Palma de Mallorca cathedral, old town and Mediterranean waterfront
Mallorca · Spain

Palma de Mallorca Ferry &
Destination Guide

Explore Palma for Gothic landmarks, old-town lanes and Mallorca’s Mediterranean lifestyle, then travel by ferry to mainland Spain and neighbouring Balearic islands.

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Discover Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is both a rewarding Mediterranean city break and the main urban gateway to Mallorca. The old town spreads behind the waterfront with honey-coloured lanes, courtyards, churches, cafés and one of Spain’s most recognisable cathedrals.

La Seu cathedral dominates the bay, while the neighbouring Royal Palace of La Almudaina, Passeig del Born and the lanes around Plaça Major make the centre easy to explore on foot.

Bellver Castle adds panoramic views from a wooded hill west of the centre, and Palma also works well as a base for beaches, mountain villages and wider Mallorca day trips.

The Port of Palma is one of the Balearic Islands’ principal passenger gateways. Current ferry networks connect Palma with Barcelona and Valencia, and services also link Mallorca with other Balearic islands depending on operator and timetable.

Palma is a large commercial and cruise port, so ferry travellers should confirm the exact terminal, quay and reporting time for their operator before travelling.

Palma also rewards travellers who stay beyond the waterfront. Santa Catalina is known for its market and restaurants, while the old town’s courtyards, galleries and shaded streets give the city a strong sense of place away from the busiest visitor areas.

For a longer stay, the city is an easy starting point for Mallorca’s wider attractions, including the Serra de Tramuntana, Valldemossa, Sóller and beaches around the Bay of Palma. Good road and public-transport links make it practical to combine a ferry crossing with a wider island itinerary.

Palma de Mallorca landmarks and visitor highlights
City highlights

What to see while you are in Palma de Mallorca

Palma combines major historic sights with neighbourhood cafés, waterfront walks and easy access to the rest of Mallorca.

La Seu Cathedral

Visit Palma’s immense Gothic cathedral overlooking the Parc de la Mar and bay.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Explore the historic royal palace beside the cathedral and the old city walls.

Bellver Castle

Climb or drive to the circular hilltop castle for broad views over Palma and its harbour.

Palma Old Town

Wander lanes, courtyards, churches and small squares between the cathedral and Plaça Major.

Passeig del Born

Enjoy one of Palma’s elegant central promenades for shopping, cafés and evening atmosphere.

Mallorca day trips

Use Palma as a base for Serra de Tramuntana villages, beaches and scenic drives across the island.

Tours & experiences

Things to Do in Palma de Mallorca

Browse Palma walking tours, Mallorca excursions, food experiences and coastal activities before or after your ferry journey.

Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.

Passenger ferry area at the Port of Palma on Mallorca
Arriving or departing by ferry

Palma de Mallorca Ferry Terminal

Passenger ferries use the Port of Palma on the city waterfront. The harbour is extensive, with commercial docks and passenger facilities spread across different areas.

Baleària publishes 2026 Barcelona–Mallorca services arriving at Palma as well as Alcúdia, and Palma is also connected with Valencia and inter-island destinations through the wider Balearic ferry network.

Check the operator’s final terminal instructions carefully, especially if travelling with a vehicle, because check-in locations and reporting times differ by service.

Passenger portPort of Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Main connectionsBarcelona, Valencia and selected Balearic island routes
OperatorsBaleària, Trasmed and route-specific operators
VehiclesVehicle-carrying conventional and fast ferry options on major routes
City accessThe port fronts Palma but individual ferry quays can be some distance from the old town
Plan your stay

Getting around Palma de Mallorca

Palma’s historic centre is compact, while city buses, taxis and Mallorca’s rail/bus network help with beaches and island excursions.

Walk central Palma

The cathedral, old town, waterfront and central shopping streets are easy to combine on foot.

Use buses and local rail

Palma’s Intermodal Station links buses and local rail services for many inland destinations across Mallorca.

Rent a car for the island

A car gives the most flexibility for mountain villages, remote coves and multi-stop Mallorca itineraries.

Stay in Palma de Mallorca

Stay in Palma Old Town, Santa Catalina or near the waterfront

The old town is ideal for first-time sightseeing, Santa Catalina suits dining and nightlife, and waterfront hotels can be practical for port access.

Find Palma de Mallorca Accommodation
Common planning questions

Palma de Mallorca ferry & destination FAQs

Where is Palma de Mallorca Ferry Terminal?

Passenger ferries use the Port of Palma on the city waterfront. The exact check-in area depends on the operator and sailing.

Can I sail from Barcelona to Palma?

Yes. Baleària publishes 2026 Barcelona–Mallorca services that include Palma, alongside other Mallorca arrivals such as Alcúdia.

Are there ferries from Valencia to Palma?

Yes. Valencia–Mallorca is part of the established mainland-to-Balearic ferry network, with services depending on operator and date.

Can I take a car to Mallorca by ferry?

Yes. Major mainland services carry cars, motorcycles and other vehicles; booking ahead is advisable in peak season.

Is the ferry port close to Palma Old Town?

The port fronts the city, but Palma’s harbour is large and some ferry quays are several kilometres from the historic core.

What are the best things to do in Palma?

La Seu Cathedral, La Almudaina, Bellver Castle, the old town, Passeig del Born and Mallorca day trips are popular choices.

Do I need a car in Palma?

Not for central Palma. A car becomes more useful for beaches, mountain villages and wider Mallorca touring.

Should I book Palma ferries in advance?

Yes for summer, vehicles, cabins and popular weekend sailings. Recheck the exact terminal before departure.

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