and they are very popular for people visiting on a cruise, as they have stops at the main monuments and places of interest in Palma, and allow you to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city at the same time. This bus tour is ideal for people who are just in Palma for one day.

The tourist bus in Palma has a stop in front of the cruise zone of the Muelle de Poniente, in front of station 2. For cruise passengers whose cruise docks at the Dique del Oeste, they must walk (about 10 minutes) to Porto Pi, where there’s a stop.

The whole route without getting off takes about 90 minutes, and the main stop in the center of Palma is next to the cathedral, on Avenida Antonio Maura. You can book tickets on our website at “Shore Excursion: City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour” and you also get a PDF guide with the purchase that details information about what to see at each stop.

Taxi from Palma Cruise Port

If you have time and like to walk, you can enjoy the splendid views of the port and over the bay while strolling along the promenade and admiring the impressive yachts and small fishing boats. It is a 30-40 minute walk to the center of Palma, and we do not recommend it in very hot seasons as there is no shade. Perhaps a good tip is (whenever time permits) take the bus into Palma and walk back later to the cruise terminal.

Can You Walk from Palma Cruise Port to the City Centre?

Taking a taxi is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to reach Palma’s historic centre, particularly if you’re travelling with luggage, children or a small group.

Taxis are generally available near the cruise terminals, although queues can form when several ships arrive at the same time.

We recommend using official taxis and allowing extra time for your return journey to the ship.

What to Do in Palma de Mallorca on a Cruise Stop

If you’re visiting Palma de Mallorca on a cruise, you’ll find plenty to see and do, even if you only have a few hours ashore. From the impressive Gothic Cathedral and charming Old Town to panoramic viewpoints, boat trips and nearby beaches, there’s something for every type of traveller.

At Click Mallorca, we recommend choosing activities according to the length of your stopover. If it’s your first visit, Palma Old Town and the Cathedral are our top recommendations. If you’ve visited before, you might prefer exploring further afield or enjoying a relaxing few hours by the sea.

Explore Palma Old Town and Cathedral

Palma’s historic centre is the best place to start if you’re visiting Mallorca for the first time. Most of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it ideal for cruise passengers with limited time.

Don’t miss:

• Palma Cathedral (La Seu): The city’s most famous landmark, overlooking the Mediterranean and Parc de la Mar.
• The Royal Palace of La Almudaina: A historic palace next to the Cathedral.
• Palma Old Town: Wander through narrow streets, charming squares and traditional Mallorcan courtyards.
• La Lonja: A beautiful Gothic building surrounded by atmospheric streets, restaurants and cafés.
• Mercat de l’Olivar: A lively food market where you can discover local produce and Mallorcan specialities.

Click Mallorca local tip: If you want to discover Palma’s highlights without spending time planning your route, our guided Palma Old Town and Cathedral tour combines a walking tour with a visit inside the Cathedral. It’s a particularly good option for cruise passengers who want to learn about the city’s history with a local guide.

Visit Bellver Castle

Located on a wooded hill overlooking Palma, Bellver Castle is famous for its unusual circular design and spectacular panoramic views across the city, harbour and Bay of Palma.

It’s a great choice if you’ve already explored Palma Old Town or want to see the city from a different perspective.

The castle is outside the historic centre, so you’ll need to allow time for transport. The Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus is one option for visiting Bellver Castle as part of a wider tour of Palma.

Enjoy a Boat Trip in Palma Bay

If you’d rather spend part of your cruise stopover on the water, Palma Bay offers a variety of boat trips and catamaran excursions. A short sightseeing boat trip can be combined with a visit to Palma Old Town, while longer catamaran cruises offer the chance to enjoy Mallorca’s coastline, swim in the Mediterranean and relax on board.

• Catamaran Cruise in Palma de Mallorca: set sail on a 5-hour excursion on a sailing catamaran from the port of Palma with lunch and drinks included and visits to some beautiful coves where you can swim or snorkel.
• Boat Trip in Palma de Mallorca: If you want a completely unique way to see the city of Palma and its port, we recommend this one-hour boat trip around the Bay of Palma where you can see the port, the cathedral and other important places from a unique perspective: from the sea. It is excellent to combine with a walking tour of the old town, since it leaves every hour and lasts only one hour, giving you plenty of time to do other things

Our local advice: Always check the departure point, excursion duration and return time before booking a boat trip independently. Some longer excursions may not fit comfortably into a short cruise stopover.

