Virgin Voyages' guide to Palma de Mallorca
PALMA DE MALLORCA
The Palma de Mallorca mindset
Hidden coves, hilltop villages and limestone mountains make the island of Mallorca an irresistible stop in the Mediterranean. Palma de Mallorca (Palma for short) rose from instability — switching between Roman, Byzantine, and Moor rule — and blossomed into an oasis. Today, expats and entrepreneurs populate Palma, living la vida loca with the highest standard of living in Spain.
Palma’s winding streets lead you to Gothic churches and scenic squares. Its central cathedral, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (nicknamed La Seu) is the must-see landmark. The main drag, Passeig del Born, gives way to side streets with shops and art galleries while the nearby ex-fisherman village Santa Catalina is the city’s foodie quarter with up-and-coming bars and cute cafes. To get a full 360-degree view of Palma, visit Bellver Castle, one of Europe’s only circular castles, or gaze out from one of the city’s many rooftop bars.
Palma and beyond
Ode to Miró at La Residencia
A scenic drive through Valldemossa brings you to the town of Deià, a historic second home to writers, actors, and musicians. Walking the narrow streets, you’ll follow your guide to the 16th-century buildings of La Residencia, a luxury Belmond resort. The artist Joan Miró made a home on Palma, and La Residencia has over 30 of his artworks on display. View the art and sit for a Miró-inspired tea service of fresh scones, delicate pastries, and savory treats served on the Café Miró terrace.
Tastes & Toasts of Mallorca
Passing through maritime masts, a labyrinth of grand mansions, and galleries filled with magnificent artwork, you’ll make your way to a charming inland empire that’s been producing wine since 1711. With vines for veins, 10 generations of the Ribas family have mastered the art of wine production and will share their knowledge with you on a journey from the soil to the glass. On the estate, a wine pairing will follow with a selection of appetizers and artisanal olive oil produced on the grounds.
A Sailboat in the Sunlight
Sail the azure waters of the Bay of Palma on a sailboat from the Club Nàutic S’Arenal. Like so many of the glittering yachts that flock to the Balearics, your boat will allow you to sightsee in style, then jump in for swimming and snorkeling. Recover from the sun and relax with an included lunch on board as you sail back into Palma.
We have even more in our curated catalog.
Mountain, Sea, and Countryside by Trike
Palma de Mallorca
Hop on a two-seated trike and ride across the Mallorcan landscape to the southwest. Your driver will point out sites of interest as you traverse the Tramuntana mountains, and you’ll stop for a panoramic photo at Torre del Verger. Drive through the towns of Valldemossa and Esporles and stop for cocktails at Es Grau, a cliffside restaurant, before continuing down to the sea to visit Port d’Andratx, Camp de Mar, Paguera, and Puerto Portals before heading back along the coast to the ship.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Embark on a scenic one-of-a-kind experience as you ride across the Mallorcan landscape on a two-seated trike
- Drive up the Tramuntana mountains to see picturesque towns like Valldemossa and Esporles, and down the coast to visit gorgeous sites like Camp de Mar
- Take in the spectacular views of the ocean from Torre del Verger and other panoramic lookout points
- Please note that the trike will be driven by a guide only
- Price is per trike — each trike can accommodate two Sailors
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Please keep in mind that cancellations made within 72 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The Underground World of Drach Caves
Palma de Mallorca
Travel to the historic fishing village of Porto Cristo to explore the famous Coves del Drach. See the three main caves, Cueva Negra, Cueva Blanca, and Cueva Luis Salvator, before reaching La Ventana and catching a glimpse of the stunning Lago Martel — one of the world's largest underground lakes, and get to hear some live music. Before returning to the ship, there will be a stop in Manacor to see the gorgeous collection of pearls in its renowned pearl factory.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Experience a live concert that has been offered at Lake Martel since 1935
- Explore the main three caves on foot before reaching La Ventana for a picture-perfect view
- Visit Manacor's famed pearl factory to browse the beautiful display of different colored pearls
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Please note that this experience might involve walking in slippery and wet conditions
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Please note this Shore Thing involves climbing over 150 steps in the cave
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Photography is not allowed in the caves
- Approximately 1-hour and 15-minute drive to Drach Caves
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Does not include a rowboat ride
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Castles, Cathedrals, and a Mysterious Monastery
Palma de Mallorca
See Palma’s highlights before traveling across the island and into the Tramuntana mountains. You’ll drive past the city’s striking cathedral and the famous Almudaina Palace, with your guide also pointing out sights like the Paseo Born, the Gran Hotel, and the tree-lined Rambla. Visit the small town of Valldemossa and walk down its picturesque alleys to reach the Carthusian Monastery. There, you’ll enjoy an olive oil tasting before making a scenic stop at Bellver Castle on your way back to Palma.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Finish the day with a scenic stop at one of the few circular castles in Europe, the 14th-century Bellver Castle
- Drive into the mountains
- Enjoy a “secret olive” oil tasting at the ancient Monastery
- Visit Valldemossa and one of Majorca's most eye-catching sights, the Carthusian Monastery
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Please keep in mind that cancellations made within 72 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Kayaking the Mallorca Coast
Palma de Mallorca
Inlets with crystal-clear water, secluded bays, and dramatic ocean caves await your exploration by kayak, as you join your guide for a coastal journey on the waters off this beautiful island. Where there aren’t beautiful beaches on Mallorca, there is rugged, rocky coastline that hides some of the wonders. With a kayak, you’re able to get up close and experience these magical spots.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Discover secluded bays of tranquil turquoise waters
- Peddle through crystal-clear water inlets for a unique point of view
- Hop on a kayak to uncover unexplored caves along Mallorca’s rocky shoreline
- Kayak into caves, bays, and inlets
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should know how to swim
- Cancellations made within 48 hours or less are subject to a 100% cancellation penalty for this Shore Thing
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
The past is always present
The Porto Pí lighthouse was built in 1300 — the third oldest in the world.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Palma de Mallorca, and a photo ID may also be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.
Set Sail the Virgin Way
Set sail the Virgin way and find a new approach to cruise vacations. Select this sensational itinerary and let's sail.
Behind the velvet rope and into your inbox
Oops, something went wrong. Please try again or visit our Contact Us page. You can also:
- Check you've typed your email address correctly.
- Make sure you've checked the signup box.
Success!
You've successfully signed up for our email list... You're in for some treats.