So, your cruise is visiting Palma de Mallorca and you’re wondering how best to spend your glorious day there? This sunny island off the coast of Spain (the capital of the Balearic Islands, which are an autonomous community of Spain) is a picturesque plethora of wonders on the Bay of Palma, full of historic sites and natural attractions. Here’s how we would spend a day there!
Hit the Beach
Soak up the sun on one of Mallorca’s many beaches. Whatever kind of beach lover you are, there’s a stretch of sand (or rocks) to suit your personality. Golden sand fronting turquoise waves, secluded coves with more rugged, rocky shorelines - it’s all part of the package in Mallorca. Favorites include Playa d'Alcúdia, Cala Formentor Beach, Playa de Muro Beach, Port de Pollença Beach, Portals Nous Beach, Camp de Mar Beach, Palma Nova, and Sant Elm.
Visit the Cathedral
Get out of the sun for a spell and witness the iconic La Seu Cathedral, with its impressive golden sandstone color and impressive size. The Gothic church sits on the former site of a Moorish mosque and took more than 400 years to complete - construction began in the 13th century when King James I conquered the Balearic Islands.
See a Circular Castle
Explore the uniquely shaped, hilltop Bellver Castle - it has a circular layout with four towers and a surrounding moat. Even if you’ve seen several castles in your time in Europe, this one is distinctive enough to get you excited about local lore all over again.
Feel the Pulse of Palma
Markets, fiestas, restaurants, bars, cafes, art galleries, and shops line the vibrant Palma Plaza Mayor in the heart of Palma’s old town. Delight in the historic architecture, attend the artisan market on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, then continue your sightseeing in nearby Calle San Miguel, or the nearby Fundació Joan March art museum, just a short walk away.
Go Underground
For a spot of adventure outside of the city, consider a trip to the sandstone Caves of Drach, brimming with stalactites and stalagmites and one of the largest caves in Europe. The highlight is the huge underground Lake Martel. (There are actually more than 200 cave systems that have been discovered on Mallorca, so we can recommend a few others open to the public if this sounds enticing.)
Bonus Excursion to Valldemossa
If you can, visit Valldemossa, an old stone city full of nature and art history. The beauty of the area, high in the Tramuntana Mountains, has served as a muse for musician Frederic Chopin, writer George Sand, and poet Rubén Darío.
Ready to explore stunning Palma de Mallorca and its ancient history, an endless array of restaurants and galleries, and nearby natural attractions? Let’s chat about how to make the most of your time there.
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