Relax on a Beach Near Palma Cruise Port

If you’re looking for a beach day, there are several options within reach of Palma’s cruise port.

• Can Pere Antoni Beach: Close to Palma’s historic centre, with views towards the Cathedral. A convenient choice if you want to combine sightseeing with time on the beach.
• Illetes Beach: One of the most attractive beaches near Palma, known for its clear water and beautiful setting. You’ll need transport to reach it from the cruise port.

If your cruise stop is short, we recommend Can Pere Antoni for convenience. If you have more time and your priority is swimming and relaxing, Illetes is worth considering.

Shore Excursions from the Port of Palma

f you want to explore beyond Palma’s historic centre, there are plenty of shore excursions from Palma de Mallorca cruise port that allow you to discover some of Mallorca’s most beautiful places during your stopover.

At Click Mallorca, we specialise in local excursions and offer both shared and private tours for cruise passengers. Whether you want to visit the famous Caves of Drach, explore the picturesque villages of the Serra de Tramuntana or enjoy a guided visit to Palma, we can help you find an excursion that fits your time ashore.

Shared Shore Excursions from Palma

Shared shore excursions are an affordable way to discover Mallorca with other travellers. These tours follow a planned itinerary, with transport and a local guide included. Some of our most popular options include:

• Caves of Drach: Discover Mallorca’s spectacular underground caves, including Lake Martel and its famous classical music concert.
• Valldemossa and Sóller: Explore charming mountain villages and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Serra de Tramuntana.
• Palma Old Town and Cathedral: A guided walking experience for visitors who prefer to stay in the city and discover its history and architecture.

Important for cruise passengers: Our shared coach excursions depart from a designated meeting point near Palma Cathedral, rather than directly from the cruise ship. You’ll receive clear meeting instructions when booking, so you can plan your journey from the terminal.

Private Shore Excursions from Palma Cruise Port

If you prefer a more personalised experience, a private shore excursion in Mallorca gives you greater flexibility over your itinerary, pace and sightseeing stops. Private tours are particularly suitable for families, groups of friends and cruise passengers who want to make the most of a limited time ashore.

Popular itineraries include:

• Palma and Valldemossa: Combine the highlights of Palma with one of Mallorca’s most picturesque mountain villages.
• Valldemossa and Sóller: Discover traditional villages and spectacular scenery in the Serra de Tramuntana.
• Caves of Drach: Visit one of Mallorca’s most famous natural attractions with private transport.

Depending on the tour and port arrangements, private excursions may offer collection near your cruise ship or at an agreed meeting point.

At Click Mallorca, we can help you choose an itinerary that takes into account your ship’s arrival and departure times.

Why Book Your Mallorca Shore Excursion with Click Mallorca?

• Convenience: Pick up and drop off from the cruise terminal. You will receive clear information about your pick-up point before the day of the tour. We will also be contactable as soon as you dock.
• Price: our prices are 20% cheaper than excursions offered by cruise companies and we, being a local company with staff from the island, offer service and knowledge that are 100% better.
• Guarantee: get back to the cruise ship at the appropriate time, without stress or nerves. We will take care of all the timings. Full money refund if your cruise ship cannot dock due to circumstances beyond your control.

Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers Visiting Palma

If you’re visiting Palma de Mallorca on a cruise, a little planning can help you make the most of your time ashore. Here are our top local tips:

• Check where your ship docks: Palma has two main cruise areas, Muelle de Poniente and Dique del Oeste, and your terminal determines the most convenient transport into the city.
• Allow time to reach the Old Town: The cruise terminals are several kilometres from Palma Cathedral. Factor in transfers, traffic and any waiting time for buses or taxis.
• Start with the Cathedral and Old Town: If it’s your first visit, these are Palma’s must-see attractions and can easily be explored together.
• Book popular attractions in advance: Cathedral tickets and organised shore excursions are worth arranging ahead of time, particularly when several cruise ships are visiting.
• Keep track of your ship’s all-aboard time: This may be earlier than the published departure time. Leave a comfortable margin for returning to the port.

Click Mallorca local tip: If you have a full day in port, consider exploring beyond Palma on a shore excursion. With a shorter stopover, we recommend concentrating on the Old Town, Cathedral and nearby attractions rather than spending too much time travelling.

We hope you have enjoyed this post from your expert friend, Click Mallorca with suggestions and tips for people visiting Palma on a cruise. Have you booked your cruise yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Let us know how your experience was and, if you have friends that willing be visiting Palma on a cruise, please remember to share this article with them.