Palma de Mallorca, Spain

We were onboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines 'Epic' on a repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral, FL to Barcelona with various stops along the way - the sixth stop being Palma de Mallorca. The Epic arrived here early morning, and the views of the island and harbor were beautiful; sunny, clear and photogenic.

Mallorca is 5,130.5 sea miles from Port Canaveral and 334 sea miles from Cartagena. Since December 2016 Palma is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is situated on the south coast of Mallorca on the Bay of Palma. The Cabrera Archipelago, though widely separated from Palma proper, is administratively considered part of the municipality. As of 2018, Palma de Mallorca Airport serves over 29 million passengers per year.

Palma Quick History Lesson: Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, has a rich and diverse history dating back over 2,000 years. It was founded by the Romans in 123 BCE after they conquered the native Talayotic people. As a key Mediterranean port, Palma has seen various civilizations influence its development. Following Roman rule, the city was taken over by the Vandals and later the Byzantine Empire.

In 902 AD, the Moors conquered Palma, bringing Islamic culture, architecture, and advancements to the city. The Moors ruled until 1229 when King James I of Aragon captured the city during the Christian Reconquista, integrating Palma into the Kingdom of Mallorca. This period saw Palma grow into a significant trading hub in the Mediterranean, with Gothic-style landmarks like La Seu Cathedral and Bellver Castle being built.

In the following centuries, Palma experienced economic ups and downs but remained strategically important. In the 20th century, the rise of tourism transformed the city into one of Spain's most popular vacation destinations, celebrated for its historical architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. Today, Palma blends its ancient past with modern amenities, making it a dynamic city with a rich heritage

• The name of the island comes from an old Latin phrase ‘insula maior’ that means ‘larger island’, as Mallorca is the largest island in all of Spain. Gradually the phrase was mispronounced and the island became known as Mallorca. The British often call the island Majorca, whilst everyone else calls it Mallorca.
• The island has been inhabited by humans since 7000 BC. Due to its significant geographic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, many armies have attempted to invade Mallorca. In 123 BC, the Romans claimed the island. The most famous invasion was that of King Jaime of Aragon in 1229, which was the start of the creation of Mallorca as we know it today.
• Artists and writers have been attracted to the dramatic and picturesque west coast of the island for many decades. Robert Graves, known as one of England’s greatest poets, was one of the first English to move to the island. He resided (& was buried) in the pretty mountain village of Deia, which has since become a hub for the creative crowd and celebrities.
• Tennis star Rafa Nadal was born in Manacor, and was trained on the island by his Uncle and family. In 2016 he opened the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in his hometown to allow young Mallorcans to pursue the sport whilst still completing their school studies.
• Porto Pí lighthouse is the 2nd oldest functioning lighthouse in Spain, and the third oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. To put that into context, there are over 19,000 documented lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse dates back to the year 1300 and can be seen today standing proud in Palma Harbour.
• Valldemossa was once the home of the renowned composer Chopin and his partner George Sand. Their time spent here left an enduring impact, inspiring Chopin’s musical compositions and forever linking Valldemossa’s allure to their artistic journey.

This was day 15 of our transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Epic. The ship arrived in Palma de Mallorca harbor at 8AM, however, by this stage of the trip I was feeling bad with a cold that was causing coughing fits, sneezing, etc. Even though we had shore excursion tickets, I did not relish infecting everyone on the tour bus so I asked Celeste to go ahead on the tour without me.

As the Norwegian Epic entered the harbor, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (more commonly referred to as "La Seu Cathedral") was the first thing visible as it is so large. It turned out to be yet another Gaudi project!

Bellver Castle: is a Gothic-style castle on a hill 3 km to the west of the center of Palma. It was built in the 14th century for King James II of Mallorca, and is one of the few circular castles in Europe - in fact, it was the first circular castle in Europe. First serving as the residence of the Kings of Mallorca, and afterward long used as a military prison throughout the 18th to mid-20th century, it is now under civilian control, being one of the main tourist attractions of the island, as well as the seat for the city's History Museum.

This is a village and municipality on the northwest side of Mallorca, 24 kilometers north of Palma Harbor. It is famous for one landmark: the Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa, built at the beginning of the 14th century, when the mystic and philosopher Ramon Llull lived in this area of Majorca.

Since the 19th century Valldemossa has been promoted internationally as a place of outstanding beauty, largely as a result of the affection of distinguished traveller and cultural writer, the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator.

The village is renowned for its rich history, most notably the famous visit of composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand in the 19th century, who sought refuge in Valldemossa's monastery. Today, the former monastery has been transformed into a museum, allowing visitors to explore the cells where Chopin composed some of his masterpieces. Valldemossa also boasts quaint cafes, artisanal shops, and stunning viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The village is an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking an authentic Spanish experience. With its timeless charm and serene atmosphere, Valldemossa captivates the hearts of all who visit.

Mallorca offers a wide range of attractions and activities, from historical sites and natural landscapes to beaches and vibrant towns. Some popular options include exploring Palma's historic center, visiting the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, relaxing on beautiful beaches like Es Trenc, and enjoying boat tours or water sports.

