Columbus Cruise Review - Palma de Mallorca

Home > Cruise Destination Guide > Palma de Mallorca

Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Currency: Euro (€) = 100 cents or Pta166.39.

Language: Spanish.

Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport.

Hotels: Hotels in Palma include the Melia Victoria, Palas Atenea Sol and Saratoga.

Sightseeing: Palma clearly demonstrates its long association with maritime commerce and its history as a major Mediterranean port. The old city is beautifully situated in the middle of the broad sweep of Palma Bay, with modern developments to the east and west. Palma is overlooked by the 14th-century Castle of Belver, and other notable buildings include the golden sandstone cathedral (La Seo), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Monastery and Church of San Francisco and the Montesion Church. Apart from these major buildings, there are many beautiful palaces and churches in the city, many of which were built from the profits of commerce. The trip from Palma to Puerto Soller by special train is highly recommended, as is a trip to the Formentor Peninsula at the island’s northeastern tip. This area is famous for its pinewoods and secluded coves and for the more inquisitive visitor, there are plenty of half-hidden bays, and mountain villages to be discovered.

Shopping: There is a strong tradition of craftsmanship throughout the island. Special purchases include furniture, hand-embroidered works, handpainted ceramics, carved olive-wood panels, wrought ironwork and glassware. Items made from raffia and palm leaves, handmade shoes and famous pearls made in Mallorca are also popular buys.

Eating out: The varied local cuisine includes rabbit, a wide selection of seafood and pork dishes and numerous locally grown fruits and vegetables. Dishes include Mallorcan ensaimada (light, sweet pastry roll), Ibizan flao, graixonere de peix, tumbet, escaldums of chicken, sobresada, Mallorcan soups, and mayonnaise, the famous culinary invention from Menorca. The island has plenty of good wines and aromatic liqueurs, such as palo, which is made from locally grown St John’s bread (carob beans) and frigola. Imported alcoholic and soft drinks are also widely available.