Palma Old Town from Cruise Port: One-Day Walking Guide
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If your cruise ship is docking in Palma de Mallorca, spending a few hours exploring Palma Old Town from cruise port is one of the best ways to experience the city’s history, architecture, and local life.
On my recent visit, the ship was in port until 4 pm, which was just enough time for a leisurely walk through cobbled streets, past Gothic landmarks, and into lively squares.
From the magnificent Palma Cathedral to the peaceful Arab Baths and the bustling streets of the Old Town, this is the route I followed, perfect for cruisers who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Getting from Palma Cruise Port to the Old Town
Cruise ships in Palma de Mallorca dock at Estació Marítima, a large port complex with two main docking areas, located in Palma, the island’s capital and largest city.
The Muelle de Poniente area, about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from the city center, has four cruise terminals (Estació Marítima 1–4) and handles cruise and ferry traffic.
Larger ships usually dock at Dique del Oeste (West Dock Palma), which is part of the industrial port about 6.5 km (4 miles) from the city, using terminals Estació Marítima 5 and 6.
While it’s technically possible to walk from the port to Palma’s Old Town, it’s a long stretch, especially in the heat. Most passengers opt for the cruise line’s shuttle bus or a taxi to save time and energy.
🚌 Shuttle Bus from the Port
Most cruise lines provide a paid shuttle service from the terminal to a drop-off point near the Cathedral.
On my visit, our ship docked at Dique del Oeste, so the journey into the city center was longer, about 20 minutes, and the shuttle cost €15 per person round trip.
If your ship docks closer at the Muelle de Poniente area, the ride is shorter (around 15 minutes) and shuttles may cost a little less.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are available right outside the terminal and will take you directly to the Old Town in about a 15-20 minute drive. Prices vary depending on where your ship is docked, from €15–20 one way.
The closer you are to the city center, the lower the fare will be.
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling with a group, step outside the terminal and ask about the taxi price before booking a shuttle. In many cases, splitting a taxi fare will be cheaper (and faster) than paying per person for the cruise shuttle.
🚍 Public Bus
EMT Bus No. 1 is the cheapest way to get into town, connecting both docking areas to Palma’s major attractions. It runs roughly every 15 minutes and costs just a couple of euros.
🅿️ If docked at Muelle de Poniente: The bus stop is right by the terminal exit.
🅿️ If docked at Dique del Oeste: The bus stop is near Castell de Sant Carles, a short walk from the terminal.
🔗 Check EMT schedules and prices on the official website: www.emtpalma.cat
Palma Old Town from Cruise Port: Half-Day Walking Route
If your cruise ship is in Palma until mid-afternoon, you can see many of the Old Town’s highlights at an easy pace.
This route starts from the waterfront shuttle drop-off point near the Cathedral and winds through historic streets, lively squares, and local markets before looping back toward the port.
🏖️ And if your ship stays longer in port, you can combine your Old Town visit with one of the beaches: Palmanova Beach is super popular and only about a 20-minute drive from the port.
⛪ Stop 1 – Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
From the shuttle drop-off point, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the Cathedral, right across the street from where you’ll arrive.
The city’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit for first-timers, La Seu dominates the waterfront with its vast Gothic façade, best admired from the Parc de la Mar below.
Built after King James I’s conquest of Mallorca in 1229, La Seu took nearly 400 years to complete.
It stands on the site of a former mosque and features soaring columns, one of the world’s largest rose windows, and modernist touches by Antoni Gaudí.
If time allows, you can also join a guided tour with terrace access (around €30) for panoramic views over Palma’s Old Town and harbor.
General entry to the cathedral is €10. When I visited, there wasn’t a long line for tickets, but in peak season, it can get busy. On my visit, I stayed at ground level to make the most of my limited time in port.
💡 Book in Advance: Save time with a skip-the-line ticket or guided tour of Palma Cathedral.
🏰 Stop 2 – Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Right next to the Cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina has stood as a symbol of power for centuries.
Originally built as an Arab fortress in the 10th century, it was transformed into a Gothic-style palace after King James I conquered Mallorca in 1229.
General entry to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is €7, but the interior is closed on Mondays. Even then, the exterior is worth a visit for its palm-lined courtyard and sweeping views over the bay.
If you visit on another day, it’s worth going inside to see the royal apartments, banquet halls, and medieval tapestries.
💡 Secure your ticket or guided tour for the Royal Palace of La Almudaina to skip queues and learn its fascinating history.
👉 Book your tour here
🛁 Stop 3 – Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Just 500 m (about a 7–8 minute walk) from the Cathedral and Royal Palace, the Arab Baths are one of Palma’s few remaining Moorish buildings.
Dating back to the 10th century, this small site features a central domed chamber supported by columns, once used for hot steam bathing, and a peaceful garden where you can take a short break from the busy streets.
🏛 Stop 4 – Plaça Major
From the Arab Baths, it’s about a 10-minute walk through Palma’s Old Town until I reached my next stop.
Continuing through the narrow, atmospheric streets, I arrived at Plaça Major, the city’s main square.
Surrounded by yellow-painted buildings with arcaded walkways, the square is full of cafés, street performers, and artisan stalls.
Historically, it was once the site of the Inquisition headquarters, but today it’s a cheerful meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
👉 Explore Palma walking tours to make the most of your time in the Old Town!