• Palma de Mallorca: Explore the historic old town, visit the Catedral de Mallorca, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, and Castell de Bellver.
• Alcudia Old Town: Wander through the charming streets and admire the well-preserved medieval walls.
• Valldemossa: Discover the picturesque village, known for its Carthusian monastery and Chopin's residence.
• Sóller: Take a vintage train ride from Palma to Sóller, explore the town, and perhaps hike to Fornalutx.
• Serra de Tramuntana: Hike or drive through the stunning mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy breathtaking views.
• Cuevas del Drach: Explore the impressive caves and take a boat trip on Lake Martel.
• Caló des Moro: Discover this beautiful cove with turquoise waters and white sand.
• Es Trenc: Relax on the pristine beach with its shallow, turquoise waters.
• Mondrago Natural Park: Enjoy hiking trails and beautiful beaches within the park.
• Beaches: Spend time on various beaches, including Playa de Muro, Cala Figuera, and Cala Mesquida.
• Boat Tours: Take a cruise or sailing trip to explore the coastline and hidden coves.
• Water Sports: Enjoy snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, or kayaking.
• Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries and sample Mallorcan wines.
• Hot Air Balloon: Take a hot air balloon ride for panoramic views of the island.
• Hiking: Explore the numerous hiking trails in the Serra de Tramuntana or other areas.
• Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the island's roads and trails, perhaps taking a guided tour.
• Palma Aquarium: Discover marine life and exhibits.
• Passeig des Born: Stroll along the elegant boulevard in Palma.
• Mercat de l'Olivar: Enjoy the local market in Palma.
• Santa Catalina: Explore the trendy neighborhood in Palma.

• General trip planning:

    When is the best time to visit Mallorca?

  Most people prefer the warm, sunny Mediterranean climate from March to October. Peak season is June through September, with high temperatures and large crowds. The shoulder seasons of March–May and October–November offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

    How long should I spend in Mallorca?

  A minimum of five days is recommended to see the island's highlights, but many visitors spend a week or more. You can drive around the entire island in 5–6 hours, but this leaves little time to visit specific sites.

    Is Mallorca a safe destination?

  Yes, Mallorca is considered very safe for tourists, though travelers should always be mindful of their belongings to prevent petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.

    Is it expensive to travel to Mallorca?

  Costs depend on the season. Expect higher prices for flights and hotels during the peak summer months. Traveling in the low season (e.g., January and February) or shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) is more budget-friendly.

• Getting around and lodging:

    How do I get to Mallorca?

  Visitors can fly directly into Palma de Mallorca (PMI) from many European cities. Ferry service is also available from mainland Spain, with frequent routes from cities like Barcelona and Valencia.

    What is the best way to get around the island?

  Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Mallorca's coves, beaches, and mountain villages. Public transportation is convenient in and around Palma, but service can be limited in more rural areas.

    Where should I stay?

  Choosing the right home base is key. Palma is the lively capital with extensive dining, shopping, and historical sites. Other popular areas include the quaint villages of Valldemossa and Deià, family-friendly Alcúdia, and scenic Port de Sóller.

    Do ride-hailing apps work in Mallorca?

  You cannot rely on apps like Uber, which are not widely available on the island.

• Local etiquette and culture:

    What languages are spoken?

  Spanish and Catalan are the co-official languages. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

    Is tipping customary?

  Tipping is not as established as in some other countries, but it is appreciated. Many locals simply leave small change.

    Do places close for siesta?

  Outside of Palma, many smaller shops and businesses still close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta.

    Can I drink the tap water?

  While safe, the tap water can have a mineral-rich flavor that some people find unpleasant. Many visitors prefer to drink bottled water.

• What are the popular beers in Mallorca?

  The most popular beers in Mallorca are Estrella Damm, Cruzcampo, San Miguel, and Estrella Galicia, which are widely available and popular across Spain. You'll also find local craft beers, like those from Cervezas Tramuntana, an island brewery.

• Is Mallorca wheelchair friendly?

  Mallorca is largely wheelchair-friendly, with many tourist areas, beaches, and public transportation options adapted for accessibility. However, some parts of the island, particularly the historic and older areas, still have uneven, cobbled streets that can be challenging for wheelchair users.

• Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Mallorca History on the 'Britannica' site
• Discovering Palma on the 'See Mallorca' site
• 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mallorca on the 'Planetware' site
• 20 Must-Visit Attractions in Mallorca on the 'Culture Trip' site
• Google Search Results list for "Palma Restaurants"
• Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Palma"
• Amazon Search Results list for "Mallorca Spain"
• Youtube Search Results list for "Mallorca Spain"
• Things to do in Palma de Mallorca on the "Get Your Guide" site
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Our Image Gallery for Palma de Mallorca
• Wikipedia Article for Palma de Mallorca
• Google Image Gallery for Palma de Mallorca
• Google Reviews for Palma de Mallorca, Spain

You should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) varies where their ships go, as well as what ships they will reposition. To determine where NCL is sending what ships, you should visit their website. Our list of ports below, is based upon what the "Epic" did when we were onboard in 2019.

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