Palma de Mallorca – the capital of the Balearic Islands – is a city filled with history, charm, and an endless list of fun activities.
If you’re visiting during a cruise with kids in tow, you’re in luck! Palma has an abundance of family-friendly spots, offering everything from ancient castles to interactive aquariums.
So, if you’re wondering how to make the most out of your time in Palma with children, I’ve got you covered with some of the best spots to visit.
Where Is Palma Cruise Port?
Before jumping into the fun activities, let’s first talk about where the cruise port is and how you can get around Palma.
The Estacio Maritima, the main cruise port of Palma, is about 3 miles from the city center. If your ship docks at Port Pi, it’s roughly 4 miles away from the city.
While walking from the cruise port to the city center might not be the most ideal option with kids, there are a few easy ways to get there:
- Taxi: Expect a fare of around €6 to €10.
- Cruise Shuttle Bus: If available, the shuttle bus is a convenient way to get to the city center for just €3 per person.
Once you reach the city, it’s time to explore all Palma has to offer!
1. Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus – Explore Palma at Your Own Pace
If you want to see the best of Palma in a short amount of time, the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus is the way to go.
This open-air bus takes you to all the major attractions, making it easy to enjoy the city without too much walking, which is great when traveling with young ones.
Why the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus is ideal for families:
- 18 Stops: You’ll be able to explore all of Palma’s key sights at your leisure, including Bellver Castle, La Rambla, and Passeig Maritim.
- Great Commentary: The audio commentary provides interesting tidbits about the city, which can keep the kids entertained along the way.
- Frequency & Flexibility: Buses run every 30 minutes, and the entire loop takes around 80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to hop off and explore.
How to Get There:
- Walk: The closest stop, Estacion Maritima, is just a short walk from the cruise terminal. If you’re at Port Pi, you’ll need to head to the city center first.
2. Palma Aquarium – A Deep Dive Into Fun
As a family, we always seem to end up at an aquarium during our cruises. It’s a fun and educational experience for kids, and Palma Aquarium is one of the best you can visit in Spain.
With 55 tanks housing over 8,000 sea creatures, there’s plenty to marvel at.
What makes Palma Aquarium special?
- Deepest Shark Tank in Europe: This is a major highlight, and you can even enjoy the sharks from a glass-bottom boat.
- AquaDome 3D Experience: This immersive dome transports you deep into the ocean with 3D images on the ceiling, making it an experience for all ages.
- Outdoor Playground & Pirate Ship: Kids can climb aboard a pirate ship and enjoy the water jets in the summer heat.
- Soft Play Area – Nautilus Park: This large soft play area features slides, ball pits, and climbing walls for kids to burn off some energy.
Snorkeling with rays is also a unique opportunity for younger kids, and for those brave enough, you can even scuba dive with sharks.
How to Get There:
- Taxi: The aquarium is about 8 miles from the port and will cost around €22 each way.
- Public Transport: For the adventurous, take a bus to the city center, then hop on another bus to reach the aquarium.
3. Go to the Beach – Sun, Sand, and Relaxation
One of the simplest and most relaxing activities you can do in Palma is to visit the beach. Kids will love playing in the sand while parents can unwind by the water.
Best Beaches near Palma Cruise Port:
- Cala Major Beach: This is the nearest beach to the port, just 2 miles away. It’s a small beach with sun loungers available for rent.
- Palma Nova Beach: For a bigger, more family-friendly beach, Palma Nova is 7 miles from the port, but it is definitely worth the trip. It’s a lovely spot with soft sand, water sports, and playgrounds.
How to Get There:
- Cala Major Beach: Just a 5-minute taxi ride.
- Palma Nova Beach: Take a 12-minute taxi ride.
4. Bellver Castle – A Journey Back in Time
If your kids enjoy history and a little bit of adventure, Bellver Castle is a must-see.
Perched on a hilltop, this 14th-century castle offers panoramic views of the city and harbor, perfect for that family photo!
Why Bellver Castle is great for kids:
- Round Shape & Secret Staircases: The unique round design of the castle is perfect for kids to explore. They’ll love running around the tower and discovering hidden tunnels and staircases.
- Museum: There’s a museum inside the castle where you can learn about Palma’s history.
- Free Entry on Sundays: Plan accordingly, and you can enter for free!
How to Get There:
- Taxi: The castle is about 1.5 miles from the port and located on a hill, so it’s better to take a taxi. Once you’re done exploring, you can walk down.
5. Explore Mallorca by Boat and Vintage Train
For a family adventure that combines scenic beauty and fun travel, consider exploring Mallorca by boat and vintage train.
This is perfect if you want to see the island’s stunning coastline and its UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.
Why this excursion is family-friendly:
- Boat Cruise to Port Soller: From La Calobra, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise through dramatic rock formations along the coastline.
- Vintage Tram Ride: Once you arrive in Soller, hop on a vintage tram to head inland for a walking tour.
- Train Ride: Afterward, enjoy a scenic train ride on a wooden carriage to Son Reus.
This is a longer trip, so it’s great if you want to explore beyond the city and get an authentic view of Mallorca.
How to Get There:
- Excursion: This is typically arranged as a guided tour from the cruise port.
Making the Most of Your Day in Palma
With just one day in Palma de Mallorca, it’s all about making the most of the time you have.
Whether you want to explore the history at Bellver Castle, enjoy the fun of the Palma Aquarium, or just relax at one of the nearby beaches, Palma offers something for everyone.
I recommend prioritizing just one or two activities to make sure you don’t feel rushed.
And if you’re interested in exploring beyond the typical cruise excursions, consider booking a tour with Shore Excursions Group for smaller groups and personalized experiences.
With a little planning, your one day in Palma will be a memorable family adventure full of fun, history, and relaxation!
