What Cruise Travelers Should Know
Ships berth at the Moll Adossat cruise terminal, about 3 km west of the old town. A tourist shuttle bus connects the terminal to the city center; taxis are also plentiful. The walk along the seafront promenade takes about 30 minutes and is pleasant if the weather cooperates.
**La Seu Cathedral** dominates the waterfront and is visible from the sea. Construction began in 1229 and continued for over three centuries. Antoni Gaudí was commissioned in 1902 to restore parts of the interior — his interventions (a hanging canopy, repositioned baldachin) are still visible and somewhat controversial. Admission is modest and well worth it for the interior light.
**Palau de l'Almudaina**, the medieval royal palace directly behind the cathedral, is also worth a visit. The Arab Baths in the old city are small but genuinely atmospheric. The Es Baluard contemporary art museum has a good permanent collection and a terrace with harbor views.
**Beaches:** Palma's urban beach (Platja de Can Pere Antoni) is a short walk from the old town — fine for a swim, but not the island's best. For the famous coves of Majorca (Cala Pi, Es Trenc, Cala Mondragó), you need a car or organized tour — they are 45–90 minutes away.
From Moorish Medina to Aragonese Capital
The Romans called the settlement Palmaria; Arab forces conquered it in 902 and transformed it into a prosperous medina. When James I of Aragon retook the island in 1229, he began construction of La Seu on the site of the main mosque — a deliberate act of Christian reconquest that produced one of the most spectacular Gothic churches in Spain.
The Balearic Islands were briefly an independent kingdom before being incorporated into the Crown of Aragon. Palma thrived as a center of Mediterranean commerce and cartography — the Mallorcan school of cartography in the 14th–15th centuries produced some of the finest portolan charts of the medieval world.
Chopin spent the winter of 1838–39 at the monastery of Valldemossa in the hills northwest of Palma with George Sand. The visit inspired his Raindrop Prelude and cemented the island's romantic reputation in European culture.
Getting Around Palma and Majorca
**Shuttle bus:** A tourist shuttle connects the Moll Adossat terminal to the city center (Parc de la Mar near the cathedral). Frequency varies by ship call volume — ask at the terminal on arrival.
**Taxi:** Metered taxis are plentiful. From the terminal to the old town center costs around €8–12. Taxis can also be hired for day trips around the island.
**City bus:** EMT Palma buses cover the metropolitan area. Bus 1 runs along the Passeig Marítim from the cruise terminal toward the city center.
**Rental car:** Worth considering if you want to explore the island's interior or reach the famous coves. The mountain road through Valldemossa and Sóller is one of the most scenic drives in Spain.
Tipping in Palma
Spanish tipping culture is relaxed — appreciated but not obligatory.
- **Restaurants:** 5–10% for good service, or simply leave the coins from your change. - **Taxis:** Round up to the nearest euro or add €1 on a longer ride. - **Tour guides:** €5–10 per person for a guided walking tour or half-day excursion. - **Currency:** Euros. Cards are widely accepted in Palma.