Take the ferry to Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands with a diverse history and vibrant culture with traditional and modern European elements!
Palma is a beautiful city full of history and culture with Gothic, Moorish and modern influences evident in its magnificent buildings and monuments. Within the city the visitor walking through its narrow streets will see the modernist art of Joan Miró, historic Moorish palaces, beautiful squares with cafes and one of the most impressive Gothic churches in Europe.The city of Palma has experienced significant urban development in recent years, resulting in the need to improve its public spaces and infrastructure, with a great effort to preserve its historical character!
Its dramatic location by the sea and the fact that it is sunny almost all year round, together with its wonderful beaches, make Palma one of the most alluring cities in the Mediterranean. In addition to its historical grandeur, the city also presents an interesting, modern character, with many festivals throughout the year that celebrate everything from local festivals to international exhibitions. The city's contribution to art has added to its reputation and defines it as a cultural point with the presence of art galleries, museums and theaters, as well as plenty of music.
But what literally enchants every visitor is the relaxed pace of the city walking through the crowded narrow alleys of the old Moorish quarter and a stroll along the waterfront!
So wear the island's famous Camper sandals and wander through the city's alleys, the medieval streets full of aristocratic mansions and stunning churches, and at dusk for a coffee while enjoying the endless blue!
Why travel to Palma by ferry?
Taking a ferry to Palma has several advantages over other travel options:
- Flexibility: Bring your car, motorcycle or even a camper van
- Comfortable journey: Enjoy spacious seating, cabins, restaurants and entertainment on board
- Eco-friendly option: Ferries produce lower emissions per passenger than flights
- Cost-effective: Often cheaper than flights when traveling with luggage or a vehicle
- Scenic experience: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean
General information about Palma
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, known for its rich history and Mediterranean lifestyle.
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Spanish and Catalan (English is widely spoken)
- Weather: Mild winters and hot summers with over 300 sunny days per year
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
Ferry connections from Palma
The ferry connections from Palma are to various destinations in the Balearic Islands and Mainland Spain. There are both conventional and high-speed ferries operating. Let's take a closer look at the available ferry connections from the capital of Mallorca, the beautiful Palma:
From Balearic Islands to Palma
- Ibiza to Palma: 8 times a week and the sailing duration is around 2 hours
- Formentera to Palma: 8 times a week and the journey time is 2 hours
- Menorca (Mahon) to Palma: There are weekly routes from Mahon to Palma, mostly on Sundays, with a duration of 6 hours
From Spanish Mainland to Palma
- Barcelona to Palma: One of the most popular routes, with a frequency of routes about 18 times a week and a crossing time of about 7 hours
- Valencia to Palma: There are services connecting Palma to Valencia for travelers heading to the mainland. These ferry connections take between 7 and 11 hours, depending on the carrier and the vessels
- Denia to Palma: Operating almost every day, with a duration of about 5 hours
The port of Palma
The port of Palma is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean and is located on the southeast coast of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
It has modern facilities that have been recently renovated and most ships and cruise ships dock at the Estació Maritima pier which is 40 minutes from the city center while a smaller number of ships can dock at the commercial and naval port near Porto Pi, which is located on the western edge of Palma and is approximately 90 minutes from the major attractions. Taxis are available in the port area that provide direct service to the city.
Get around Palma
To get around Palma, there are many options, especially since the city has a well-developed transportation system!
Let's take a closer look at the transportation options in Palma:
- Public buses: The public transport network in Palma is efficient and is mainly operated by the EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transports). The buses connect different neighborhoods within the city and nearby areas. There are numerous bus lines with access to popular destinations, beaches and cultural sites
- Walking: The city of Palma is pedestrian-friendly with many attractions located close to each other, especially in the historic center
- Cycling: The city of Palma offers an extensive network of bike lanes. The experience of cycling along the coastal bus with views of the bay is exciting. There are many bike rental shops throughout the city where you can rent bicycles or electric bikes
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout Palma and provide a quick and convenient option for those who prefer not to use public transport. It is recommended to confirm prices for longer distances before starting your journey
- Car rentals: There are numerous car rental companies in Palma and it is ideal for exploring beyond the city limits or to more remote locations in Mallorca. The downside is that this option may not be very convenient due to traffic congestion and limited parking in busy areas in high season
- Tourist trains & buses: Another solution for getting around the city is the tourist buses or tram
- Tourist buses: Hop-on-hop-off tourist buses provide a convenient way to see major attractions without worrying about navigation or parking
- Private transfer: You can always book a private transfer for more convenience
- You can also use the historic wooden train from Palma to Soller offers scenic views as it travels through picturesque landscapes—it is both a mode of transportation and an enjoyable experience
Must-see attractions in Palma de Mallorca
Palma is a wonderful city that has been loved by artists, designers, dancers, writers, actors and filmmakers for many years and not by chance!
