French Daze & Ibiza Nights
The Med’s most sensational seaside spots
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.
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.
Mountain, Sea, and Countryside by Trike
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.
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.
The past is always present
The Porto Pí lighthouse was built in 1300 — the third oldest in the world.
The turquoise blue waters, green-clad shutters and orange-spotted trees reflect Mallorca’s vivid energy. It’s not the same wild energy as its Balearic neighbor Ibiza — it’s different. It’s an energy that breathes life back into your soul after hiking through mountains, strolling through historic streets and diving into the Mediterranean deep. Palma continues to grow and thrive as the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca and the modern capital of the Balearic Islands. After leaving Palma’s port, you’ll be dreaming up creative ways on how to make your way back to Mallorca.
