Palma de Mallorca, Spain

La Seu Cathedral

La Seu Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma, best known by its third name-“La Seu”-is the architectural gem of the entire Balearic archipelago. It is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Europe and one of the largest built in the Middle Ages. Its height is 121 meters, and its width is 55. Designed in the Catalan style, it was laid on the site of a destroyed mosque as a symbol of Christianity’s victory on the island, as early as the 13th century. But since it was only completed in the 17th century, it absorbed virtually all artistic styles. Even the great Gaudí made additions to the design in his time.

Bellver Castle

A Gothic castle on a hill near Palma was built in the 14th century for King Jaume II. The unique round shape of the structure and a reliable system of defense allowed the castle to “transform” into a fortress and be used as a stronghold. In the Middle Ages, Bellver successfully withstood several sieges and was taken by the enemy only once. Later, it was turned into a military prison (from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century). Today, the building houses the City History Museum.

Almudaina Palace

Throughout its history, the Almudaina Palace has been a “residence” for rulers. First, it housed the Arab rulers when the Caliphate of Cordoba took control of the island. Later, the monarchs of the independent state of Majorca moved in. Today, the castle serves as the official summer residence of the Spanish royal family. Even today, the legacy of the Muslim fortress is still visible: clear rectangular shapes, distinctive arches, and stained-glass windows. The building consists of the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Palace, the Royal Chapel, and numerous inner courtyards. The interior furnishings-tapestries and furniture-also belong to different eras and reflect its rich history.

San Carles Castle

San Carles Fortress is an ancient defensive structure built on a causeway. It provided reliable protection for the city, both from the sea and from the land, and for its 400 years has been preserved quite well. Today, a naval museum is located inside the building: a collection of 18th-century cannons, exhibits from the War of Independence, various types of small arms, military uniforms of the Civil Guard and the Military Police, as well as maps and flags from different eras. From the fortress’s viewing platform, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Palma.

Arabian Baths

Arab baths are a building from the times when Majorca was the Arab Madina-Maiurka (11th century). The baths are located in the gardens of the Fontirrocha house. To this day, the central hall in the shape of a square has been preserved. The structure is a building with 12 columns that support the roof dome. In the dome there are dormer windows. The floor in the baths is double, with openings through which hot water and steam passed. A narrow corridor leads to a changing room, which in turn leads to a cool antechamber. In the hall, you can see remnants of the water supply and a chimney. The last hall, intended for cold baths, has not survived. There are suppositions that the baths were part of a palace of a wealthy Muslim.

Passeig de Born Street

Paseo de Born Street in Palma de Mallorca is the equivalent of La Rambla in Barcelona. This is the city’s main artery, its calling card, its pulse. For more than a hundred years, this tree-lined avenue along the waterfront has hosted the city’s major celebrations, demonstrations, and “people’s” evening strolls. The island’s most fashionable shops are concentrated here. Music and dance festivals are often held. One of the popular local spots is the Bosch bar, located at Plaza Rei Joan Carles (Juan Carlos I Square).

Palma Aquarium Oceanarium

In Palma, the giant oceanarium is considered one of the largest in Europe. In total, there are 55 aquariums with eight thousand inhabitants. You can move from one aquarium to another via special glass galleries. By the way, Palma Aquarium is one of the few oceanariums where you can try your hand at being a scuba diver. And this activity is available not only for adults, but also for children-with an experienced instructor.

Aqualand Water Park

A huge water park with dozens of water slides, pools, a high-speed attraction called Crazy Race, and a crazy “Black Hole” that scares visitors with pitch-dark darkness. If you’re tired of the slides, you can move to the local jacuzzi, enjoy the sea-spray wave in the Surf Beach pool, or take a calm ride on a soft tube along the long Congo River. Little guests have plenty to do too-three children’s mini-parks are located within the park: Polynesia, Dragoland, and the Fairytale World. For those who get hungry, there are several restaurants and snack bars.

Beaches of Majorca

The 129-kilometer Playa Illetas beach is a turquoise cove with fine golden sand and idyllic scenery, located 9 kilometers from Palma. The local shoreline is considered to be among the most convenient for sunbathing. The Can Pere Antoni beach is located a couple of kilometers from the capital, offering breathtaking views of La Seu Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace. Can Pere Antoni is also great for a family getaway: the beach area lies between two breakwaters that protect from wind and high waves. Palma beach is eight kilometers of white sand and postcard-worthy views. It is located 14 kilometers from the center of Palma de Mallorca. Along the beach runs a promenade with nightclubs, bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Spanish village

The Spanish Village is an open-air museum located in the Son Espanyolet area. Famous buildings, monuments, squares and streets of Spain have been recreated at various scales. Once here, you can walk the streets of Seville and Toledo, visit the Alhambra’s Arab baths, and sample tapas at Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. The village also features traditional craft workshops, rural shops, and a number of cozy cafés.

Palma de Mallorca Museum

Considered the most important museum in Majorca. It provides a quick, concise overview of the island’s history: talayot cultural monuments and Roman ruins, Moorish ceramics and Christian art... The main exhibits of the collection are the treasures of the North African Almohad dynasty, discovered in one of the island’s caves in 1984. This is a series of beautiful prehistoric statues and rare mosaics. The museum building itself is a 17th-century palace, built on the foundation of one of the earliest Arab buildings in Majorca.

Old Town Excursion

In this city, the history and culture of many peoples and civilizations are interwoven, their monuments harmoniously blending into the dynamic rhythm of the modern city. Of all the buildings in the city, two major architectural landmarks stand out: the Bellver Castle and the Cathedral. Near the Cathedral is the Almudaina Palace, built at the time as an Arab fortress. While strolling through the old town center, you will come across the mansions of the local nobility from the heyday of crafts and trade: the Marquis de Vivot House, the Berg House, and the Gothic Llonja building. In the same area you will find the Arab baths and the Almudaina arch, the Church of Montesión, the Monastery of St. Francis, and the Bishops’ Palace.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.