The wonderful alleys of the city , the medieval streets with its aristocratic mansions, the imposing churches and the museums are some of the wonderful places to visit.
Here's a list of must see attractions in Palma:
- Palau de l'Almudaina: A former Islamic fortress, located opposite the cathedral. It was later converted into the residence of the monarchs of Mallorca in the late 13th century and even today the King of Spain still lives here, at least symbolically. It has a series of cavernous rooms with stone walls richly decorated.
- Catedral de Mallorca: The huge cathedral of Palma ("La Seu" in Catalan) is the city's major architectural landmark. Its structure is mainly Gothic except for the main façade which is mixed. It has incredible treasures with stunning interior features designed by Antoni Gaudí and the famous contemporary artist Miquel Barceló and its undeniable beauty makes it unlike any cathedral elsewhere in the world
- Palau March: Was the home, palatial by definition, of the wealthy March family.The outdoor terrace is adorned with sculptures by 20th century greats such as Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Barbara Hepworth and Eduardo Chillida. Inside are many other artistic treasures with more than 20 lithographs by Dali as well as more than 1000 detailed figures by Belén.Upstairs, the artist Josep Maria Sert (1874-1945) painted the main dome and the ceiling of the music room. The dining room is decorated with large paintings of local bird life, also by Sert
- Es Baluard: A modern art gallery with an impressive art collection featuring works by Miró, Barceló and Picasso
- Museu Fundación Juan March: The museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, boasting contemporary masterpieces by the likes of Miró, Picasso, Dalí and Eduardo Chillida
- Castell de Bellver: A circular castle (with a round tower) of the 14th century, the only one of its kind in Spain, located on a wooded hillside. What makes it worth the visit is the spectacular view of the sea and the forest in Palma, the Badia de Palma
- Basílica de Sant Francesc: One of the oldest churches in Palma, the Franciscan Basílica de Sant Francesc in Gothic style with a baroque façade
- Can Balaguer: One of Palma's most emblematic buildings with a permanent exhibition, entitled La Casa Posible, recreating rooms of this former manor house from 1600–1951. The last owner of the house was Josep Balaguer (1869–1951), a musician, businessman and patron of the arts. Balaguer's excellent collection of Modernista paintings near the entrance highlight the Mallorcan painter Antoni Gelabert (1877–1932)
- Banys Àrabs: These baths date from the 10th to the 12th century and are the single most important remaining monument of Muslim rule on the island
- Plaça Major: A lively Spanish grand central square, full of arcades, shops, cafes and restaurants
Best things to do in Palma
- Explore the Old Town (La Calatrava & La Lonja)
- Stroll Along the Passeig des Born
- Relax at Palma’s beaches Cala Major and Platja de Palma, but also quieter ones like Cala Estancia or Cala Portals Nous
- Explore the Palma Market
- Take a boat trip or sail around the coast
- Enjoy the nightlife
- Hike in the Serra de Tramuntana
- Take a day trip to Valldemossa
- Sample local wine and cuisine
FAQs about ferry travel to Palma
How long is the ferry ride to Palma?
Ferry durations vary:
- Barcelona to Palma: 6-8 hours
- Valencia to Palma: 7-9 hours
- Denia to Palma: 5-7 hours
- Ibiza to Palma: 2-4 hours
Can I bring my car on the ferry to Palma?
Yes, most ferries allow passengers to bring vehicles, including cars and motorcycles.
When is the best time to visit Palma?
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for sightseeing, while summer is ideal for beach activities.
Are there overnight ferries to Palma?
Yes, many ferries from Barcelona and Valencia offer overnight crossings with cabin options.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons.