🥗 Stop 5 – Mercat de l’Olivar
From Plaça Major, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Mercat de l’Olivar, Palma’s main indoor market. Inside, you’ll find fresh produce, seafood stalls, local cheeses, and cured meats.
While it’s a great place for locals to shop, I didn’t find it particularly special as a tourist stop; though if you enjoy browsing markets or sampling local food, it might be worth a quick visit.
🌴 Stop 6 – Passeig del Born
From Mercat de l’Olivar, I walked back through the Old Town, admiring its colourful streets lined with shops and cafés. The stroll to Passeig del Born was about 1 km and took me 12–15 minutes.
Known as Palma’s most elegant boulevard, Passeig del Born is shaded by rows of plane trees and lined with designer boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.
📍 Tip for planning: Passeig del Born is only about a 5-minute walk from the waterfront. If you prefer not to go deeper into the Old Town, you can visit it right after the Cathedral and Almudaina before continuing to other sights nearby. I passed through at the end of my route simply because I had looped deeper into the Old Town earlier in the day.
🍦 Stop 7 – La Lonja (Lotja de la Seda)
Just a 5-minute walk from Passeig del Born, La Lonja sits right on the waterfront and is one of Palma’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Built in the 15th century as the merchants’ guild, its intricate stonework and slender towers make it a standout landmark.
Across the square, I treated myself to an ice cream and coffee while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, which was the perfect way to wrap up my Old Town visit.
From here, it’s an easy walk back to the shuttle pick-up point near the Cathedral, or just a few minutes to the waterfront if you’re returning by taxi.
Practical Tips for Cruisers Visiting Palma Old Town
- Check opening days: The Cathedral is closed to tourist visits on Sundays, and the Almudaina is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- Buy tickets online in high season to save time, especially for the Cathedral.
- Start early if you want quiet streets and easier photo opportunities.
- Wear comfortable shoes — Old Town is relatively flat, but streets are cobbled and uneven.
- Avoid midday heat by doing indoor sights earlier and shaded streets or cafés in the afternoon.
- Watch the time: Allow at least 30 minutes to get back to the ship, more if using public transport.
- Have cash and card: Some small shops or cafés in Old Town may not take cards; I ran into this situation myself and had to pay in cash.
- Plan your route: If you’re short on time, consider visiting Passeig del Born right after the Cathedral and Almudaina before heading deeper into Old Town.
- Wheelchair accessibility: The shuttle drop-off point and main sights like the Cathedral, Almudaina, and Passeig del Born are accessible, but some Old Town streets are narrow, cobbled, and uneven, which can make navigation challenging.
FAQ – Visiting Palma Old Town from the Cruise Port
❓ Where do cruise ships dock in Palma de Mallorca and how far is it from the Old Town?
Cruise ships dock at two main areas in Palma (the island’s capital): Muelle de Poniente (Estació Marítima 1–4), about 5.5 km from the Old Town, and Dique del Oeste (Estació Marítima 5–6) in the industrial port, around 6.5 km away. If you’re docked at Muelle de Poniente, it’s a bit closer and quicker to get into the city. Dique del Oeste is a bit farther, but both are easy to reach by shuttle or taxi in around 15-20 minutes.
❓ How do I get from Palma cruise port to the Old Town?
Most people take the cruise shuttle bus, which drops you off near the Cathedral and takes 15–20 minutes depending on where you dock (around €15 round trip). Taxis are available right outside the terminal and cost about €15–20 one way. The cheapest option is EMT Bus No. 1, around €2–3 each way, running every 15–20 minutes, and it connects both docking areas to the city center.
❓ Can you walk from the port to Palma Old Town?
Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re short on time. From Muelle de Poniente, it’s a 1-hour walk along the waterfront. From Dique del Oeste, it’s about an hour and 10 minutes. The route is relatively flat, but once you get into the Old Town, the cobbled streets can slow you down.
❓ Is Palma Old Town wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, it’s mostly flat and main sights like the Cathedral, Almudaina, and Passeig del Born are accessible. However, the further you move away from the waterfront, the deeper you go into the Old Town, and that’s where streets become narrower and more cobbled, which can make moving around slower and a bit bumpy.
❓ What’s the one sight you shouldn’t miss?
If you only see one thing, make it the Cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu). It’s a stunning Gothic landmark with one of the largest rose windows in the world, and Gaudí even left his mark on the interior.
❓ Any tips for making the most of a short visit?
Plan your route before you arrive so you don’t waste time backtracking. If you don’t want to walk much, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus or a guided walking tour are great options, as they cover the highlights without you worrying about directions or timing.
Final Thoughts
Even with just a few hours in port, exploring Palma Old Town from the cruise port is a fantastic way to experience the city’s history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
My route took me from the Cathedral through palaces, Moorish baths, lively squares, markets, and shaded boulevards before ending on the waterfront, and it fit perfectly into a half-day visit.
🚢 If you want to see more of Palma beyond the Old Town, check out my full Palma de Mallorca port guide with the top 15 things to do on a cruise stop, including beaches, the famous Drach Caves, and even a flamenco show I enjoyed on a previous visit.
📘 And if you need help planning the rest of your cruise, take a look at my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook, which covers 45 ports with insider tips, shore ideas, and printable checklists.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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